[valbmw]

Originally Posted by wheresmy5

Please explain. 2011 528i/535I xdrive had full DHP?

Please check this 2011 535i xDrive M Sport as example: http://www.bmwofstratham.com/used/BM...f53bb3d8e7.htm
Check the VIN and see it has ARS and DSC: http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html
The car has the necessary DHP components and is not too far away from you. I mean, you can search a bit wider and get a great car at good price and on acceptable distance.

[wheresmy5]

Originally Posted by valbmw

Please check this 2011 535i xDrive M Sport as example: http://www.bmwofstratham.com/used/BM...f53bb3d8e7.htm
Check the VIN and see it has ARS and DSC: http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html
The car has the necessary DHP components and is not too far away from you. I mean, you can search a bit wider and get a great car at good price and on acceptable distance.

Higher mileage and not certified, but you're right...DHP!

[valbmw]

Originally Posted by wheresmy5

Higher mileage and not certified, but you're right...DHP!

That was an example, you understand. Mileage is nothing, the real condition depends on did the owner a proper service and daily care or he didn't. Also so called certification is a marketing trick (like BMW "star" certified tires or "Premium Selection" at my local dealer). But anyway there are very attractive variants within your budget, you'll find the best one soon.
I am always impressed how cheap are the cars in the US. This is cool.

[wheresmy5]

Originally Posted by valbmw

That was an example, you understand. Mileage is nothing, the real condition depends on did the owner a proper service and daily care or he didn't. Also so called certification is a marketing trick (like BMW "star" certified tires or "Premium Selection" at my local dealer). But anyway there are very attractive variants within your budget, you'll find the best one soon.
I am always impressed how cheap are the cars in the US. This is cool.

Understood. Thanks man.

Not to derail the topic too much (but I'm OP so maybe I can - you say certification is a gimmick but what do you suggest for 3-4 year bmw to mitigate typical reliability concerns? Warranty? Roll the dice and buy neither warranty/cert?

[valbmw]

I would stick on three standard things: doing personal check & test drive, watching service history and requesting full technical inspection.
This is normal when a performance car has higher mileage than a grandma's carriage. Considering the average 3-4 year car will have like 50-60k miles, it's time to have injectors/turbos checked, belts and transmission oil changed.
Warranty is a cool thing also some rich fellows buy an extension, also some useful retrofits can be like additional bonus.

[moosebeamer]

Sorry Im late to the party .. Just been too busy with work.

I have a '12 528x with Msport package and of course only have the DDC. When I went looking for a CPO car 2 years ago, I didn't realize, until way too late of what was actually in the car and wasn't. BMW has over complicated their model options and limitations. You almost need a degree in BMW shopping (BABMW).

I had aspirations that DHP was there .. alas... Yes DDC does make a difference but the after market springs will help more. I havent done the after market springs mostly because I haven't decided how long Im keeping my car (which now has 67K on it) though I have a 100K warranty.

I did however Dinan tune the engine. What a difference, and yes I went the warranty way for peace of mind. The power is on par with the 6. Of course it still sounds like a 4. Im use to a 4 since I had a T4 for decades. I wont deny the sound of a 6 is infinitely better. I like that I can have fun and still get great mileage.

The other area I didn't realize was an option that wasn't there was the split folding rear seat ... Gawd I miss that option having driven a cars with such a feature for decades. I dont always want to put a rack on top but have to ... So now I have a ski box that makes my elegant 5 look like it has an alien head.

The final area I wish my car had was the sport auto (since there is no manual for xdrive). I miss my manuals, and other sport trannies are just more fun to drive. The classic 8 speed does too many stupid things at times which drives me nuts. Doesn't matter if I reset the adaptive ECU/transmission or not. Its the same transmission, just different programming. I dont even want the paddle shifters which dont fit my hand/finger sizes anyhow. BMW cant install the software alas. My work around ... I just through it in manual mode as often as I can.

Just my rambling
Barry
Barry

[wheresmy5]

Put a deposit on a '12 535 xdrive Sport (not M sport) w navi, premium sound, 41k miles.

But no backup camera!!