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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum 550i vs 535i maintenance/reliability etc
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      04-24-2018, 11:52 AM   #1
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550i vs 535i maintenance/reliability etc

So I'm in the market for a used f10. After driving the 550i I'm obviously leaning way towards it over the 535i lol. However, I've heard horror stories about the common problems with the 550i engine. And obviously the 535i has its problems, but overall I've heard it's more reliable and less of a headache to maintain. Any inputs?
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      04-24-2018, 02:22 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marmit2017 View Post
So I'm in the market for a used f10. After driving the 550i I'm obviously leaning way towards it over the 535i lol. However, I've heard horror stories about the common problems with the 550i engine. And obviously the 535i has its problems, but overall I've heard it's more reliable and less of a headache to maintain. Any inputs?
I have yet to be left stranded, received a drivetrain malfunction or had any serious problem with either of our (2012 & 2014) 535i's. I have also never felt wanting for power.
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      04-24-2018, 02:26 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marmit2017 View Post
So I'm in the market for a used f10. After driving the 550i I'm obviously leaning way towards it over the 535i lol. However, I've heard horror stories about the common problems with the 550i engine. And obviously the 535i has its problems, but overall I've heard it's more reliable and less of a headache to maintain. Any inputs?
I have yet to be left stranded, received a drivetrain malfunction or had any serious problem with either of our (2012 & 2014) 535i's. I have also never felt wanting for power.
After driving the 535i, coming from an 09 328i xdrive, I was highly satisfied. But after driving the 550i it's just worlds different. It drives so smooth and you don't have to push it, but if you want the power it's readily available. And I've heard and read great things about the n55 engine in terms of reliability and maintenance. And used 550s and 535s go for about the same price, depending on options
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      04-24-2018, 02:37 PM   #4
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What year are you looking at? 2011 or 2012 550i have had their problems
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      04-24-2018, 03:22 PM   #5
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535i is hands down more reliable. That is why I purchased one after considering a 550 vs 535i as well.

The N63 is garbage IMO. Most if not all BMW tech / enthusiasts agree.

That being said, if you have the budget for a N63TU I would probably pay to play. My techs claim night and day difference in reliability.

Maintenance and repairs remain $$$ for both versions of the F10. Although, the V8's will generally be more expensive. Logically.
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      04-24-2018, 03:34 PM   #6
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every car has their share of problems so saying one is more reliable than another is just nonsense. If you scared about reliability just take out a warranty. Route 66 on 550i is really not bad at all. Mine is good for 5 years/100,000 miles.

Put a Jb4 on the 550i and you get close to the same power as an M5. 550i is really a "M5 on a budget" :-)
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      04-24-2018, 07:42 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Hilly View Post
every car has their share of problems so saying one is more reliable than another is just nonsense. If you scared about reliability just take out a warranty. Route 66 on 550i is really not bad at all. Mine is good for 5 years/100,000 miles.

Put a Jb4 on the 550i and you get close to the same power as an M5. 550i is really a "M5 on a budget" :-)
Have you had experience with them when filing a claim for warranty?
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      04-24-2018, 07:59 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hilly View Post
every car has their share of problems so saying one is more reliable than another is just nonsense. If you scared about reliability just take out a warranty. Route 66 on 550i is really not bad at all. Mine is good for 5 years/100,000 miles.

Put a Jb4 on the 550i and you get close to the same power as an M5. 550i is really a "M5 on a budget" :-)
Aren't you worried about voiding warranty with the jb4?
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      04-24-2018, 09:16 PM   #9
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Aren't you worried about voiding warranty with the jb4?
Haven’t had an issue at all. Right before I head in I just deactivate JB4. Before the 550i I had a 335i with jb4, intakes, intercooler, and dp with the same warranty and also never had any issues.

At the end of the day they getting paid so I dont think it mattered to them either way.
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      04-24-2018, 09:52 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Gixxer550i View Post
Aren't you worried about voiding warranty with the jb4?
HavenÂ’t had an issue at all. Right before I head in I just deactivate JB4. Before the 550i I had a 335i with jb4, intakes, intercooler, and dp with the same warranty and also never had any issues.

At the end of the day they getting paid so I dont think it mattered to them either way.
I meant about the warranty company itself. Have they tried to deny a warranty claim before? Are they easy about getting them processed? Do you have to pay a deductible?
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      04-25-2018, 05:49 AM   #11
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I meant about the warranty company itself. Have they tried to deny a warranty claim before? Are they easy about getting them processed? Do you have to pay a deductible?
Never denied and process them quick. You are only responsible on paying the taxes, that’s it.
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      04-25-2018, 09:12 AM   #12
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My experience with N55's:
I had a 2011 X5 535i (n55) and had little issues like injectors a couple of times, Vano recall, drive train malfunction, oil gaskets leaks. Which are really minor problems.
Traded x5 for a "14" 535 N55 and I haven't had any issues like the "11" N55. I'm guessing the original N55's had a lot of bugs which they fixed with the Newer N55's type B engines. Only problem I've had with the 535 was the AC which BMW replaced..Both motors I ran BMS JB & BMS intake.
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      04-25-2018, 09:27 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hilly View Post
Haven’t had an issue at all. Right before I head in I just deactivate JB4. Before the 550i I had a 335i with jb4, intakes, intercooler, and dp with the same warranty and also never had any issues.

At the end of the day they getting paid so I dont think it mattered to them either way.
You went dealer for service or Indy? Where sre you located?
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      04-27-2018, 10:27 AM   #14
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You went dealer for service or Indy? Where sre you located?
Dealer, OK
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      04-27-2018, 11:22 AM   #15
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as mentioned try to look for a later model year f10 (either way you go) specially for the 550i in 2014 they came out with the n63 tu and there is alot of enhancements in terms of reliability.

the n55 which originally came out as a twin turbo (forget the code) in the 335i in 2004, had alot of issues early on, this is why i never buy a car in its first 2 years of production run, i typically like to buy one thats been out for 3 years at least or wait and get the LAST model year....
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      04-27-2018, 11:59 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by xxpanipuri View Post
as mentioned try to look for a later model year f10 (either way you go) specially for the 550i in 2014 they came out with the n63 tu and there is alot of enhancements in terms of reliability.

the n55 which originally came out as a twin turbo (forget the code) in the 335i in 2004, had alot of issues early on, this is why i never buy a car in its first 2 years of production run, i typically like to buy one thats been out for 3 years at least or wait and get the LAST model year....
That would be the N54... From https://www.bmwn54tuners.com


Quote:
N54 vs. N55 Reliability: Which Engine is More Reliable?

This is always a touchy subject when it comes to discussions about the N54 and N55. Simply put, the N55 is more reliable. BMW’s N54 was the first mass production turbocharged gasoline engine produced by BMW in decades. Looking at BMW’s current line-up in 2017, which is mostly turbocharged, I believe it is fair to say the N54 was in many ways an “experiment”. The N54 was notorious for its common and troubling issues early on. Fuel injectors, the HPFP (high pressure fuel pump), and waste-gate rattle plagued the N54 for the first several years of its production. These are among several other issues that have convinced some BMW owners to avoid the N54. However, BMW offered many recalls and extended warranties to help remedy the reliability issues
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      05-03-2018, 03:15 PM   #17
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I have had a 335i N54, 650i N63, and now a 535i N55
The N63 had numerous issues. Injectors, coils, battery drain, etc.
N54 was trouble free and the N55 I have now has over 40k miles with no issues.
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      05-27-2018, 11:43 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marmit2017 View Post
So I'm in the market for a used f10. After driving the 550i I'm obviously leaning way towards it over the 535i lol. However, I've heard horror stories about the common problems with the 550i engine. And obviously the 535i has its problems, but overall I've heard it's more reliable and less of a headache to maintain. Any inputs?
I have a 2013 550 xdrive I love it it never gives any problems jus change the brakes after 70k miles before that 30k I rarely drive it now that I have my 650 gc but I love the 550 it's a smooth ride
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      05-27-2018, 12:41 PM   #19
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The twin turbo V8's 550 and M5 both are vulnerable to coolant leaks. The plastic T's and hoses in the turbo lines get fried and start to leak, and the cooling radiators up front can be damaged from road debris. My 550i got a puncture in the turbo radiator and pumped it's circuit completely dry. No problems on M5 so far. Basically, with the V8's you need to be even more vigilant about checking the coolant levels regularly so you stay on top of any developing problem. Other than that, haven't had any engine problems.
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      05-27-2018, 01:52 PM   #20
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the N63 V8 engine in the 550i is utter garbage and best avoided at all costs. even the TU version introduced in 2014+ 550i's is still full of issues.

The N55 engine in the 535i is actually a very reliable motor and has far less issues. If you are looking into an F10, this is what I would recommend buying. you can also get a downpipe and tune the ECU if you are looking for more power. I would say that the 535i has the perfect amount of power for the F10 chassis, and that the 550i's power levels are really not that necessary unless you plan to remove the speed limiter and do triple digits in the left lane on a day to day basis. my point is, that the 535i is not much slower at legal speeds while being much more reliable. it is also much safer and easier to control in the rain/snow, which gives you the added benefit of being able to opt for RWD, which is a huge plus with these cars.
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      05-31-2018, 09:21 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TLK View Post
The twin turbo V8's 550 and M5 both are vulnerable to coolant leaks. The plastic T's and hoses in the turbo lines get fried and start to leak, and the cooling radiators up front can be damaged from road debris. My 550i got a puncture in the turbo radiator and pumped it's circuit completely dry. No problems on M5 so far. Basically, with the V8's you need to be even more vigilant about checking the coolant levels regularly so you stay on top of any developing problem. Other than that, haven't had any engine problems.
My thoughts are the same. I have a rare RWD 550i and i love it. Power is nice especially when you are on the highway. I have 295's PSS on the rear which helps a lot with a launch. I leave everyone standing still! I had the campaign done at about 145,000 km and now have 198,000km on it. Only issue i had was with the turbo lines, and the expansion tank coolant bottle. i've been lucky so far, but the 535i will be a more reliable car in the long run. BMW V8's aren't the most reliable (i've fixed many versions over the years) but when they do work, oh boy!

I've thought about doing the JBx route but with the age of the motor i'm scared to stress it out.
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      05-31-2018, 11:51 AM   #22
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I had an N54 135i before and I loved it.
When I was in the market for the F10, I wanted the closest thing to an F10 M5 that's a lot less. I settled on the M-Sport 550i. I bought it for performance, reliability 2nd. I also didn't like that fact that 535s and 528s are everywhere. 550i are lot more rare and it has a cool factor. Also, the V8 motor sounds, you can't even compare. Added a tune, and this thing is a beast.

Overall, if you are focused on reliability, stay away from either.
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