[ksflatlander]

Hey everyone.

I have located a 2011 550i with only 5,000 miles on it. This was the first new body style 5 series this dealership got back in 2010. Never titled but it was put "in service" in 2010 so a lot of the warranty gone unless they certify it, which would raise the price.

I've been assured that it was not demo'd until AFTER the owner of the place properly broke it in. After that, it was used as a demo but always with a salesman in the car or for known customers.

After reading through this board, here's my question and concern... since it is one of the first production 550i's, and given a lot of the issues I've read on here with some of the problems (resulting in buy-backs, lemon law issues, etc.) should I be scared of this car? Should I pass and keep looking for a gently used 2012 instead?

Certainly not all the early cars had or have problems, right? And the ones that did, wouldn't they show up within the first 5,000 miles? And if I have the dealership scan the car and print me out a report wouldn't that show if they have had issues with it?

Need some guidance here... would you walk away from this car and if not, what would you do to investigate it (like getting a maintenance printout) to make sure it's not one of the early lemons? Is there a way to pull that report based on VIN number without asking them to do it so I know it wasn't "edited"?

[BigKutta]

There may be nothing wrong with it. However, get a complete print out of the warranty service and maintenance history. If you are concerned about "editing", go there any have them print it in front of you. This will tell a lot about the car.

Take it for an overnight test drive so you can hear for noises and pick up on any issues. Most importantly, make sure you get a killer deal on the car, not just a couple of grand off.

[Mac]

I bought an early build 550i last month...not a dealer car. The build date is 5/2010 and had 17,500 miles on it. Nothing really wrong with the car and so far I am liking it. Make sure you get a great deal on the car. Mine had premium and premium 2, sport, driver assist and convenience packages with sports 8 speed auto and paid $52,000 before tax tag and title. Not sure of that was a great deal...just for your reference.

[ksflatlander]

Too far away for me to be able to go drive it OR to watch them print out the maintenance record. Will have to buy and ship it here. By what you are saying, I'm not getting enough of a killer deal... I'm thinking they are going to want $62k if they certify it. But this will be considered a "one owner" car as it has not been titled yet.

EDIT: By the way, the build date was 4/12/10.

[Mac]

Originally Posted by ksflatlander

Too far away for me to be able to go drive it OR to watch them print out the maintenance record. Will have to buy and ship it here. By what you are saying, I'm not getting enough of a killer deal... I'm thinking they are going to want $62k if they certify it. But this will be considered a "one owner" car as it has not been titled yet.

EDIT: By the way, the build date was 4/12/10.

What options/packages does the car have?

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by ksflatlander

Too far away for me to be able to go drive it OR to watch them print out the maintenance record. Will have to buy and ship it here. By what you are saying, I'm not getting enough of a killer deal... I'm thinking they are going to want $62k if they certify it. But this will be considered a "one owner" car as it has not been titled yet.

EDIT: By the way, the build date was 4/12/10.

I would be uncomfortable buying it without a lengthy test drive, but again that is just me. You can ask them to fax you a copy of the service history printout, and unless they are not a BMW dealer, i wouldn't worry too much about editing. When the report prints out, it has all the vehicle history and the chronology of events, so you can tell if anythings missing. $62k sounds high to me without even knowing the options. I would be looking for a lot less. What are the options on it?

Also, If you have the VIN, you could also call your local BMW dealer's service dept and ask them if they will print you a copy. Most should have no objection to doing that.

[kave]

I would never ever buy a second hand car of the first MY. I have had Volvos, Audis with numerous electrical problems that never got properly fixed.

Save yourself problems and get a newer one.

[Fantasm]

If the car is still in warranty, what are you worried about?
My 2011 has been rock solid and 100% problem free.

[ksflatlander]

I think I'm going to try and have my local dealer run the vin number and if it's clean, then just rely on the warranty if I can get them to come down some in price.

Thanks everyone!

[ghueser]

Doing a search on some of the issues the 5 series has had will reveal more insight for you. There are in my mind two main aspects to consider. First is the "pull to the right" that many have had issue with. A long drive through KU's campus, then down for a highway run should give you a good clue. (I am a KU Grad by the way!)

The other aspect is whether or not you have a COMBOX equiped car. This was included on all post September build Fives in 2010. It may not be a big deal, but was to me and am glad I waited for this new interface. If nothing else, so I can always see the Album artwork.) You can do a search on this system to learn more.

Good Luck