[U235]

I'm looking at a 6spd manual 535i that is for sale locally. It is well optioned, and looks great, but as always, trying to figure out various BMW option configurations can drive one nuts.

I have a few questions:
1. EPA rates the manual for 2011 at 19/28, but rates the 2012 manual at 20/30. What changed?

2. Is keyless start a standard feature or is it an option on 2011? It seems on bmwusa.com for new ones, it's listed as a standard feature. I think keyless start is standard, but comfort access is still an option. My X5 has comfort access, but mostly I like it for keyless go. I can live with unlocking it on my own.

3. Does the 535i come with USB for iPod by default or is that some option.



The decoder options are as follows, it also has 19s which may have been added after manufacture:
Code

Description (interface)

Description (EPC)
S1CAA SELEKTION COP RELEVANTER FAHRZEUGE Dummy-SALAPA
S248A LENKRADHEIZUNG Steering wheel heater
S258A BEREIFUNG MIT NOTLAUFEIGENSCHAFTEN Tyres with runflat properties
S2VBA REIFENDRUCKANZEIGE Tyre pressure control (TPC)
S319A INTEGRIERTE UNIVERSAL-FERNBEDIENUNG Integrated universal remote control
S423A FUSSMATTEN IN VELOURS Floor mats velours
S430A INNEN-/AUSSENSPIEGEL AUT.ABBLENDEND Interior/outside mirror with auto dip
S431A INNENSPIEGEL,AUTOMATISCH ABBLENDEND Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S488A LORDOSENSTUETZE FAHRER/BEIFAHRER Lumbar support, driver and passenger
S494A SITZHEIZUNG FUER FAHRER/BEIFAHRER Seat heating driver/passenger
S496A SITZHEIZUNG FUER FONDSITZE Seat heating, rear
S4B5A EDELHOLZAUSF.ESCHE MASER HOCHGL. Superior wood,ash,varieg., bright finish
S4URA AMBIENTES LICHT Ambient interior light
S502A SCHEINWERFER-WASCHANLAGE Headlight cleaning system
S522A XENON-LICHT Xenon Light
Code

Description (interface)

Description (EPC)
S524A ADAPTIVES KURVENLICHT Adaptive Headlights
S609A NAVIGATIONSSYSTEM PROFESSIONAL Navigation system Professional
S615A ERWEITERTE BMW ONLINE INFORMATION Extended BMW Online Information
S620A SPRACHEINGABESYSTEM Voice control
S639A KOMPLETTVORB. HANDY USA/CDN Preparation f mobile phone cpl. USA/CDN
S655A SATELLITENTUNER Satellite tuner
S697A AREA-CODE 1 Area-Code 1 for DVD
S6AAA BMW TELESERVICES BMW TeleServices
S6ABA STEUERUNG TELESERVICES Control, Teleservices
S6UHA TRAFFIC INFORMATION Traffic Information
S880A ENGLISCH / BORDLITERATUR On-board literature, English
S8KCA OELWARTUNGSINT. 24.000KM/24MONATE Dummy-SALAPA
S8S4A DECODIERUNG VARIABLE LICHTVERTEILUN Decoding, variable light distribution
S8SCA LAENDERSPEZ. TELESERVICEFREISCH. Telematics access request,country-spec.
S925A VERSANDSCHUTZPAKET Dispatch protection pack

Close Standard equipment
Code

Description (interface)

Description (EPC)
S1CDA BRAKE ENERGY REGENERATION Brake Energy Regeneration
S212A AUSSTATTUNG BREMSANLAGE LAENDER Equipment, brake syst. country-specific
S2HMA LM RAEDER RADIALSPEICHE 237 BMW LA wheel, radial spoke 237
S302A ALARMANLAGE Alarm system
S403A GLASDACH, ELEKTRISCH Glass roof, electrical
S459A SITZVERSTELLUNG, ELEKTR.MIT MEMORY Seat adjustment, electric, with memory
S534A KLIMAAUTOMATIK Automatic air conditioning
S5DSA KOFFERRAUMNOTENTRIEGELUNG Emergency release, luggage compartment
S645A RADIO-STEUERUNG US BMW US Radio
S676A HIFI LAUTSPRECHERSYSTEM HiFi speaker system
S823A HEISSLAND-AUSFUEHRUNG Hot-climate version
S845A AKUSTISCHE GURTWARNUNG Acoustic fasten seat belt reminder
S850A ZUSAETZL. TANKFUELLUNG EXPORT Additional Export tank filling
S853A SPRACHVERSION ENGLISCH Language version, English
S876A FUNKFREQUENZ 315 MHZ Radio frequency 315 MHz
Code

Description (interface)

Description (EPC)
S8SMA FAHRGESTELLNUMMER,V.AUSSEN SICHTBAR Car ident. number visible from outside

[r3amir]

1. Auto start stop was not available in 2011, hence Lowe MPG

2. Key less go was standard in 2011 even without comfort access

3. USB connector was not standard in 2011

[U235]

Thanks, I understand auto start/stop helping the city MPG, but how does that account for a 2 mpg gain in highway mileage? If I'm not mistaken, auto start stop shouldn't work when cruising on the highway, right?

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by U235

Thanks, I understand auto start/stop helping the city MPG, but how does that account for a 2 mpg gain in highway mileage? If I'm not mistaken, auto start stop shouldn't work when cruising on the highway, right?

I have a 2011 535i. My average mpg in the summer is 27.5. You can actually get around 32-34mpg cruising around 75mph. Start/Stop helps city driving mpg, but shouldn't change how it behaves on the hwy.

[U235]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

I have a 2011 535i. My average mpg in the summer is 27.5. You can actually get around 32-34mpg cruising around 75mph. Start/Stop helps city driving mpg, but shouldn't change how it behaves on the hwy.

That's comforting. I'm just curious why 2011 and 2012 have different city mpg. I wonder if they just re-tested and decided to up their EPA estimate.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by U235

That's comforting. I'm just curious why 2011 and 2012 have different city mpg. I wonder if they just re-tested and decided to up their EPA estimate.

That's what I'm thinking. Oh, don't miss out on the M-Sport package. You'll regret it if you don't. I didn't get an M-Sport, now I'm on the fence of either trading up or replacing the existing kit. Just do it right the first time.

[U235]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

That's what I'm thinking. Oh, don't miss out on the M-Sport package. You'll regret it if you don't. I didn't get an M-Sport, now I'm on the fence of either trading up or replacing the existing kit. Just do it right the first time.

Yeah this car doesn't have it, but it does have 6MT which is critical for me. Having an E90 M3 makes me sort of interested in this as more a luxury cruiser, although I love the looks of the M-sport. If I don't go for this 535i, I'm considering a new 335i M-sport.

[Bucaro]

Not what you're asking but, if I was to do it again I would NOT buy a manual f10. It is simply too quiet and smooth to be enjoyable as a manual transmission. In my 550i, for the first time in my life, the manual shifting became work instead of fun...

[Rbembas_M3]

I have a 2011 535i with 6MT and love it, it took me some time to get familiar shifting it when the wife is in the car. I do regret not having the M-sport perhaps in my next BMW? If i may ask how much is the dealer asking? I paid 49K it had 4000 miles on it and pretty much loaded. I am waiting for a tune to come out would like a few more hp

[JK479]

Originally Posted by juanpgomez2

Not what you're asking but, if I was to do it again I would NOT buy a manual f10. It is simply too quiet and smooth to be enjoyable as a manual transmission. In my 550i, for the first time in my life, the manual shifting became work instead of fun...

I've drive the 550i stick. Far from work... the tq in that car makes it simple to drive. 1-2nd is smooth too...

smooth and quiet are good descriptors, but the v8 growl is loader shifting then a 535i which is ever quieter...

[U235]

Thanks guys. I too wish it had M-sport, but beggers can't be choosers when trying to find a 6MT 535i. Also, the color and other options are pretty spot-on to our desires. I do like the understated and more elegant looks of the non M-sport as well, and for the purposes of this car, the softer ride will be appreciated as I regularly drive co-workers and peers from other companies around.

Right now the car is being listed at $49,999 which is too high considering that it's manual. Frankly speaking, nobody wants a manual except an idiot like me (and a few of you other ones). Let's see, it's slower, it's a smaller market and it gets worse MPG.

I told the dealer early on that the car would be hard to sell, and I'm interested in it at a much lower price. They immediately threw out $47k, but I told them, I'd let them sit on it for a while. It's now been almost 40 days, and they contacted me back saying they're going to lower the price more, so now we're waiting for the manager to do that.

Considering I've been on the opposite side and tried selling many manual rare large sedans, and I've been crucified by dealers in trade-in, etc since it's manual, I'm playing the cards from the other side now. I'm really targeting $42k.

It has 11k miles, and an original sticker as best I can tell of ~$57k + the cost of the 19" rims which I'm thinking were special ordered.

I figure that's about what they paid for trade-in on it, and they're going to basically be either selling it to me or wholesaling it out of town. It's worth noting that the previous owner tried to sell it on Autotrader.com for a couple months before ultimately trading it in, so it's been on the local market for a while. My guess is they haven't had many people look at it, or if they did, they were immediately drawn away by 6MT.

I'm also looking at a 2011 Prestige S4, but that dealer has it priced way out, and it's been sitting for 2-3 months without a price move. Not sure how a car dealer is asking $52k for a car with 11k miles and original sticker of $55k and not budging. So I've come to the reality that if I want to go for a sportier car, I'd do an S4 or 335i M-sport, whereas the 535i would be purchased more for the luxury and elegance while maintain a sporty demeanor. I'm torn on the decision as usually I go with anything sporty, but my lifestyle and age have me sort of wanting to cruise in more comfort.

[U235]

Originally Posted by jk3355

I've drive the 550i stick. Far from work... the tq in that car makes it simple to drive. 1-2nd is smooth too...

smooth and quiet are good descriptors, but the v8 growl is loader shifting then a 535i which is ever quieter...

Yeah, I've driven many 5ers in US and Germany all with stick. Compared to an E90 M3, 997 Porsche, Z4M Coupe, etc. they're all a picnic to drive. Great solid throws, a really comfortably clutch.

I do not commute in traffic at all, so I don't mind it. I've also had previous cars with stick that were VERY quiet, it didn't bother me.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by U235

Thanks guys. I too wish it had M-sport, but beggers can't be choosers when trying to find a 6MT 535i. Also, the color and other options are pretty spot-on to our desires. I do like the understated and more elegant looks of the non M-sport as well, and for the purposes of this car, the softer ride will be appreciated as I regularly drive co-workers and peers from other companies around.

Right now the car is being listed at $49,999 which is too high considering that it's manual. Frankly speaking, nobody wants a manual except an idiot like me (and a few of you other ones). Let's see, it's slower, it's a smaller market and it gets worse MPG.

I told the dealer early on that the car would be hard to sell, and I'm interested in it at a much lower price. They immediately threw out $47k, but I told them, I'd let them sit on it for a while. It's now been almost 40 days, and they contacted me back saying they're going to lower the price more, so now we're waiting for the manager to do that.

Considering I've been on the opposite side and tried selling many manual rare large sedans, and I've been crucified by dealers in trade-in, etc since it's manual, I'm playing the cards from the other side now. I'm really targeting $42k.

It has 11k miles, and an original sticker as best I can tell of ~$57k + the cost of the 19" rims which I'm thinking were special ordered.

I figure that's about what they paid for trade-in on it, and they're going to basically be either selling it to me or wholesaling it out of town. It's worth noting that the previous owner tried to sell it on Autotrader.com for a couple months before ultimately trading it in, so it's been on the local market for a while. My guess is they haven't had many people look at it, or if they did, they were immediately drawn away by 6MT.

I'm also looking at a 2011 Prestige S4, but that dealer has it priced way out, and it's been sitting for 2-3 months without a price move. Not sure how a car dealer is asking $52k for a car with 11k miles and original sticker of $55k and not budging. So I've come to the reality that if I want to go for a sportier car, I'd do an S4 or 335i M-sport, whereas the 535i would be purchased more for the luxury and elegance while maintain a sporty demeanor. I'm torn on the decision as usually I go with anything sporty, but my lifestyle and age have me sort of wanting to cruise in more comfort.

Had a look online at the car. The light wood and interior color also will lower that price. And it does not have the adjustible suspension. And NO sport pack. So all of that combined... 42000 is doable... considering its such a unicorn in terms of color and options...

I would add dar wood trim to it once i got it. It would make the Cinnimon leather look really nice...

[U235]

Originally Posted by jk3355

Had a look online at the car. The light wood and interior color also will lower that price. And it does not have the adjustible suspension. And NO sport pack. So all of that combined... 42000 is doable... considering its such a unicorn in terms of color and options...

I would add dar wood trim to it once i got it. It would make the Cinnimon leather look really nice...

It does have wood trim, it's just the lighter color which I agree wouldn't be as nice as the darker one. However, I love the Cinnamon Dakota leather, I have a brown tobacco on my X5 (with the darker wood) and we love it and people comment on the uniqueness. Similarly, the E90 has Fox Red. At first I questioned the wood/leather color combo, but now I think it stands out.

Needless to say, this car truly is a "unicorn", and it is bewildering to me someone would order a 6MT and not get a sports package of some sort, that further limits its desirability, however, I think the F10 5 is a little porky anyways so I see this as a luxury vehicle more than an outright sports sedan.

[arnsbrae]

Originally Posted by U235

Thanks guys. I too wish it had M-sport, but beggers can't be choosers when trying to find a 6MT 535i. Also, the color and other options are pretty spot-on to our desires. I do like the understated and more elegant looks of the non M-sport as well, and for the purposes of this car, the softer ride will be appreciated as I regularly drive co-workers and peers from other companies around.

Right now the car is being listed at $49,999 which is too high considering that it's manual. Frankly speaking, nobody wants a manual except an idiot like me (and a few of you other ones). Let's see, it's slower, it's a smaller market and it gets worse MPG.

I told the dealer early on that the car would be hard to sell, and I'm interested in it at a much lower price. They immediately threw out $47k, but I told them, I'd let them sit on it for a while. It's now been almost 40 days, and they contacted me back saying they're going to lower the price more, so now we're waiting for the manager to do that.

Considering I've been on the opposite side and tried selling many manual rare large sedans, and I've been crucified by dealers in trade-in, etc since it's manual, I'm playing the cards from the other side now. I'm really targeting $42k.

It has 11k miles, and an original sticker as best I can tell of ~$57k + the cost of the 19" rims which I'm thinking were special ordered.

I figure that's about what they paid for trade-in on it, and they're going to basically be either selling it to me or wholesaling it out of town. It's worth noting that the previous owner tried to sell it on Autotrader.com for a couple months before ultimately trading it in, so it's been on the local market for a while. My guess is they haven't had many people look at it, or if they did, they were immediately drawn away by 6MT.

I'm also looking at a 2011 Prestige S4, but that dealer has it priced way out, and it's been sitting for 2-3 months without a price move. Not sure how a car dealer is asking $52k for a car with 11k miles and original sticker of $55k and not budging. So I've come to the reality that if I want to go for a sportier car, I'd do an S4 or 335i M-sport, whereas the 535i would be purchased more for the luxury and elegance while maintain a sporty demeanor. I'm torn on the decision as usually I go with anything sporty, but my lifestyle and age have me sort of wanting to cruise in more comfort.

I like the way you're stalking this dealer before you go in for the kill - it's half the fun isn't it?

[JK479]

Originally Posted by U235

It does have wood trim, it's just the lighter color which I agree wouldn't be as nice as the darker one. However, I love the Cinnamon Dakota leather, I have a brown tobacco on my X5 (with the darker wood) and we love it and people comment on the uniqueness. Similarly, the E90 has Fox Red. At first I questioned the wood/leather color combo, but now I think it stands out.

Needless to say, this car truly is a "unicorn", and it is bewildering to me someone would order a 6MT and not get a sports package of some sort, that further limits its desirability, however, I think the F10 5 is a little porky anyways so I see this as a luxury vehicle more than an outright sports sedan.

The tobacco on the x5 is beautiful. I wish the 5 could pick that up as an option...

And you are dead on... its a luxury car with some sport. 6 speed is flawless though. best shifting BMW i ever shifted...

[omaralt]

i really dont think you should go for this car; it just doesnt make sense.. your saying your realizing that this is not a sporty car; so your fine without the sport package; so why the manual transmission? you should only get this car manual transmission if you go with at least the sport package; otherwise whats the point? add in the fact that this car is a complete stripper, with a UN-desirable color combination, and an UN-desirable transmission, and it just doesnt make sense. either way good luck

[U235]

Originally Posted by omaralt

i really dont think you should go for this car; it just doesnt make sense.. your saying your realizing that this is not a sporty car; so your fine without the sport package; so why the manual transmission? you should only get this car manual transmission if you go with at least the sport package; otherwise whats the point? add in the fact that this car is a complete stripper, with a UN-desirable color combination, and an UN-desirable transmission, and it just doesnt make sense. either way good luck

I agree with what you're saying, especially from a resale value, that's why I really need this car to be a deal, to stomach any pain I have if I trade it in later.

However, I disagree that for me that I need to have stick+sport. Maybe I've spent too much time driving in Europe, but there every economy car and even 7 series are manual. I just like rowing my own gears, it doesn't mean I don't want a luxurious and supple ride.

A lot of it depends on the particular vehicle. I see the F10 5-series as a mini-7, not as a sports sedan. There is something nostalgic about a luxury vehicle with a manual, especially in the US. You basically can't get a car like the one posted above from Mercedes, Lexus, Infiniti, etc.

I'm not however disagreeing with your viewpoint, as I feel 95+% of the US market of buyers feels the way you do, and that is in the back of my head of course, hence why I need this dealer to take the brunt of the value hit. If I can't get this car for close to $40k, then it's of no value to me for the aforementioned reasons.

Otherwise, I would change gears and look at S4s or 335is with Sport/M-Sport, as those are cars that are sized and built/weighted appropriately for sports cars.

As stated earlier, the 5er is compelling to me as an executive cruiser more than as a sports car, that doesn't mean I don't want manual. Hell I'd be trading in my wife's VW Jetta TDI 6 spd manual that's far from sporty, but it's sure as hell a lot more fun to drive as a manual than if she got the automatic. However, since now being married for 2 years, I can no longer stomach driving it due to comfort, size and performance limitations. Since that is our highway cruiser when we visit in-laws, the thought of replacing it with a 5er makes sense, but then again, for my darker side, an S4 or 335i M-Sport also makes sense.

For now, I'm contempt going down either road, so the first car I find that strikes the right chord (and price) will likely win out.

[omaralt]

I agree with you for the most part. I traded in a 2012 Acura tl 6 spd manual for my BMW and my previous car was a 2004 BMW 530i 6 spd manual; so I come from a long line of manual transmission cars. I test drove a 550i with the manual and for the first time I preferred the automatic. The car is just too big and luxurious for a manual to work; but to each their own. And the 550 I drove had the msport package; I can't even imagine driving one without. Just keep in mind your still spending A LOT of money on this purchase; make sure you get what you want so you don't regret your decision later on

[half man half amazin]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

That's what I'm thinking. Oh, don't miss out on the M-Sport package. You'll regret it if you don't. I didn't get an M-Sport, now I'm on the fence of either trading up or replacing the existing kit. Just do it right the first time.

Yes indeed!! I'm not a fan of how the F10 looks without the M package.

[sycd]

I have a manual 535i and love the transmission. Very smooth, good feel. I prefer it a lot more than on my previous 335i.

Mine doesn't have sport or m package either. To tell you the truth I don't really care, this is a big comfortable Cruiser, and I don't have the urge to make it look more aggressive. Of course having an M3 helps also reducing that urge

What I really regret however is the small steering wheel. Wtf were they thinking ?!? So I'm waiting for the new M performance steering wheel to hit the street.

Don't just buy a car for the resell value, your are going to lose a lot of money anyway. Buy it to enjoy it not because of supposed 'must have' options you don't care about.

[Rbembas_M3]

Originally Posted by U235

Thanks guys. I too wish it had M-sport, but beggers can't be choosers when trying to find a 6MT 535i. Also, the color and other options are pretty spot-on to our desires. I do like the understated and more elegant looks of the non M-sport as well, and for the purposes of this car, the softer ride will be appreciated as I regularly drive co-workers and peers from other companies around.

Right now the car is being listed at $49,999 which is too high considering that it's manual. Frankly speaking, nobody wants a manual except an idiot like me (and a few of you other ones). Let's see, it's slower, it's a smaller market and it gets worse MPG.

I told the dealer early on that the car would be hard to sell, and I'm interested in it at a much lower price. They immediately threw out $47k, but I told them, I'd let them sit on it for a while. It's now been almost 40 days, and they contacted me back saying they're going to lower the price more, so now we're waiting for the manager to do that.

Considering I've been on the opposite side and tried selling many manual rare large sedans, and I've been crucified by dealers in trade-in, etc since it's manual, I'm playing the cards from the other side now. I'm really targeting $42k.

It has 11k miles, and an original sticker as best I can tell of ~$57k + the cost of the 19" rims which I'm thinking were special ordered.

I figure that's about what they paid for trade-in on it, and they're going to basically be either selling it to me or wholesaling it out of town. It's worth noting that the previous owner tried to sell it on Autotrader.com for a couple months before ultimately trading it in, so it's been on the local market for a while. My guess is they haven't had many people look at it, or if they did, they were immediately drawn away by 6MT.

I'm also looking at a 2011 Prestige S4, but that dealer has it priced way out, and it's been sitting for 2-3 months without a price move. Not sure how a car dealer is asking $52k for a car with 11k miles and original sticker of $55k and not budging. So I've come to the reality that if I want to go for a sportier car, I'd do an S4 or 335i M-sport, whereas the 535i would be purchased more for the luxury and elegance while maintain a sporty demeanor. I'm torn on the decision as usually I go with anything sporty, but my lifestyle and age have me sort of wanting to cruise in more comfort.

Go for the 535i like i stated i have 2011 535i with 6MT love the luxury and when needed put it in sport mode. I gave a S4 a good run and stayed on his bump on twisty curvy roads here in Hot Atlanta