Should I avoid buying a 2011 550i with no warranty?

Neon01 · 06-22-2015, 12:49 PM

I found a higher mileage (~66k miles) 2011 550i Xdrive Msport with the options that I want for what I feel is a good price - $28.5k.

Carfax does show an accident involving the rear end for this car.

I've read a LOT of horror stories about engine work needing to be done and the huge bills that result, so I'm a little leery about owning the car out of warranty. Still, I can't help feeling that this is a better deal than a CPO 2011 with 18-24 months of warranty left and <35k miles for another $8-10k, which seems to be about where the market is. I would look to 2012+ model year vehicles, but none of them seem to have the adaptive roll stabilization feature (option 229) since they removed that from the Msport package after 2011. It's a must have for me.

USAA quoted a 24 month/24k mile extended warranty "comprehensive" plan for $2916 on this particular car.

Thoughts? My overall budget is less than $40k, but I don't even want to get close to that unless I'm buying something with VERY few miles or a lot of warranty coverage.

chrisny · 06-22-2015, 01:07 PM

I personally wouldn't buy any BMW (nor Audi, nor Merc) out of warranty. That plus this car having been in an accident, just wouldn't feel very comfortable, just my opinion. I don't know much about the extended warranty you're talking about, but I wouldn't touch the car without it, and only if that warranty is pretty sound and comprehensive.

Not sure if you've driven a 535, but you can probably get one with (relatively) low mileage under the $40k mark pretty easily, possibly with a CPO warranty, but for that you'd have to go a little newer and may again have trouble finding the ARS. Not as fast as a 550 obviously, but still plenty of power and no slouch at all. You might find more bang for your buck that way, and get into something with a warranty and lower mileage, clean accident history, etc. Maybe look at 535d's as well, lots of torque, but even fewer to choose from..

Blkthght · 06-22-2015, 01:44 PM

Make sure you are fully aware of the Customer Care Campaign (recall) that affects all 550i vehicles from 2011 - 2013. These vehicles have the n63 v8 engine, which BMW has determined needs to have several components replaced to make it less susceptible to failure. Search this website and you will see what I am referring to. It is for this exact reason why I am returning my 2012 550i off lease (I was previously considering buying the car). It's my understanding that BMW has yet to definitively say that the repair measures taken under this recall campaign will prove to be a lasting solution that fixes the identified problems with these engines. In other words, no one knows how effective these repairs will be in the long run.

Zer0Cool92 · 06-22-2015, 03:23 PM

Check if the 550 has the CCP done, if not , get it done. My 2011 550 had the CCP done and so far, after 10k miles, no issues ( knock on wood).

But as the others say. I would definitely get the warranty with it for peace of mind, which is priceless when owning a bmw.

Stick to the 550. These cars are monsters. I drove a 535 and the 550 is just a beast

SonicEndeavor · 06-22-2015, 03:47 PM

I would stay away. It's the first year of F10 production which has issues such as pulling to the right as well as vague steering feel which were fixed in newer models, has an engine with known issues, and it's been in an accident.
Keep looking

IBOOSTU · 06-22-2015, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zer0Cool92

Check if the 550 has the CCP done, if not , get it done. My 2011 550 had the CCP done and so far, after 10k miles, no issues ( knock on wood).

But as the others say. I would definitely get the warranty with it for peace of mind, which is priceless when owning a bmw.

Stick to the 550. These cars are monsters. I drove a 535 and the 550 is just a beast

whats ccp i just bought a 550x drive m sport fully loaded but also have 100k warranty got it with 36k

Zer0Cool92 · 06-22-2015, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBOOSTU

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zer0Cool92

Check if the 550 has the CCP done, if not , get it done. My 2011 550 had the CCP done and so far, after 10k miles, no issues ( knock on wood).

But as the others say. I would definitely get the warranty with it for peace of mind, which is priceless when owning a bmw.

Stick to the 550. These cars are monsters. I drove a 535 and the 550 is just a beast

whats ccp i just bought a 550x drive m sport fully loaded but also have 100k warranty got it with 36k

Customer care package. It's a preemptive "recall" so to speak where they replace numerous engine components including the fuel injectors.

Dealer won't contact you about it though. You must contact them.

Bobby_Drake · 06-22-2015, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blkthght

Make sure you are fully aware of the Customer Care Campaign (recall) that affects all 550i vehicles from 2011 - 2013. These vehicles have the n63 v8 engine, which BMW has determined needs to have several components replaced to make it less susceptible to failure. Search this website and you will see what I am referring to. It is for this exact reason why I am returning my 2012 550i off lease (I was previously considering buying the car). It's my understanding that BMW has yet to definitively say that the repair measures taken under this recall campaign will prove to be a lasting solution that fixes the identified problems with these engines. In other words, no one knows how effective these repairs will be in the long run.

Is this also the case for the 650 N63 engines?

jasonle89 · 06-22-2015, 07:33 PM

Bmw + no warranty=shoot yourself lol

VB5ER · 06-23-2015, 08:38 AM

Got a 2011 535i last November with 33000 miles for about $33500. Extended warranty, platinum which covers everything except wear and tear for 6 years/60000 miles for about $3100. Car is covered until Nov 2020 and 93000 miles. Well worth it IMO. Road hazard tire, rim 5 years unlimited miles $900. Called the provider and they will cover my aftermarket rims and tires up to the cost of BMW original replacement value, which is about 8 or 900 for one OEM rim. Pay a little now or a ton later (maybe).

jasonle89 · 06-23-2015, 09:18 AM

Is that extended warranty from bmw or from outside company? I never really know how they work. So let say something wrong, u call them and they send you to an outside shop? I still have original warranty til next yer, then after that I also have CPO warranty. Thought of getting extended too...but not sure I need it. And would the outside extended warranty company be tough on you regarding modding just like bmw warranty?

493263 · 06-23-2015, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonle89

Is that extended warranty from bmw or from outside company? I never really know how they work. So let say something wrong, u call them and they send you to an outside shop? I still have original warranty til next yer, then after that I also have CPO warranty. Thought of getting extended too...but not sure I need it. And would the outside extended warranty company be tough on you regarding modding just like bmw warranty?

You can take it to a BMW dealer. In fact, you should take it to a BMW shop. The SA handles your claim for you. I've never had to do anything besides sign for the loaner paperwork.

VB5ER · 06-23-2015, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonle89

Is that extended warranty from bmw or from outside company? I never really know how they work. So let say something wrong, u call them and they send you to an outside shop? I still have original warranty til next yer, then after that I also have CPO warranty. Thought of getting extended too...but not sure I need it. And would the outside extended warranty company be tough on you regarding modding just like bmw warranty?

Mine is with Fidelity Warranty Services. Hit their website and contact them for price/coverage options. It'll be cheaper to buy if you do it before the factory coverage runs out. Had to replace a rearview mirror on a tundra last year and it was 900 parts/labor, just paid the 100 deductible. That's Toyota so imagine anything on a BMW.

jasonle89 · 06-23-2015, 10:23 AM

But beside original warranty, I also have CPO. If I buy outside warranty, that apply after my original warranty expire or after my cpo warranty expire?

OEMonsterz · 06-25-2015, 10:33 PM

Warranty! !

RSBro · 06-26-2015, 03:52 PM

Yes- avoid it.

lincvert · 06-26-2015, 07:38 PM

Bunch of risk averse posters so I will counter with...

I owned an e60 545i which I bought with 70k miles and sold with 145k miles. Outside of tires, oil, and brakes, I had less than $2k worth of repairs in almost 5 years.

E70 4.8L x5 - bought with 38k miles and currently at 115k miles. Only one battery and a water pump replaced other than oil, brakes and tires. Those repairs were less than $1500 total and I used the dealer. Still have the car and my wife drives it daily.

F10 550i 6spd - bought at 45k miles and currently at 69k miles. Haven't spent a dime other than front brakes and an oil change. I gladly took the free battery and injectors but my car was running fine before the recall and I didn't notice a difference after.

All cars were bought and owned without any CPO or aftermarket warranty. YMMV but don't be afraid just because everyone else seems to think these are anything other than cars.

493263 · 06-27-2015, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neon01

I found a higher mileage (~66k miles) 2011 550i Xdrive Msport with the options that I want for what I feel is a good price - $28.5k.

Carfax does show an accident involving the rear end for this car.

I've read a LOT of horror stories about engine work needing to be done and the huge bills that result, so I'm a little leery about owning the car out of warranty. Still, I can't help feeling that this is a better deal than a CPO 2011 with 18-24 months of warranty left and <35k miles for another $8-10k, which seems to be about where the market is. I would look to 2012+ model year vehicles, but none of them seem to have the adaptive roll stabilization feature (option 229) since they removed that from the Msport package after 2011. It's a must have for me.

USAA quoted a 24 month/24k mile extended warranty "comprehensive" plan for $2916 on this particular car.

Thoughts? My overall budget is less than $40k, but I don't even want to get close to that unless I'm buying something with VERY few miles or a lot of warranty coverage.

I'm going to say this because it's true.

If you have more time and skills than money, then buy without warranty. I used to work on all my cars because it's a hobby and I loved it. Well, I'm not into it anymore so I bought a warranty. A warranty is never as good as your love for your car because no mechanic will your car like it's your baby unless you paid him like it.

So it's all relative my friend. You gotta decide what your situation is like. This is not a Lexus, you won't get reliability.

OEMonsterz · 06-27-2015, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 493263

I'm going to say this because it's true.

If you have more time and skills than money, then buy without warranty. I used to work on all my cars because it's a hobby and I loved it. Well, I'm not into it anymore so I bought a warranty. A warranty is never as good as your love for your car because no mechanic will your car like it's your baby unless you paid him like it.

So it's all relative my friend. You gotta decide what your situation is like. This is not a Lexus, you won't get reliability.

+1 on this...

DIY is good but I'm getting tired of fiddling around and getting underneath the car. I just want to drive it!

I would like some guarantees when putting down such a large amount of money as well. Do however bear in mind that all warranties come with clauses and most suppliers tend to try their level best to get out of paying when called into action.

Simple5 · 06-28-2015, 10:20 AM

I would never own this car out of warranty. Once the CPO runs out in 2017 I am going to be selling it or trading it in.. for a 2014 M5 or a 2015 M3...more inclined for the M5... kinda spoiled with the 5-Series now...

My n54 335i out of warranty was a nightmare. Though it was FBO.. pay to play I guess...

06-22-2015, 12:49 PM	#1
Neon01 BMW Nut 50 Rep 452 Posts Drives: 12 X5 35i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bel Air, MD iTrader: (8) Garage List 2004 Honda S2000 [0.00] 2005 BMW M3 - Retired [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 - Retired [0.00]	Should I avoid buying a 2011 550i with no warranty? I found a higher mileage (~66k miles) 2011 550i Xdrive Msport with the options that I want for what I feel is a good price - $28.5k. Carfax does show an accident involving the rear end for this car. I've read a LOT of horror stories about engine work needing to be done and the huge bills that result, so I'm a little leery about owning the car out of warranty. Still, I can't help feeling that this is a better deal than a CPO 2011 with 18-24 months of warranty left and <35k miles for another $8-10k, which seems to be about where the market is. I would look to 2012+ model year vehicles, but none of them seem to have the adaptive roll stabilization feature (option 229) since they removed that from the Msport package after 2011. It's a must have for me. USAA quoted a 24 month/24k mile extended warranty "comprehensive" plan for $2916 on this particular car. Thoughts? My overall budget is less than $40k, but I don't even want to get close to that unless I'm buying something with VERY few miles or a lot of warranty coverage. __________________ 12 X5 xDrive35i \| Platinum Gray \| Oyster \| Burl Walnut \| Premium \| Convenience \| 3rd Row \| Apps 13 Audi S4 \| Misano Red \| Black 04 S2000 \| Berlina Black \| Black
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06-22-2015, 01:07 PM	#2
chrisny Brigadier General 547 Rep 3,307 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	I personally wouldn't buy any BMW (nor Audi, nor Merc) out of warranty. That plus this car having been in an accident, just wouldn't feel very comfortable, just my opinion. I don't know much about the extended warranty you're talking about, but I wouldn't touch the car without it, and only if that warranty is pretty sound and comprehensive. Not sure if you've driven a 535, but you can probably get one with (relatively) low mileage under the $40k mark pretty easily, possibly with a CPO warranty, but for that you'd have to go a little newer and may again have trouble finding the ARS. Not as fast as a 550 obviously, but still plenty of power and no slouch at all. You might find more bang for your buck that way, and get into something with a warranty and lower mileage, clean accident history, etc. Maybe look at 535d's as well, lots of torque, but even fewer to choose from.. Last edited by chrisny; 06-22-2015 at 01:13 PM..
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06-22-2015, 01:44 PM	#3
Blkthght Private First Class 28 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 2015 F10 M5 CP Singapore Grey Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (2)	Make sure you are fully aware of the Customer Care Campaign (recall) that affects all 550i vehicles from 2011 - 2013. These vehicles have the n63 v8 engine, which BMW has determined needs to have several components replaced to make it less susceptible to failure. Search this website and you will see what I am referring to. It is for this exact reason why I am returning my 2012 550i off lease (I was previously considering buying the car). It's my understanding that BMW has yet to definitively say that the repair measures taken under this recall campaign will prove to be a lasting solution that fixes the identified problems with these engines. In other words, no one knows how effective these repairs will be in the long run.
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06-22-2015, 03:23 PM	#4
Zer0Cool92 Captain 106 Rep 736 Posts Drives: blue metallic Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: st. louis iTrader: (1)	Check if the 550 has the CCP done, if not , get it done. My 2011 550 had the CCP done and so far, after 10k miles, no issues ( knock on wood). But as the others say. I would definitely get the warranty with it for peace of mind, which is priceless when owning a bmw. Stick to the 550. These cars are monsters. I drove a 535 and the 550 is just a beast
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06-22-2015, 03:47 PM	#5
SonicEndeavor Lieutenant 48 Rep 494 Posts Drives: 2014 535i MSport Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I would stay away. It's the first year of F10 production which has issues such as pulling to the right as well as vague steering feel which were fixed in newer models, has an engine with known issues, and it's been in an accident. Keep looking
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06-22-2015, 07:33 PM	#9
jasonle89 Lieutenant 33 Rep 474 Posts Drives: 2013 bmw 528i Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: garden grove CA iTrader: (0)	Bmw + no warranty=shoot yourself lol
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06-23-2015, 08:38 AM	#10
VB5ER Second Lieutenant 175 Rep 257 Posts Drives: Space Grey 2011 535i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Got a 2011 535i last November with 33000 miles for about $33500. Extended warranty, platinum which covers everything except wear and tear for 6 years/60000 miles for about $3100. Car is covered until Nov 2020 and 93000 miles. Well worth it IMO. Road hazard tire, rim 5 years unlimited miles $900. Called the provider and they will cover my aftermarket rims and tires up to the cost of BMW original replacement value, which is about 8 or 900 for one OEM rim. Pay a little now or a ton later (maybe).
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06-23-2015, 09:18 AM	#11
jasonle89 Lieutenant 33 Rep 474 Posts Drives: 2013 bmw 528i Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: garden grove CA iTrader: (0)	Is that extended warranty from bmw or from outside company? I never really know how they work. So let say something wrong, u call them and they send you to an outside shop? I still have original warranty til next yer, then after that I also have CPO warranty. Thought of getting extended too...but not sure I need it. And would the outside extended warranty company be tough on you regarding modding just like bmw warranty?
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06-23-2015, 10:23 AM	#14
jasonle89 Lieutenant 33 Rep 474 Posts Drives: 2013 bmw 528i Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: garden grove CA iTrader: (0)	But beside original warranty, I also have CPO. If I buy outside warranty, that apply after my original warranty expire or after my cpo warranty expire?
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06-25-2015, 10:33 PM	#15
OEMonsterz Private First Class 11 Rep 139 Posts Drives: 535D M Sport Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Warranty! !
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06-26-2015, 03:52 PM	#16
RSBro First Lieutenant 58 Rep 337 Posts Drives: 2012 550i M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: The Woodlands, TX iTrader: (0)	Yes- avoid it. __________________ 2012 550i///M-Sport///Carbon Black Metallic///Oyster+Black Dakota///ZCV+ZLS+ZMP+ZPP+ZPS+ZSP+ZTP...M5 exhaust///iND Tricolor grilles///H&R Sport Springs///Turner Motorsport 12mm+15mm spacers
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06-26-2015, 07:38 PM	#17
lincvert Private First Class 19 Rep 138 Posts Drives: M5 wannabe Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	Bunch of risk averse posters so I will counter with... I owned an e60 545i which I bought with 70k miles and sold with 145k miles. Outside of tires, oil, and brakes, I had less than $2k worth of repairs in almost 5 years. E70 4.8L x5 - bought with 38k miles and currently at 115k miles. Only one battery and a water pump replaced other than oil, brakes and tires. Those repairs were less than $1500 total and I used the dealer. Still have the car and my wife drives it daily. F10 550i 6spd - bought at 45k miles and currently at 69k miles. Haven't spent a dime other than front brakes and an oil change. I gladly took the free battery and injectors but my car was running fine before the recall and I didn't notice a difference after. All cars were bought and owned without any CPO or aftermarket warranty. YMMV but don't be afraid just because everyone else seems to think these are anything other than cars.
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06-28-2015, 10:20 AM	#20
Simple5 Major 348 Rep 1,407 Posts Drives: F90 M5 and E84 X1 Xdrive35i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (8)	I would never own this car out of warranty. Once the CPO runs out in 2017 I am going to be selling it or trading it in.. for a 2014 M5 or a 2015 M3...more inclined for the M5... kinda spoiled with the 5-Series now... My n54 335i out of warranty was a nightmare. Though it was FBO.. pay to play I guess...
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