[ghost_m2c]

I am in the market for a used bmw, and want some power. I am well aware that the n63 has some issues but is there any specifics that are serious? Since they are cheap, would it be worth buying one and having a few grand left over for all of the problems? Also, do they drive well and are they sporty?

[OnlyGerman]

Originally Posted by ghost_m2c

I am in the market for a used bmw, and want some power. I am well aware that the n63 has some issues but is there any specifics that are serious? Since they are cheap, would it be worth buying one and having a few grand left over for all of the problems? Also, do they drive well and are they sporty?

No since you'll think a "few grand" is enough to cover unexpected repairs on a N63. They drive OK, not as sporty as E39 and E60.

[bp73]

Useless comment as I feel OP wasn't asking about an M5 or a 20yr old base model. I got my '15 550i w/46k miles from Carmax for 25k. Drop a Botmod3 stage 1 in and you'll be more than happy with the price/performance ratio (n63tu engine...). do your research, check your mileage on the vehicle to be purchased,...and wing it...

[fakem5]

Originally Posted by ghost_m2c

I am in the market for a used bmw, and want some power. I am well aware that the n63 has some issues but is there any specifics that are serious? Since they are cheap, would it be worth buying one and having a few grand left over for all of the problems? Also, do they drive well and are they sporty?

They're probably give the most power for the money, but that comes with it's problems. For me personally, I haven't had any, but I also got one with low miles luckily. I would get a 2014 at the minimum, as it has the TU update. A simple downpipe and tune will get this car with some insane gains. When it comes to ride quality, it feels like a boat and not connected to the road. I just fixed that with some kw coilovers and it feels like a real car

[spielnicht]

Let's start backwards. Are they sporty? No. Can they be made sporty with aftermarket parts. Not really. No matter what suspension setup you throw into it, it'll never drive like an M5 or a smaller, sportier car. It was originally made for comfort and that's just the reality of it. I've got KW V3s and it definitely has improved handling, but not the point where you can turn on a dime.

As for the power, there is no denying it's there and it's a pleasure to drive. I love that I have all of that at the ready and everyone else on the road just assumes you're just another car without all of that power behind you.

As for maintenance and repairs, you either get a n63tu (2014+) or don't bother. Simply put. You don't need the headache or the anxiety of not knowing what has already been repaired on the engine and/or when it's gonna break down and run you $$$$. While the n63tu is far more reliable, you will still need to eventually deal with a couple of big ticket items no matter what (e.g. HPFP, upper oil pan leak, turbo oil line leaks). At some point or another, they will come up (~50k - 70k mile range).

Having said all of that, this is by far the longest car I've kept and the first that I don't want to give up. There is simply nothing out there that have remotely enticed me (or can justify) to trade for it (not even the G30). I drive it everyday with a huge smile on my face. My plan is to get a new weekend "fun car" and keep the 550i as my daily until it dies.

[3002 tii]

Just picked up a low mileage ‘15 and I’m really happy with it. This car is extremely comfortable, and has power on tap when you want it. But I agree with above, I can’t see this car ever handling like an e39 and you’d probably end up just ruining the chassis. I plan to add Dinan springs to remove some of the floatiness but anything more probably isn’t worth it. Plus lack of hydraulic steering is really hard to overcome.

[walmark]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Just picked up a low mileage '15 and I'm really happy with it. This car is extremely comfortable, and has power on tap and you want it. But I agree with above, I can't see this car ever handling like an e39 and you'd probably end up just ruining the chassis. I plan to add Dinan springs to remove some of the floatiness but anything more probably isn't worth it. Plus lack of hydraulic steering is really hard to overcome.

If you get an Xdrive you'll get hydraulic steering but you will lose the option of factory sport suspension. Not that it matters that much as even sport suspension doesn't solve the boatiness.

I've had my 15' 550i RWD for 2 years and love it. Fantastic daily cruiser with power on tap, with ACC and TJA options to ease the hassle of heavy traffic.

[Blue Angel]

The F10 can handle well if you mod the suspension, but "well" is a relative term since this is a +4000 lb car (and more with XDrive and a V8).

My 535d XDrive turns in WAY more eagerly than it did stock, and is neutral to slight oversteer when pushed. It's entertaining, but it's not a sports car. The V8 has a bit more weight up front, so not sure how much that changes the equation.

[AnotherM]

One of the biggest items people like to bring up is the rod bearings. I just had them done on my 2016 m5 and it only cost 3k for the entire job. I would reccomend just having them done when you get the car for peace of mind. You would also get the upper and lower oil pan gaskets changed at the same time so it would be knocking several potential leaks out of the way.

[AnotherM]

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

No since you'll think a "few grand" is enough to cover unexpected repairs on a N63. They drive OK, not as sporty as E39 and E60.

I thought i remember you dont have a 550i?

[IS500]

As mentioned above, go with n63tu and extended warranty
A few upgrades and tune u will be happy

[Smytty]

New to the club but I recently pulled the trigger. It's all about what you want out of a car. Came from an E60 545 N62 which people said was a terrible engine but served me well. 33k to 185k it did have some repairs that were inevitable valve stem seals, clogged secondary air ports to name a few but most cars will have some type of weak point. Do your research for a well-maintained car and If I had to take a gamble definitely 2014 or better because of the updates made to the engine. Also if you can save some money on labor and do some repairs yourself you will make out better than most who don't. Some good points made above.

[Salty B.]

What was the last year for the 6-speed manual? Looking on autotrader.com 2014-16 550i and no manuals nationwide. I know the N55 F10 manual was dropped in 2014.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Flying Badger

What was the last year for the 6-speed manual? Looking on autotrader.com 2014-16 550i and no manuals nationwide. I know the N55 F10 manual was dropped in 2014.

Pretty sure they were phased out in ‘14.

[TuckerE36]

LCI dropped the 6spd option

[bmw4er]

Have a 2013 550i no issues yet just fix anything that needs fixed asap, only issue i had was an oil leak so i went ahead and replaced all seals engine been solid ever since and i drive it hard

these engines suffer majorily in injectors and oil leaks tbh

[Bmwdoubles_]

They can be sporty and here's how

- replace upper control arms with Tuner Monoball controls arms
- replace lower control arms with poly urethane bushings.
- replace rear sway bar with bigger diameter
- replace front sway bar with bigger diameter and add proper length sway links
- replace shocks with adjustable shocks or high quality coil overs.
- if not coil overs replace with Eibach or Dinan Street springs( nothing lower than 1")

And the biggest upgrade, your tires. Pilots

If you want sporty via the engine, a OTS tune can bring you to 450whp without other mods and fill engine mounts with window silicone with minimal to no NVH

[EL Jeffe 5]

Originally Posted by bmw4er

Have a 2013 550i no issues yet just fix anything that needs fixed asap, only issue i had was an oil leak so i went ahead and replaced all seals engine been solid ever since and i drive it hard

these engines suffer majorily in injectors and oil leaks tbh

Same here 2013 550i 75k no major issues
Just regular maintenance
I drive my car hard as well

[SummerallGuard04]

Just bought a '16 550i msport today sight unseen. 2 previous owners, well maintained and serviced with only 16,xxx miles. Had a BMW specialist do an inspection on it prior to buying and inspection report came back clean as a whistle. FWIW, in this unprecedented car market i paid $41,500 for it. I know what else is out there and i feel that given the condition of the car it was a fair price.

I've lurked this forum so hard the past few weeks before finally pulling the trigger on buying an F10. I work from home and don't plan to drive this car much and am opting not to buy an extended warranty (at this point). For the time being, i'm stashing money away for some of the future big ticket repairs.

[Blue Angel]

^ Or big ticket mods.

[SummerallGuard04]

Originally Posted by Blue Angel

^ Or big ticket mods.

Haha...noooo. Not on this one. I'm planning to keep it stock.