[gruber.evan]

I have just found myself in need of a full size sedan and I am now stuck between two different 550i's, one being a 2011 and the other 2015. I know the 2015 550i makes 45 more hp and about 30 more Ib of torque compared to the 2011 model. The 2015 model is listed for nearly $10,000 more than the 2011, both have around the same mileage ( 80,000 miles).

Basically would it be smarter to simply purchase the cheaper 2011 550i and use that extra $10,000 to simply tune it, aftermarket exhaust, turbo upgrade, etc. Or is there some crazy thing in the 2015 that I need.

[ChiNorm]

Buy the 2015, 2011 V8 fraught with problems.

Good luck.

[Hoa]

There is a big reason why 2011-2013 are a lot cheaper than 2014-2016. 2015 is the LCI version. It have a facelift and revised engine which is more reliable overall. You will be spending more money to upkeep the 2011 than the 2015. $10K more is worth it in my opinion if it's well optioned

[DaWhole9]

The V8 isnt the most trouble free f10 engine but get the newest one for sure. Unless you NEED a V8, the straight six is the better engine and still capable if big numbers if you wanna mod. Or. If you really want a V8 spend 10k more than a 550 and get the M5.

[7'er-addict]

If you want a V8, or a generally a better equipped car..N63 and N63tu IMO have only one BIG difference. Injectors. The Index Piezo injectors are junk and only last 30-40k miles on average (in my experience). The injectors in tu motors are incredibly reliable. The injectors in my N55 (same injectors in the N63tu) are at 160k miles and still original. My N63 Index 12s have been replaced 3 times in the 130k the car has been alive.

Most early N63s have been "fixed". Look for big ticket items like timing chain, valve stem seals, and turbos. N63tus still have valve stem seal issues, and of course like any turbo car, turbos. If in doubt, call your local BMW dealership and speak to a service advisor. Ask them if the CCP was done and what was done in it. Most dealerships are friendly and will give you the info, some don't. None will send you complete service records.

I sent service records out to a customer once and got in "big" trouble.

N63tus are more apt for tuning and power! If that is your forté of course.

My N63 has had all of the updates, the main issue will always be injectors. At $400 or so a pop, that's not really a concern. They're no issue to replace if you've got the tools.

[Qsilver7]

If comparing other than the engines (N63 vs N63TU)...the 2015 model year will also have a different version of iDrive. The 2011 will have the CIC iDrive and the 2015 will have the NBT/ID4 version of iDrive which has better screen resolution and possibly other small upgrades like the the TOUCH iDrive controller.

[Danyal.N55]

Originally Posted by gruber.evan

I have just found myself in need of a full size sedan and I am now stuck between two different 550i's, one being a 2011 and the other 2015. I know the 2015 550i makes 45 more hp and about 30 more Ib of torque compared to the 2011 model. The 2015 model is listed for nearly $10,000 more than the 2011, both have around the same mileage ( 80,000 miles).

Basically would it be smarter to simply purchase the cheaper 2011 550i and use that extra $10,000 to simply tune it, aftermarket exhaust, turbo upgrade, etc. Or is there some crazy thing in the 2015 that I need.

The 2011 550i You're looking at compared to the 2015 one is well.. Different, If I were you I'd go for a 2015 as they got the LCI and revised engine and it's in general more reliable. So personally I'd rather spend the extra 10k for a 2015 550i but Honestly I'd rather go for a 2015 535i but still the 550i is nice.

[Duckysaurus]

I'd spend $10k more on the 2015 but that's me personally.

2011 has way more issues, as someone else has said.

That and if they're similarly optioned the 2015 is still nicer as it is LCI (if they're M-Sport for example, the steering wheel will look nicer, not to mention the mirror caps, etc.)