[AlphaGearhead]

Was going to get an F10 M5 or charger scatpack originally but Im also looking for a new place so considering saving $10k or so and looking at F10 535 and 550. All choices im looking for have/ need auto(so the wife can also drive it) and msport for me.
Thoughts on N63tu vs N55? Id love to get my first v8 but i know the N55 is far more reliable and heavy modding potential. I know people have told me to stay far away from N63s but havent heard much of the n63tu.

So far seen a 14' 550i with 39k miles for $25k and another 14' 550i with 21k miles for $25k

Then also found a 14' 535i with 41k miles for $22k and a 15' 535i with 46k miles for $23k and a 16' with 36k miles for $25k.

Looking for recommendations since theyre all M sport and similar in price and miles. So i guess what options should i look for, rwd or awd, what years got updates that are preffered?

Lastly either choice I get I would like to get a bm3 tune, intake, charge pipe, and possibly high flow dp.

Thanks in advance!

[OnlyGerman]

Plenty of threads on this. Seems like people already know the issues of both engines and still know the risks but come here to seek justification to still buy. Your title states affordable, so stick to 535 n55. I know the 550 is tempting, they’re pretty cheap.

[wcr3d]

You should do more research before deciding or shopping actually.
BMW is somewhat different than other manufacturers.
Example; they don't get changes every year.
In fact it's a span of years, the range you are talking about in the 5 series body generations is known as the F10.
This range spanned from 2011-2016 with the only update in 2014 known as LCI ( Life Cycle Impluse).
Sorry if you already know this stuff but it sounded like you didn't.
You can also search this forum and others to see how the "tu" has worked out for others.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by AlphaGearhead

...I know people have told me to stay far away from N63s but havent heard much of the n63tu. .

https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2...-lawsuit.shtml

[lsturbointeg]

[bigscore]

I came from a V8 N62 (650) and was on the hunt for an F10 550 N63TU but sadly it has serious major engine issues that make it off-limits for me. It's really unfortunate because the V8 is really a joy to drive.

[yakattack]

Originally Posted by bigscore

I came from a V8 N62 (650) and was on the hunt for an F10 550 N63TU but sadly it has serious major engine issues that make it off-limits for me. It's really unfortunate because the V8 is really a joy to drive.

What issues would those be out of curiosity?

I spent a lot of time reading forum threads regarding the N63tu prior to purchasing mine. The vast majority of major engine issue threads I came across were from the N63 and N20 owners. I can't recall seeing any n63tu engine failure threads, though I am sure they exist, just as there are some N55 failure threads here and there. The only common thread I've come across with the N63tu was oil consumption, which seems to average 1qt every 2-3k miles for most owners, not a huge deal to top off. Other than that, people seem pretty happy with their N63tu, mine has certainly been great.

To OP, one thing I'll mention is that you need to be specific when your researching the N63tu is to pay attention to model years (for F10 550: 2011-2013 is N63, 2014-2016 is N63tu). There is a lot of misinformation/misunderstanding as many posters tend to group 550 complaints together in one bucket, yet when you read deeper you find that the OP/thread is about an N63 car.

[philipm785]

The N63TU was significantly updated form the N63. There's a full list of all the changes in this post.

I have no doubt that the TU variants also have their issues and that they're likely to be less reliable than an N55 on average. I don't however believe that there is as of yet enough evidence to suggest that they are in the same bucket as the first generation N63. If you were going to buy one, you'd just want to go in with your eyes open and understand that there may be some elevated repair costs along the way.

For whatever its worth, my own N63TU experience has been fine.

[Hilly]

thinking of selling mine :-)

2011 550xi msport
52,000 miles
singapore grey
20inch Black Niche Wheels with carbon fiber roof and spoiler wrap
Carbon fiber steering wheel
Jb4 tune with connect kit

[JDMSteven]

I have a 535i xDrive 2011 (the slowest/"worst" model) and I still totally love it. Even with a basic JB4 on Map 5 and an intake, its fun enough to me and great for a daily. I get about 20mpg mix, hwy is almost 30. Have 40k now and dead reliable, only had one issue, which was a fuel pump ground wire but it was covered by warranty extension

[OnlyGerman]

Originally Posted by JDMSteven

I have a 535i xDrive 2011 (the slowest/"worst" model) and I still totally love it. Even with a basic JB4 on Map 5 and an intake, its fun enough to me and great for a daily. I get about 20mpg mix, hwy is almost 30. Have 40k now and dead reliable, only had one issue, which was a fuel pump ground wire but it was covered by warranty extension

Explain...

[JDMSteven]

Originally Posted by XLife14

Explain...

2014+ models and RWD is the ideal combo as they switched from PWG to EWG for the turbo. (Pneumatic Waste Gate to Electronic Waste Gate) so they make way more power with the same mods.

[OnlyGerman]

Originally Posted by JDMSteven

2014+ models and RWD is the ideal combo as they switched from PWG to EWG for the turbo. (Pneumatic Waste Gate to Electronic Waste Gate) so they make way more power with the same mods.

Damn, I knew I should've bought a lci lol. Oh well, I'm ok with just a Dinan sport tuner for now.

[JDMSteven]

I got a good enough bargain on mine which made me jump for this '11, it only had 19k miles and was absolutely immaculate, and with the budget I gave myself the other cars I was cross shopping had 50-60k miles. Still very very satisfied with mine.