[WoodButcher1980]

No worries about torx. Only torx I dont have is a 3/8 torx set. Couple hundred bucks in tools aint the end of the world if I am goimg to own germans for decades

[Jeffcharger]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

No worries about torx. Only torx I dont have is a 3/8 torx set. Couple hundred bucks in tools aint the end of the world if I am goimg to own germans for decades

You sound a lot more technically capable than me! I think you will be fine. These are well engineered cars. Don’t be turned off, you hadn’t worked on Honda’s before you tried either!

[wcr3d]

I don't know of a downloadable manual but the online one is www.newtis.info
For part numbers use www.realoem.com
Bookmark them both, you will need them.
For what it is worth, I say holdout until you get exactly what you want.

[jonobro]

Originally Posted by Atombyte

LCI stands for life cycle impulse in BMW jargon. Basically it's the mid-cycle update, and for the F10, that would be model years 2014-2016. I had a 2013 535 and still have a 2016 535. LCI models have some minor cosmetic changes, updated iDrive, and I don't know if they ever advertised it, but the LCI steering feels much better. The difference in engines between a 535 and 528 is also significant. The 6 cylinder engines in these cars has one of the better track records for BMW. My '16 has the lane departure and blind spot features but I keep the lane departure off and the car has no blind spots so that feature isn't very useful either. Others may find those features useful. I also have the surround cameras and those really do come in handy in tight parking situations.

Yeah, when buying a used car, you can't be 100% sure of what you're getting. But for a smooth, quiet, comfortable highway cruiser with a good amount of tech, a '14-16 5-Series is a great choice IMO.

Edit to add that if you drive all day for your job, the first, most important option to start with is the luxury/multi-contour seats. Base BMW seats leave a lot to be desired.

No engine difference when comparing a 2011 535i to a 2014+ correct ? Just cosmetics ?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...elCode1=535IXD

Okay okay I know I said I would take my time with searching, but I looked on auto trader's app which I never do and I found a couple private sellers. This one doesn't have all the bells and whistles like Comfort Seats and Lane departure warning, but it seems like a pretty good value. He said he would take if it 16000. But it is my favorite combo of colors though, blue exterior Brown or light interior..

Boy am I glad I went on this website and got your advice since this 535 is essentially the same prices that 528 I was looking at, plus one year newer.

https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/d532711

If you do a lot of driving you'll want the comfort/multi-comfort sets. I have both and much prefer the comfort seats.

[Atombyte]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...elCode1=535IXD

Okay okay I know I said I would take my time with searching, but I looked on auto trader's app which I never do and I found a couple private sellers. This one doesn't have all the bells and whistles like Comfort Seats and Lane departure warning, but it seems like a pretty good value. He said he would take if it 16000. But it is my favorite combo of colors though, blue exterior Brown or light interior..

Boy am I glad I went on this website and got your advice since this 535 is essentially the same prices that 528 I was looking at, plus one year newer.

https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/d532711

From what you've told us about how much you drive, I'll reiterate how much the upgraded seats should probably your highest priority. The standard seats are pretty terrible.

[WoodButcher1980]

Message received about the Comfort Seats. I'll try to take my time as much as I can and make it a priority. The seats in my Accord are actually pretty nice for Honda standards. Lumbar support and side hugger wings. But I'll have to try them out myself at the dealership

[WoodButcher1980]

Here's a good deal. He just sent me an email and said he will take 18K. Blue book for private is $19,500. Comes with ext warranty for 7mo and rim insurance.

2014 with comfort seats, cold weather, driver assistance, premium package, but it's not the interior color I would want, nor does it have adaptive cruise...but honestly I never see all the options aligned AND around 20k. That would take me a year to find 😃 . It seems like nobody really wants the Lane assist or adaptive cruise back in earlier years. Also I believe the lane assist is just a warning and doesn't take any actual action to keep you in the lane


https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...elCode1=535IXD

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

Here's a good deal. He just sent me an email and said he will take 18K. Blue book for private is $19,500. Comes with ext warranty for 7mo and rim insurance.

2014 with comfort seats, cold weather, driver assistance, premium package, but it's not the interior color I would want, nor does it have adaptive cruise...but honestly I never see all the options aligned AND around 20k. That would take me a year to find 😃 . It seems like nobody really wants the Lane assist or adaptive cruise back in earlier years. Also I believe the lane assist is just a warning and doesn't take any actual action to keep you in the lane


https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...elCode1=535IXD

Don't do what I did with my 1st BMW... settle. I wish I had held out for what I really wanted. Even my second I settled a little as the ventilated seats are very difficult to find. I've read that the ventilation isn't all that good anyway. BSM would be nice, but I can still turn my head and observe traffic in my mirrors.

[johnhva]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

Here's a good deal. He just sent me an email and said he will take 18K. Blue book for private is $19,500. Comes with ext warranty for 7mo and rim insurance.

2014 with comfort seats, cold weather, driver assistance, premium package, but it's not the interior color I would want, nor does it have adaptive cruise...but honestly I never see all the options aligned AND around 20k. That would take me a year to find 😃 . It seems like nobody really wants the Lane assist or adaptive cruise back in earlier years. Also I believe the lane assist is just a warning and doesn't take any actual action to keep you in the lane


https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...elCode1=535IXD

Colors can be important. In searching for my CPO 535 it was very hard to find mocha interior but that's the only one I wanted.

If you can't live with the interior, keep searching.

Active cruise is rare probably because it was part of a package costing thousands (like all packages). LED lighting package was crazy expensive new but I'm lucky my car had it, but I guess for someone leasing new the thousands more in more crap you pile on makes the payment just a few bucks more?

Lane assist is a slight vibration warning in your steering wheel and although I expected I'd just switch it off I found that I keep it on. It also vibrates if you start to change lanes when a car is in your blind spot -- I always use mirrors to know what's around me but the gadget has warned well when someone has suddenly slid over two lanes next to me. I always signal and it will vibrate if you signal while someone's next to you. Personally, I would not like for a car to steer itself. BTW, the ventilation in my car's comfort seats works REALLY well.

[WoodButcher1980]

Got it. Black interior is fine, and would work well with my car seats and crumbs and stains compared to a light interior. Are all code 456 comfort seats ventilated?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

..Are all code 456 comfort seats ventilated?

Mine aren't.

[johnhva]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

... Are all code 456 comfort seats ventilated?

453 is "Climate-controlled Seats Front"
455 is "Active Seat"

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

Are all code 456 comfort seats ventilated?

No...front heat, ventilation, massage, and rear heat...are NOT included in the 456 comfort seat option...those are all additional option/features that have their own option codes.

The 456 comfort seat option code is for a front seat that has 20-way seat movements:

• 2-way thigh support movement (see button #7 in pic below of seat switch)
• 6-way bottom seat cushion movement (see button #6 in pic below of seat switch)
• 2-way seat back movement (see button #5 in pic below of seat switch)
• 2-way upper seat back articulation (see button #4 in pic below of seat switch)
• 2-way headrest movement (see button #5 in pic below of seat switch)
• 4-way lumbar support (see button #2 in pic below of seat switch)
• 2-way side bolster movement (see button #3 in pic below of seat switch)

If you want or you're looking for any of these features...it needs to be listed on your VIN decode for the option to be included:

• S456A - Comfort Seat With Memory
• S453A - Climate controlled Seats Front (aka ventilation)
• S455A - Active Seat For Driver And Passenger (aka booty massage)
• S494A - Seat Heating Driver/Passenger
• S496A - Seat Heating Rear

[WoodButcher1980]

Too bad this one has too many miles at 98,000. That's about 20,000 miles a year . I drive slightly under that.
Lot of good features with M sport package, Comfort Seats, and head-up display.
I'll keep looking!

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...aff=share_text

Vin decoder: https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/d292331

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

Too bad this one has too many miles at 98,000. That's about 20,000 miles a year . I drive slightly under that.
Lot of good features with M sport package, Comfort Seats, and head-up display.
I'll keep looking!

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...aff=share_text

Vin decoder: https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/d292331

Looks in great shape for that many miles.

[WoodButcher1980]

True, but I don't think it would be a good idea to have my first experience owning a BMW be during the miles of 100 to 150k... Uncharted territory during the what I assume would be the prime time repair zone, no?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

True, but I don't think it would be a good idea to have my first experience owning a BMW be during the miles of 100 to 150k... Uncharted territory during the what I assume would be the prime time repair zone, no?

Agreed!

Then again... Go big or go home!!

[Trian]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

True, but I don't think it would be a good idea to have my first experience owning a BMW be during the miles of 100 to 150k... Uncharted territory during the what I assume would be the prime time repair zone, no?

I am on my 3rd BMW. Both previous had a "repair zone" of 95,000 - 110,000
(and they were a 2012 535i and a 2000 740iL)

[Silverfleet]

For manuals here you go. http://www.newtis.info
Good luck.

[WoodButcher1980]

Still in the hunt for my vehicle. Side note, I've noticed that some M sports will have the plain black steering wheel with the m batch, and some will have the really nice looking black and some sort of silver aluminum M sport steering wheel. Is that a certain build code or just series change?

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980

Still in the hunt for my vehicle. Side note, I've noticed that some M sports will have the plain black steering wheel with the m batch, and some will have the really nice looking black and some sort of silver aluminum M sport steering wheel. Is that a certain build code or just series change?

A picture is worth a thousand words...but I recommend paying attention to the model year of the cars your looking at to see if the steering wheels that are different fall prior or after a particular model year. The design of the M-steering wheel changed mid production...which didn't coincide with the LCI (life cycle impulse)...aka "facelift" change.

{earlier M-steering wheel: used up to 7/2013 build date according to the parts database}



https://bimmercat.com/bmw/EN/search/.../52156/32_1801



{latter M-steering wheel: 2014-up}



https://bimmercat.com/bmw/EN/search/...5i/USA/32_2235