[Frencholivier]

Guys, what do you think of the 535i reliability after 3 years? I'd get a 2011 I guess, so I don't get to bear most of the burden of depreciation.
The one thing holding me back is that I know that German cars can be a hellishly expensive after the warranty period expires... So I guess the choices are
1. go for it
2. don't go for it
3. go for it carefully --what should I be careful about? Get an extended warranty? Get it CPO'd? ...

[Rbembas_M3]

go for it I've had my 2011 535i for two years now, bought a dealer demo with 4,000 miles on it. Runs great get the rim and tires insurance if you can and get the extended warranty

[pillpusher84]

Have had my 2011 F10 535xi since April 2011 ... never 1 issue ... 35k on the clock.

[valcor535]

2011 535 ix with 26,000 miles no issues!!!

[mariusz335i]

I bought my 2011 535i almost a year ago with 20000 miles on the dial.I put an extra 10000 miles on it with not a single issue.Saved about $20k over a new one.That's a lot of money for repairs,upgrades,vacations et cetera.My one year depreciation is about $5k and the best:it's paid off.You should have at least one more year of the warranty leftover.Good luck !!!!!!!

[JNoSol]

I logged 43k miles on my 2011 535i before trading it up. I love the 535i fuel econ and smooth power delivery. I am OCD, so I change the oil between the recommended intervals to ensure nothing goes wrong with at least the motor/turbos. Many say it's unnecessary, but they don't drive my cars like I do.

[Lee]

Own a 550i, not a 535i, but am not too concerned about major reliability issues, post warranty, as BMW is very good about good faith repairs when something happens that is out of the norm. I say pull the trigger and enjoy!

[aongch]

Any differences in reliability of the 6-speed manual vs 8-speed auto? I may pull the trigger on the auto since the sport mode and manual shifts are quick enough for what I do in commuting. I still prefer the 6-spd, just like my tracked E46 M3, but that auto is so much easier around town.

[Lee]

Not sure about reliability, but as a manual guy, I'm very pleased with the auto. Got the paddle option, but don't use them nearly as much as I expected.

[positiveions]

This engine been out in the market for a while. Beside the earlier N54 dilemma of "limp mode" issues, the engine itself is very reliable.

[MWPos]

2011 535i purchased a year ago with 11k miles, 25k now. A couple of minor problems but both fixed same-day with a service appointment. My car was not CPO (not enough miles) and probably was a loaner. I'd buy the same car in the same situation again. No second thoughts; just get the car and love it.

[nyc2sd30]

If you can get it CPO'd and even add the extended maintenance plan you should be ok. My suggestion is to take it for a healthy test drive, meaning drive it in all modes (sport, normal, comfort) - Test out all of the technology, and power features (seats, audio, moonroof, Idrive etc) Make sure everything works to your liking.

[liquid_sx]

I've been watching a ton of videos on this car for some time now, some say no some say yes, it is worth getting a 535i?, I was wondering if anyone in this forum could please help me out.

[Houranimd49]

Originally Posted by liquid_sx

I've been watching a ton of videos on this car for some time now, some say no some say yes, it is worth getting a 535i?, I was wondering if anyone in this forum could please help me out.

Yes it is. I’m on year 5 and about 65,000 miles driven under my ownership.

Service records are going to be important. Gaskets (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil pan), water pump, oil changes, plugs and coils. Those are key things. I’ve had several N55 cars and they all became a temperament between 60,000-80,000 miles. But once you get through that period and make sure the maintainence is done, it’s a very good car.

There’s a lot of high mileage F10 535s out there now. They’re getting older, but still wonderful to drive.

Edit: I should add, I sold my 650 and kept my 535 because of how good of a car it is for my daily use.

[ezaircon4jc]

My 2014 just needed the valve cover gasket at about 82K. We traded our 2012 in with just over 90K miles on the original gaskets. I wouldn't hesitate to take our 535 on a cross-country trip. Both the 2012 & 2014 have been totally reliable with nothing that has left us at the side of the road.

[ctcarbonari]

2015 535i

Has been a wonderful daily driver and also much fun for those times when I feel like driving a bit more "spirited".
Same @ VC starting to leak @~75k miles.

As with any used car, you'll have to weigh in the initial cost + how much you'll be able to DIY for maintenance & repairs + how long you plan on keeping it. Best value would be to find a 535 that you know has a solid maintenance / service history and has been well cared for. Then plan on having a bit of $$$ set aside for the inevitable service/repair costs you can project for near future.

To give the OP somewhat of a reference:
I purchased mine 2-1/2 years ago @ 53k miles (am at 80k now).
I've flushed coolant, flushed brake lines (x2), changed differential oil, dump & fill transmission oil (x2), changed transmission filter/pan (x1), new front tires, new rear tires (x2), charged AC, new air filter(s), replaced cabin filters, new front brakes (discs & rotors), spark plugs & coils, and engine oil & filter changes every 5k miles.

On Deck for this Spring: Rear brakes, replace VC, OFHG, upper radiator hose, "mickey mouse" flange, serpentine belt / tensioner / pulley, intake manifold gaskets & walnut blasting. I'll probably toss in new spark plugs (while I'm in there w/ VC). If I was smart I'd change the battery now (9 yrs old) but it is nearly always reading 80% soc so I'll put it off until spring/summer.

and that doesn't even count the "fun stuff" that I've either done already, have parts in garage waiting, or plan on doing soon. Such as LED Interior Lights swap, chrome side marker delete, front reflector delete, All weather floor mats & cargo mat, paint correction & ceramic coat, Rennlline tablet mount, WT Intercooler, aluminum CP(s) & boost pipe, catted dp, tune.

The N55 is a great engine & has decent longevity if it's cared for and not just neglected and run hard into the ground. There's plenty of deals to be had out there on 535s.

Good Luck!

[Houranimd49]

They’re German cars, they’re built to have rules followed. Follow the rules and things go smoothly 😅

[wesamjaber2004@gmail.com]

I’d get a 2012 as most 2011’s don’t have the dynamic drive system (sport, sport plus, eco)

[ChiltiCoatl89]

If you are willing to do some work yourself, to save money, and are looking to get a N55, do as much research as possible here on this forum, before you buy, get a perspective from other Owners, and then decide, These can be great, reliable, and powerful vehicles, as long as you understand what can go wrong, and when. You can have an enjoyable ownership and a dependable Car. I had my 5er since late June Last year and been giving it TLC as it needs, purchased at 75k and about to hit 90k Miles, Planning repairs this year for Preventative and a nice Tune up.

[ChiltiCoatl89]

Originally Posted by liquid_sx

I've been watching a ton of videos on this car for some time now, some say no some say yes, it is worth getting a 535i?, I was wondering if anyone in this forum could please help me out.

What years are you looking into and Which Drivetrain and estimated Miles? If you want a good one, service history is a major plus, low mileage plays a factor, however, not the deal breaker. (Previous owner is a big one and how it was driven, and service history)

[BrandonKH]

Hey guys, I have a 2016 535i with about 75k miles on it. Beautiful car, I bought it 17 months ago at 63k miles. It’s been a big source of enjoyment but it’s completely broken the bank. I’ve done 4 control arms due to corrosion, 4 bushings, a cv boot, a belt and tensioner, my right front axel, and am about to do valve cover gasket, and an oil pan leak, as well as in the future it looks like 2 more bushings and my transmission mount because they are starting to crack, I’ve been concluding that this car is a money pit, and the issues at this point are not going to stop, especially given it’s at 75k miles, but I could also be wrong. Should I keep the car or do you guys think it’s just going to keep being like this?

[Carbon535i]

Originally Posted by BrandonKH

Hey guys, I have a 2016 535i with about 75k miles on it. Beautiful car, I bought it 17 months ago at 63k miles. It’s been a big source of enjoyment but it’s completely broken the bank. I’ve done 4 control arms due to corrosion, 4 bushings, a cv boot, a belt and tensioner, my right front axel, and am about to do valve cover gasket, and an oil pan leak, as well as in the future it looks like 2 more bushings and my transmission mount because they are starting to crack, I’ve been concluding that this car is a money pit, and the issues at this point are not going to stop, especially given it’s at 75k miles, but I could also be wrong. Should I keep the car or do you guys think it’s just going to keep being like this?

With alot of work you have already did you almost covered most of the major areas. I have a 2015 535i xDrive and have been in the same boat as the previous owner totally did a number to it and neglected maintenance while also "clapping" it out, so over the last 9 months I had it on jack stands and overhauling it. When you change your oil pan gasket, I recommend replacing the rod bearings and when you do the valve cover, replace the oil filter housing gasket. I would keep it as most of everything has been addressed.