[mrmadison14]

Hey all,

I have a chance to buy a 2013 550i. I know through my research that its not the most reliable and most people say to stay away. The car it at 99k

Thing is the guy rebuilt the car through BMW for his wife and she doesn't like that car. So he has done the following:

Just had a brand new engine from BMW with receipts installed in march
- No Accidents
- New engine mounts
- New runflat tires 90% tread
- New brake pads and rotors front and rear
- New oem transmission filter and fluid
- New air and cabin filters
- New waterpump
- New pulleys and belts
- All 8 injectors replaced with index 12 series fuel injectors
- New oem BMW spark plugs
- New turbos from BMW (refurbished the turbo seals)

If this enough work done to get me by another 100k or is it still not worth it? The engine is under a two year bmw warranty as well.

Also I see in most 550i there is a ride button for comfort sport etc and this one did not have it. I thought that was standard?

The purchase price is right at 14k. Also, side notes the car it very quiet so I would plan on doing a little work to it down the line as well.

[BurrNinja]

Originally Posted by mrmadison14

Hey all,

I have a chance to buy a 2013 550i. I know through my research that its not the most reliable and most people say to stay away. The car it at 99k

Thing is the guy rebuilt the car through BMW for his wife and she doesn't like that car. So he has done the following:

Just had a brand new engine from BMW with receipts installed in march
- No Accidents
- New engine mounts
- New runflat tires 90% tread
- New brake pads and rotors front and rearloo
- New oem transmission filter and fluid
- New air and cabin filters
- New waterpump
- New pulleys and belts
- All 8 injectors replaced with index 12 series fuel injectors
- New oem BMW spark plugs
- New turbos from BMW (refurbished the turbo seals)

If this enough work done to get me by another 100k or is it still not worth it? The engine is under a two year bmw warranty as well.

Also I see in most 550i there is a ride button for comfort sport etc and this one did not have it. I thought that was standard?

The purchase price is right at 14k. Also, side notes the car it very quiet so I would plan on doing a little work to it down the line as well.

Try for aftermarket warranty as unspec said. Other then that it could be a gamble, these engines are not known for reliability.

[Unspec]

The DEC switch (the comfort/sport/etc button) isn't standard, came with a package, though it's very easy to retrofit if you follow the various guides out there. If it's a brand new engine, it'll probably last you another 100k. I'd definitely look into third party warranties (not BMW's extended) after the BMW one expires

[wcr3d]

Big gamble, thus the price.
I take it you are fine with the replacement engine, remember the rest of the car still has 100k on it.

[mrmadison14]

yeah and thats why I am asking. What are other major fail points? Seems like a lot was done but from the air of things maybe it's not enough?

[mrmadison14]

Originally Posted by Unspec

The DEC switch (the comfort/sport/etc button) isn't standard, came with a package, though it's very easy to retrofit if you follow the various guides out there. If it's a brand new engine, it'll probably last you another 100k. I'd definitely look into third party warranties (not BMW's extended) after the BMW one expires

are there any warranty companies you suggest? Something that would make this purchase less scary down the road if possible. lol..

outside of the 550i what would be the preferred most with most 5 guys? looking to keep my budget under 15k as I am paying cash. I just want something fun to ride around in and maybe even tinker. I was looking at audio s4's but this kinda took my attention

[wcr3d]

Suspension then transmission would be the next points.
The 535i is the next one, a lot can be done to that motor.
But it also has its own problems.

[spielnicht]

Ideally you'd want to target a 2014+ 550i, but considering this has a brand new engine that mostly likely includes the CCP, you've got "less" to worry about. Also, most of what will go bad with a BMW engine at this point is already taken care of (seals, leaks, etc). As long as you're good with fixing and replacing whatever else will come up with a 8year old/100K car, then you're good. Just bare in mind that replacement parts are generally more expensive for these cars, but if you're handy enough, you can save $$$$ shopping at FCP Euro and/or getbmwparts.com.

A warranty like the others mentioned would also be a way to go if you're good with putting a large sum up front.

I can't imagine getting a nicer, more powerful car, for $14K.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by spielnicht

..

I can't imagine getting a nicer, more powerful car, for $14K.

One with a reliable engine?

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by mrmadison14

are there any warranty companies you suggest? Something that would make this purchase less scary down the road if possible. lol..

outside of the 550i what would be the preferred most with most 5 guys? looking to keep my budget under 15k as I am paying cash. I just want something fun to ride around in and maybe even tinker. I was looking at audio s4's but this kinda took my attention

Route 66 is generally pretty well regarded

[3-Bag]

Originally Posted by mrmadison14

are there any warranty companies you suggest? Something that would make this purchase less scary down the road if possible. lol..

outside of the 550i what would be the preferred most with most 5 guys? looking to keep my budget under 15k as I am paying cash. I just want something fun to ride around in and maybe even tinker. I was looking at audio s4's but this kinda took my attention

I have National Warranty Company for my extended warranty provider, also as already mentioned Route 66 is another popular one.

[550bye]

You can buy any series/model and have every issue in the world or none at all. If the car is in good condition and you have it inspected somewhere else then it could be a great buy, but it can quickly become your worst nightmare.

I had said 550 nightmare, it was not pleasant whatsoever. That being said, I have loved my car the other year and half I have had it. Just be cautious, maintain more then regularly, and fix the little shit that breaks because it becomes a big issue later on.

Personally if I have to do it again, I would look for something like you have listed above. Either way, good luck.

[philipm785]

The main issues with the 550i of this era were related to the engine. The engine in this one is new and is under warranty for two years, so it seems like a reasonable risk with your most likely failure points covered. A third party warranty to help cover any major issues like transmission wouldn't be a terrible idea, but these transmissions are not known to be unreliable. Just keep in mind that this would be have been a ~ $75k + car when new and it's now 8 years old, so you need to go into it with the view that you'll spend a little on maintenance. That said, while not a sports car, they can be really enjoyable to drive and very quick. If you were going to gamble on one, this sounds like a good one with which to do so.

One other thing - would be good to get a copy of and fully read that BMW engine warranty just so you know what, if any, exposure you have on the engine.