BMW 535i 2012 - ?

[Chocaholic]

Considering a low mileage (35k) 2012 535i. Appreciate any thoughts/experience with a 10 year old, off warranty BMW of this vintage.

As a result of CV19, I now work from home and drive very little. So, for occasional errands or as a weekend away car, I wonder if it would be a good choice. I know early I-Drive interface was dicey but I believe mostly sorted by 2012.

Appreciate thoughts or experiences, good or bad. Thanks!

[MRM]

I recently sold my 2011 with 160,000 trouble-free miles on it, mostly because it was starting to make my wife nervous. The 2011 was the first year of a refresh and the 2012 is almost identical. IDrive is very intuitive. I’m not sure when they fixed it, but by 2012 it was good. The 535 is the sweet spot of the lineup. It has the power you need and isn’t as finicky as the 550. It’s both comfortable and sporty for a sedan. If you put the transmission in sport mode and kick it down, the car really comes alive.

Wear items are on the expensive side and BMW dealers aren’t shy about asking for money, so you need to find a good independent. I used an independent exclusively for the last several years and even with high mileage wear items being repaired or replaced, it wasn’t bad. My CV joints and axels needed to be replaced a few times. The brakes, obviously, but mine was really reliable and a great comfortable sports cruiser. The battery is complicated to replace so I paid the independent shop $250 to replace it.

The biggest issue I had was that the original aluminum rims are fragile. They seem to bend or crack if they even see a pothole. They can be straightened and even welded one time, but they’re really expensive to replace with OEM rims. I eventually bought more durable ones from Tire Rack and didn’t have problems anymore.

I’d strongly encourage you to pursue it.

[Seahawk]

I am not a sedan guy but the 2012 535 is a great looking car. Full disclosure, I have never driven or sat in one.

I did a quick scan and they seem to be priced around $20k, up or down depending on mileage.

Why not at that price point, especially since you know your way around cars.

Good luck!

[WPOZZZ]

I have a 2014 and it is a great car...when I can drive it. (The gf drives it) Mine is lowered on 20s and it still has a really nice ride. Steering is a little numb, more Mercedes like than BMW.

Put the tranny in Sport. and motor in Sport and she giddyups!

[1990C4S]

I'm just following waiting for the BMW haters to chime in...there are a several here, some probably 100% justified.

I though this might be one...

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

I have a 2014 and it is a great car...when I can drive it...

but, alas, he went a different direction.

[WPOZZZ]

Hahaha! I love my BMWs. My daily is a F25 X3 that I bought for the gf, but she preferred driving the 535i. I also have my E53 X5 and it is a tank!

[speeder]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

Steering is a little numb, more Mercedes like than BMW.

My love for BMWs tapers off right when they started putting electric power steering in the cars. But I love driving most of them prior to that.

[Chocaholic]

Thanks for all the feedback. Trying to see where the numbers settle (it’s at a dealership) and would involve a “reverse” trade. I have a CPO 2019 540i thinking I’d be resuming travel and using quite a bit. Our company recently announced the work from home scenario is now a permanent situation. With used car prices, I wouldn’t mind pulling a few bucks out and still having a nice, albeit older car.

We have a great indy Euro shop in town and I know the owner quite well. So a trusted service resource makes it even more attractive.

Paul...you’re spot on with price, they’re asking 20k which seems fair. Just a matter of what they’ll do on my trade. Should know in the next day or two.

[911 Rod]

MY 335 engine was a ticking time bomb that had already gone off once.

Are these better?

[Chocaholic]

What year was your 335?

[911 Rod]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

What year was your 335?

2011 E92 N54 I believe. The ones with the newer turbos.

[McLovin]

I love BMWs, but I wouldn’t pay $20k for a 10 year old turbo 5 series.

[MRM]

Correct. Even with today's craziness it should be closer to a $10,000 car. I got a trade in quote of $5,500 for mine and sold it to a friend for $6,500. The dealer indicated they were willing to go up, so the real wholesale price is somewhat higher, but I wasn't going to sell my car to a dealer who lowballs me. It's probably really a $7,500 car. If you look on Craigslist you'll find good examples in the low teens.

[Chocaholic]

With 33k miles?

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

With 33k miles?

Yes.
I’ve seen minty E39s pulling bigger numbers.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Thanks for all the feedback. Trying to see where the numbers settle (it’s at a dealership) and would involve a “reverse” trade. I have a CPO 2019 540i thinking I’d be resuming travel and using quite a bit. Our company recently announced the work from home scenario is now a permanent situation. With used car prices, I wouldn’t mind pulling a few bucks out and still having a nice, albeit older car.

We have a great indy Euro shop in town and I know the owner quite well. So a trusted service resource makes it even more attractive.

Paul...you’re spot on with price, they’re asking 20k which seems fair. Just a matter of what they’ll do on my trade. Should know in the next day or two.

It seems like you could give your car a good wash and sell it yourself for top dollar right now. Might not be too much hassle, should be dealing with affluent clientele and you could pocket many thousands of $$ on the deal. Worth considering, in today's market.

[Chocaholic]

Agree...probably so, just not fond of the scams, hassles and tire kickers. But you’re right, probably worth the effort.

Thanksfully, I’ve been saved from this little adventure. Sales guy called me about an hour ago to tell me they sold the 535i.

[sugarwood]

I know the deal is off, but I'm leaving this here for the next guy.
No one here mentioned the N54 turbo thing.

First, turbo DIY videos are over 30-45 mins long.
Skipping thru the video, it involves removal of cooling system, suspension, steering rack, subframe, exhaust, engine mounts, water pump, exhaust manifold, etc.

Looks like parts prices have dropped over the years.
Cost $1400 for a pair of turbos
16-18 hours book time for this repair.

I'd expect to pay $5k to $10k for this repair.
And these issues are being reported at only 40k miles

[WPOZZZ]

I believe the 2012 535i is a n55.