Thoughts on this 535i - BMW Forum

Stevoo · 03-04-2012, 08:47 AM

Hello,

I've been in the market for a 550i or 535i. Hope to pick one up this month.

Right now, one that sticks out to me is an 08 535i for potential purchase. When I pulled up the carfax report from the dealer, I noticed that the car was a corporate fleet for the first 19 mo/10k miles in the east coast and then a lease car for the next 35 mo/38k miles on the west coast. The car currently has 48k miles.

What's the difference between a corporate fleet and a leased car? Should I be concerned that this car was never personally owned? Would the fact that the car was a lease/corporate fleet affect the price I should offer? (dealer is asking 28k)

One thing I've seen is that the HFPF and injectors have been replaced last year or so.

Thanks in advance.

Jack Dabsy · 03-04-2012, 09:11 AM

Corporate fleet is multiple vehicles from same lease...
Either way, they are always meticulously serviced throughout !

Lord Vader · 03-04-2012, 09:12 AM

Welcome to Bimmerwerkz. I don't really see anything wrong with a corporate lease unless they drove the crap out of it. They can either be treated really well or really poorly. However with a lease their required to pay for any damages or extra miles upon lease return so I don't think many companies would be thrilled if their employees trashed them. Being a lease I believe regular mainentnce was mandatory. Definitley ask for the service records of the vehicle.

The E60 5 Series came equipped with iDrive which is commonly known to have a lot of problems. If available, get a warranty that includes electrical components in case it fails.

Lord Vader · 03-04-2012, 09:12 AM

Darn Dabsy beat me to it! Haha

Jack Dabsy · 03-04-2012, 09:13 AM

That'll be a first mate

Lord Vader · 03-04-2012, 09:23 AM

It's slower typing on an iPhone then the computer.

Stevoo · 03-04-2012, 09:26 AM

Thanks for the quick response guys. This board seems to be more helpful than other 5 forums I see out there

With respect to price, what's a fair offer? I'm not sure how much used cars go for nowadays given the US economy.

They also offered a 4 yr/100k mile warranty via Wells Fargo Bank for $3400. I'm debating getting that or simply putting that money towards repairs from my indy mechanic. Thoughts?

Jack Dabsy · 03-04-2012, 09:28 AM

It's a BMW !! Save the cash and use your friendly local garage !!
The Dealer has to give you a standard warranty anyway...

Lord Vader · 03-04-2012, 01:38 PM

Don't spend that much on a warranty!!!! From everyone I've ever talked to their the biggest waste of money! A standard CPO BMW warranty is sufficient. For $3,400 you could buy all the tools and parts needed to fix anything that would break. Or for that much you could buy a decent E36 and have two cars!

Several people with different types of cars have told me that they usually have to fight to have anything covered under the "extended" warranty that they paid large amounts of money for. Theirs a reason why the only thing I buy from the dealership is the oil filters and coolant.