[henryBMW4]

Trying to decide between a 2015/2016 550i or the newer generation G30 540i. I love the V8 in the 550i, but I know the N63TU is prone to problems (although less than the original N63). Hence, I'm considering paying up a bit for a used 2017/2018 540i. I find the V6 to still be enjoyable, but I'm inclined to spend less and get the V8. With either car, I plan on getting an extended warranty, and I'd like to buy the car with under 60k miles.

Any advice would be much appreciated. This will be my first BMW.

Thanks.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by henryBMW4

Trying to decide between a 2015/2016 550i or the newer generation G30 540i. I love the V8 in the 550i, but I know the N63TU is prone to problems (although less than the original N63). Hence, I'm considering paying up a bit for a used 2017/2018 540i. I find the V6 to still be enjoyable, but I'm inclined to spend less and get the V8. With either car, I plan on getting an extended warranty, and I'd like to buy the car with under 60k miles.

Any advice would be much appreciated. This will be my first BMW.

Thanks.

First off, it's an inline 6 (I6), not a V6. BMW have never made a V6. BMW make pretty stout I6's (they've been making them for centuries), I4 & V8's, not so much.

That said, if tech is important then you'll want the 540. AT&T are decommissioning 3G so ConnectedDrive (which includes real time traffic information) won't be available on the F-series chassis.

[OnlyGerman]

Go for the newer

[spielnicht]

+1

Since this is your first BMW, don't jump into the N63tu engine, it will definitely make a bad first impression. Power is amazing, but maintenance and cost to keep up is insane. Even if you're handy under the hood, it will still be a major PITA to do even the smallest repair because of the tight engine bay. Mine was trouble-free up until it hit 60K (right when my CPO warranty expired), and then the troubles start.

Also, don't forget that the F10 chassis is built on 12+ year technology and design at the point. Handling is definitely much more refined on the G30.

As the others said, go for the newer car with a more durable engine.

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

Go for the newer

[henryBMW4]

Thanks for the advice. What kind of issues are you running into now? I would get a fully comprehensive extended warranty with the 550i, so while repairs would be an inconvenience, they would likely be covered. I'd probably sell the 550 around the time the warranty ends.

Also, would I need a fully comprehensive extended warranty on a used G30 540i with 40-50k miles on it?

[spielnicht]

BMWs in general have common issues that will come up on any engine, and that's usually oil leaks. The severity of the leak depends on the engine itself, and while it's common on any car to leak, BMWs tend to start early...really early.

My 550i, pampered and extremely well taken care of, cost me 2 big ticket repairs. The first was high pressure fuel pump and rail which would have been $3k if I didn't get a huge discount from the dealer. The 2nd I'm gonna have done later this month is leaking upper oil pan, which is $3500 if I decide to have the dealer do it. I'm still shopping around for the best price. Both of these issues are common on the 550i. The third big ticket item with this engine are the turbo oil and coolant lines. They clog and cause an oil leak on top of the engine. It's a very involved repair that you can do yourself, but it's very involved.

Those are mostly the main issues with the N63tu engine that you will at some point or another have to take care of. If you're getting a warranty, then it's not an issue.

Originally Posted by henryBMW4

Thanks for the advice. What kind of issues are you running into now? I would get a fully comprehensive extended warranty with the 550i, so while repairs would be an inconvenience, they would likely be covered. I'd probably sell the 550 around the time the warranty ends.

Also, would I need a fully comprehensive extended warranty on a used G30 540i with 40-50k miles on it?

[otay]

I just bought a '16 550i, specifically because I wanted a V8. I also bought a Route 66 extended warranty 5 years / up to 100k miles (car has 28k now) for $2500 that is their best package called "Easy Street" and includes the Enhanced Electronics option. Did a good amount of research on the N63TU and warranties, and the Route 66 was by far the least expensive and had the best coverage with no deductible. BTW, You can only buy the Route 66 warranty through select credit unions.

Including the warranty, I spent ~$33,500 for the car. It's highly optioned...includes B&O sound and Dynamic Handling for example...the original MSRP was $88k.

I was also thinking about a 540i, but the 2018 I was following was about $38k.

Anyway, it depends on what you value. I value HP and torque but you may value CarPlay or other things not available in the F10.

[chipguy]

How long do you plan to keep your car? I believe ownership of a BMW V8 after 100k miles will be very painful (expensive). SInce this is your first BMW, I am not sure if you are ready for the bills that will come.

[walmark]

Originally Posted by otay

I just bought a '16 550i, specifically because I wanted a V8. I also bought a Route 66 extended warranty 5 years / up to 100k miles (car has 28k now) for $2500 that is their best package called "Easy Street" and includes the Enhanced Electronics option. Did a good amount of research on the N63TU and warranties, and the Route 66 was by far the least expensive and had the best coverage with no deductible. BTW, You can only buy the Route 66 warranty through select credit unions.

Including the warranty, I spent ~$33,500 for the car. It's highly optioned...includes B&O sound and Dynamic Handling for example...the original MSRP was $88k.

I was also thinking about a 540i, but the 2018 I was following was about $38k.

Anyway, it depends on what you value. I value HP and torque but you may value CarPlay or other things not available in the F10.

+1
I spent twice as much on Maxcare warranty from Carmax with similar coverage. But it is worth it.

[henryBMW4]

I'd like to keep the car for 6 or so years, but I worry about keeping it past the extended warranty which would be up to 100k miles. I'm starting to notice that the G30 540 is around 10k more than a 550 for the mileage I'm looking for. What do you guys think about the F10 535? Does it have similar reliability to the G30 540?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by henryBMW4

...What do you guys think about the F10 535? Does it have similar reliability to the G30 540?

Both on mine have been pretty trouble-free. The B58 is just the next derivative of the N55.