Looking to buy 535i - What issues have owners had?

[conrad1986]

I'm looking to 'upgrade' my 2007 335i coupe to a 535i either this summer or early next year (we'll see how business goes). My first choice was a salvage title 2009 Porsche Carrera S, but that obviously doesn't come with a warranty; and my g/f was bitching about it being so tiny.

My g/f and I went for a test drive in the 535i w/ sports pack and paddles/steptronic at the local dealership yesterday and absolutely loved it. It's roomy, fast, and the price is right. I can also use my JB2 mod chip in it!

However, I always like to research my purchases, and this is no exception. I was wondering if any owners (or anyone in the know) could tell me about common failures on the car as well as any recalls. I would greatly appreciate it! Even better would be someone that upgraded to a 535i from a 335i. Did you feel slower? Handling differences? etc... Thank you!

[kxmills]

Look into the HPFP(high pressure fuel pump) issue. It is a problem on the e60s as well

[Corinthian]

I had a 08 335i coupe now a 08 535i

Most if not all systems, engine, electronics etc are the same so not much difference there.

The longer wheelbase of the 5er make it more comfortable and the bigger wheels/tires handle the crappy roads here in Chicago much better.

The sport package on the 5er is just right, on the 3er sport suspension is too stiff IMHO. Over the same imperfect local roads around here I find myself going faster with the 5er.

[Smalldog]

I just upgraded my 07 335i to an 09 535i.

I had about 9 months left on my 335i lease, and found that the dealer had changed the dollar amounts and forged my signature on BMW's version of the contract, compared with the version I had.

I contacted BMWFS multiple times, and they did not seem interested in helping me. I e-mailed the scanned copy of my contract 2 times, and each time I called about a week later, they claimed they "had no received it yet" even though I was e-mailed confirmation of receipt each time.

Anyway, I confronted the dealership, and told them I wanted them to buy my lease out. They agreed, and I got into a new 2009 535i. Same color (Space Gray/Black Dakota leather) with M sport package, premium package, heated seats, NAV, iPod/USB, Steptronic (wife hates manual).

The book value of the 07 335i sucked. The lease residual was higher, and given I had 9 payments left, the dealership had to eat about $8k.

I opted for BMW Select financing so I can have a lower monthly payment (about $820/month), 0.9% financing for 60 months. $13k baloon payment at the end of 60 months. Oh, and first 2 payments (up to $750/month) are on BMW.

I'll probably only have it 3-4 years, then upgrade again, so it seemed like a good deal.

I love the new ride, the wife loves the new ride. I looked long and hard at an M3, but $75k is a tough pill to swallow for a car. Perhaps I do not have enough of an appreciation for BMW's yet?

Smalldog

[Karnash_The_Magnificent]

Wastegates can rattle (covered by warranty)
Brakes squeal like a stuck pig (the claim "some noise is normal")
HPFP
Tranny slam