2009 BMW 5 Series 535XI 3.5 liter 6 cylinder twin turbo

Summary:

The ultimate driving machine

Faults:

The CCC works intermittently, so when it doesn't work, no radio or infotainment system. Didn't really buy the car for the infotainment system. Bought it because it was fast.

Transmission servo motor needs replaced.

Has died on me while driving.

General Comments:

I love this car. It's super fast and it only had 120000 when I got it, which is kind of a new car for me. I bought it from the dealer for 5000 cash. It drove pretty good for first 6 months, then got some faults; cleared em and kept driving.

I drive like 29 miles round trip to work and the freeway near Cleveland gets clogged (not so much during the pandemic, but before). This car has no problem going above 100 and handling is good for how heavy it is. I want to install coil overs all around and freshen up the front suspension, and maybe a new fuel pump.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th February, 2022

24th Feb 2022, 19:44

Yeah... an old high mileage BMW is a money pit. The reviewer drives 29 miles a day but somehow has only put 3000 miles on it in two years? Anyhow, "going above 100" will likely soon eliminate any concern about further repairs.

In reply to 24th Feb 2022, 19:44

28th Sep 2022, 14:01

5 series of this generation is very expensive. But they are nice cars, get a looked after one and the costs and reliability should be reasonable.

2009 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 3.0 litre twin turbo petrol straight 6 cylinder

Summary:

Fun to drive, great car

Faults:

One spark coil at about 75,000 KM.

Water pump at 84,000 KM.

Front thrust arm bushings at 86,000.

Battery replacement at 7 years.

General Comments:

This car was fun to drive. It handled great and it was extremely comfortable on long drives. The acceleration was great, and when the turbos kicked in it just put a big smile on your face. It had a fantastic stereo and made it so I can never drive a car without a heads up display. The all wheel drive made handling in the snow easy. I found the car very reliable, well equipped, and even 11 years later most of the tech still stands up and doesn't feel dated.

The only complaint I really have about the car is I didn't drive it enough. Most of the repairs came from the car being immobile for long periods of time, and hoses or rubber bits would dry out and get brittle. I am replacing it with a Tesla.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th September, 2020

17th Sep 2020, 17:33

Must have been a major step up from a Suzuki Verona to a 535i!

In reply to 17th Sep 2020, 17:33

18th Sep 2020, 22:03

Anything beneath a 5-series is a step-up to it. I drive a 2009 BMW 3-series and the difference in overall build itself is night and day, from the time you shut the door (literally). There is a very substantial difference between a 3-series and 5-series (wasn't the case with the much older 3-series E36), let alone a Suzuki.

20th Sep 2020, 03:04

You owned a Suzuki Verona? (Deity of your choice) bless you!!!

In reply to 18th Sep 2020, 22:03

21st Sep 2020, 13:32

I agree with the comment about the quality of the 3 Series vs 5 Series. The 3 Series became a means of introduction to the BMW brand. After the great recession, it was possible to lease one in the USA for roughly the same coin as a fully-loaded Camry or Accord. It's no surprise that BMW's sales catapulted for several years after 2010.

In reply to 20th Sep 2020, 03:04

27th Oct 2020, 22:58

I had just moved to town, it was decently equipped and a good deal for a new car. For the four years I owned it, the Suzuki was a decent car but got terrible gas mileage and almost no modern conveniences. Needless to say it was like going to a different planet moving to the 5 series.