Purchase: 2006 530xi vs 2009 535xi wagon?

[RaidersFan]

I am looking at a couple of wagons:

2006 530xiT w/48k miles, $22,000
2009 535xiT w/58k miles, 6MT (yeah!), $29000

Which would you go with? Both are in great shape. Primarily interested in reliability and a good "family car". I have a 2011 335xi as my personal car. It is either a wagon or a used X5, and man, the wagon is a huge upgrade over the X5 for drivability and also MPG. Not really any downsizes that I can see.

[mweine]

The 2009 is the LCI version which has the better idrive. Also the 535XI has a twin turbo vs the non turbo 530. Personally, I would buy the 535 Xdrive with the 6MT. I wouldnt even touch the 530xi, even if it were $10k.

[thedohboy]

Originally Posted by dawgcatching

I am looking at a couple of wagons:

2006 530xiT w/48k miles, $22,000
2009 535xiT w/58k miles, 6MT (yeah!), $29000

Which would you go with? Both are in great shape. Primarily interested in reliability and a good "family car". I have a 2011 335xi as my personal car. It is either a wagon or a used X5, and man, the wagon is a huge upgrade over the X5 for drivability and also MPG. Not really any downsizes that I can see.

If you're going for reliable, do not buy anything with the N54 engine. I have a 2008 535i and have had problems with the HPFP (2x), the fuel injectors, and the turbos. Now, all of this happened within the last year and are problems that plague the N54s.

While the torque and power are amazing, I'd rather drive my car, not take it in for service.

[mweine]

My 535 XDrive is very reliable. Are you careing for it properly or just servicing it at dealer prescribed service intervals?

[Darius_33]

No question..6spd MT.

[Dark BMW]

535
No question
Get extended warranty if needed