By Josh RosenbergWith extremely high new and used car prices today, many consumers are looking for "older" vehicles for a way to save significant dollars. And with a well-maintained BMW expected to easily reach 200,000 miles, perhaps the 2010 BMW 5-Series, especially one driven less than average annual miles (and they are out there), represents a lot of performance and luxury for the dollar.
On the downside, an older vehicle is likely to require more frequent maintenance and repairs. This makes it extremely important to get an independent pre-purchase inspection, its vehicle history report and its maintanence records before making any final decision.
Reliability: While the 2010 5-Series has generally been considered a reliable vehicle, common BMW mechanical issues to be on the lookout for, or which could become future issues, would include the electrical system, cooling system, suspension and steering components, and the transmission.
A lot of it will also come down to the previous owner as how the car was driven can affect its lifespan. If the car has primarily been driven on highways under normal conditions, it may experience less wear and tear than a vehicle that has been subjected to stop-and-go city driving or severe weather conditions.
And, of course, the care and maintenance provided by the previous owner will also play a significant role in a car's longevity. A well-maintained BMW with consistent servicing is more likely to last longer.
Price: Prices for a used 2010 5-Series are generally in the $5,000 - $9,000 range depending on mileage, condition and features. It should be noted that supply and demand can also impact a vehicle's price, as we've all seen post pandemic.
All of these are issues to consider if you are thinking about purchasing a 2010 5-Series.
But first, two very important suggestions ...
1. Things To Do When Considering An "Older" 5-Series:
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2. Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
The 2010 BMW 5-Series
The 2010 BMW 5-Series continued to hold its spot as simply one of the best cars available. With its smooth and robust engines, outstanding handling, premium interior refinement, spaciousness, excellent build quality and strong resale value, the 5-Series sedan or wagon sets the pace in the luxury segment.
Particularly impressive is the 535i model with its twin-turbocharged inline-6 that so efficiently blends power with respectable fuel economy. The 535i can actually accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just a few tenths less than the V8 550i, while getting only 1 mpg less (combined city and highway) than the 528i model.
You May Also Like:
Do This To Get The Best Price For Your Trade-In
How To Get The Lowest Rate Car Loan
The Truth About Wholesale And Trade-in Values
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 5-Series is offered in both sedan and wagon forms. There are three available sedan engines, corresponding to the three trims: 528i, 535i and 550i. All-wheel drive (xDrive) is available on the 528i and 535i sedans, while the wagon is a 535i xDrive only.
Standard features on the BMW 528i include a sunroof, power front seats, driver memory, power headrests, automatic headlights and wipers, leatherette vinyl upholstery, automatic climate control, a power tilt and telescoping steering column, the iDrive electronics interface, a 10-speaker audio system, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and 17 inch wheels.
In addition to the above, and the twin-turbo engine, the 535i adds lumbar support and adaptive xenon headlights. The BMW 535i xDrive wagon adds a power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof and fold-down rear seats.
The 550i adds the large V8 engine, leather upholstery, parking assist and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Most of the features on uplevel 5-Series models are available as options on the lower trims. Whether as part of packages or stand-alone options, these include active cruise control, a lane-departure warning system, a head-up display, automatic transmission shift paddles, active steering, larger wheels, heated front and rear seats, keyless ignition/entry, front and rear parking assist, an infrared night vision display, fold-down rear seats, rear sunshades, a heated steering wheel, multicontour "Comfort" seats, navigation (in a different iDrive system), HD radio, satellite radio, an iPod interface, and a 13-speaker premium surround-sound system.
There's also several available sport packages. The 528i and 535i Sport Package adds a sport-tuned suspension, 18 inch wheels with performance tires, active roll stabilization, a sport steering wheel and "Comfort" front seats. The Sport Package offered on only xDrive models features just the comfort seats and sport steering wheel.
There's also an M Sport Package for all trims that includes all the regular Sport Package features, plus an aerodynamic body kit, a dark gray headliner and 19 inch wheels on the 550i.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the BMW 528i is an extremely competent 3.0 liter inline-6 that delivers 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Under the hood of the 535i is the 3.0 liter inline-6 turbo that produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Powering the BMW 550i is a 4.8 liter V8 that generates 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. All three engines are coupled with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic.
More Car Buying Tips:
How To Buy A Used Car At The Best Price
Spot Wholesale Opportunities Right On Dealer Lots
Open-To-The-Public Car Auctions Pros And Cons
While most drivers will be more than satisfied with the performance of the base 528i, it should be noted that for those seeking still more oomph, a manual transmission 535i can zoom from 0 to 60 mph in a very quick 5.8 seconds, while a manual 550i completes the same feat in just 5.4 seconds.
Given the 528i's power and performance, the EPA-estimated gas mileage is very good, coming in at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway with the automatic. The 535i sedan is almost the same with estimates of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, and just slightly lower with the xDrive. Fuel economy for the 535i xDrive wagon drops to 16 mpg city and 24 highway while the 550i comes in at 15 and 23, respectively.
Safety:
Standard safety features for all 5-Series models include antilock disc brakes (ABS), stability control, front-seat side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. In addition, hill descent control and hill start assist are standard on AWD models. Optional safety features include rear-seat side airbags, a lane-departure warning system and a night vision system.
In government crash testing, the 2010 BMW 5-Series received five out of five stars for front passenger protection and front and rear side protection, but only three stars for driver protection in a frontal impact.
Interior:
The cabin of the 2010 5-Series is just what you'd expect: attractive, refined and solidly constructed with high quality materials. In addition, the new 5-Series possesses one of the roomiest and comfortable interiors in its class, especially those outfitted with the optional "Comfort" front seats with their myriad of adjustments.
Rear-seat space is also ample and the trunk has a wide opening and a cargo capacity of 14-cubic-feet. The wagon offers 58-cubic-feet of storage space.
Drive:
The 5-Series performs impressively whether tackling twisty back roads or cruising down the highway. There's an excellent balance of power, performance and comfort. And with either of the Sport Packages, the 5-Series can grip in brisk cornering as confidently as some sports cars. Overall, the 5-Series is an athletic yet refined luxury sport sedan.