[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.

[wren57]

The tech in the G30 is far superior to the F10.

The inline (not v) 6 in the G30 is far more reliable than the v8 in the F10.

Get the 540i and, if you need more power, slap on a tune and/or downpipe.

[Frozen Fractals]

G30 with the B58 all day every day. The B58 is a such beast. Silky smooth inline-6 that BMW is renowned for and honestly quite reliable with basic maintenance. Further, it is a very tunable platform that responds quite easily to mods. Also, with the engine being in the new Supra the aftermarket has exploded in the recent years.

A FBO Stage 2 tune puts down about 420 WHP with 93 octane. A Stage 2+ tune with downpipe and HPFP puts down about 480 WHP with 93 octane. Stock turbo will max out about 500-520 WHP with a custom tune and Ethanol mix. I am currently running Bootmod3 Stage 2+ E30 tune and am doing around 11.8s 1/4 times with 0-60 around 3.7 seconds, so very similar times to a stock M550i.

From there, you can look into a hybrid turbo or a full turbo for even more power. I am targeting 600-650 WHP, so I am looking to either a Pure 800 or a GC+. There's also options of going port injection, since fueling becomes limited even with an upgraded HPFP. Stock motor should be good for around 650-700 WHP if you want to play it safe. Trans is also good for around 600 lb ft of torque if you use xHP.

All in all, it's an amazing platform stock and responds really well to mods. Plus, G30 technology, interior and refinements are miles better than F10

[akuwes710]

Congrats on deciding on G30

[henryBMW4]

I appreciate the advice, and I've heard great things about the B58. Would you advise getting an extended warranty for a G30 540i with 40-50k miles on it?

[wren57]

Originally Posted by henryBMW4

I appreciate the advice, and I've heard great things about the B58. Would you advise getting an extended warranty for a G30 540i with 40-50k miles on it?

Depends entirely on your risk threshold and ability to DIY.

If you can DIY and/or are going to tune/mod, no need for a warranty. Probably don't need one anyway, they seem to be rather reliable.

[Frozen Fractals]

Don't need one tbh. B58 is relatively reliable for a modern BMW turbo engine. Definitely eons more reliable than N54 and a good bit more than N55 too. There hasn't been many real big issues with the B58 except for some earlier models (mainly affecting the F2x, F3x chassis) exhibiting coolant loss and PCV issues.

[wren57]

Originally Posted by Frozen Fractals

Don't need one tbh. B58 is relatively reliable for a modern BMW turbo engine. Definitely eons more reliable than N54 and a good bit more than N55 too. There hasn't been many real big issues with the B58 except for some earlier models (mainly affecting the F2x, F3x chassis) exhibiting coolant loss and PCV issues.

All BMWs come standard with coolant leaks and PCV issues.

[kosmokratur]

wren57 - Too true! LOL

[henryBMW4]

Thanks for the input. I'm starting to lean more towards the 540 because I'd struggle to stomach keeping the 550 past the extended warranty. Also, what do you guys think about the F10 535? The prices are pretty attractive relative to the G30 540. Given this will be my first luxury/sports car, I'm inclined to spend less since it'll still be a significant upgrade for me.

[magbarn]

Originally Posted by henryBMW4

Thanks for the input. I'm starting to lean more towards the 540 because I'd struggle to stomach keeping the 550 past the extended warranty. Also, what do you guys think about the F10 535? The prices are pretty attractive relative to the G30 540. Given this will be my first luxury/sports car, I'm inclined to spend less since it'll still be a significant upgrade for me.

Drive them back to back and you’ll see why I skipped the F10 5 series and waited for the G30. No contest. I’d rather have a G30 530i over a F10 535.
Either way if you’re stretching your budget to buy these cars, get something more reliable like a used Lexus GS350. BMWs are never cheap to maintain and are more prone to issues down the road. I’m willing to put up with them anyways as other than the E class there’s not much else out there for me as I hate suvs.

[Cabbage]

Originally Posted by henryBMW4

Thanks for the input. I'm starting to lean more towards the 540 because I'd struggle to stomach keeping the 550 past the extended warranty. Also, what do you guys think about the F10 535? The prices are pretty attractive relative to the G30 540. Given this will be my first luxury/sports car, I'm inclined to spend less since it'll still be a significant upgrade for me.

I upgraded my 535i xDrive to a 2021 M550i, and the tech in the 535 does not stand a chance in the M550. I think you should still go with the 540i because of the tech. Even if it isn't idrive 7, it is still a lot better than the f10.