Oh and one more thing, HPFP problems with N54 (twin turbo engine) is not fixed even on 2010 models, and according to bimmerfest and e60 forums, on average 40% of the customers having problems with it. Good thing, that BMW extended warranty for those parts until 100K mi.
Having all this in mind [again this could be subjective and would show only my point of view] neither financially [again Dec 2008 figure trend] nor taking reliability into account, I'd never switch my 550 [very reliable N62B48 engine] to 535i

 

look at Acura RL 2008 trade in value. It has rose much more than BMW. but that beside the point. You cannot find Acura RL 2008 in SF Bayarea but there are plenty of 2008-09 BMWs coming. so the price will keep droping much faster.
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pric...ePath=Trade-In

 

Again, it all depends what you comparing it to...
On average you'll probably will be correct,taking new vs new. Have something in mind, though, Acura creates deficit, by cutting some RL production for 2009. Taking 7 month in mind, trade-in for RL dropped from 32 to 30 K approx. [Good]

Taking my particular example it won't... [see financial figures above] - my car financial figures actually risen compared to Dec figures
Which again, emphasize my original point - Dec was a great month to buy.

 

One other thing, BMW has cut on leases, so I believe, we won't be seeing a lot of 2009/2010 lease returns coming in.

 

Look at this car. Sport/Premium/Navigation/18inch Chrome rims 20K miles. Asking $37K on retial. I am sure it will go lower for the deal.



http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false



You cannot find 2008 A-Spec 18inch Chrome RL with 20K miles in this price range in whole Country let alone in Bay area.
BMW are droping much faster even for new updated shape 2008.

 

Before I was pretty much dead set on the RL as my next vehicle, but now I added a few more car for test drive when I will purchase the car in a few year down the road.

 

I guess, I've failed to capture what you've tried to point out here.
BMW loses its values for the first 2 yrs, and then once more after warranty period is gone. This is the fact, with the small exceptions, the more the car costs, the more value it loses at first [Which makes used BMW still on warranty so attractive to buyers]

Back to the point #2 : 535i vs 550i, where you though that 550i wouldn't hold its value as well as 535i. Unfortunately, practice shows this is not correct. My 2007 550i has better value then 2008 535i LCI, even with more mi on it - taking your example and having those cars almost similarly equipped. Also on the long run HPFP problems, will not let 535 to keep it's value higher than V8 models would [plus my vehicles compared to the last year, one could sell it for a little extra if needed]

Back to the point #3: We don't have RL's in BayArea, not because they all currently been sold, but cause many dealers, doesn't know how to properly sell them, don't order them anymore, or don't keep them in stock [BTW I believe Marine or Serramonte still has one in the stock - simply place the phone call]. % wise RL loss approx the same as BMW did [take 535i example, original Window sticker price was around 63K new I'd assume, now 37, mine 2008 RL was 54(again sticker price, not what you've paid for it) now 32 - all private party/dealer pricing] Same year vehicles, BMW probably even shows greater mileage.
Problem, with the deficit the Acura has created for RL's, that it is not only decrease number of vehicles produced, at the long run will not help keep used vehicles prices up - cause dealers would simply stop ordering it.
For example, person I've traded my RL vehicle to, even after all negotiations +, didn't make to much money selling it[BTW to the one of the board members], cause first, he didn't know, how to handle it, and after speaking with some of the Acura dealers, he was recommended, to sell it as fast as possible , cause Serramonte had a full stock of these at the time and couldn't sell them (Dec 2008) - so dealers refused to buy back 8K mi vehicle,which could have been with the snap of the finger been CPO'd. Long story short, my dealer sold it within a week for much less, [according to KBB if he'd waited - there was 2-3K more he could have obtained from it]. So if you think Acura RL (specifically) would hold it's value over time, way better than BMW would, I'd not be so sure about it. If reliability is in mind, 100% agree with it, it will always be more reliable than BMW would [even though BMW is #7 from mfcts quality, and Acura I believe #3 - not than far apart anymore]

 

Hi,
My recommendation would be to try all cars on your list, so you could compare and see how great the RL is. As I strongly believe, having price in mind, it provides one of the best in the class return for the money.

 

Congrats on the Bimmer. I wish I could take the engine, tranny, and RWD and transplant into the RL. I still like the RL's interior layout better than BMW though. The slant of the dash and the radio, etc. make all the difference. The German's believe a car is only for driving. Cup holders and other amenities are second thought. That was the case on a used 750 I test drove.

Again, great choice... if I could get the guts of a CTS-V, the interior layout of an Acura, the exterior of a BMW, ... well it ain't going to happen.

 

BMW always lose far more than Acura and is more maintaiance expensive over long run. SO your losing money on both sides. and Paint Job on BMW is simply not luxurious like Acura/Audi/MB
THEre are far more new 535 than 550. So 550 has some value left but with high gas prices i tend to think 535 with updated shape will hold value better. it is too early to decide on them.
You fail to see that RL has been impacted by TL which is the same size as RL. So you get newer car at $10K less with 19inch RIMs. Wait untill updated BMW 5 series comes out in 2011. Current 5 series will drop like flies. BMW is among the worst to own. People are holding RL for much longer. Thats why it is very difficult to find even decent 2006-08 RL.

 

Thanks to whomever bump this thread!

Very interesting comparison between the RL vs... 550i! The 5series (530xi) was on a short list of sedans (GS300awd, M35x) I was looking at before finally choosing the RL. From my test drive observation, the BMW was clearly the best performance "sports" sedan but lacked the luxury interior & technology gadgets (just hated the idrive) to commit fully to the BMW. However the new 535xi (twin turbo) model looks very tempting & the 550i sounds down right heavenly (just not practical for Colorado weather).

GREAT choice upgrading from the RL to the 550i! Has there been any "major" problems with your 5 series? I really like the BMW 4 years/50k (maintenance free) warranty but am very scared to find out what the cost after the warranty period.

 

Maintenance expensive - agree, although if you buy new, it will pretty much level up (having 4 yrs free).
Paint Job is not luxurious - this is very subjective, and just your point of view, I understand. Do you even know, that Acura still uses waterbased colors?
I believe you've been saying that 535i will hold its value better in December, which is opposite what you are saying now. I believe it is all clear now, market learn it's lesson. Updated shape - hmm, it is subjective again, some like it, and some don;t - my wife hates it for example, her words, "if you like this cheap M kit - simply buy M5"
Impact on RL by TL - not really. And yes, new TL greatly impacts RL sales, but when I've bought mine - there was no "new" TL's (Nov/Dec 2007) and RL sales was far from perfect.
Updated 5 you've said, it will happen in 2011, but prices, will continue to climb down normally, as it was in the past for previous 5 series models - same BTW will happen with RL, if new car will be introduced.
I've KBB 2001 RL 80K Good vs 2001 BMW 530 80K Good, and guess values are 8900 vs 10100. I know, cars are not similar to ours, but still this is the best we know for now. But get the % rather than value figure and you;ll see my point.
People hold on to their cars? At this times, please. People losing jobs all over, this should create the market, but there isn't.
Want to find RL nearby as I've said here it is:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

This is from Marine Acura as been said. You could get it most likely for 30K tops. A-spec/rims - install it yourself, dealerships don't do it much to often, cause it doesn't add too much value for the car, which not a lot of people buys nowadays [my A-spec cost me around $1K with installation @ Marine, plus rims, plus body kit...]

 

Thanks a lot, own it since Dec, and enjoying every bit of it.

You're an absolutely correct - many of my friends shares the same, with you - they hate my interiour
And it is perfectly fine by me. I simply find it different, although I loved my RL interior. I guess I've found for this particular car 550i I mean, this is exact interior it needed, spartan like, so one can be more involved with the driving [ I still hate I-drive and Audi MMI interfaces anyway]

 

Hi - thanks a lot.
There was no major problems, first thing I've done is updated to the latest LCI I-drive software, which is less buggy.
535i and xi are great cars, and if you are not affraid HPFP problems, I'd sure think about it.
This is not my first BMW, I owned 3 of them and once you have proper mechanic, who takes cares of it, it will be fine, prices for parts are not bad, and pretty low compared to other brands, but labor is quite expensive.

Also, here is the full comparison doc, I've posted comparing 550i vs RL:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...highlight=550i
so if you have not done so, hopefully it will be interesting reading

 

4 year maintiance of Acura is pretty cheap. $1000 at most. Acura paints are shiner.

535 were newer and expensive back in december but now it has came down. So best time for deal is this summer not December as u get updated shape and better fuel economy. RL has barely moved in price range.

your too much going into KBB. here both 2001 RL & 530I with similar miles prices.


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Again 2011 5 series is going to be launched early next year. And it will impact current 5 series by $15K in less than a year. $20 to $22K will be normal for 535 next year.
Acura RL is holding well considering TL has launched.

 

Hmm,
You too much into autotrader. FYI.. Mileage are not even close on these, RL with much lower mi plus carfax doesn't look rite on the bimmer.
$20-$22 will not be the case for next year. $27-28K with proper 3 yrs mi -e.g 36-40k will be more like it. 2012 is the F10 model, not 2011, it most likely will be launched by the mid/end of next year after official 2011 introduced.
Again, this is not my first Bimmer, and Ive had E46 by the time E90 was introduced, was able to sell it $22K late 2005 (sticker price was 36K). Lower BMW models is not that affected, by new model introductions. [7 series may see the bigger impact, cause of larger original price]

 

Quick correction - Early 2006 it was rather than 2005.

 

Just noticed I've not comment on some of your other notes.

Well it will be higher than that. First B1 around 150, once you hit the brakes, it will be closer to 2K over 4 years or a little bit more.
Shinier paint - again very subjective, I prefer metallic colors myself.

Better shape - very subjective. Fuel economy - 535 is better, reliability worse.
535i was more in summer which proves my point about first 2 yrs. If you think it is better to buy in Summer, go ahead, most lease returns will occur by the end of the year, so price will go down a little. But as always, one is freely to thing and act as pleased. [I've been lucky, by having some insight knowledge about, cause my close neighbor use to be BMW dealer/manager for years, as well as my mechanic used to be BMW of SF foreman for 17 yrs, and I very well consulted on all my BMW purchases with them for all 3 my BMW vehicles - and been happy owner for all of my BMW vehicles]

On your other point:
2008 RL if we are taking it for example, moved down by 2K since Dec, and pretty substantially prior to that.
Again, if you consider 2 yrs ownership, prices has come down % wise the same or close 54 to 30 (RL) and 63 to 33 (BMW 535i) or 55% (RL) and 52% BMW - again these are the sticker prices, not what the one paid for it.

Not sure if it makes any sense to continue it, cause it might not be an interest for the board, cause we keep iterating and iterating on it. You could always PM me, if you'd like to chat more about it.

 

Thanks for the compare summary! I am not shocked that the RL compared very well vs. the BMW interiour spec. However, i am a little bummed that a V8 bohemoth like a 550i can obtain better fuel efficiency then our RL.

In the near future (4-5 years from now ) I would love to upgrade to a M5.

 

My E500 also gets better mileage. That is my arguement for a rwd variant of the RL it is rediculous for the V6 RL to get the mileage it does. The awd & 5spd transmission are the main culprits.

 

M5 is a great vehicle - but it is quite an eater - I believe 10-12mpg on average
But yeah, M5 would be a dream car for me as well.

 

Indeed, the M5 is a gas hog. Then again, so is my V. My RL, gas hog that it was, still got 25-6 mpg on the freeway at 80 mph and AC on. The best I can hope for in the V is 20 mpg, AND the gas tank is a gallon less than the RL . Range for the V....220 miles, for the RL.....about 325 in city driving, 420-440 on the freeway.

 

have u seen this one. asking $30k for 2007 550i on retail. It is very hard to find 2008 RL for $30K on retail. so you can see the price of 550I is droping much faster by the summer. so the best time of deal was not december. A person is better off with Acura RL compared to competition.

 

Oh boy,
We are back comparing oranges and apples. See previous provided 2008 535i vs 2008 RL and NOT 2007 550i vs 2008 RL.
Again, it is very possible to find 2008 RL for 30K pls see for yourself:
http://www.bargainnews.com/viewad_re...ad_id=91240222 - $29788 price
or
http://www.powercarsearch.com/detail.aspx?id=236380 ($29950 price tag)

and even better (local): (pls not this is 2008 CPO CMBS/Pax example):
http://www.internetautoguide.com/use...nopaging=false - $33988 for CMBS/Pax which should be a great deal as well.

Again, this is all possible, if you know where to look.

Next, values I've provided in my earlier posts represented aggregated average - e.g. KBB base value.
It is very possible to find something below that number, for many, many reasons, such as "unreasonable mileage", "car has not been maintained properly even if it was on warranty", "clear carfax, but car has been in accident and restored", "clear carfax, but car has been beaten to the ground", "dealer don't want to keep car for more then x number of month/weeks, so tries to bring the price down a little - similar how my RL was sold, BTW", or "first owner pet has died in the vehicle, so he preffered to get rid of it as fast as possible", or ..... many, many other reasons, including the one, where the car price could be a liitle different from state to state, location by location - e.g. Bayarea prices, are always higher...

Anyway, my point here, that until you see the car in person, or wouldn't have the full CPO on it, it is hard to associate the price with the value.

Now taking this into consideration, pls see the "other" - much lower prices found on 2007 Acura RL (cause according to YOUR comparison, to properly compare 2007 550i you should compare it with 2007 vehicle, even though we are taking an unknown entity price here - statistical sample):
2007 Acura RL - http://autos.aol.com/used-detail--70...-Acura-RL-2007 price $24592
Again doing the same math we've done comparing 535i earlier and result is:
RL - has 45% of the value lost (taking 54K original sticker price)
550i - has 40% of the value lost (taking 74000 sticker price)

So as you could see resulting trend is very similar to the one found earlier in 2008 RL vs 2008 535i comparison (RL even did worse here). I'd really advise to use average prices -e.g apples vs apples (KBB base, edmunds base, or others), cause otherwise, you may find 535i for 18K for example (which I did once - it was salvage title of course).

RL is an exceptional vehicle, as I've pointed out many times in the past, and I really admire people who owns it. Along with Genesys, this is the best value for the buck. But there are other vehicles out there, with the higher (initial) price tag, which could bring something to the table as well. Actually if 30K price exist, and car is in "great" condition and drives well, and has mi below or equal 40K - I'd really recommend you to try it out (warranty another year away at least, and it is WAY lower than KBB price, or any known to me SF Bayarea local seller has for those vehicles). For 30K in great condition this car would be a great buy.

As I've said earlier, I don't believe we could bring anything new to the board by discussing it here, cause numbers usually speaks for themselves. (all those value after xxx years thing). As I've mentioned, I'd be glad to chat about it some more, so you could PM me anytime.

P.S. Best deal times - End of November - December for BMW vehicles, simply ask BMW dealers/distibutors, if you know any. As I've mentioned earlier, this is not what I've researched, or invented. This information been shared with me by my BMW dealer neighbor, as well as mechanic (BMW foreman). Plus of course energy crisis @ that time added it's value as well.

 

Oops, bad math on my part of course - sorry for that, just got it.
From lost standpoint, with 24k price RL over 54
55.5 lost value
and BMW 55.8 - so yes this is very similar numbers again here, taken example earlier provided BMW price, w/o HUD, CMBS, Night Vision is around 69K. [Again, not recommend to use, sampling base]

 

what do u think about this one?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
and this one.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Fact of matter is you only provided a single example of 2008 RL in bayarea for $34K.
i am constantly providing same valuation of multiple BMW in similar price range from same area. I am sure sun baked BMWs from Southern States will be cheaper.
Since BMW is depreciating each month. There is no reason to beleive that BMWs bought in Nov-December will cheaper than those bought in following summer. On other hand Acura RL prices seem stable. 2007-2008 RL prices are virtually similar from last year and you cannot even find them in low mileage. so if u hold out Acura RL for six months more. You probably got better deal on BMW.

 

Oh well.
Back on the topic again. And you are back on picking up the low hanging fruits from the pile.
$33900 example CMBS with CPO and 1 owner. All those options always add value, plus for comparison we've used the Tech in the past.
CMBS was priced even higher than techs, so even you'll do the comparison if it still going to be the same % wise. Although having all this from the dealer is great, that is why it is included.
What you did not included, is that there are far more BMW's been sold than RL initially, so there are more vehicles to choose from. Plus, cause RL is exceptional vehicle, people hold on to it. Having not a lot of those on open market in Bay Area, does not mean, they hold the value better, though.

On your links provided:
1) First link: Private seller (again, we've used Dealer pricing before for all included vehicles - again apple vs oranges.) But, owner, did not provide VIN - which always been the must for autotrader posts, no license plate.
Vehicle condition sounds really "questionable". Have in mind Trade In Price is $30900, so rather than trade it to a dealer, owner decided to sell it for 6K less on the open market, sounds as a big nonsense. (well, magic happens of course) It looks like to me, you've may found 18K vehicle, I've talked about earlier.
2) Second, BMW 535i 2008 @ $38400 - (back to 535i?). Anyway this one sounds OK, no problem, $37K excellent private, and $40K suggested retail.
It holds really well against your statement above:
One more thing, if you into 535i back, check Carfax on it, to bad my account have expired, 10 records looks like too many for the vehicle this year. (maybe HPFP problems again).

BMW like every other vehicle, so does Acura RL, depreciates. 2007/8 prices, are NOT similar to last year. Sorry KBB, Edmunds, and AOL not agree with you on that. (Having car prices, doesn't mean it could be sold - I was bidding on $34K RK with 10K mi 2007 back in 2008. The last price, it was listed on autotrader from Concord Acura was $32K - and that for 1 year vehicle - again this is just example, no need to include it into the pile)
If EVERY car depreciates every month, the last month of the year, would be cheapest, rite? (unless, you go to the next year, which would make it 2,3 or +1 year older). Second, BMW Finance, release the largest stock of lease returns for Christmas sales (so more cars, more things to choose from, price is less). But in reality, if you want to believe, that summer prices are better, pls be my guest - this is your decision, your money.

Anyway,
I do really enjoy this chat, but it does not lead anywhere, really.

 

And very last quote:
What you constantly provide is the lowest found prices, on the vehicles, which you could find anywhere. No problem with that, but 6-8K differential you've found for the similar vehicle, is always questionable, assuming that even trade-in prices are higher. See what the dealers and sellers actually sale good year vehicles for (mileage, condition, quality) and use that number instead.
You are assuming, that in Bay Area 6-8K on BMW's are OK, and in Southern states 6-8K on RL is OK differential. Bay Area is overpriced, but still not that much, not 10-15% price difference though. These are mad money
Every one would buy their used RL from Southern states in this condition, if that would be the true. USA market is an open market, so Southern state prices, would greatly affect Bay Area ones, one way or another. So my point, $24K for RL, is rather another "18K - salvage vehicle" rather than proper price for that car. This car costs more than that.

 

let me quote your historical quote.
ur assuming in December that there will be $10 to $15K gap between RL & 535 if 535 are selling between $45 to $50K. So now 535 has dropped below $40K. so that $10 to $15K gap is practicall eliminated in 6 months and u get updated car for 2008 Model year while ur 2008 RL is not update since 2005. Only 2009 RL got RIM/Engine/electronics upgrade. 535 acheive way better fuel economy than 550/RL.



u cannot make same case of price drop of 2008 RL from december 2008 to July 2009.

 

I have a duel interest in both a RL and a used 5 series/M5, so please continue the debate guys!

 

How is the audio compared to the RL? I thought the RL sound system was one of the best. I have test driven a few BMW's and I cannot recall the audio system wowing me much.

 

this one is 2008 535 Audio system.

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...7/pageNumber=3

Overall Grade: A

Brand Name: Harman Kardon with Logic 7
Watts: 550
Speakers: 13
Optional Equipment: None
Price if optional: $1,200
CD Player: Six-disc in glovebox
Formats: CD, CD-R, MP3
Aux Jack: Yes
iPod Connection: Yes (available)
Hard Drive: No
Bluetooth for phone: Yes
Subwoofer: Yes (2)

How does it sound: A
This system is easily one of the best factory audio systems currently available. We found it nearly impossible to find a genre of music that didn't sound great when running through this system. The soundstage created by the well-placed tweeters, center-channel speaker and door drivers sounds just right, not too far out in front but never muddled together either. You can crank up this system to ear-splitting levels with minimal distortion and the deep bass produced by the under-seat woofers produced cleaner, heavier bass notes than the Bose and Mark Levinson systems in the Acura and Infiniti.

How does it work: B-
If there's any drawback to this system it would have to be the iDrive interface, as it presents somewhat of a challenge if you don't know exactly what you want. Although there are improvements versus the original system, many day-to-day operations are tedious. Once you get the hang of its push-and-play operation there's a lot of functionality built into it (a full-range equalizer is one example), but for anyone just looking to toss in a CD or grab the local traffic report, the iDrive system is still a bit on the complicated side.

Special features:
BMW is still one of the few automakers offering HD radio. When combined with the optional Logic 7 sound system, even your local broadcast radio station sounds excellent — it adds $500 to the price tag. Sirius Satellite Radio is available for an extra $595 on top of that.

Conclusion: Easily one of the best systems you can get from the factory, but be prepared to put in some time to figure out how to use it. — Brian Moody, Road Test Editor

 

I guess, you need to reread my original post. We've been comparing 2008 535i vs 2007 550i. This was the topic at the time, Discussion back there was concerned, buy or not buy 2008 535i vs 550i. I believe, my opponent, been saying, that 535i would hold it's value better, so overall it is better value.

[QUOTE SSFTSX]
$10 to $15k is alot difference. So choice is either to wait couple of months and tried to find 535 at price closer to RL. But if your keeping car for 3 to 5 years. 535 will be better option in depreciation/fuel savings etc. [/QUOTE]

So gap was practically eliminated, so now 2007 550i costs as much as 535i for 2008 [see KBB]
$38000 for 2007 550i http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pric...ypePath=Retail
and $39200 for 535i: http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pric...uizConditions=

So it is obvious, if I'd invest in December to 535i, I'd lose the money. By investing into 550i, I did not lost even 1 cent - check the price I've bought mine for.
Now according to logic you're proposing, I should sell 550i and step into TT world. Sorry, this is a matter of choice, I guess - don't like 2008 facial plastic surgery, HPFP problems, etc... But, you have great point with Fuel MPG figures, but I love V8 performance. BTW, if you'd invest in juicers for 535i to match 550i performance, your MPG would decline as well.

Making the case, RL price drop from December to July - this is outside of the discussion you've quoted. But please, let's make one. Cause RL has so less used sales in Bay Area, which values you want to compare? (Asking by the dealer, I do have the figures, and actually paid - not sure I have the recent "100%" figures here)

Up to this point normal tech RL, using dealer ASKING price in Bay area, fall down from 54K to 32K, and overall 535i price drop fro 63K to $38 let's say
So lost value from the beginning:
RL - 40.7%
535i - 39.6%
Back to Dec - July using 535i price drop from 45K to 38K and RL 38K to 32K:
RL - 11.1%
535i - 11.1%
You should consider price drop, in percent from vehicle value, rather than $$$ drop. Cause the more car costs, the more it loses in $$$, but values are pretty close on % arena.
Wow, percentiles are the same, how interesting, isn't it?

 

Hi, was it equipped with Logic 7?
Anyway, for me it sounds OK, similar to RL, but low volume bass, is a little bit crispier. I still prefer Genesis system better though.

 

So gap was practically eliminated, so now 2007 550i costs as much as 535i for 2008 [see KBB]
$38000 for 2007 550i http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pric...ypePath=Retail
and $39200 for 535i: http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pric...uizConditions=

So it is obvious, if I'd invest in December to 535i, I'd lose the money. By investing into 550i, I did not lost even 1 cent - check the price I've bought mine for.
Now according to logic you're proposing, I should sell 550i and step into TT world. Sorry, this is a matter of choice, I guess - don't like 2008 facial plastic surgery, HPFP problems, etc... But, you have great point with Fuel MPG figures, but I love V8 performance. BTW, if you'd invest in juicers for 535i to match 550i performance, your MPG would decline as well.

Making the case, RL price drop from December to July - this is outside of the discussion you've quoted. But please, let's make one. Cause RL has so less used sales in Bay Area, which values you want to compare? (Asking by the dealer, I do have the figures, and actually paid - not sure I have the recent "100%" figures here)

Up to this point normal tech RL, using dealer ASKING price in Bay area, fall down from 54K to 32K, and overall 535i price drop fro 63K to $38 let's say
So lost value from the beginning:
RL - 40.7%
535i - 39.6%
Back to Dec - July using 535i price drop from 45K to 38K and RL 38K to 32K:
RL - 11.1%
535i - 11.1%
You should consider price drop, in percent from vehicle value, rather than $$$ drop. Cause the more car costs, the more it loses in $$$, but values are pretty close on % arena.
Wow, percentiles are the same, how interesting, isn't it?[/QUOTE]




Problem is u cannot find the White or Bluish 2008 RL for $32K. All others colors dont look good. while BMW both 550/535 are droping like flies every week in every color. The car i posted above has chrome rims.
RL 2008 in December was not $38K as by that time updated 2009 RL was already out. 2008 RL is anywhere between $34K to $36K pretty stable for past one year on retail side. it depend on color.
Click on Edmunds link. 535 achieve 22.5mpg while 550i gets only 16mpg on same tests. It translate 7 mpg per gallon. so suppose a person use 25 gallon in amonth. it is almost 200 mile in a month. 2400 mile in a year.which is close to 100 gallong worth of extra fuel in year. it is $350 a year. tranlate into $1500-1800 worth of savings in 5 year ownership period.


http://www.internetautoguide.com/use...nopaging=false
asking $35K for 2007 RL.

 

Problem is u cannot find the White or Bluish 2008 RL for $32K. All others colors dont look good. while BMW both 550/535 are droping like flies every week in every color. The car i posted above has chrome rims.
RL 2008 in December was not $38K as by that time updated 2009 RL was already out. 2008 RL is anywhere between $34K to $36K pretty stable for past one year on retail side. it depend on color.
Click on Edmunds link. 535 achieve 22.5mpg while 550i gets only 16mpg on same tests. It translate 7 mpg per gallon. so suppose a person use 25 gallon in amonth. it is almost 200 mile in a month. 2400 mile in a year.which is close to 100 gallong worth of extra fuel in year. it is $350 a year. tranlate into $1500-1800 worth of savings in 5 year ownership period.


http://www.internetautoguide.com/use...nopaging=false
asking $35K for 2007 RL.
[/QUOTE]

And we back to case-by-case basis, plus color pattern is your own subjective opinion - I've had Platinum Frost RL with Ebony and in my opinion it looked awesome. For example BMW is hard to find with Black/Burgundy and Red/Black as well, it shouldn't be a point of discussion here.
You have a point with fuel savings here, although it is really hard to make 16MPG on 550i, buy you pay for the performance and V8 feel.
I don't want to start 550i vs 535i trend here, check BMW forums, they are full of them, and opinions are mixed.

 

Hmm, sorry to disappoint you but it is becoming very very subjective here.
When feelings are involved, you are on-hook, like my neighbor dealer says.

Anyway, I'd recommend you to make the mind of your own with respect to that. Their both (RL and 5 series) are awesome vehicles.

 

And we back to case-by-case basis, plus color pattern is your own subjective opinion - I've had Platinum Frost RL with Ebony and in my opinion it looked awesome. For example BMW is hard to find with Black/Burgundy and Red/Black as well, it shouldn't be a point of discussion here.
You have a point with fuel savings here, although it is really hard to make 16MPG on 550i, buy you pay for the performance and V8 feel.
I don't want to start 550i vs 535i trend here, check BMW forums, they are full of them, and opinions are mixed.[/QUOTE]



I didnot enter subjectivity here. based on analysis of RL pricing. White always priced higher than the others for same condition.
535 has clear fuel advantage over 550 even with 25 gallon a month usage. Midrange power of turbo is alway better thats. look at the NVH number of 535 & 550 on Edmunds tests. one is 61 dba the other is 64dba.

 

I didnot enter subjectivity here. based on analysis of RL pricing. White always priced higher than the others for same condition.
535 has clear fuel advantage over 550 even with 25 gallon a month usage. Midrange power of turbo is alway better thats. look at the NVH number of 535 & 550 on Edmunds tests. one is 61 dba the other is 64dba.


[/QUOTE]

Still subjective, BMW Black/Burgundy also priced more, I'm not using it for comparison, these are feelings, people like the color pattern, they are willing to pay more - I use average BMW's and average Rl's here, see multiple earlier posts.
As I've said before, I'll not gonna comment 535i vs 550i performance/or other figures, go on BMW forums, you'll see a lot of mixed opinions.
I've drove both, and unmodded 535i feel [see this, I agree this is subjective in my opinion] slower. 550i has more torque than M5 has, and more HP then 535i as well. (not much though, but does) - this is not subjective, see figures yourself, quarter mile, 0-60, eg...
You prefer 535i better - no problem with it, it is awesome vehicle, I agree on that. Your MPG figures are correct, I'm not arguing on that either.
Simply go and drive 550i and 535i yourself, to make your point.

 

Still subjective, BMW Black/Burgundy also priced more, I'm not using it for comparison, these are feelings, people like the color pattern, they are willing to pay more - I use average BMW's and average Rl's here, see multiple earlier posts.
As I've said before, I'll not gonna comment 535i vs 550i performance/or other figures, go on BMW forums, you'll see a lot of mixed opinions.
I've drove both, and unmodded 535i feel [see this, I agree this is subjective in my opinion] slower. 550i has more torque than M5 has, and more HP then 535i as well. (not much though, but does) - this is not subjective, see figures yourself, quarter mile, 0-60, eg...
You prefer 535i better - no problem with it, it is awesome vehicle, I agree on that. Your MPG figures are correct, I'm not arguing on that either.
Simply go and drive 550i and 535i yourself, to make your point.[/QUOTE]

You also take into consideration that 2009 RL update (Same price as 2005-08 model year) and 2009 TL which is as large and powerful as 2005-08 RL hasnt dented 2005-08 pricing that much. I can forsee very large price down within next year for current BMW 5 series.