Buying Advice: 2016 vs 2018 xDrive35i

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by WagenLights.com

I would choose 2018 car.

- better resell value
- less maintenance

I don’t really care about resale value. I own my cars for long term.

Not sure why 18 is less maintenance when most maintenance tends to be based on miles.

[JDAURIA]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Last year anything is always more desirable because all the bugs were worked out and BMW will sometimes include extra stuff depending on the package like 6WB cluster.

6WB Digital Cluster was part of the Executive Package (LCI)

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by JDAURIA

6WB Digital Cluster was part of the Executive Package (LCI)

Correct but I thought it was only available in late 17 or early 18 for US models. Don’t recall ever seeing one on a 15-16.

Either way my statement still holds true generally. Last year models occasionally benefit from inclusion of newer parts or a special trim edition for the final year run. And the biggest appeal is getting a motor with all the kinks worked out with latest service bulletins.

Placed deposit on the ‘16, plan is to pick up Monday night unless some unicorn 18 pops up in next 48 hours.

[LovemyBMWX5]

Agree with the above. Also a newer vehicle is always more desirable for someone in the market, mileage is obviously a big deciding factor as well as any maintenance records. Pricing is usually reflective of the former.

I personally would want as late gen, low mileage as physically possible.

[musa]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Correct but I thought it was only available in late 17 or early 18 for US models. Don’t recall ever seeing one on a 15-16.

Either way my statement still holds true generally. Last year models occasionally benefit from inclusion of newer parts or a special trim edition for the final year run. And the biggest appeal is getting a motor with all the kinks worked out with latest service bulletins.

Placed deposit on the ‘16, plan is to pick up Monday night unless some unicorn 18 pops up in next 48 hours.

I think you should be more patient. Once you see the real difference in features you missed out on, you are at risk of having a buyer's remorse.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by musa

I think you should be more patient. Once you see the real difference in features you missed out on, you are at risk of having a buyer's remorse.

Thanks but it’s hard to ignore bird in hand. I created this thread 2 weeks ago but I’ve been looking for 2 months now and I’ve not seen any F15 pop up with such low miles with good maintenance history. I think I’ll have more regret passing up such a mechanically sound car if that dream spec 18 never appeared.

Re features, I’m pretty faimiliar with BMW’s CarPlay as I had it on my ‘18 i3 for the 2 years I leased it. If this were our primary car, I’d hold out longer but this will be the backup to the GX460 (which fwiw I did did hold out for a last year v8 with CarPlay haha).

[3002 tii]

Ended up taking delivery of the ‘16 and couldn’t be happier. At 23k miles car still looks and feels like news. Previous owner was clearly OCD as he left on the navi screen protector. Interestingly PO went out of his or her way retrofit the running boards on thr M sport but I don’t mind it. My kids and I have already gotten used to it.

I already purchased a few some small mods that will be going on this week

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Last year anything is always more desirable because all the bugs were worked out and BMW will sometimes include extra stuff depending on the package like 6WB cluster.

To me CarPlay and connected services are useful. You only get them on 2017 onwards. I have a 2018 and it is rock solid. Not even a rattle yet! There is something to be said for last year in a model…For me CarPlay is a must have. I also like the 6WB cluster…

[shimmy23]

Awesome OP! i dig the running boards too

[tlow98]

Nice x5! Can you actually put your weight on the running boards? I always wondered about those since mine does not have them.

[FCX5]

Looks very nice! Congrats.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

Awesome OP! i dig the running boards too

Originally Posted by tlow98

Nice x5! Can you actually put your weight on the running boards? I always wondered about those since mine does not have them.

Originally Posted by FCX5

Looks very nice! Congrats.

Thanks everyone!

Re running boards, I’m not a large guy (5’9” 170lbs) and they work fine for me. Sure they’re not as big or wide as the ones on my wife’s GX, but it’s pretty easy to use if you just place your foot sideways (parallel with the boards) when getting in. Basically you’re coming in at an angle.

Getting out is normal but I just place the back of my foot on the board. I find using the boards subjects the seat bottoms to way less abuse. I’m plopping down into the seat as opposed to sliding over it, which typically leads to bolster wear, cracked leather, and etc.

[tlow98]

Very cool. I like it. Nice to have such a fresh, low mile example!

[3002 tii]

Snapped some pics after getting it detailed