Face Lift vs. My Pre Face Lift
 

Okay, maybe you all can help me decide whether or not I should update!!??

My Topaz Blue 2003 4.4i loaded with everything (prem sound, prem package, Xenon, custom exhaust, leather, air suspension, PDC, heated seats) but without navi and sport package. I know where my car has been, and I know it has been well kept with most common issues (and then some) already replaced. My car is rounding up on 80k, and I know there's much life left, but I got a good buyer on the line for $15k (sans wheels).

VS.

White on black 2006 4.4 not so loaded but with Sport package, pano roof, and PDC (no prem sound, no navi, no heated seats.) This car has 35k miles and I think I can get my hands on it for $23k-$24k. I worry about the common issues with front suspension components, etc.

Financially this will work out well for me, but do you think it will be worth the trade up for newer look, newer vehicle with less mileage??

I can picture it now, refinish my staggered wheels to a gunmetal gray and throw them on the white facelift, it would look pretty nice.


Thanks!

I would personally do it - only because there is a significant difference in mileage.

I don't think it is really worth it to only step up one year. The facelift x5 has lower miles but you've owned yours for the majority of miles and know your x5 very well. Biggest difference is the face lift but if your going to switch to a face lift then I think its better to go to an 05 or 06 since most of the bugs are all gone by then.

BMWLOVER, its actually 3 years, I wouldn't do it for only one year either. It is the last E53 model, which I love. I would love the E70, but out of my price range. I figure that I can stay happy with this facelift for another 5-6 more years.

Two things really holding me back is the lack of premium sound and heated seats.

It would cost a bunch to upgrade the sound system, but it might be worth it down the road. And I heard that all the BMW seats come with the heated, and all you will have to do is install the harnesses/buttons etc. Anyone know if there is truth to this?

Do you think the updates and upgrades implemented on the facelift + lower mileage will justify the swap??

Premium sound would matter to me, and the heated seats would be a must. They aren't easy to retrofit, as the existing seats will not have the heating pads installed. You can install them if you are willing to refit the leather covers, but it is no small job.

These vehicles are dropping in value. I would keep looking for one that is what you want, instead of just being a partial match.

I personally do not think that premium sound is such a great improvement over non premium. You can always improve your sound system later with a speaker upgrade kit and sub amp plus sub. I do not have heated seat so I cannot comment on this

JCL, so they don't come with heating pads? That's good info, thank you. I was told by someone that all BMWs come with heating pads. Guess not. Heated seats is definitely a must for me too, its good for the lower back long long trips + the gf uses it even in the summer...

Thanks for the info, I'll keep looking but keep this one close as comparison. What should be my target on an 06? Dealers are in the low $30's high $20's, I'd like to be in the mid-low $20's, do you think it's possible?

buy that 2006 4.4 if you can get it for low 20's. you can get a great aftermarket navi and stereo. I would do it

Gonna be a hard bargain for sure.. but I'm confident I can get mid/low 20's. I'm not so worried about the navi, as I get by just fine without one now. But the heated seats here in NE is sorta key. The lack of New England ideal options, like heated seats, may be a good bargain point.

You know, I sat in that thing earlier today before I wrote that post, revved the engine, and it felt and sounded so much different than my 03.

[QUOTE=RPX5;647113]BMWLOVER, its actually 3 years, I wouldn't do it for only one year either. It is the last E53 model, which I love. I would love the E70, but out of my price range. I figure that I can stay happy with this facelift for another 5-6 more years.
/QUOTE]

Oh my bad for some reason I was thinking 2004. Since it's an 06 I'd go for it since the e70 is not in the price range. Keep looking around I'm sure you'll find the right one with everything you want.