The moment you’re being disrespected is the moment you walk away. They’ll need your money more than you need that particular unit.
Another Cayenne can be easily found. You were there to exchange your money for a car, not for a car and indignity.
Own one, love it. Currently at 59,000km on my 2019 540i. I’ve had no issues with the powertrain whatsoever. There have been some other issues with the car that were dealt with under warranty:
- emergency telecoms had to be replaced due to water entry near the antenna
- active shutters had to be replaced as they were stuck in the open position (known issue)
- slight coolant loss (known issue with the B58), dealership noticed the oil filter housing was sweating so they replaced it.
Other than that it has been a great car; best I’ve bought. I think the 5 Series has the best build quality of the German brands in the segment, and the B58 and ZF8HP transmission is one of the best powertrains in the industry. Because BMW is putting it into just about everything, parts availability should be there for quite some time.
There are a couple of issues that may need your attention: 1) if the heater core fails and needs to be replaced it will be an expensive fix given it’s location and the labour involved and 2) the running day lights may be prone to failure/burnout and that can be an expensive fix/replacement.
Just stay on top of the maintenance, and remember that the problems won’t necessarily be with the powertrain but everything else around it that can go bad. BMWs have been known in the past to have issues with their cooling systems and electronic gremlins. Not sure if any of that has really gone away, but can say with complete confidence that the build quality and engine reliability has improved a ton in the past 5-6 years.
But a big heavy sedan will handle like a big heavy sedan. Physics is physics and that 50-50 weight distribution doohickey the dealerships love will not change the fact that a heavier car will more quickly approach the limits of traction, and a larger car will not have the dynamic handling of a car with a smaller wheelbase. The 5 Series is designed more for luxury than a sporty drive. The B58 in it isn’t the sportier version, wouldn’t be surprised if the transmission is tuned differently too. More sound dampening, no artificial exhaust noises, more luxury materials.
My move from a 3 Series to my current 5er was from an E92 335i with a tuned N54, manual transmission, sport package, and an M Performance exhaust. It was fast and loud. My 5er is geared more towards comfort. It’s quiet but still quick. Better designed for highways than winding roads. I’m at a different point in my life and different needs and wants. I need more room in the cabin and wanted a car that’s still made in Germany.