'08 vs '09 I-Drive and 550 vs 535i
10-24-2011, 07:45 PM
#1
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Currently driving an e46 m3 vert and looking to make a change. First, is the '09 I-drive a must have with the additional buttons over the '08 in the e60? Second, and more importantly I was set on the 535i but stumbled on a 550i for under 35k just like a poster this week posted about finding one as well. I wanted to be around 35k so it fits. With the reduced gas mileage is it's worth it? I know it is heavier so will it labor around town vs a lighter 535i. The 550 has paddles, comfort access, 19" wheels, sport, cold weather, and satellite. All feedback welcome. Thanks
10-25-2011, 03:50 AM
#3
Contributors
The 550i like sy1616 said is a more conplete car, I love the v8. the 535 has more modding options with the turbos but they also come with more problems. I have 88k and still runs like new
10-25-2011, 06:03 AM
#5
Senior Members
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 2008 535i:
(8/07 Build) Metallic Bronze, Beige NASCA Leather, Ventilated Seats, Sport Pkg, Cold Wxr Pkg, Logic-7 Sound, HUD, Night Vision, PDC, Split Rear Seats, NAV, Premium Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Sport Auto Trans
Current mods: M-Aero Kit, JB4, Motorcepts 6000k HID Foglamps
Umnitza ICE-Lite 10w LED 6000k AE's
1992 Camaro RS:
Fully Restored w/Custom Interior, 5.0L V8, T-tops, OEM Z28 Foglamps, Inst Cluster, & Spoiler, Custom Sound, Too many engine mods to list
Don't let the iDrive be a deal breaker. I personally prefer the one knob version. Having the surrounding buttons is ok but its a copy of Audi's MMI which has been around longer and IMO is better. You can easily learn to use voice commands or preset buttons to call up frequently accessed menu selections.
The 550i seems to have all the goodies that make it fun to drive - it drinks more gas but it all depends on how you drive it. If it meets your price point and it has no service problems then I'd go for it.
The 550i seems to have all the goodies that make it fun to drive - it drinks more gas but it all depends on how you drive it. If it meets your price point and it has no service problems then I'd go for it.
10-25-2011, 06:04 AM
#6
Senior Members
I would definitely not agree that the 550i is more complete of a car. That really makes no sense and I can't assume you're referring the the OPs specific choices as he did not post any specs of the 535i to compare with. There's tons of different pros and cons between the two cars. If you feel the need for a V8 then the choice is clear. If you want to mod you car and have a quicker ride.. then the 535i is for you. If you need AWD (xDrive) then the 535i is for you. If the 535i is not as well equipped as the 550i already has the 19" wheels and all .. then the 550i may be for you. If you want better gas mileage.. then the 535i is for you (I don't know if the 3MPG figure is accurate or not.. but if it is.. that's essentially a 15% difference in gas mileage). etc etc etc etc etc...
I would say though.. the iDrive in the older cars really sucks in comparison. Maybe not a deal breaker but I'd use it as a tie-breaker.
I would say though.. the iDrive in the older cars really sucks in comparison. Maybe not a deal breaker but I'd use it as a tie-breaker.
10-25-2011, 06:57 AM
#7
Members
Senior Members
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had an '06 550i (6mt sport) and just took delivery of an '08 535i (6mt factory M-tech sport), and I can honestly say the cars drive like night/day v. one another. The 535i has noticebly different handling characteristics (seems like oversteer to me so far) as it's lighter (I am running factory staggered-19 Style 172s), and it's definitely quicker off the line. The v8 is just a joy to behold (especially with the RPI exhaust), but I am excited to mod 535i with software and other goodies.
The N54 engine gets a bad rap in terms of reliability. Really, other than the turbos and HPFP, which are all now warrantied to 120k, the powerplant isn't any more or less reliable than any other BMW.
In the end, get the car that is most highly optioned as retrofits are complicated and expensive. The engine won't make all that much difference in your overall enjoyment, but not having NAV, L7, etc. might.
Good luck!
The N54 engine gets a bad rap in terms of reliability. Really, other than the turbos and HPFP, which are all now warrantied to 120k, the powerplant isn't any more or less reliable than any other BMW.
In the end, get the car that is most highly optioned as retrofits are complicated and expensive. The engine won't make all that much difference in your overall enjoyment, but not having NAV, L7, etc. might.
Good luck!
10-25-2011, 07:01 AM
#8
Members
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Of course, we all think we've made the right decision (
), so you'll run into a range of opinions. I was faced with the same choices a few months ago and opted for a 535xi. First, I'd note that I'm in the Chicago area and have found AWD to be invaluable in this climate, so that was a strike against the 550; that may not be a concern for you.
I'm a little traditional in some respects, and the fact that BMW's in-line sixes are legendary in the automotive world had some influence on my decision. They are inherently ultra-smooth, highly flexible, and, overall, a joy to drive. The additional fact that the twin-turbo N54, already a capable engine, can be easily modified to produce prodigious power was also a consideration for me. I have tuned it, via a Cobb Accessport, to a power level that's at least comparable to the V-8's, while maintaining excellent gas mileage. Checking my trip computer occasionally, I find that my combined city/highway mileage is pretty consistently in the 21-22 mpg range. On the highway, when cruising at 75-80, I generally see 27-28.5 mpg.
The 550i is a great car and the RWD-only configuration has its advantages. For me, the 535xi (or perhaps for you, the 535i) offered a better combination of versatility, performance, and fuel efficiency that led me to opt for the twin-turbo six.
), so you'll run into a range of opinions. I was faced with the same choices a few months ago and opted for a 535xi. First, I'd note that I'm in the Chicago area and have found AWD to be invaluable in this climate, so that was a strike against the 550; that may not be a concern for you.I'm a little traditional in some respects, and the fact that BMW's in-line sixes are legendary in the automotive world had some influence on my decision. They are inherently ultra-smooth, highly flexible, and, overall, a joy to drive. The additional fact that the twin-turbo N54, already a capable engine, can be easily modified to produce prodigious power was also a consideration for me. I have tuned it, via a Cobb Accessport, to a power level that's at least comparable to the V-8's, while maintaining excellent gas mileage. Checking my trip computer occasionally, I find that my combined city/highway mileage is pretty consistently in the 21-22 mpg range. On the highway, when cruising at 75-80, I generally see 27-28.5 mpg.
The 550i is a great car and the RWD-only configuration has its advantages. For me, the 535xi (or perhaps for you, the 535i) offered a better combination of versatility, performance, and fuel efficiency that led me to opt for the twin-turbo six.
10-25-2011, 08:01 AM
#9
Senior Members
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 479
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 550I,Space Grey,Hud,Cold Weather,M - Sport, matched GP Thunder headlights and Fogs,,Smoked Badges, Night Vision, Heated Seats,Rear Sunshades, Aux Audio, SAT, NAV, Black Grills, Sprint Booster, Dinan Cold Air, Stage 2 Dinan Software.....More to come soon
Here is my suggestion; Drive both cars and see which you like the best!!!! Simple HA?
10-25-2011, 08:17 AM
#10
Members
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 550i
I'm driving a loaner 2011 535i while my 08' 550i is getting, maintance done. I really like the newer iDrive screen\interface a lot but enjoy the knob only on the 08'. To bad there there isn't just a software update that we could do to get the newer look on the iDrive.