Yeah I personally would pick 535i with Sport package instead of 550i, mainly due to 535i's lighter front end and probably less fuel consumption. I wouldn't be able to detect the performance difference on everyday use.

 

Other than the actual dollar amount, I think he was saying that some people buy for the badge and perceived prestige. For these individuals, the 550 would get the nod regardless of the performance or modding potential.

 

That logic would indicate that "FEW"er are interested in buying a 550i because "people buy for the badge and perceived prestige" and the "MASSES" "prefer" models below the 550i - and the $10k differential may not be a factor..

Isn't it the case that prestige and affordability are linked?

What surprises me is the (apparently) slim price differential between the 535i and the 550i.

Hmmm...

ABC

 

 

If you're referring to the 535 and 550, then sure prestige and affordability can be linked if 10K can be considered a small sum of money. But 10K is still 10K....

From what I remember, the price differential is roughly the same between the past models, 550/530 and 545/530. Depending on options, I believe the price difference was around 8k between the two models.

 

I don't believe that's true. i.e. that 10k separates the haves from the have nots - at least not with interest rates as low as they are. If one can afford a loaded 535, they ought to be able to afford a 550.

I believe it's an issue of practicality and/or image. For instance, I live in a very hilly area and have always preferred BMW's V8's because of the extra torque. However, were I to move a few hours south of my current location, the land is very flat and I'd say a 550 would be a "waste" in a sense. It would be unnecessary. That decision for me was - until now - also made in the world of 540/545 versus 525/528/530. Now, with the advent of the 535 stateside, there really isn't much difference between the 535 and 550. The differences are - IMHO - more cosmetic and personal preference oriented.

Example: I don't care how smooth the 535 engine is, my money is betting that the engine in the 550 will be "smoother." I'd call that a cosmetic difference. Some people care. Some people don't.

On a similar note, you can pick up an M-tech kit for the 535, painted and delivered for $2k. It's now included on the 550 sport. Which is a better value? Everyone has a different opinion.

19" wheels. Do you want 19" wheels? Again, some people are turned on by this and some don't care. And again - as another point - where I live the roads here suck. I'm not so sure that I would want 19's. I've already experienced replacing an 18 on my old 545 thanks to living in pothole central. [side comment for anyone who would quip back that I'm supposed to avoid them, I do my best. This incident in particular was at night with no street lights, a 4 foot wide hole, and rush hour traffic. Hard to avoid that one.]

RR

 

It'll be interesting to see whether the 535i does indeed begin to penetrate the US e60 market (as determined by e60 board members) to the extent that the 550i has.

ABC

 

The difference in like optioned cars is $7,000. The 535 does not come with premium package std. I got the 545i because in 2004 the difference between the 530 and 545 was huge in the performance area. I live in an area with very bad roads. The RFs on the 545 are a killer. Although they are 19", no RFs on the 550i. I really have to see how this ride feels. If I like it then 550 for me. I won't wait until October for a 535 6spd.