the-oneil

The diff between a 530i & 540i is 0.3 sec (from 0 to 60MPH)
The diff between a 530i & 550i is 1 sec

A driver who's able to launch better at start would outrun a 550i from stand still - I saw it happen.

The driver factor is much more iportant than a 1 sec difference in acceleration. If the difference was 2 sec or more, then the slower car has much less of a chance - regardless.

bargamon

Maybe the way to go is get the 530I and for another $1,000 go to M school!

There are plenty of faster cars on the road that cost less than the 530i.

This car is not in need of anyting. It is so darn capable that one gets the feeling that it can certainly handle more power!

Remember the orginal 2002 models back in the late 60's and 70's. They are agile and quick, but not match for the pony cars of the day.

I never quite got that car until I drove one. It was fun, well built, and easy to drive! Not the fastest!

Today the 530i bridges the mothership 7 series and the "fun" 3 series. As a compromise you can spend all you want to make it what you want. Want it fast and got 65-70 grand, then the 550 is your sled. Want a nice luxury ride with nice handle charactor, the 525 is the one. Need a bit more kick with a package of options, the 530 fits that bill.

Want to make a kill, then get what ails you.

jrsamps

Hey, I just think you can never have enough HP or money... I love my car or I would have never forked over the 52K for it.

bargamon

True, but the more you have of one the less of the other!

Boarder

I will get some time behind the wheel of a MB E350 in a few days. Until then, I can only guess as to how the two cars compare as far as driving experience.

What I do know is that the 530 is a well balance car, which in sports mode is fast enough to have plenty of fun.

The February issue of Motor Trend has an interesting compro between M5, Audi S6 and MB E63 AMG. The MB had the best 0-60 time, the most HP as well as the most Torque. It also took last place against the Audi and BMW.

info@trinityautosport

agree.. just because i wish i could be faster at time doesnt mean that i am not happy with my car.. the 530i 3 liter engine is strong and can haul ass no doubt. no complaints. i havent had the chance to run against a E350 but C classes are not really any competition.

bargamon

Was actually a good article. The complaint against the M5 was the transmission. The SMG of old was a pain, and the manual was not a good fit. This I don't understand understand As I have not tried the SMG or the other cars.

In a way it was good to see others besides BMW win as they are huge (Car and Driver) BMW homers. They often side with the fastest and penalize Audi for its Quattro which slows it down. not this time.

Granted, for me I would have only the MT, then the Audi, Then the Benz. The Audi being about 12k less might be a decider if auto trans was acceptable.

I fear the time has come when Auto Mags will start warming up to the shift paddle thing and away from the clutch. Manufacturers will offer less and less manuals.

I don't put much stock into rankings in mags but they often bring out some good points.

A-R-H

Totally agree with u bru and that's the real point .

genripper

My 07 530i 6 speed sport package car is the perfect blend of performance, economy and balance, really defines what the 5 series is all about. Certainly the 550i and M5 are great cars but the 530i is fine for me.

Freewilly

I was debating between e60 and E350 before. I went to Cadillac road test show in CA, they also offer competition?s car for test drive, so I have the chance to test drive both e60 and E350 at the same time. It?s a closed test course with straight line, sharp turn, sudden stop and bumps.

After I test drove both cars, I am in total love with e60. The handling is much better, and it?s so much fun to drive.

During last Christmas, my friend bought an E63, and a week later his co-worker bought a M5. I am very lucky because I have the chance to test drive 2 fastest sedan in the world.
He insists me to see how fast the E63 can do. I never drove anything that powerful before, E63 is fast, super fast, and it?s very comfortable while I am doing it.

M5 is different. It?s more aggressive but not as comfortable as E63. I didn?t try to see how good their handlings are because both cars are too powerful, I only want to go straight line, I didn?t want to crash a $100,000+ car.