E60BEEMER

Reading throughly, noticed that is it compulsory to have xi (4x4) in some usa states.

I think the 5 series is much more comfortable then a 3 series, as i have both, practicality is big issue.

what is the 0-60 on a new 535i 2007 >

jmatthe

First of all bdknnh, I applaud your decision to not drink the AWD kool aid. I have lived in VT, CT, PA and ID with 2wd BMWs for 20 years and have never gotten stuck or had a problem in winter despite many trips to ski areas. It is mostly about stopping and turning, and therefore more tires than anything but over 7 inches of snow in my opinion. I own a 06' 330iSP and just sold an '05 545i SP. The ride in the 5 was more compliant than the 3, and I understand the 08 is even less harsh. If you buy one and find it too harsh, you can always dump the runflats. Let me know what you think if you drive one as I am trying to drive a 535i SP (vs. 550I SP) and can't find one either.

beaker

I'll be doing that regardless. I haven't decided if I'll do it right away, or get the use from the run flats before ditching them for some PS/2s.

Almost everyone I talk to thinks I'm crazy for getting a RWD car. It's amazing how the industry has everyone brainwashed. Some of those people grew up in the same town I did, and when I ask them if they remember EVER getting stuck in the snow when they were growing up (i.e. no AWD anywhere), nobody could think of it happening even once.

I don't want to sacrifice the drive 12 months out of the year just because I may have a problem maybe ten days a year tops.

jmatthe

Please post if you end up driving a 535i, I really am interested in if the car feels nimble, at least in comparision to the v8 version, which I find a little bit heavy in corners, of which we have nothing but here in western PA.

vern

If you do a search on Winter Tires and or driving in the snow with BMW "i" not "xi", with the proper snow tires your BMW will act like a snow plow. I can't answer about the 335 SP vs the 535 SP but if its any comparison I've owned a 330ci with SP and a 530i with SP and IMO its the 530i 100%, Good luck in whatever you choose they are both great cars.
cheers
vern

w84me

We have a '05 325i (no sport pak) and '04 545i w/ sport pak and Bridgestone Potenza run flats. The ride comfort is similar in both cars, but the 545 is quieter, less road noise. As a matter of fact, I really enjoy the 545 w/ sport pak. I wouldn't want any less feel of the road than what it has to offer. I don't see the run flats being an issue in ride comfort at all.

amigo525

Agree also...(sprT pkg on my 06 and getting sprt on my 08)

beaker

Just got back from a few test drives. Took out the 535xi (dealer said they had a 535i available, then *whoops* 'It just went out as a service loaner!' grr) and a 535i at another dealer.

I thought the 535i felt a lot better. I knew it would, but I was surprised by how much. The xi wasn't unpleasant by any means - it is a very nice car, and I'm sure I'd be happy with it, but with the 535i I felt more "connected", and the car felt more solid. Surprisingly, the suspension actually felt better in the 535i than the xi. Wasn't expecting that. Since they are so close, I'm willing to write it off to the fact that the 535i was newer (200 miles) than the xi (dunno the miles, but it was a service loaner).

I haven't driven a 550i recently - maybe two months ago - so I'm no expert. I drove it during the "BMW Ultimate Drive" charity event, and I ended up with a "BMW Ultimate Speeding Ticket" if that tells you anything. I was doing 42 MPH in what I thought was a 40 MPH zone.... cop was waiting just over the hill, right at the point where the limit drops to 30 MPH. Jerk.

From what I remember of it, given the choice (and expense) of the 550i vs. the 535i, I'd take the 535i any day and twice on Sunday. You wouldn't be gaining much for the additional weight and expense. Just my $75 ticket... err, $0.02.

Edit: Thanks again everyone for the feedback. If I do go with the BMW (95% chance), I'd get the sport package. Even with all the thumbs up here I'll admit to being nervous about the level of 'bump feel' with the SP, but the idea of having a 535i without the SP and living with the regret? No thanks - I'll roll the dice and take my chances.

UDM

1. Stock wheel package on the 335i Coupe is 17 inch, not 19 inch.
2. MSport suspension is not available on the 535i Sport in US, only the 550i Sport and M5.
3. 335i Coupe rides differently than 535i. Some people prefer 335i to 535i, while others prefer otherwise. Any advise on forums is subjective: test drive the car and judge for yourself.