535i vs 550i?
12-23-2007, 01:53 PM
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Well, it's getting to be that time again- the lease on my '05 545i (6 spd/sport/prem) is up March '08, and it is getting time to order my next car. The decision is pretty much a similarly equipped 535i vs 550i; Just looking at specs, the 0-60 times are only 0.2 different- is the overall performance of the current 550i THAT MUCH better than 535i to warrant the extra $10K? I also understand (I haven't been around here much since the last time I went to lease) that the 550i is expecting an engine upgrade, but not in the immediate future?
For all intents and purposes, the 535i felt about as quick and powerful as my current 545i, but I definitely need to test drive some more (though I am stuck testing Automatics, and will most certainly get a 6 spd manual again). I can handle the lease payment difference between the 535i and 550i, but if all things are nearly equal, I would just as soon save the $$$. I don't particularly care about the M Airdam/spoilers/wheels on the 550i Sport package (if anything, I like the "wolf in sheep's clothing" effect- if I owned an M5 I would debadge it!). And if there is going to be a significant upgrade in the 550i powerplant sometime soon after I lease this spring, I would prefer to either wait for it or go with the 535i now. Your thoughts?
For all intents and purposes, the 535i felt about as quick and powerful as my current 545i, but I definitely need to test drive some more (though I am stuck testing Automatics, and will most certainly get a 6 spd manual again). I can handle the lease payment difference between the 535i and 550i, but if all things are nearly equal, I would just as soon save the $$$. I don't particularly care about the M Airdam/spoilers/wheels on the 550i Sport package (if anything, I like the "wolf in sheep's clothing" effect- if I owned an M5 I would debadge it!). And if there is going to be a significant upgrade in the 550i powerplant sometime soon after I lease this spring, I would prefer to either wait for it or go with the 535i now. Your thoughts?
12-23-2007, 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Marzzz' post='510000' date='Dec 23 2007, 11:53 PM
is the overall performance of the current 550i THAT MUCH better than 535i to warrant the extra $10K?
For all intents and purposes, the 535i felt about as quick and powerful as my current 545i,
Your thoughts?
550i is you want to have an Engine .
12-23-2007, 03:27 PM
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My Ride: E46 330, E60 550 on order: Carbon Black/Natural Brown, 6MT.
Originally Posted by Marzzz' post='510000' date='Dec 23 2007, 05:53 PM
I don't particularly care about the M Airdam/spoilers/wheels on the 550i Sport package.
I'd spend the extra $10k on pointless electronic doodads in the option book for your 535.
12-23-2007, 04:01 PM
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The search is your friend on this topic. 550 owners will tell you to buy the 550 and likewise with the 535 owners. Would you expect anything different? Just get what works for you, can't go wrong with either.
12-23-2007, 04:10 PM
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My Ride: E46 330, E60 550 on order: Carbon Black/Natural Brown, 6MT.
Originally Posted by AlB' post='510042' date='Dec 23 2007, 08:01 PM
The search is your friend on this topic. 550 owners will tell you to buy the 550 and likewise with the 535 owners. Would you expect anything different? Just get what works for you, can't go wrong with either.
12-23-2007, 04:10 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Space Gray 550i, Light Poplar Wood, Anthracite Head Liner, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Front Ventilated Comfort Seats in Black Nasca Leather, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Night Vision, Lane Deviation Warning, Active Cruise Control, Heated Rear Seats, Folding Rear Seats, Power Shade w/ Rear Side-Shades, Rear Air Bags, Logic 7, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/USB Adapter. Car in BMW Body Shop, estimated completion 01/24/07.
Originally Posted by AlB' post='510042' date='Dec 23 2007, 05:01 PM
The search is your friend on this topic. 550 owners will tell you to buy the 550 and likewise with the 535 owners. Would you expect anything different? Just get what works for you, can't go wrong with either.
Just my opinion, good luck in your quest,
Cal
12-23-2007, 06:32 PM
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My Ride: 08 535i, Platinum Gray, Sport Pkg
Originally Posted by Marzzz' post='510000' date='Dec 23 2007, 02:53 PM
Well, it's getting to be that time again- the lease on my '05 545i (6 spd/sport/prem) is up March '08, and it is getting time to order my next car. The decision is pretty much a similarly equipped 535i vs 550i; Just looking at specs, the 0-60 times are only 0.2 different- is the overall performance of the current 550i THAT MUCH better than 535i to warrant the extra $10K? I also understand (I haven't been around here much since the last time I went to lease) that the 550i is expecting an engine upgrade, but not in the immediate future?
For all intents and purposes, the 535i felt about as quick and powerful as my current 545i, but I definitely need to test drive some more (though I am stuck testing Automatics, and will most certainly get a 6 spd manual again). I can handle the lease payment difference between the 535i and 550i, but if all things are nearly equal, I would just as soon save the $$$. I don't particularly care about the M Airdam/spoilers/wheels on the 550i Sport package (if anything, I like the "wolf in sheep's clothing" effect- if I owned an M5 I would debadge it!). And if there is going to be a significant upgrade in the 550i powerplant sometime soon after I lease this spring, I would prefer to either wait for it or go with the 535i now. Your thoughts?
For all intents and purposes, the 535i felt about as quick and powerful as my current 545i, but I definitely need to test drive some more (though I am stuck testing Automatics, and will most certainly get a 6 spd manual again). I can handle the lease payment difference between the 535i and 550i, but if all things are nearly equal, I would just as soon save the $$$. I don't particularly care about the M Airdam/spoilers/wheels on the 550i Sport package (if anything, I like the "wolf in sheep's clothing" effect- if I owned an M5 I would debadge it!). And if there is going to be a significant upgrade in the 550i powerplant sometime soon after I lease this spring, I would prefer to either wait for it or go with the 535i now. Your thoughts?
12-23-2007, 08:50 PM
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Don't forget that you can get the 535i and add the Dinan software upgrade, brings it up to 384hp @ 5700rpm and 421tq @ 4300rpm, with Dinan warranty. Manual 535i (3660lbs) is almost 300lbs lighter than the manual 550i (3946lbs), and the 535i will get better gas mileage. But the 550i does have the M-tech aero kit and the awesome sound of the V8.
12-24-2007, 04:11 AM
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My Ride: 545i - ordered in January delivered April 21st! Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple.
I am in the same boat (April) and unless the 550i is within $100 a month I am going with the 535i.
Reasons: better gas mileage, same brake system, Dinan chip (wow), able to add more options with savings, weighs less (50/50 balance).
I will miss the sound of the V8, instant torque (I think the Dinan mod would take care of it?), unable to get the body package.
Reasons: better gas mileage, same brake system, Dinan chip (wow), able to add more options with savings, weighs less (50/50 balance).
I will miss the sound of the V8, instant torque (I think the Dinan mod would take care of it?), unable to get the body package.