535i vs 550i?
12-24-2007, 04:23 AM
#11
Contributors
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
Originally Posted by JetBlack5OC' post='510107' date='Dec 24 2007, 12:50 AM
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.
The 535 has the staggard 18" wheels(were exclusive to the V8 models previously), upgraded interior, Xenon lights for 2008 as well.
The 550 will have it's day soon (the engine arrives second quarter 2008 in the X6)with the new twin turbo 4.4 liter V8 with 400hp/450ftlbs.
12-24-2007, 04:46 AM
#12
Senior Members
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NJ,USA
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Marzzz' post='510000' date='Dec 23 2007, 05:53 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?
12-24-2007, 05:01 AM
#13
Contributors
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NY
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think in this case, as iversonm pointed out, if you could care less about the sport pack and all that it brings to the table, then yes, the 535 is the way to go. It is one helluva nice car. Its not slow. Interior is the same as 550 and you'll probably save on gas, insurance and purchase price. In my opinion, I dont see a reason to buy a 550 WITHOUT the sport pkg. Im sure there are members here who have done this. Pls dont take offense as Im not putting you down, I just dont understand it. In the end, i dont think one is better than the other. I think they appeal to different buyers as they both offer unique features.
All the best
All the best
12-24-2007, 06:40 AM
#14
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all the replies so far!
Just to clarify: If I get a 550, it will of course have the Sport Package, I can't imagine it without. If I get the 535, I will not be adding any aftermarket packages because it is a lease. The true question is whether the 550 performs significantly better than the 535- I can afford either, but if it really is just a slight difference, it just isn't worth the money to me.
If it is just a matter of 0.2 seconds faster to 60 mph, it isn't worth it. But if the 550 allows me to blow past a passive-aggressive asshole hogging the left lane doing 60 mph on I-10 heading west thru Arizona to Los Angeles, even if that asshole tries to speed up to prevent me from passing him on the right, then it is worth every penny. That kind of power reserve is what makes me love my 545 (and the 540 before), and was completely absent in my '97 528.
FWIW- I am learning that the new V8 is coming out in mid '08, and is destined for the new X6 and the 7, but will not likely end up in the next 5 until the new models in 2010.
Just to clarify: If I get a 550, it will of course have the Sport Package, I can't imagine it without. If I get the 535, I will not be adding any aftermarket packages because it is a lease. The true question is whether the 550 performs significantly better than the 535- I can afford either, but if it really is just a slight difference, it just isn't worth the money to me.
If it is just a matter of 0.2 seconds faster to 60 mph, it isn't worth it. But if the 550 allows me to blow past a passive-aggressive asshole hogging the left lane doing 60 mph on I-10 heading west thru Arizona to Los Angeles, even if that asshole tries to speed up to prevent me from passing him on the right, then it is worth every penny. That kind of power reserve is what makes me love my 545 (and the 540 before), and was completely absent in my '97 528.
FWIW- I am learning that the new V8 is coming out in mid '08, and is destined for the new X6 and the 7, but will not likely end up in the next 5 until the new models in 2010.
12-24-2007, 06:46 AM
#15
Contributors
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NY
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think you will have the abiliity to blast past the asshole in either car. The .2 second difference in 0-60 time shouldnt be your deciding factor. You wont be doing 0-60 time trials in either car. I think it really all boils down to the presence a 550 sport gives you is quite different than the 535. Do with that as you'd like. Some may not know what I'm referring to but those who do can elaborate on my comment.
12-24-2007, 06:58 AM
#16
Contributors
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Vancouver, BC , Canada
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
I think you should go with the 550 , V8 power is many thing to many people but it isn't a compromise . You will love the way the MSport package looks and performs , the engine is the icing on the cake .
Cheers
Cheers
12-24-2007, 07:14 AM
#18
Contributors
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Posts: 4,119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by Oaktree' post='510166' date='Dec 24 2007, 05:11 AM
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.
12-24-2007, 07:23 AM
#19
Senior Members
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: North Carolina, USA
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i
2006 BMW X3
I went for the 550i mostly because I'm spoiled by V8s, the sound and the responsive power.
I didn't drive a 535i but did drive a 335i and wasn't bowled over by it even though it was "quick enough". It felt no more "thrilling" than my 225hp X3. I also absolutely wanted the ///M sport look of the 550i and could afford the difference. I also have gotten tired of manual trannies and wanted the sport auto. It is available on both the 535i and 550i. It really helps illustrate the responsiveness of the V8, especially in full attack sport mode.
One thing re price, the difference of equally equiped models is only about $6k - $7k. Although, most 550i are better equiped and can be far more than $10k more on the lot. I get as much as 27mpg on the highway so the gas mileage difference isn't that much. I don't know about insurance but I saved $200 a year trading from an '06 650i.
I guess in short the 535i is a very nice car but if you can afford the difference, go for it, you won't be disappointed. I've always been the type to get the most I could afford within a certain budget for an item. I would have an ///M5 but couldn't justify its BIG jump in price over the 550i.
I didn't drive a 535i but did drive a 335i and wasn't bowled over by it even though it was "quick enough". It felt no more "thrilling" than my 225hp X3. I also absolutely wanted the ///M sport look of the 550i and could afford the difference. I also have gotten tired of manual trannies and wanted the sport auto. It is available on both the 535i and 550i. It really helps illustrate the responsiveness of the V8, especially in full attack sport mode.
One thing re price, the difference of equally equiped models is only about $6k - $7k. Although, most 550i are better equiped and can be far more than $10k more on the lot. I get as much as 27mpg on the highway so the gas mileage difference isn't that much. I don't know about insurance but I saved $200 a year trading from an '06 650i.
I guess in short the 535i is a very nice car but if you can afford the difference, go for it, you won't be disappointed. I've always been the type to get the most I could afford within a certain budget for an item. I would have an ///M5 but couldn't justify its BIG jump in price over the 550i.
12-24-2007, 07:29 AM
#20
Members
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Boston, MA.
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Marzzz' post='510203' date='Dec 24 2007, 10:40 AM
If it is just a matter of 0.2 seconds faster to 60 mph, it isn't worth it. But if the 550 allows me to blow past a passive-aggressive asshole hogging the left lane doing 60 mph on I-10 heading west thru Arizona to Los Angeles, even if that asshole tries to speed up to prevent me from passing him on the right, then it is worth every penny.