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535i vs 550i?

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Old 12-25-2007, 06:16 PM
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I had ordered a 535, but switched my order to a 550, and am glad that I did. The 550 puts you back in your seat and keeps you there, handles well, and has killer looks. If you want to mod a 535, you'll spend the difference between a 535 and a 550 to do that (engine upgrades, 19" rims, suspension upgrades, M-aero kit). If you're leasing, that expense won't be residualized, and if you buy, it's unlikely that you'll recoup the additional money you spent.

Lou
Old 12-25-2007, 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by terry79z' post='510463' date='Dec 25 2007, 01:05 PM
if you can afford, then i don't understand why you are hesitating....
Quite simple. If the performance of the (stock) 535 is extremely close to the 550, it really isn't worth spending the extra money. When I went from a 528 to a 540, the difference was HUGE, and it was definitely worth it. Normally, I agree that once you go V8 it is extremely difficult to go back to a 6, and this would have most definitely been true even a few months ago until the new turbo 6 came along. Eventually there will be a new V8, but from everything I have read and heard, this will go into the F10 and no sooner.

I imagine BMW is feeling some "heat," so to speak, now that the 535 is pretty close to the 550; I can't imagine what will happen when the 550 threatens the M5....

answer: go with 550. reasons:

1. 0-60 doesnt mean anything much in everyday driving......i will go for v8 sound & feel
There are times when that kind of performance is useful....
2. you'll be more proud of 550....since there are gonna be so many 535s out there including grandma next door...
This is true, just like I feel now with the 545....though right now I am seeing a LOT of 3's out there, some 5's, and very few 550's- and I live in Scottsdale(!).
3. 545->535 = downgrade?
In this situation, not in luxury level, but possibly in performance.
4. money always bring happiness/joy
True, but especially when it is spent wisely.....

I will most certainly need to test drive some more, especially out on the highway, and will be making my decision in the next two weeks. Once again, thanks to all who have chimed in so far!
Old 12-25-2007, 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by BMWSTL' post='510553' date='Dec 25 2007, 10:16 PM
I had ordered a 535, but switched my order to a 550, and am glad that I did. The 550 puts you back in your seat and keeps you there, handles well, and has killer looks. If you want to mod a 535, you'll spend the difference between a 535 and a 550 to do that (engine upgrades, 19" rims, suspension upgrades, M-aero kit). If you're leasing, that expense won't be residualized, and if you buy, it's unlikely that you'll recoup the additional money you spent.

Lou

Old 12-26-2007, 05:27 AM
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Originally Posted by JSpira' post='510455' date='Dec 25 2007, 11:47 AM
Wrong. Dinan is not working with BMW and BMW's warranty does not cover any problems that might arise from the use of Dinan products.

In fact, with BMW's new performance mods coming out, Dinan is probably a bit nervous.

AMG is Mercedes' in-house "tuner" the same way ///M is BMW's. The difference is that Mercedes acquired AMG while ///M grew organically within the firm.
Merry Christmas to all!
There is a relationship between BMW and Dinan and yes, the BMW warranty is still good and adds a Dinan warranty for Dinans specific parts and consequential damage as a result of thoses parts.
The following is from Dinans website:
"Dinan?s comprehensive warranty program, introduced in 1996 with the cooperation of BMW of North America, provides BMW owners with matching coverage to that offered by BMW?s new car warranty, ensuring that Dinan performance enhancements and the BMW they have been installed in are covered for up to 4 years or 50,000 miles. BMW automobiles can now be performance-tuned without the associated concern of negatively affecting the new car warranty coverage, making the idea of enhanced driving fun and excitement appealing to a rapidly growing number of BMW drivers. In addition, Dinan Certified Pre-Owned high performance BMWs are now available through participating Dinan Authorized BMW Dealerships, offering matching warranty coverage to BMW's program."
Old 12-26-2007, 06:30 AM
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Originally Posted by pennetta' post='510167' date='Dec 24 2007, 08:23 AM
If you want the traditional V8 feel and sound then get the 550, if want better handling and like the looks of the Aero package then order the 550 with the sport package. If your looking for the best acceleration and top speed thats just short of the M5, get the 535 with both the Sport Auto and Dinan option. I am getting my Dinan software next month.
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.
You can now get the M aero Kit for the 535i for about $3,300 installed...
Old 12-26-2007, 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Heelsonwheels' post='510603' date='Dec 26 2007, 12:25 AM
Congrats. Not all of us like the M5 look-a-like plastic stuff. Only kidding
The 550 is a great car!
Old 12-26-2007, 06:58 AM
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Originally Posted by pennetta' post='510664' date='Dec 26 2007, 09:27 AM
Merry Christmas to all!
There is a relationship between BMW and Dinan and yes, the BMW warranty is still good and adds a Dinan warranty for Dinans specific parts and consequential damage as a result of thoses parts.
The following is from Dinans website:
"Dinan?s comprehensive warranty program, introduced in 1996 with the cooperation of BMW of North America, provides BMW owners with matching coverage to that offered by BMW?s new car warranty, ensuring that Dinan performance enhancements and the BMW they have been installed in are covered for up to 4 years or 50,000 miles. BMW automobiles can now be performance-tuned without the associated concern of negatively affecting the new car warranty coverage, making the idea of enhanced driving fun and excitement appealing to a rapidly growing number of BMW drivers. In addition, Dinan Certified Pre-Owned high performance BMWs are now available through participating Dinan Authorized BMW Dealerships, offering matching warranty coverage to BMW's program."
The Dinan replaces the BMW coverage with their coverage if their upgrade was proved to be a reason for a problem.
Old 12-26-2007, 07:03 AM
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There's nothing like raw HP! Zoom, zoom, zoom.
Old 12-26-2007, 07:22 AM
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Originally Posted by bimmerturn' post='510682' date='Dec 26 2007, 10:58 AM
The Dinan replaces the BMW coverage with their coverage if their upgrade was proved to be a reason for a problem.
Yes, thats as good as it gets because of the Dinan/BMW relationship. If a Vishu software caused an issue, BMW would categorically (to the extent as alllowed by law) void its warranty.
Old 12-26-2007, 07:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Marzzz' post='510000' date='Dec 23 2007, 06:53 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;

Sometimes there are only choices and no right answer. 550 vs 535 might be the case.

If you really like the M kit (which I don't), get the 550. Simply as that.

If you want to save $$, get the 535. Not sure the savings would be huge in a lease, you know per month. But as others have said, V8 is not as compelling as it once was in the range. BMW should have increased the hp in 550, but they tend only to increase hp in engines with new components and, unlike MB, I think fuel economy and emissions are meaningful considerations. They won't add 30hp to the 550 if mileage suffers.

To me, I'd probably get the 550 again because of the V8 but more so for its distinct look and the M sport suspension. Its also nice to know your driving a top of the range (non-M) 5er. If I were to mod, which doesn't appeal to me, the 535 is the only choice. Simply as that.

Lastly I say that 0-60 performance is a bit overated. When your at the low 5s, you've got a fast car and I opted for the V8 because at the time because the 530's 6.0 to 6.5 was very average in my book. That wont be the case when the F10 V8 turbo arrives. Side by side, the 550 looks better, will be marginally faster in most cases, is top the range, and the 535 looks look the 545 you had before.

Simply as that, get the 550.

CVT Benhogan


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