bimmerturn

You really got something against the 550i??? Oh well.

pennetta

I had a 545 which I understand is not a 550, but its the same concept. I'm into acceleration from a stop light, handling and four doors. I knew about the software downloads so I got the 535 which is a better car for my needs. I don't care what people think about me getting the "cheaper" car, I drive what I like. There is no mystique in V8's as every major car manufacturer has them; V10's and V12 twelves are more exclusive and have a mystique. If the V8 ain't faster, its just heavier

Marzzz

OK, since I started this, it is time for an update:

I ordered a 535i.

I just did not think that the performance difference was worth the price difference, even though I could afford either. I currently (happily) drive an '05 545i, and the '08 535i will outperform it and I will be satisfied. If BMW were to update the V8 for the E60, I would be a bit annoyed having the "old version" 550i, and if they are going to put it into the F10, well I am there in 2011.

Things like air dams and "engine note" are not as important to me personally, but I fully understand those who do find it important. The bottom line is that the car needs to satisfy your needs, and it is great that there is a car company who has understood us all along. My kinda car is the high performance sport sedan which looks sedate- I just love the "wolf in sheep's clothing" and I think the 535i will do it for me. I hope to have it by mid March.

Thanks again for everyone's input, I'll see ya on the road, and drive safe!

DRANGED

Congratulations on your 535 order!!

ITNurse

Thanks for the update. That was stressful!
Congratulations - what part of the world are you in?

Marzzz

Thanks! I am in Scottsdale, but I get my BMWs in LA.

Heelsonwheels

Whew...talk about stressful waiting... congrats on your choice!!

Allen

Congratulations on your order...I could not even imagine having to wait for a new car like that! I just bought a 535i and couldn't be happier. In my case, I HAD to get a car in a hurry as my beloved '95 E34 5-speed (which I bought new off the truck) had been totalled and I had to have a car. I knew I wanted a black/black 6-speed and they just happen to have one on the lot. Also, I like the fact that max torque is avaialble at 1400 RPM as opposed to 3400 on the 550. To me, this means less changing gears in town.

I do have to say...how lucky we all are to be here and debate whether we would get a 535i or 550i. When you realize (and I think we all do) just how much better BOTH of these cars are than the competition...you really do have to smile. When my E34 was hit from the rear (At 250K miles, I knew it was totalled)...after realizing nobody was injured...my first thought was "bummer...I bet they don't have a black/black manual on the lot, so NOW what am I gonna do!" No kidding...within a minute this is what I was thinking. So to you all I say...whatever Bimmer you have...take good care of it and love it...because for the highway, truely nothing else compares!

swajames

That's true, but it's not the whole picture. Assuming you compare stock cars, from around the same RPM and on up through the rev range the 550 never outputs less torque than the 535's maximum. BMWSTL created a map that overlays the 535/550 torque curve which demonstrates this. There really won't be any reason to change gears in the 550 more frequently than you would in the 535 in town driving.

bimmerturn

Very true, I found myself using 2nd gear in a lot of my city driving from a stop and 3rd goes a very long way. Never felt that i did not have the torque and power to move quickly if need be in either gear.

Congrats on the new car and I am sure you will be very happy and satisfied with it.