bhorne

Lets think about the planet. Why would you want to burn that extra fuel for only a slight increase in performance.

jcflys

If you could get the M sport package for the 535, then it might be a closer call. If you are talking straight body style on the 535, you will be much happier with the 550. The "M" package from the suspension, body contouring and wheels is just killer. You absolutely would not regret getting the 550.

I love mine!!

SoCalM5Mang

This "slight increase in performance" fallacy being perpetrated in the magazines is really just a joke to justify saving the money.

The 550i will eat a 535's lunch every day and twice on Sundays in straight line acceleration. "Two tenths of a second" difference 0-60mph--- my ass. ;-)

So Cal

alpinewhite

m5?

EBMCS03

Are you sure? we need you to race a 535 and find out...

grover432

Just don't continue the race into the first curve with the 535, or you'll be tossing your lunch when it passes you by. There is more to a car than it's straight line performance for some. Many people are more interested in handling than the straight line performance. From your posts, we can see which "camp" you are in.

I like a balanced car (power and handling). From my experience in the 550, it is indeed noticably quicker, but without an active anti roll system, I have to agree with the Car and Driver review; the 550 is more sedan than sports sedan. The beauty is that BMW makes a model for everyone now. If you don't mind getting to 60 - 1/2 second slower you can have a lighter feeling car (535). If you want the power and don't mind sacrificing in the handling department you have the 550. Neither is better or worse, in my opinion, just different.

As an earlier post alludes: where does it end? An M5 beats the 550 in straight line acceleration and handling - for only $30,000CAD more. BMW says "pick you car"

grover

swajames

According to BMWUSA, the weight difference between a 535xi and a 550i (both step) is about twenty pounds...

http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/5/535...n/techdata.htm

http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/5/200...n/techdata.htm

Turning to balance, the 550 has essentially the same weight distribution as the 535i/xi. In fact, based on the BMWUSA technical data per the links above the 550 is actually slightly better balanced than the 535xi. Neither car is particularly light, but there really isn't the kind of difference that you are trying to portray. Even if you discount the additional muscle (fewer lbs per HP, and the 550 never makes less than the 535's max torque), with a sport-equipped car (US spec) most of us will run out of talent well before either car will.

SoCalM5Mang

[quote name='grover432' date='Jul 1 2007, 09:09 PM' post='442358']
Just don't continue the race into the first curve with the 535, or you'll be tossing your lunch when it passes you by. There is more to a car than it's straight line performance for some. Many people are more interested in handling than the straight line performance. From your posts, we can see which "camp" you are in.

I like a balanced car (power and handling). From my experience in the 550, it is indeed noticably quicker, but without an active anti roll system, I have to agree with the Car and Driver review; the 550 is more sedan than sports sedan. The beauty is that BMW makes a model for everyone now. If you don't mind getting to 60 - 1/2 second slower you can have a lighter feeling car (535). If you want the power and don't mind sacrificing in the handling department you have the 550. Neither is better or worse, in my opinion, just different.

As an earlier post alludes: where does it end? An M5 beats the 550 in straight line acceleration and handling - for only $30,000CAD more. BMW says "pick you car"

grover

LOL...LOL....LOL......

Now I've seen it all. Homeboy....seriously. My car has an Active Roll Stabilization with the M-Sport Suspension and Aerodynamics.

Car and Driver is just biased and few if any of their writers can even afford a 550i.

I just read all of their editorial folks comments about the 550 in their "Fleet Update" link attached. Not one of them said they 535 truly compares to the 550. Saying the 535 Sport handles better than the 550 Sport is ludicrous at best.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/13224...8-bmw-550i.html


If you want to come to So Cal and "play", I'll meet you anywhere. We can put a pro driver in each car if it suits you.

I mean you called me out by saying "which camp I'm in" --well if you truly believe your comments, we know what "camp you fall into" as well.

C'mon now!

Come correct!

So Cal

info@trinityautosport

looks like we need another launch meet.. i wanna see this

aybeesea

If, as I perceive, money (eg running costs and depreciation) isn't the limiting factor in these choices, it's a simple decision.

The 550.

ABC