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535xi or 550i

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Old 07-03-2007, 07:55 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by Frozhand' post='441925' date='Jun 30 2007, 03:29 PM
Hi,
I've been a member in this forum for a couple months. I own a 2005 BMW 530i; however, I was thinking I want to get a new 5-series in a couple months. Can I ask for some opinions please? I will drive it all year round during summer and winter. In Vancouver, we get about a month of snow per year, so probably, i don't really mind taking the bus if the snow is really bad. Here are my two choices:

550i
Carbon black/Black Nasca
Premium package (inludes comfort seats and pdc)
M style body kit with 19" M-style wheels included with 550i
CAD$86200

535xi
Carbon black/Black Nasca
M sport package (18" style 135m wheels double spoke)
premium package
CAD$81400

I'm pretty sure I can negotiate on the price of 550i further down compared to 535xi, so, they will probably be about CAD$3-5k difference give or take.

My other choice would be a used 650i with about 15k kilometres in it and about $90k for the price.

Thanks.
As a fellow Vancouverite I would say go 550 , for the few bad days we get it isnt worth losing the performance . The 650 is by far the worst wet weather car that BMW makes so probably not a great choice for VCR, plus lack of passenger/cargo space. I'm sure the guys at Jessel can crank a great deal on the 550 in the next few months.

Cheers
Old 07-03-2007, 08:19 AM
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Originally Posted by dpohlman' post='442162' date='Jul 1 2007, 11:57 AM
I own a 550i so I realize that it may be hard for me to be purely inpartial. I do feel that the 550i will have a higher fun factor, and with the new M-body moldings it looks fantstic. With all of that said, if snow driving is a key to your decision, then the 535xi will be better in the snow.

Even though the 535 looks close on paper 0-60, in my opinion the 550i drives like it is not having to work hard to get to any speed. The 535 also seemed to run extremely hot (almost near the shut-down point) when I drove it. I don't know if they put an oil cooler on the 535 automatic transmission models, but it almost seems like it does not have one.
I don't agree... I own the 535xi and that sucker is fast as hell. I bougt it on April 30th and the next day I took it on a 7 hour drive to Virginia from New York doing about 90mph most of the time-give or take. Regardless of the I or the xi they both will run hot when it arrises. Other than that I can tell you that I have to catch myself sometimes and slow the hell down. I'll be traveling around 80mph and think i'm doing 60mph. The car is fast and smooth especially when excelerating. I'm in NY and owned a 2002 (525I) with the sports pack before this car. I had 17" blizzack tires all around and I was still somewhat very nervous when it snowed. It's up to you but i'm very happy I went with the xi.
Old 07-03-2007, 08:28 AM
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If money is no object -> 550iA.

If driving a lot on icy and snowy roads for more than 4 months/y -> the 535xiA.

A = autotrans
Old 07-03-2007, 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Frozhand' post='441925' date='Jun 30 2007, 04:29 PM
Hi,
I've been a member in this forum for a couple months. I own a 2005 BMW 530i; however, I was thinking I want to get a new 5-series in a couple months. Can I ask for some opinions please? I will drive it all year round during summer and winter. In Vancouver, we get about a month of snow per year, so probably, i don't really mind taking the bus if the snow is really bad. Here are my two choices:

550i
Carbon black/Black Nasca
Premium package (inludes comfort seats and pdc)
M style body kit with 19" M-style wheels included with 550i
CAD$86200

535xi
Carbon black/Black Nasca
M sport package (18" style 135m wheels double spoke)
premium package
CAD$81400

I'm pretty sure I can negotiate on the price of 550i further down compared to 535xi, so, they will probably be about CAD$3-5k difference give or take.

My other choice would be a used 650i with about 15k kilometres in it and about $90k for the price.

Thanks.
Buy the 550 and don't look back. You will never be sorry, especially if the diff in price is only CAD$5000, trust me.
Old 07-03-2007, 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by slickrick' post='442980' date='Jul 3 2007, 12:19 PM
I don't agree... I own the 535xi and that sucker is fast as hell. I bougt it on April 30th and the next day I took it on a 7 hour drive to Virginia from New York doing about 90mph most of the time-give or take. Regardless of the I or the xi they both will run hot when it arrises. Other than that I can tell you that I have to catch myself sometimes and slow the hell down. I'll be traveling around 80mph and think i'm doing 60mph. The car is fast and smooth especially when excelerating. I'm in NY and owned a 2002 (525I) with the sports pack before this car. I had 17" blizzack tires all around and I was still somewhat very nervous when it snowed. It's up to you but i'm very happy I went with the xi.
If you feel the 535 is fast as hell, drive the 550 and tell us what you think.

528=ok
535 = good
550=better
M5=best
Old 07-03-2007, 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Casper' post='443170' date='Jul 3 2007, 09:36 PM
If you feel the 535 is fast as hell, drive the 550 and tell us what you think.

528=ok
535 = good
550=better
M5=best
It all depends what you're looking for. Flip the listing if you're looking for the best fuel economy. Jumble the list if your looking for optimum performance to dollars spent. Put the xi models at the top of the list if you want/need all wheel drive.

It depends what's important to you that makes one model "better" than another.

Lou
Old 07-03-2007, 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by BMWSTL' post='443173' date='Jul 3 2007, 11:02 PM
It all depends what you're looking for. Flip the listing if you're looking for the best fuel economy. Jumble the list if your looking for optimum performance to dollars spent. Put the xi models at the top of the list if you want/need all wheel drive.

It depends what's important to you that makes one model "better" than another.

Lou
Important is driving and having fun while doing it. If you are looking for best fuel economy get a honda hybrid, if you are looking for optimum performance for dollars spent get a syubaru legacy or some other japanese brand, if you need all wheel drive get a 4x suv.

I guess folks are missing the point of what a BMW is for.
Old 07-03-2007, 07:21 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Casper' post='443174' date='Jul 3 2007, 10:06 PM
Important is driving and having fun while doing it. If you are looking for best fuel economy get a honda hybrid, if you are looking for optimum performance for dollars spent get a syubaru legacy or some other japanese brand, if you need all wheel drive get a 4x suv.

I guess folks are missing the point of what a BMW is for.
I chose a 535 because it offered great performance that I found close to what the 550 offered for a lot less money, with better fuel economy. Given my style of driving these days (mostly in-city commuting), the 535 was the car for me. I've driven BMW's for over 25 years, and wouldn't want either of the cars you mentioned for my daily driver (my son has a Forester, and it's a great car, so I'm not knocking Subaru's).

I choose to drive BMW's because of how they drive. Their handling, speed, comfort and overall driving experience are all suburb: "BMW-like," if you will.

I've typically gotten the "top end" car (or close to it) with each succeeding purchase of a BMW model I've made. This is the 1st time since 1995, when I sold my '91 M5 for a 540, that I've opted for anything less than a V8, and I'm very pleased with my purchase (I just wish it would get here already!!!!).

I don't think I'm missing the point of what BMW's are for. Perhaps you are.

Lou
Old 07-03-2007, 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by BMWSTL' post='443180' date='Jul 3 2007, 11:21 PM
I chose a 535 because it offered great performance that I found close to what the 550 offered for a lot less money, with better fuel economy. Given my style of driving these days (mostly in-city commuting), the 535 was the car for me. I've driven BMW's for over 25 years, and wouldn't want either of the cars you mentioned for my daily driver (my son has a Forester, and it's a great car, so I'm not knocking Subaru's).

I choose to drive BMW's because of how they drive. Their handling, speed, comfort and overall driving experience are all suburb: "BMW-like," if you will.

I've typically gotten the "top end" car (or close to it) with each succeeding purchase of a BMW model I've made. This is the 1st time since 1995, when I sold my '91 M5 for a 540, that I've opted for anything less than a V8, and I'm very pleased with my purchase (I just wish it would get here already!!!!).

I don't think I'm missing the point of what BMW's are for. Perhaps you are.

Lou
Cool, so you agree with this:

528=OK
535=good
550=better
M5=best

or:

528=entry level
535=medium level
550=high level
M5=superior level

or:

528=high $40s
535=high $50s
550=high $60's
M5=high $80's

You choose your category, but not only because of fuel economy or AWD, they are all good cars.
I am not missing the point and maybe neither are you, my first BMW was a 1972 2002Tii and I have been a loyal customer ever since, the 535 is fine, is good, but the 550 is better. No need to be defensive, good is good. I could be very happy with a 535 without a doubt, but I will be happier with the 550. In the past I have also gone with a lower model, I went from a 1997 540i to a 2001 530i, and really enjoyed it.
Old 07-03-2007, 07:50 PM
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Here is my suggestion. Test drive both vehicles and decide which is the best, for your driving style and requirements.

550 Owners will tell you that a 550 is best. 535 owners will tell you that a 535 is best. And they are both right. Because both groups of owners purchased the best car for their particular driving requirements.

I think you should do the same.

This is a great forum to canvas opinions about vehicles and options, because everyone is passionate about their choice in a great driving machine - for their personal requirements. You should do the same when considering which one is right for you.


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