grover432

I have a 2008 535xi for the weekend and have a few comments and questions about it. Generally the car is an exceptional drive, however I can now see why BMW doesn't offer the sport suspension on the xi model; I find the car to have a fairly firm ride with the standard suspension and wouldn't want it any stiffer. I'm not sure one is rewarded with the extra sporty handling that usually accompanies a firm suspension, but I won't know until I drive a 550 later this week. I think the 535 has more than enough power to satisfy most, but the dealer tells me that the 550 has a much different way of putting power to the wheels (from the V8). We'll see.

For the questions: Can someone explain how to pair a bluetooth phone with the car (I have a Motorola 850). Also, how do you turn the radio off? When I push the volume button in, it just mutes the radio and when I press the menu button to return to the main menu, a radio message banner still shows on the screen.

I like the head's up display (cool feature) but the bottom of the display gets cut off. I'm 5'8" and like to adjudt the deat fairly low in the car. Can the dealer adjust the display up a bit or is it fixed?

Has anyone compared the 535xi to the 550? If so, I'd like to read your comments.

Thanks,

Grover

PS, If anyone would like me to post pictures, let me know which ones and I'll try to upload some. The car is carbon black with a black interior.

rollee

BMW is 50/50 weight distribution.
My deduced understanding of not having a sports suspension setup in the xi, is due to the increase in ride height, raising the center of gravity. Enabling a more proper balance of the vehicle when power is transferred in a 40 /60 ratio.
If the suspension is stiffen while the center of gravity is raised, there is increase likehood of rollover in sharp cornering maneuvers. I guess it is a compromise between safety and BMW's driving experience.

By mechanics, the power of the V8 is controlled by the throttle, more gas in more power. The delivery and feel of surge is instantaneous, large volume larger flow and output. The more cylinders the more the surge.
The 550i is RWD, that makes a huge difference in thurst as 100% comes from behind. Bear in mind no matter how well the 4WD transmission is engineered, there is loss of power along the axle.

Mute is radio off.

HUD display can be adjusted by the dealer, or have you tried lowering the seat?

grover432

The lower the seat gets the more the bottom of the display gets cut off. I like the option, but I'm not 6', so if the dealer can move it up an inch or so, I'd consider the option. If not, I'd skip it.

I've read the other thread on the 550 vs 535, so I don't want to start it all over here. I'd like the extra power, but I think awd is a great option for the clime I live in - we have snow on the roads here from Mid Novembeer to late feb/early march. the 550 can have all the power in the world, bu when there is snow on the ground, the car with the best traction gets there first.

rollee

Don't forget snow tires.

grover432

Why, do you think a 550 with snow tires will take a 535xi without?

rollee

Definite yes to me. However each to his own driving style, skills and their daily commuting route.

The car is only 50% to safety contribution, the other is the driver.

iversonm

...then it slams violently into your destination, because AWD doesn't help braking.

Don't forget the snow tires.

grover432

This is the common response when talking about awd vs rwd. The point is where I live we have ice and snow coverage on side streets from November until late March and icy intersections during that time as well. My 540iA got around just fine with snow tires and I don't recall ever getting stuck (Ok maybe once in the rear lane after a wet snow fall).

My 75 year old mother recently bought a Lexus IS250 AWD. The car inspires a much higher of confidence driving on snowy/icy surfaces and is easier to parallel park after snow has fallen. It was aftre driving this car for two weeks last winter, I began considering a 535xi. Of course it doesn't stop any faster.

My comment was meant to illustarte that it doesn't matter how much HP you have, if the conditions don't allow you to put it onto the road. A safe driver will always drive within reasonable limits.

Choosing between the is and the xi is difficult for me because both involve some compromise. The is handles better and likely rides better while the xi provides better winetr driving dynamics, but with a harsher ride.

I'm waiting to drive a 535is before making a decision. In the mean time, I'm testing a 550 later this week.

grover