pennetta

Syrousd,
What are you looking for in a car? I came from a V8 545 and purposely got the 535 with the Dinan stage II flash because acceleration was more important to me than the feel or sound (and there is a difference)of the V8. However, It was a $2000 expense on a leased car so you could say it added $55 per month to the payment. Where interior, headlights and some other things differentiated the 530 from the 545 that was not the case when I got my 535. I like having my "sleeper" because you can't tell anything until its too late.
I raced a MB CLS 55 AMG last week from a stop light, then again from another stoplight, we were in the left lane and right lane of a three lane road. After the run at the second light he pulled behind me to see what numbers were on my decklid, then he pulled next to me at the next light and raised his shoulders and arms saying "what is that"?
Again, I ask...what are you looking for?

arsenalfc

I love my 545i so I can imagine 550 is even more powerful. It seems that the v8 are more reliable then the 535 twin turbo. For a large heavy car like ours you can't beat the torque produced by v8.

pennetta

It does seem there have been some problems with some early 535's and the 550's engine has been around since 2004 starting with the 4.4 liter. I would think BMW has worked out the teething issues. One thing to keep in mind with a new purchase is that the current 550 will soon be eclipsed by the TT V8 and the TT 6 will remain with the same power output.

skelevirus

Which one handles better?

-Mike-

Coming from an M5, you may be displeased with a four cylinder downgrade. I'd go with the 550. But in either case, get the M Sport.

Gene

excellent point, I wonder how the increased weight of the f10 535i will effect the performance and handling versus the e60 535i, since the same power output is there....

to the OP: plans on modding? more bang for your buck when it comes to performance mods with the 535i over the 550....have you test driven either one yet?

pennetta

If you do a search, there has been an extensive debate on that topic. The 535 is 250+ lbs lighter and has closer to a 50/50 weight distribution with essentially the same sport and m sport options available to both.

pennetta

I couldn't see how to edit my response in this new interface, but there were stated benefits to the 550 for handling. Just can't remember them. Do a search on this topic.

sdg1871

I would expect max lateral acceleration to be about the same if both are equipped with sport package and the 535 is a non XI with the real sport suspension but given the 535!m big weight advantage, it should feel more nimble and tossable than the 550.

My 550I Sport's lateral grip when equipped with max summer performance tires astounds me. It just sticks.

calpalmer

+1

I can't believe it.

And some that posted ad nauseum before are doing it again.

OK OK, the 535 is better. Get it.

Done and done.