550 vs 535
#11
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
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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?
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?
#12
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My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i; Titanium Silver II; Sport Package; Cold Weather; Navigation; 3M Clear Bra; Alpine IPOD Interface; MOMO GTR Tech 19" Wheels; Heated Wheel; Smoked Hella Taillights
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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.
#13
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
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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.
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My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
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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.
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?
#17
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
#18
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
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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.
#19
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My 550I Sport's lateral grip when equipped with max summer performance tires astounds me. It just sticks.
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My Ride: 2008 Space Gray 550i, Light Poplar Wood, Anthracite Head Liner, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Front Ventilated Comfort Seats in Black Nasca Leather, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Night Vision, Lane Deviation Warning, Active Cruise Control, Heated Rear Seats, Folding Rear Seats, Power Shade w/ Rear Side-Shades, Rear Air Bags, Logic 7, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/USB Adapter. Car in BMW Body Shop, estimated completion 01/24/07.