550i or 535i or 528i for daily commute
06-02-2012, 09:50 PM
#12
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The only way I know of to get 27mpg highway is to reset the mileage computer while doing a constant 60-70mph and keep it measuring while maintaining that speed without any stops or heavy visits on the gas pedal. Then, you'll get that. I got around 27mpg on a trip once, but it was 99% constant 75mph on cruise control with no hills and no traffic. This is a pointless measurement though, it doesn't represent real life. As a daily driver, in stop-go traffic or with lots of traffic lights, don't expect much more than 20mpg (and 18mpg if you floor it all the time like some of us enjoy doing 
). A 528i or 530i in any kind of test you like will always outperform a 535i, 545i or 550i. If they wouldn't, then nobody would buy one.
). A 528i or 530i in any kind of test you like will always outperform a 535i, 545i or 550i. If they wouldn't, then nobody would buy one.
06-03-2012, 05:16 AM
#14
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I have an '08 550i and with cruise control and light traffic I've also gotten 25-26mpg highway. Cruise control and proper tire inflation are key. I normally get 15-16mpg city but most of my trips are under 5 miles (and with a heavier foot).
06-03-2012, 05:38 AM
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Seriously? 528i has plenty of go for a spouse commuter car, handles very well, she'll be very happy. I always get the "too stiff, too bumpy" when my spouse drives the cars set up the way I want, so the extra performance goodies always go on my cars.
06-03-2012, 10:38 AM
#17
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My Ride: 2009 535i xDrive; Black Sapphire Metallic; Premium, Cold Weather Packages, Navi, PDC, 20% Solargard Tint
I didnt see where you were located, but I'm in the DC metro area and had the same decision (for myself) about a month ago.
We have a reasonable amount of snow/rain here, so I went with the 535xi for the all wheel drive, speed, and mpg. Moreover for the price difference between the 550 I was able to get it CPO'd, with low mileage and a couple more years of the manufacturers warranty. From all the posts here, the reliability issues were pre-recall/extended warranty, and not as much of an issue now (but I still opted for the CPO).
I test drove a 550i, and it was great, but not a big enough difference for the decrease in AWD, MPG, and cost (I'd get a higher mileage car/older/not CPO'd).
Have your wife test drive the 528 and 535 and see if she notices the difference, if not get a newer, lower mileage 528 and call it a day.
We have a reasonable amount of snow/rain here, so I went with the 535xi for the all wheel drive, speed, and mpg. Moreover for the price difference between the 550 I was able to get it CPO'd, with low mileage and a couple more years of the manufacturers warranty. From all the posts here, the reliability issues were pre-recall/extended warranty, and not as much of an issue now (but I still opted for the CPO).
I test drove a 550i, and it was great, but not a big enough difference for the decrease in AWD, MPG, and cost (I'd get a higher mileage car/older/not CPO'd).
Have your wife test drive the 528 and 535 and see if she notices the difference, if not get a newer, lower mileage 528 and call it a day.
06-03-2012, 12:19 PM
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My Ride: Modded 2010 Carbon Black M5 SMG and Modded 2008 Dinan 550i Sport
A true mpg on a 550i is around 14-15 mpg if you do non-highway driving and drive aggressively (which I believe is why most people would upgrade to the v-8). This is EXACTLY what I get on mine (before and after Dinan performance upgrades) and it is a mint condition car with perfect tires, etc.. The best choice if you are considering a mix of good mpg and some fun driving is the 535. That twin turbo six is prob the best motor BMW makes. 528 feels like a dog compared to it. Also handles quite well due to weight ratios. Although I would not trade my Dinan 5 for one. If it is more fun than gas then get the 550i. All three of these cars are reliable. The 535 turbo should not be a concern whasoever.
06-03-2012, 01:43 PM
#19
Your wife will probably be fine with a 528 as a commuter car. I had absolutely no desire to own a 535i long term given the potential of FI/Turbo/Fuel Pump issues (I still can't trust the claims that these issues are fixed). Give me the (relative) reliability of BMW's non-forced induction, non-direct injected V8 in an E60 over their twin turbo DI N52/53 E60 experiment anyday. Besides, the 550i M Sport just looks so awesome! I'm sure the BMW will have worked out the kinks in the turboed F10 when I'm ready to trade up...
06-03-2012, 02:00 PM
#20
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My Ride: Modded 2010 Carbon Black M5 SMG and Modded 2008 Dinan 550i Sport
A true mpg on a 550i is around 14-15 mpg if you do non-highway driving and drive aggressively (which I believe is why most people would upgrade to the V8). This is EXACTLY what I get on mine (before and after Dinan performance upgrades) and it is a mint condition car with perfect tires, etc.. The best choice if you are considering a mix of good mpg and some fun driving is the 535. That twin turbo six is prob the best motor BMW makes. 528 feels like a dog compared to it. Also handles quite well due to weight ratios. Although I would not trade my Dinan 5 for one. If it is more fun than gas then get the 550i. All three of these cars are reliable. The 535 turbo should not be a concern whatsoever.