550i Sport vs. 535i Sport - took both home for a night
02-10-2008 | 06:02 PM
#1
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Orange County, Calif.
My Ride: 2011 528i Sport/Premium/NAV
I know there's been a lot of banter between the 550i Sport and the 535i Sport owners on this forum. I just had the opportunity to take both of these home for one just night each. Both had the sport auto transmission with paddle shifters. The dealer gave me a 550i Sport first, which I felt was a truly amazing car. Platinum gray with creme beige interior and bamboo trim. I love the sound from the retuned exhaust system. A winner! The next day, the dealer let me take home a 535i Sport (black/black/dark poplar). I have to tell you....after one day in each car, I had a very hard time telling the difference between the 2 cars, from a driving dynamics perspective. I know people have said the 550 is heavier which means its handling may not be as crisp as the 535, but I couldn't tell. Both were truly amazing! So now I have to decide which one to get..... logic would say that if both were equally impressive, go with the better value (535). But I did feel less "special" in the 535, as the 550 had that amazing sports package look with the M5 aero kit and awesome rims!!!
The dealer (Crevier BMW in Orange County, CA) told me that they can put an M5 aero kit onto a 535i Sport. Its not currently a factory option nor can the Port do it either. They did specially modify just ONE of their 535i Sports, and it looks just like the 550i Sport! See photos attached.
That may be what I end up doing, but I'd like to hear what others have to say about the 550 vs. 535. Question for 550i sport package owners: how many total miles do you think you'll get out of those 19" tires on average?
02-10-2008 | 06:15 PM
#3
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 275
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From: Miami, FL
Originally Posted by pulserace2004' post='529777' date='Feb 10 2008, 10:02 PM
Attachment 44138Attachment 44137
I know there's been a lot of banter between the 550i Sport and the 535i Sport owners on this forum. I just had the opportunity to take both of these home for one just night each. Both had the sport auto transmission with paddle shifters. The dealer gave me a 550i Sport first, which I felt was a truly amazing car. Platinum gray with creme beige interior and bamboo trim. I love the sound from the retuned exhaust system. A winner! The next day, the dealer let me take home a 535i Sport (black/black/dark poplar). I have to tell you....after one day in each car, I had a very hard time telling the difference between the 2 cars, from a driving dynamics perspective. I know people have said the 550 is heavier which means its handling may not be as crisp as the 535, but I couldn't tell. Both were truly amazing! So now I have to decide which one to get..... logic would say that if both were equally impressive, go with the better value (535). But I did feel less "special" in the 535, as the 550 had that amazing sports package look with the M5 aero kit and awesome rims!!!
The dealer (Crevier BMW in Orange County, CA) told me that they can put an M5 aero kit onto a 535i Sport. Its not currently a factory option nor can the Port do it either. They did specially modify just ONE of their 535i Sports, and it looks just like the 550i Sport! See photos attached.
That may be what I end up doing, but I'd like to hear what others have to say about the 550 vs. 535. Question for 550i sport package owners: how many total miles do you think you'll get out of those 19" tires on average?
I know there's been a lot of banter between the 550i Sport and the 535i Sport owners on this forum. I just had the opportunity to take both of these home for one just night each. Both had the sport auto transmission with paddle shifters. The dealer gave me a 550i Sport first, which I felt was a truly amazing car. Platinum gray with creme beige interior and bamboo trim. I love the sound from the retuned exhaust system. A winner! The next day, the dealer let me take home a 535i Sport (black/black/dark poplar). I have to tell you....after one day in each car, I had a very hard time telling the difference between the 2 cars, from a driving dynamics perspective. I know people have said the 550 is heavier which means its handling may not be as crisp as the 535, but I couldn't tell. Both were truly amazing! So now I have to decide which one to get..... logic would say that if both were equally impressive, go with the better value (535). But I did feel less "special" in the 535, as the 550 had that amazing sports package look with the M5 aero kit and awesome rims!!!
The dealer (Crevier BMW in Orange County, CA) told me that they can put an M5 aero kit onto a 535i Sport. Its not currently a factory option nor can the Port do it either. They did specially modify just ONE of their 535i Sports, and it looks just like the 550i Sport! See photos attached.
That may be what I end up doing, but I'd like to hear what others have to say about the 550 vs. 535. Question for 550i sport package owners: how many total miles do you think you'll get out of those 19" tires on average?
If you like the aerokit, and you are leasing, go with the 550, the price delta is dissolved and minimized. If you are buying, look at the numbers, once you install the aerokit and 19" wheels and tires on the 535i, what is the price difference? What about resale value?
If you do not add the aerokit and would be equally satisfied with either car, the 535i will save you a few dollars.
But from your comments I kind of feel you want the 550, don't we all?
02-10-2008 | 06:41 PM
#5
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 87
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From: Chicago, IL via Thessaloniki, Greece
My Ride: 2008 535xi -- took delivery January 24th, 2008 -- Space Gray w/black dakota leather interior and Bamboo Anthracite wood trim, Sport Package / Premium Package / Cold Weather Package / Logic7 / Bluetooth / IPOD / NAV / 18" Star Spoke 124s...BUT I could not resist the M Aero Kit, tinting the windows and adding front/rear blacked-out Roundels
Originally Posted by pulserace2004' post='529777' date='Feb 10 2008, 09:02 PM
Attachment 44138Attachment 44137
I know there's been a lot of banter between the 550i Sport and the 535i Sport owners on this forum. I just had the opportunity to take both of these home for one just night each. Both had the sport auto transmission with paddle shifters. The dealer gave me a 550i Sport first, which I felt was a truly amazing car. Platinum gray with creme beige interior and bamboo trim. I love the sound from the retuned exhaust system. A winner! The next day, the dealer let me take home a 535i Sport (black/black/dark poplar). I have to tell you....after one day in each car, I had a very hard time telling the difference between the 2 cars, from a driving dynamics perspective. I know people have said the 550 is heavier which means its handling may not be as crisp as the 535, but I couldn't tell. Both were truly amazing! So now I have to decide which one to get..... logic would say that if both were equally impressive, go with the better value (535). But I did feel less "special" in the 535, as the 550 had that amazing sports package look with the M5 aero kit and awesome rims!!!
The dealer (Crevier BMW in Orange County, CA) told me that they can put an M5 aero kit onto a 535i Sport. Its not currently a factory option nor can the Port do it either. They did specially modify just ONE of their 535i Sports, and it looks just like the 550i Sport! See photos attached.
That may be what I end up doing, but I'd like to hear what others have to say about the 550 vs. 535. Question for 550i sport package owners: how many total miles do you think you'll get out of those 19" tires on average?
I know there's been a lot of banter between the 550i Sport and the 535i Sport owners on this forum. I just had the opportunity to take both of these home for one just night each. Both had the sport auto transmission with paddle shifters. The dealer gave me a 550i Sport first, which I felt was a truly amazing car. Platinum gray with creme beige interior and bamboo trim. I love the sound from the retuned exhaust system. A winner! The next day, the dealer let me take home a 535i Sport (black/black/dark poplar). I have to tell you....after one day in each car, I had a very hard time telling the difference between the 2 cars, from a driving dynamics perspective. I know people have said the 550 is heavier which means its handling may not be as crisp as the 535, but I couldn't tell. Both were truly amazing! So now I have to decide which one to get..... logic would say that if both were equally impressive, go with the better value (535). But I did feel less "special" in the 535, as the 550 had that amazing sports package look with the M5 aero kit and awesome rims!!!
The dealer (Crevier BMW in Orange County, CA) told me that they can put an M5 aero kit onto a 535i Sport. Its not currently a factory option nor can the Port do it either. They did specially modify just ONE of their 535i Sports, and it looks just like the 550i Sport! See photos attached.
That may be what I end up doing, but I'd like to hear what others have to say about the 550 vs. 535. Question for 550i sport package owners: how many total miles do you think you'll get out of those 19" tires on average?
02-10-2008 | 06:50 PM
#6
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,987
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
My Ride: 2008 Alpine White 550i Sport, Cream Beige Interior, 6-Sp Manual - retired 9/2011
That's all we need, another 535 vs. 550 debate! 
Go with your gut and your wallet...either is great, but I'd get the 550i Sport if the extra money was not an issue. There's just something about a V-8!
Go with your gut and your wallet...either is great, but I'd get the 550i Sport if the extra money was not an issue. There's just something about a V-8!
02-10-2008 | 07:21 PM
#7
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,459
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From: Vancouver, BC , Canada
My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
Wait for the 535 Diesel !........................ just kidding ..................V8s rock !! 
just kidding ..................V8s rock !!
02-10-2008 | 08:43 PM
#8
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,776
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Price it out... all the options you want and then add the price of modifying the M-Sport kit on the 535 and see what the price difference is.
Did you see this thread? read my post #5.
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?s=&sho...st&p=523681
Your options may vary.
Did you see this thread? read my post #5.
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?s=&sho...st&p=523681
Your options may vary.
02-10-2008 | 08:57 PM
#9
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 120
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From: Richmond, Virginia
My Ride: 2004 545i, Nav, Logic 7, sport pkg, premium pkg, sport seats, Hoen fogs, rear LED tail lights, super white license bulbs, heated front and rear seats, M-tech front and rear bumper covers, M5 trunks spoiler and finisher.
Desiring euro xenon headlights.
Deja Vu!!
Compare insurance rates, gas consumption and ease of re-selling, then go with the 535i, unless your wallet has no boundaries.
Compare insurance rates, gas consumption and ease of re-selling, then go with the 535i, unless your wallet has no boundaries.
02-10-2008 | 09:00 PM
#10
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 120
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From: Richmond, Virginia
My Ride: 2004 545i, Nav, Logic 7, sport pkg, premium pkg, sport seats, Hoen fogs, rear LED tail lights, super white license bulbs, heated front and rear seats, M-tech front and rear bumper covers, M5 trunks spoiler and finisher.
Desiring euro xenon headlights.
.......as a matter of fact, I might be considering trading my '04 545i for an '08 535XI.