Originally Posted by BMWSTL' post='468704

A short while back, I was a huge proponent of buy-value-save-10k-535i vs 550i. The performance numbers looked so close and convincing on paper that I considered anyone spending the extra dollars on the 550i to be a 'status seeker' and overall a poorly-informed BMW buyer. Then I test drove both cars back-to-back. My opinion had changed dramatically after the test drive: I still consider the 535i Sport to be a very capable car - a very nice mid-size sport sedan with a solid engine and suspension. But the 550i Sport is in a league all its own - it's a GREAT grand-tourer with a monster engine and incredible suspension. For those that have driven both, there's hardly a comparison.

Originally Posted by Rudy' post='468727' date='Sep 12 2007, 09:41 AM

I feel much better now...

Originally Posted by BMWSTL' post='468732' date='Sep 12 2007, 11:02 AM

Geez, it always all about you....



Lou

Originally Posted by diononiz' post='468734' date='Sep 12 2007, 10:05 AM

Ask yourself this question. Am I into upgrading / chipping my car? If you answer yes then then I think you would be better off with the 535i. The tuners are currently getting between 340-370 hp at the wheels. Here is a recent road and track article with an earlier version of the Vishnu chip (getting only 340hp at the wheels, V2 should be good for around 370hp) http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?se...article_id=5916

Couple the chip tuning with the approx 300lbs weight savings of the 535i and you will have a faster car.

I had a hard time deciding between the two also but in the end decided to go with the 535. Previously I chipped a B5 Audi S4 with great results so I was willing to give chip tuning another try.

Justs my 2 cents

Originally Posted by purevil' post='468753' date='Sep 12 2007, 08:43 AM

Exactly the reason I am going 535 over a M5. Those are numbers with just a piggyback. Upgrade the turbo, swap injectors and throw in an inline fuel pump and 500-600 rwhp is in reach.

"You're going to struggle to add over 207bhp to the 535. Even if you could, if the M5 is your target, you'd be much better advised to bite the bullet and get the real thing"

200 hp is far from a struggle on a forged motor. its all in feeding it the proper fuel, air and spark. I am not going after an M5, I am looking to make a smooth, sleeper that will run with Vipers and the Z06, thats a place M5 owners only dream of. Besides, i need to build a car that will keep up with what I built for my wife. She drives an '04 Ford Cobra with 620 RWHP 587 RWTQ on 93 octane and is just a 5 minute adjustment from the 800's on 104. I know I will never beat her in a straight line, but to hold my own on the drags and own her on the road course will make me smile!

Originally Posted by azatty' post='430540' date='May 31 2007, 11:59 PM

So, here is my dilemna. I got one of the early production e60 M5's--big mistake, nothing but problems. I am currently trying to work through my dealer on a buy-back and if BMWNA is not fair (this is my 11th BMW), then it may be my last. In either event, I am contemplating replacements. I have determined I do not want another M5 or M6 as I am still shell-shocked. I am also contemplating a MB e63, but I do not get the same enjoyment from the MB as I do from the BMW. I am considering the 550 with the sport package and M aerodynamic trim (at least it looks like an M5), but am intrigued by the 535. The thing that bothers me about the 535 is that, as I understand it, you can not get the M trim on the 535 in the US. If I am mistaken, someone please correct me. A 535 equipped like I want is approximately 7,000 less than a comparably equipped 550. My dealership only has a 550, but no 535's. Has anyone driven both and, if so, do the driving dyamics and performance differ significantly between the two vehicles? Thank you in advance.

Originally Posted by purevil' post='468753' date='Sep 12 2007, 10:43 AM

Exactly the reason I am going 535 over a M5. Those are numbers with just a piggyback. Upgrade the turbo, swap injectors and throw in an inline fuel pump and 500-600 rwhp is in reach.

"You're going to struggle to add over 207bhp to the 535. Even if you could, if the M5 is your target, you'd be much better advised to bite the bullet and get the real thing"

200 hp is far from a struggle on a forged motor. its all in feeding it the proper fuel, air and spark. I am not going after an M5, I am looking to make a smooth, sleeper that will run with Vipers and the Z06, thats a place M5 owners only dream of. Besides, i need to build a car that will keep up with what I built for my wife. She drives an '04 Ford Cobra with 620 RWHP 587 RWTQ on 93 octane and is just a 5 minute adjustment from the 800's on 104. I know I will never beat her in a straight line, but to hold my own on the drags and own her on the road course will make me smile!