Shouldn't the 6 cylinder 535 handle a little better since there is less weight up front.

 

IMHO nothing beats a V8. The power is always there - no waiting for anything! That said, I drove a 550 and it felt a lot like my old E39 M5.

I have always said that the thing I noticed the most about going from my M5 to the 545i was in 2nd or 3rd geat at low rpm's the 545 just does not have the grunt that the M5. When I drove the 550 it was not as noticable, plus if you think about it my M5 was an 01 (Sept 00 production) so a May 07 production 550i is almost 7 years down the development path - so it should feel as good.

My grand plan was to get out of the E39 M5 before the E60 M5 arrived to maximize trade value, get into a 545 for 3 years and then get a 3rd model year E60 M5 - all the M5 issues has created doubt - then you see how good looking a 550 with the SP and the 172's is - and I am wondering if I should get a 550. My advice to someone who has had 11 BMW's get a loaded 550 - I do not think you will be disappointed.

Cheers,

p.s. - I hope BMW NA does the right thing

 

I thought BMW claims no turbo lag; each turbo provides compressed air to 3 cylinders, power on demand. Not to mention less weight in the front, better cornering. 0-60 times very close, tune-ability of the twin turbo is a plus.

535i
Acceleration 0-60 mph - Manual Transmission 5.6 sec
Acceleration 0-60 mph - STEPTRONIC Automatic Transmission 5.7 sec

550i
Acceleration 0-60 mph - Manual transmission 5.4 sec
Acceleration 0-60 mph - STEPTRONIC automatic Transmission 5.5 sec

 

The 335i gets 0-60 in 4.9 with only 100 lbs less weight than a 535i. However, it seems people "feel" the 550i is faster given the sound and linearity of the V8. We will eventually get some car magazine (or members) giving us the times. I think a magazine got 5.0 sec with the 550i.

 

The 335i as rated by BMW has a 0-60 of 5.3 seconds, but actual times as stated by Car & Driver were 4.8-4.9 seconds, so the times listed above are also rated times, and the 535i carries the same motor so its time will also be faster than the rated times.

 

It is funny that when Car and Driver has a good review we quote it and decide that it is a fact no matter what BMW numbers are, like C&D says that 0-60 in a 335 is 4.9 sec and BMW says 5.3 sec , we choose C&D, but when C$D says something we don't like, like the 550 is not good, we decide C&D is garbage. We are always selling to ourselves and interpret things the way we want.

This discussion is about wheter the 535 or the 550 is better, make no mistake, the 550 is better but is more expensive, if they both were the same price, everyone would choose the 550, so the discussion is really about what we can afford, no? See, it is very simple, if you can afford the 550, get the 550, if you want to save a buck, get the 535, but be clear, the 550 is superior.

 

I can afford a 550i, but I would actually rather go for the 535i, because of the new engine- I personally believe the 550 will get an engine upgrade sooner than later.

 

Funny how they change the engine SOoooo much now. Previously I dont think they changed the E39 540's engine at all... it was always the same one throughout the life of the E39 wasnt it?

 

I am taking this to mean that we members are so smart and can tell when C&D is trying to lie to us.

 

I agree, if you want to call it "affordability", yes I prefer 535i. I certainly, not speaking for other 535i owners
In life there is diminishing return, this is true in wine, audio system, cars, vacation you get the ideas. For people who can appreciate, a little improvemnet for a lot more money then go for it. We all agree 550i is better than 535i.