550i versus 535
06-02-2007, 10:26 PM
#31
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Originally Posted by Casper' post='431281' date='Jun 2 2007, 09:58 PM
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.
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 agree with your first paragraph. I disagree with your second. You say the 550 is "better." I find this statement to be vague and subjective. What does "better" mean? Is your definition of "better" universally true for everyone? I doubt it. You may prefer the 550 (and that's OK with me), but I do not think you can decide that for everyone else. It was not a money issue for me. I could buy any model BMW, and I bought a 535, for my own reasons.
IMO, it is silly for members of this forum to insist that a 550 is "better" or superior to a 535, or that a 535 is superior to a 550. This banter is a waste of time. Both cars are outstanding in their own ways. There is nothing wrong with anyone that chooses one over the other. Choose either one, and you have chosen a great car.
Could we please move on from this ridiculous pi$$ing contest and discuss topics that are more objective and meaningful.
06-02-2007, 10:38 PM
#32
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
I disagree with you ALL!!!!!! I say the 528 is the best of them all! all other E60s are crap. 
06-02-2007, 10:59 PM
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Naturaly you are going to fight for the car you own or plan to purchase. Their is no bad decision. I think it's a little easier decision if you are coming out of a 2004-2007 545/550. The new 535 looks identical to the car I have driven for 3 years. The updates to the new 550i sport excited me enough to keep me in a 5 series. I considered the 535 heavily due to price and gas mileage. I just love a V8 Bmw especially with the new wheels, aero kit, and exclusive carbon black.
06-04-2007, 08:12 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550i ZSP with Style 167 wheels
An Edmond's test of the 535i is in.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=121047
Highlights are (NOTE: I added the 2006 550i Edmunds review numbers in bold for a comparison):
Lou
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=121047
Highlights are (NOTE: I added the 2006 550i Edmunds review numbers in bold for a comparison):
What does BMW's new twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine do for the 5 Series? This 2008 BMW 535i test car with an automatic transmission effectively equaled the acceleration of a 2006 BMW 550i equipped with a manual transmission. The 535i's 5.5-second acceleration to 60 mph proves a sedan doesn't need the 550i's V8 engine to be quick.
Each new application of BMW's wundermotor leaves us breathless. The ease with which it makes belly-flattening torque translates directly to an ability to deliver an effortless experience when it comes to merging on the highway or passing, not to mention undemanding cruising at super-legal speeds right up to 155 mph, where the electronic limiter calls a halt to the fun.
What's more, our test car recorded 22.5 mpg during our two-week drive. By the way, this is one of the first vehicles we've tested that reflects the new-for-2008 EPA average fuel economy ratings. Our real-world 22.5-mpg average (24.2 mpg best/20.0 mpg worst) over 1,600 miles does, indeed, reflect the 535i's official 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway fuel economy ratings for 2008.
***
[535i; automatic] [550i manual (2006)]
0 - 30 (sec): 1.9 (2.1)
0 - 45 (sec): 3.7 (3.6)
0 - 60 (sec): 5.5 (5.6)
0 - 75 (sec): 8.2 (8.2)
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 14.0 @ 100.4 (13.8 @ 102.5)
30 - 0 (ft): 28 (26)
60 - 0 (ft): 113 (109)
Slalom (mph): 65.3 (67.5)
Skid Pad (g-force): 0.89 (.88)
Each new application of BMW's wundermotor leaves us breathless. The ease with which it makes belly-flattening torque translates directly to an ability to deliver an effortless experience when it comes to merging on the highway or passing, not to mention undemanding cruising at super-legal speeds right up to 155 mph, where the electronic limiter calls a halt to the fun.
What's more, our test car recorded 22.5 mpg during our two-week drive. By the way, this is one of the first vehicles we've tested that reflects the new-for-2008 EPA average fuel economy ratings. Our real-world 22.5-mpg average (24.2 mpg best/20.0 mpg worst) over 1,600 miles does, indeed, reflect the 535i's official 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway fuel economy ratings for 2008.
***
[535i; automatic] [550i manual (2006)]
0 - 30 (sec): 1.9 (2.1)
0 - 45 (sec): 3.7 (3.6)
0 - 60 (sec): 5.5 (5.6)
0 - 75 (sec): 8.2 (8.2)
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 14.0 @ 100.4 (13.8 @ 102.5)
30 - 0 (ft): 28 (26)
60 - 0 (ft): 113 (109)
Slalom (mph): 65.3 (67.5)
Skid Pad (g-force): 0.89 (.88)
06-04-2007, 08:38 AM
#35
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[quote name='BMWSTL' date='Jun 4 2007, 09:12 AM' post='431727']
An Edmond's test of the 535i is in.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=121047
Highlights are (NOTE: I added the 2006 550i Edmunds review numbers in bold for a comparison):
Lou
"2006 550i" is the key component here. My reply from the other site as well:
Why in the world are the magazines/websites not comparing the 08 535i with the 08 550i?
I refuse to believe any of this until it's an apples vs apples comparison. I'm not doubting the new TT Engine is as fast/faster as previous versions of the 550i. But not the 08! It just isn't. Ask anyone who has driven them both back to back or during the same day.
And sure the 535i is a great bargain the sport sedan world but if price isn't an object (for many it is)there is absolutely no way in hell you could choose the 535i over the 550i with Sport Package. And I'm not making this a pissing contest. If you put a 550i with Sport Package right up next to a 535i with Sport Package, no way you choose the 535. Of course you can acquire the 535 and add things to it to mimic the 550 but when it's all said and done, your price will be very close to what the 550i is bone stock.
I was at a hotel in Downtown LA on Sunday and waiting for the valet to bring me my car. At the same time a guy drives in with a Platinum Gray 06 M5. My car is space gray and comparing the cars side by side.....hard to notice the difference minus the mirrors and quad exhaust. The guy driving the M5 got out of his car and asked me if "that was the new M5".
I smiled and said it was the new 550i. He was very impressed. I keep waiting for the Dyno's to come out on the 08 550i. I think people are in for a surprise. I don't think any previous version of the 550i unmodded is as fast as the new current one. BMW is not stupid. There is no way they are going to put out a car 10k more that has less than the 535 engine wise. More HP than listed--quicker throttle response, better tranny...I don't know yet...but feeling them there is a noticeable difference.
SoCal
An Edmond's test of the 535i is in.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=121047
Highlights are (NOTE: I added the 2006 550i Edmunds review numbers in bold for a comparison):
Lou
"2006 550i" is the key component here. My reply from the other site as well:
Why in the world are the magazines/websites not comparing the 08 535i with the 08 550i?
I refuse to believe any of this until it's an apples vs apples comparison. I'm not doubting the new TT Engine is as fast/faster as previous versions of the 550i. But not the 08! It just isn't. Ask anyone who has driven them both back to back or during the same day.
And sure the 535i is a great bargain the sport sedan world but if price isn't an object (for many it is)there is absolutely no way in hell you could choose the 535i over the 550i with Sport Package. And I'm not making this a pissing contest. If you put a 550i with Sport Package right up next to a 535i with Sport Package, no way you choose the 535. Of course you can acquire the 535 and add things to it to mimic the 550 but when it's all said and done, your price will be very close to what the 550i is bone stock.
I was at a hotel in Downtown LA on Sunday and waiting for the valet to bring me my car. At the same time a guy drives in with a Platinum Gray 06 M5. My car is space gray and comparing the cars side by side.....hard to notice the difference minus the mirrors and quad exhaust. The guy driving the M5 got out of his car and asked me if "that was the new M5".
I smiled and said it was the new 550i. He was very impressed. I keep waiting for the Dyno's to come out on the 08 550i. I think people are in for a surprise. I don't think any previous version of the 550i unmodded is as fast as the new current one. BMW is not stupid. There is no way they are going to put out a car 10k more that has less than the 535 engine wise. More HP than listed--quicker throttle response, better tranny...I don't know yet...but feeling them there is a noticeable difference.
SoCal
06-04-2007, 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by SoCalM5Mang' post='431737' date='Jun 4 2007, 11:38 AM
I keep waiting for the Dyno's to come out on the 08 550i.
SoCal
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06-04-2007, 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by wappett50' post='431739' date='Jun 4 2007, 09:52 AM
Considering the price difference, the 535i would seem a better investment
06-04-2007, 02:42 PM
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My Ride: E46 330, E60 550 on order: Carbon Black/Natural Brown, 6MT.
Originally Posted by Money Plays' post='431854' date='Jun 4 2007, 06:32 PM
Since when was a car considered an investment? It is more like a depreciating asset.
06-04-2007, 03:13 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550i ZSP with Style 167 wheels
Originally Posted by SoCalM5Mang' post='431737' date='Jun 4 2007, 11:38 AM
Why in the world are the magazines/websites not comparing the 08 535i with the 08 550i?
Edmund's overall observation compared the two cars, but not to the degree I did by posting data from the '06 550i Edmund's test.
Lou