Hi all

I'm trying to decide between a 08 550i and 08 535i. This is my first BMW. The 535i seems like a great choice given performance and less weight of the twin turbo I6. I really like the way the 550i looks with the sports package (aero kit and wheels). Can I order the 535i from the dealer with a 550i aero kit and wheels+tires?

 

welcome. for your question, check out this thread and the links in it: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...p;hl=535i+mtech . considering your decision, you could check out the reviews of some members on both the 550 and the 535. here's one thread that i found with some opinions comparing the 2: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...mp;hl=550i+535i . good luck and enjoy the forums.

 

In Canada you can order the MSport package on a 535i and xi for $5500 , Looks just like the 550 only with 18" wheels.

Cheers

 

Why couldn't you? The chassi is exactly the same.

Just order your 535i with the M-sport package.

 

Unfortunately, as of now, you can't get an M Sport Package in the US, only an M Aero kit, sold separately. Even more unfortunately, the M Aero kit is not available in the US on the US MY'08 (LCI) E60. The 550i with ZSP has all the aero components, which will likely be the same as the kit once the kit is available, but BMW USA is not making those components available as a kit just yet. Calypso's dealer sold him the pieces separately for installation on his 535i (which looks stunning), but BMWUSA is not selling them as a kit yet. A bunch of us are waiting....waiting....waiting................

 

It's a marketing jippo, of course. They want to sell 550i's, and why not.

It's more expensive to order a 535i with sports suspension + a OEM M sports aero package, but it will do it.

The E60's are a bargain in the US anyway.

 

I also believe that they aren't offering the kit because they don't want to affect 550i sport sales. But even with the kit at $4000 (which is a bit high--it should be closer to $3000 installed), you still save in the neighborhood of $5000 or so with the 535i (adding Sport pkg and Premium pkg to 535i) with the kit than the 550i. Of course you don't get that amazing 8 or the 172 wheels, but otherwise the cars are not too far apart.

 

If you can live without the performance software gains with the 535 and you want to alter the exterior anyway, I would just get the 550.

 

As Westcoast noted in Canada we can get the 535 MSport. For me the jump to 550 was $8000 more and that gets me the V8 and the 172's. I just couldn't make the jump to the 550 for those dollars. The 535 MSport is a nice package that is not available in the states. www.bmw.ca if anyone is interested.

 

+1. That's exactly what I did.

Lou