cnt decide 535i or 550i??
03-09-2011, 07:15 PM
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My Ride: 2006 525I
What's up guys I have a guy coming this week to buy my 2006 525I and I want to upgrade to an 08+ 535I or 550I is the 550 really worth the couple extra thousands? I have found 2 that I like about the same mileage but the 550I is about 6000 extra is it worth it?
03-09-2011, 07:19 PM
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My Ride: 09 535i Xdrive
Technology package
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The 535 is power on demand with the 300lb twin turbo.It is there when you want it,but it is not sucking gas the way an 8 cylinder 550 does.I for one do not see the value in the price difference,but I'm sure the 550 crew will chime in with their thoughts.
a simple tune will have the 535 at some serious speeds. Its really all personally preference. Drive both and see what suits you better
03-09-2011, 07:47 PM
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My Ride: 2006 525I
I did test drive an 08 550I today and it was awsome, tmwr I plan on checking out the 535I my friend has a 535I as well and when I'm in it it feels just as good, I just don't want to regret my purchase I rushed into buying the 525I because I wanted to save a couple $$ but ever since I checked out the higher models I realized I should of spent the extra cash.....
03-09-2011, 08:21 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550i (E60) - Titanium Silver | Black Dakota w/ Bamboo Anthracite | Sports Package | Premium Package | Steptronic | Navigation | Logic 7
Former:
1995 540i MSport (E34) - 6sp, B&M Short Shift | Dinan Intake | Dinan Exhaust | Dinan Chip
1987 325iC (E30) - sold
I was in the same predicament as you...good one though I guess. I ended up going 550i after all. I agree that the 535i can be made into a beast but after a while I decided I didn't want to do all the extra's myself. With the 550i I ended up getting more power than I need for daily driving and the body kit, wheels, etc... as something I wasn't going to "have" to upgrade. I wasn't convinced with the HPFP solution despite the warranty and didn't want to worry about it. Just my $.02..
Not bashing on 535i's at all... they are sweet and when the body kit, wheels and tunes are done they are awesome!
Oh yea and for gas mileage, I think the 550i is 15/23 18 combined vs the 535i at 17/26 for 20 combined. I'm doing this from memory so I could be wrong but I think it's close enough. There should only be a couple mpg difference between the cars.
Not bashing on 535i's at all... they are sweet and when the body kit, wheels and tunes are done they are awesome!
Oh yea and for gas mileage, I think the 550i is 15/23 18 combined vs the 535i at 17/26 for 20 combined. I'm doing this from memory so I could be wrong but I think it's close enough. There should only be a couple mpg difference between the cars.
03-09-2011, 09:22 PM
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I just came from an S4 with the BiTurbo V6 and now have a 08 550i. I can tell you the V8 is fantastic! I also went from a 6 speed in the S4 to the Automatic with Paddle Shifting in the 550i and it is definatly nice to shift when you want and let the car do its thing when you dont.
03-09-2011, 09:59 PM
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My Ride: Alpine White 2006 530Xi (SLD)
Personally, I'd probably go for a 535Xi with a stick. Just because it is AWD and manual transmission. Also, weight distribution is better. Performance-wise, there is no significant difference. Yes, really. Especially, if you mod the 535's engine/ECU a bit 
Maybe there is some difference when you get into triple-digit speeds. Maybe, if this is important to you, you'd be better off with a V8. And if you want automatic, don't care about the fuel costs, want to have a VERY VERY potent cruiser, a 550 is a great, awesome, super, insane car! But trust me, if it is core performance and a degree of frugality, get the 535 and enjoy
Maybe there is some difference when you get into triple-digit speeds. Maybe, if this is important to you, you'd be better off with a V8. And if you want automatic, don't care about the fuel costs, want to have a VERY VERY potent cruiser, a 550 is a great, awesome, super, insane car! But trust me, if it is core performance and a degree of frugality, get the 535 and enjoy
03-09-2011, 10:28 PM
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My Ride: 2006 525I
Thanks for the info really appreciate it! I'm starting to lean towards the 535 at the moment like some of you said, with the extra cash I would put towards the 550I I can use that towards modding the engine up a bit plus get that mtech kit. I will get back to you guys thanks again
03-10-2011, 02:10 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535i LCI with sports/premium package, Sports trans with paddle shifters, CF emblems, JB4 Software, Dinan Exhaust, Navigation, M5Tech body kit, Carbon wrap interrior trim and CIC Controller.
I agree with most of the comments as well. Appearance would play a big role for me as some of the 535's come set up nicely from the factory and some don't, Just as the 550's do. So looks and condition when comparing a select number of vehicles. Gas mileage on my 535 is a constant 24.0 with a mix of highway and town driving and a little more on long highway trips. Now that is normal driving and if I kept my foot deeply in the pedal it would be much less.