bjsbuds

First post here, a fellow forum member recommended this forum. I have been reading and reading the posts over the past couple days. I know not to ask the question 550i vs. 535i. So here goes my story....

I have had three Jet Black 3-series, one coupe and two cabs. My lease is up on my current 2006 cab in two months. I had fully intented on leasing an E92 335i, but the lease payments are so ridiculous that I have decided I am going to buy this time. Little worried about the maintenance, which I why I will look for one with low mileage.

So, I started looking at 5-series, and some are plain looking to me, but others are awesome. For example, I love DrLev99's '08 AW 550i Sport. I found a used one for $48,000, which is out of my league, so here's what is important to me, and please give me your suggestions.

- I love power which is why I was considering a 335i coupe. Therefore, a 525 would be ruled out.
- Has to have a sporty ride. Therefore, must have Sport Package.
- Has to be sporty looking. My brother, who owns an M3, thinks I am nuts for considering a 5-series, as he calls it an old persons car. Yes our parents have had two 5-series, they are 70.
- How can I best make it sporty looking. M-Tech kit, after market wheels? I have purchased after market wheels for both of my 330 cabs. My current one has 19" BBS CH wheels, love the look, totally changes the look of the car.
- Never had all-wheel drive, should I? Live in SW Ohio where we receive more ice than rain.
- Which year? Have read in several posts that each year BMW has improved the E60.
- Forgot this all important one. Do not want to spend more than low $30s.

Look forward to your recommendations.

KnIgHtCoM

To meet your criteria on price and power, the 545i will be your only model of choice. Which means it will not have an M-Tech kit. But you sound like someone who likes to mod cars, so that's not the problem. Just how much are you willing to spend after the fact?

And what does the buds stand for in your name?

melimel

tough choice.. but i would have to agree, you might end up with a 545i.. its beefy and you can mod it. throw an m-tech package, wheels, little things.. 5 series is not an "old peoples car" which im sure you clearly can see here.. they are rear wheel drive.. im in ny and have no problems on the road.. i even slipped around today on black ice in my husbands pathfinder(piece of SHIT ) just make sure it has the sport package and you can work it from there.. you should be able to find one in your price range.. good luck and let us know what you end up doing..

cleung

I think in your situation you may end up with a 545

IceyTys

1st off.... to the forums, but since youre a newbie there's a couple of do's and donts I'd like to suggest to help you fit in with the group (if you dont mind).

DO - Post pictures whenever possible (we luv pics)
DO - Always ask your fellow boarders for advice when you dont know (great group of people here)
DO - Make sure when you do decide on a car you add Mods (idividuality and addiction is great)
DO - Seek Rudy's advice (he knows all )

but Please what ever you do, DO

DON'T - compliment Dr Lev (lets not build up that head of his too high)

j/k everybody loves a Doctor! (execpt when the bill comes )


All kidding aside...I think other then the obivoius torque, hp, and fuel economy the 535i and the 550 are basically the same as far as comfort and handling (cornering) characteristics. So I dont really think you could go wrong with either choice. One thing for sure is your probably gonna get more options as standard on a 550 then you would a 535, so if you buying used the chances are you'd get more from the 550 since you've listed some of the items that are a must for you. Plus if I am not mistaken when you get a 550i w/ sport package it already comes with the M-Tech kit. So right from the date of purchase you already have the body kit and wheels you want. I would say look for an 06 550, I am sure you can pick one up in the $30's

In any case of the two you wont go wrong.

GL and keep us posted

pennetta

They dont make an All Wheel drive 545 or 550's, so I'm not sure what the "AW" is in your 08 AW 550 Sport choice. There are All Wheel 535's. Because of your price constaints, your looking at a 530i, 530xi or 545i, and neither came with a factory M body kit. The 535, 545 and 550 are in the same performance ballpark, the 530 is not.
I would only stay away from a 2004, everything since has been much better.
If you don't need the size, I would go for a 335 coupe or convertible. You can get red seats too.

pennetta

Really now, who are we to deny the newer blood the pleasure of debating the virtues of the 535 vs. the 550?
Since the 535 is not a new topic anymore, I don't think it can ever get as heated as it once did. I sort of miss those days

Gene

AW= Alpine White (I think )

BrianTx5

The AW referred to the color, Alpine White.

bjsbuds

Sorry, AW stands for Alpine White. Funny you should say get red seats in a 335. My color combo was going to either be Black Sapphire Metallic with Coral Red interor, or Alpine White with Coral Red interior. The red interior was a must!