Well I finally decided to replace my 2004 545I.It wasn't a hard decision since I was already leaning toward a V8.At my age(68) I am not interested in a manual trans so that left the M5 out.The 5 series is the right size for my needs so that decision was made.I drove a 535 when my car was in for service and I like the updates and changes in the interior,but contrary to some members opinion I found the performance of the 535 lacking compared to my 545.When the performance of 2 cars is similar it is hard to feel the difference in acceleration,but the 535 was noticably slower than my 545.I have been driving high performance cars for more than 40 years so I do have a good feel for acceleration.These observations led me to order a 550I.I am not a big fan of loading a car with expensive options.I opted for the cold weather package,heated rear seats and the HD radio.The only piece of the sport package that I would want is the steering wheel.I think the sport package is way overpriced.The wheels and tires are the most expensive pieces,but remember BMW is keeping the standard wheels and tires so it costs BMW very little for the sport wheels and tires.I ordered platinum bronze with natural brown interior and expect delivery in april.After delivery and break in I will give the forum an update on my observations.

 

Good choice grogan, congrats on the new order/car !

Look foward to see the new one !

 

Excellent choice!


WOW you're going to get flammed hard! Some here are saying the 535 can MATCH the 550 and you're saying its slower than the 545. LOL

 

match the 550i ? come'on guys, lets give the manufacturer's numbers some credit !

anyhow , someone with 40 years of experience can't be that off with his estimate...what the man is saying doesn't sound too unreasonable does it ?

 

Did you completely shut off DTC & DSC and activate the magic button? If not, then i know what you mean.

 

Congrats and enjoy!!! Everyone is entitled to their opinions here regarding the 535 and 550. If Grogan felt like the 550 was better than a 535, I respect that and he should not be flamed about his choice. My 2 cents.

 

Great choice, congratulations ! You did not order the Sports Package ? I thought all 550s from 08 in the US were the MSport ??

 

No, the M sport pack is an option. I have not seen an LCI non sport 550 as of yet. In the last year since I have had my car, I have probably seen about 5 '08 550 with the M kit. What I do see more often is 528i, xi and 535i, xi.

 

Great choice going with the 550, but your comment on the 545 being faster than the 535 is .... a bit ridiculous.
I have driven the 545 and 535 (both with manual transmission) back to back on several occasions and the 535 simply performs better. That being said.. I am sure the 550 outperforms both (stock vs stock obviously).

 

I see ! here you have to take a 550 as the MSport , no option ! of course why fight a great thing. In fact the last 2 5ers I've had , I ordered with the MSport Package. The 08s came standard with this previous option and the price actually came dow $3400