How different is the feel of a 530i to a 550i?
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Originally Posted by Howitzer' post='900825' date='Jun 4 2009, 01:06 PM
For those who say "if you have to worry about gas, you shouldn't own a BMW" ...... well, I really don't know what to say to such a statement. What I can comment on is, while the 530 isn't as fast as the 550 in pick-up, they both have the same top end speed. The big difference is fuel economy in the end. Gas prices WILL, believe me, skyrocket again. Eventually, you will feel the pain of a 550 in your wallet.
But the reality is that if one can afford a new 550, one can afford the gas.
To me, the extra power is well worth the poorer mpg.
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My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
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Very different, 550i is FAST! 
Take my advice, buy the 550i, enjoy the hell out of it and NEVER look back!! 
Take my advice, buy the 550i, enjoy the hell out of it and NEVER look back!!
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Originally Posted by Howitzer' post='900825' date='Jun 4 2009, 10:06 AM
For those who say "if you have to worry about gas, you shouldn't own a BMW" ...... well, I really don't know what to say to such a statement. What I can comment on is, while the 530 isn't as fast as the 550 in pick-up, they both have the same top end speed. The big difference is fuel economy in the end. Gas prices WILL, believe me, skyrocket again. Eventually, you will feel the pain of a 550 in your wallet.
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From: Irvine, CA
My Ride: Titanium Gray 550i, Cold Weather Package, Premium Sound Package, Sport Package, Shadowline trim, Parking Distance Conrol, Xenon, Adaptive Headlight Control, Navigation System, Satellite
Originally Posted by superbri' post='900837' date='Jun 4 2009, 01:17 PM
2006 530i= 255HP 
. Gas mileage isn't that different I average 23.8 MPG accoding to my car.
. Gas mileage isn't that different I average 23.8 MPG accoding to my car.
Sorry bri-255HP 
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i Sport
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It is way worth it. I've driven a 530/535. No offense to my 530 brethren, but when it comes to power and feel, the 530 doesn't deserve mention on the same breath as the 550. The 535 is okay, but it's still no 550.
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From: East Bay, CA
My First BMW and it's a 530i. I think in 550 you will get much more power and fun and not so much difference in fuel economy. After you consider all the other advantages and few minor disadvantages, like minor fuel efficiency difference, 550 would make more sense. It does cost quiet a bit more than 530 though.
Do I regret getting 530 and not having a 550? Absolutely NOT.
Do I regret getting 530 and not having a 550? Absolutely NOT.
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
My Ride: 2008 Alpine White 550i Sport, Cream Beige Interior, 6-Sp Manual - retired 9/2011
I average 20.8 mpg in my 550i with mixed driving. My 530i averaged around 23.8 mpg
I don't really notice the difference filling up now vs. the old 530. However, I do notice between the 550i and M5. 
And of course the power is much better in the 550i compared to my 255HP 530. I still miss the extra 140HP, though, from the beast.
I don't really notice the difference filling up now vs. the old 530. However, I do notice between the 550i and M5.
And of course the power is much better in the 550i compared to my 255HP 530. I still miss the extra 140HP, though, from the beast.