How different is the feel of a 530i to a 550i?
06-04-2009, 12:59 PM
#21
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My Ride: 2009 535xi, short shifter, no CDV
I did not see much engine complaint for V8 in E60. My previous BMW was a 2002 540i 4.4 V8. I did not see any major problem during my 157K miles ownership, however I did all maintenance myself after warranty. From all I heard, I6 has less problem then V8.
http://www.employees.org/~krusir/540i/
Now I have 2009 535xi. It has about 10% more HP then my previous one above. Has 10% less torque... This 535 twin turbo I6 has plenty power to use, I feel it is much nimble (engine wise) then my 540i. The engine can rev. much quicker and the throttle response is quicker then 540i. I am sure that newer V8 in 550i will do much better then the one I have, however I am 100% happy I pickup I6 for now. ( time will tell me....)
BTW, I said "much nimble (engine wise)". My current 535xi does not have sports package ( and xi does not have a real sports package), I feel the 540i's handling is better.
BTW, anyone want to have a short shifter for 535xi, I have an extra to sell.
http://www.employees.org/~krusir/540i/
Now I have 2009 535xi. It has about 10% more HP then my previous one above. Has 10% less torque... This 535 twin turbo I6 has plenty power to use, I feel it is much nimble (engine wise) then my 540i. The engine can rev. much quicker and the throttle response is quicker then 540i. I am sure that newer V8 in 550i will do much better then the one I have, however I am 100% happy I pickup I6 for now. ( time will tell me....)
BTW, I said "much nimble (engine wise)". My current 535xi does not have sports package ( and xi does not have a real sports package), I feel the 540i's handling is better.
BTW, anyone want to have a short shifter for 535xi, I have an extra to sell.
06-04-2009, 02:08 PM
#24
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My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Titanium Silver. Bridgestone 760s on Weds Bavaria II 18" wheels, standard sport pack size. Sport, AT. Latest job - NGK Iridium IX plugs installed.
It might depend on what you are coming from. The 530i is slightly less nose heavy, the engine is smoother and revs higher and faster. With a manual transmission it might feel sportier than the V8's, although its definitely slower. If you never drive the 545/550 then you might still be happy.
The V8 power is in a different class, and you will also have more amenities as standard equipment. Honestly I think if you're going to go with the NA6 then you should choose the 330i, with 6MT.
The V8 power is in a different class, and you will also have more amenities as standard equipment. Honestly I think if you're going to go with the NA6 then you should choose the 330i, with 6MT.
06-04-2009, 10:11 PM
#25
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My Ride: 2007 BMW 550, Sport, Navi, PS, CWP, Sirius
Originally Posted by tnsig' post='901032' date='Jun 4 2009, 04:12 PM
I test drove a 530 before buying my 550...there is a noticeable difference. In mixed driving I'm getting 21 -22. All freeway I get 25+.
06-04-2009, 10:40 PM
#26
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i Titanium Silver Metallic Automatic Transmission, Ventilated Comfort Seats in Beige Nasca Leather, Light Popular Trim, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Night Vision, Cruise Control, Logic 7, Blue tooth Hands Free, Dynamic Stability, Soft Close, Heated Steering wheel, Dynamic Drive, Voice commands
550i for sure 
06-04-2009, 10:53 PM
#28
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I think it'd be more appropriate to say, "If you're worried about a 10% difference in fuel economy, you shouldn't be buying a BMW". Especially considering the insurance differential between a 528/530 and a 550i.
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.
06-05-2009, 12:00 AM
#29
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My Ride: Alpine White 2006 530Xi (SLD)
hahaha I'm just curious if the OP was even near serious (btw I haven't read anything past the OP 
)
EDIT: OOOOOH, they don't have a 535 out there... well, OP, your 530s are 270 horses - that's still a lil' more than "a bit" less than the 550... if you were in the U.S., I'd say just get a 535, but...
I don't know... all I can tell you is: I consider 530 and 550 to not even be in the same class. And I actually drive a 530, mate. So there's my 2 cents
)EDIT: OOOOOH, they don't have a 535 out there... well, OP, your 530s are 270 horses - that's still a lil' more than "a bit" less than the 550... if you were in the U.S., I'd say just get a 535, but...
I don't know... all I can tell you is: I consider 530 and 550 to not even be in the same class. And I actually drive a 530, mate. So there's my 2 cents
06-05-2009, 04:45 AM
#30
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i Sport
Carbon Black Metallic/Cream Beige
Manny tranny and other stuff
Recently gone, but never forgotten:
2005 Ford Mustang GT (hence the name)
Torch Red/Crimson
Manny tranny and every option available for that year
2002 Chrysler 300M Special
Brilliant Black/Light Taupe/Dark Slate
Autostick and goo-gobs of neat features that I will sorely miss
Originally Posted by SergeyM' post='901480' date='Jun 5 2009, 01:11 AM
How in the world you get mixed 22 mph for your 550. 25-26mph on a highway is realistic, but mixed driving is 16-17mph at best, 11mph for city driving.
You must be a mostly city leadfoot? I average 20 - 21 MPG.