First you write this....


Which is it?

 

I can do the math for you guys.

Its simple there is more weight over the front end on the 550i. FACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This affects the handling. Handling 101.

How could you say there isn't?

Both cars have the near 50/50 weight distribution, but it is irrelevant when you talking about front-end feel. The lighter front-end of the 535i has better feel and quicker turn-in.

This is what M3 fans have been arguing every time a new M3 comes out, they all have the BMW famous near 50/50 weight distribution, but they have increasingly more weight over the front negatively affecting the front-end feel.

 

I thought you had enough, go way...

 

Ha, Ha

Its just ridiculous to say the 550i doesn't have an extra weight over the front wheels, because it is distributed 50/50.

Both cars have the near 50/50 weight distribution, but it is irrelevant when you talking about front-end feel. The lighter front-end of the 535i has better feel and quicker turn-in.

This is what M3 fans have been arguing every time a new M3 comes out, they all have the BMW famous near 50/50 weight distribution, but they are increasingly heavier, leaving more weight over the front-end negatively affecting the front-end feel.

BMW USA numbers, manual transmissions.

535i- 3660 lbs. , 51.2/48.8 Front- 1873.92 lbs. Rear- 1786.06 lbs.

550- 3946 lbs. , 51.4/48.6 Front- 2028.244 lbs. Rear- 1917.756 lbs.

Yes the cars are balanced, this still doesn't change the fact there is less weight over the front wheels one the 535i, which will create a better feel and quicker turn-in. All right, now I am done. I don't know what else to say.

 

Actually it is not as simple as that ......

read up - here is some general info
http://autopedia.com/stuttgart-west/Physic...tPhysics07.html

PS - to clarify my point here, I think there is plenty to debate about the handling between the two cars - but you can't just say that because the 535 weighs less it is a better handling car - if that was the case, my neighbors Civic would out handle both cars!

 

December Road and Track...535i sport, 0-60 5.1, quarter mile 13.7@102.6, skid pad .91, better than a Porsche Cayman (quote). I think it was a sport auto, but not sure. I know my 05 545 sport wasn't that fast. Anybody have comparision test data? What are the 550i's seeing in other tests?

I drove a 545 and 535 back to back. The extra 200+ lbs is definately noticable to me. Same tires/wheels. by the way.

 

That link said nothing about weight and weight distribution, and the effect of more weight over the front end. How have you guys not heard of lighter front end equals better feel and quicker turn-in.

I am sure the Civic doesn't, since the suspension is completely different. But if there was a six-cylinder version Civic the front end would have a much heavier feel, than the 4-banger, even if they both have the same weight distribution.



Take for example the new M3, it has a near 50/50 weight distribution just like earlier M3's, but according to the magazine tests it has lost some of its front-end feel and quick turn-in, due to extra weight over the front wheels. How do you guys not understand this?

 

Isn't the suspension different on the 550? Per BMW it might be - but as I mentioned, nobody has been able to prove that.

 

The 535i has recorded better skidpad numbers.

But its all about feel, the new M3 is the best example I can give you. It has suffered a little do to the extra weight, especially weight over the front wheels. This is documented in just about all the mags.

 

Good one! And excellent debating technique. When all else fails, insult your opponent. Stick to logical arguments, not name calling.

To me, the 550 handles better than the 535. Although I tried to ignore it, when I test drove both cars the 535 slipped on a tight curve, whereas the 550 did not. The 535 took more concentration to control, whereas the 550 felt like it was on rails - just point and go. I was so taken by the twin turbo and "better performance for better gas mileage" that I ignored my driving instincts. Although the 550 weighs more, its combination of enhanced suspension and 19" rubber has better road and handling feel than the softer-suspension 535 with 18" runflats -- to me.

Until one of the car magazines does a comparison between a 550 and a 535, all the debating, arguments and name calling are simply words and personal opinions.

Lou