Would you guys choose a loaded 530i or a bare 550i? Lets say that becuase there are some must have options on the 550i, the 550i is still more expensive by a few grand.

 

Go with a fairly loaded 550 close to the price of a fully loaded 530. Do European Delivery.

 

I chose a basic 550i. Only options were SP and shades. SMG came for free. Then again, PDC and premium package came for free due to the 550i trim level. In any case, I don't consider my 550i stripped at all, it's configured just the way I like it. Nav would have been nice but not for $1.8k, I opted to go with PDA nav. Premium sound money is better spent on a cheaper aftermarket system. CA is way overpriced, ACC is bleading edge, AS controversial and HUD is just to show off. But of course everyones tastes, needs and wants are different so just go with what YOU want. I'm happy with my choices as I have been on my previous BMWs.

 

Not sure if gas mileage is one of your factors and have no idea what you'd expect from the 530 but I'm getting 21.5-23.00 everytime. My commute is half at 80mph and half at bumper to bumper.

I think a 550i with no options is still a lot of car...but your decision should be based on your needs too.

 

Ack, I forgot the biggest factors for my decision to go with the 550i. A LOT more power, bigger brakes and more rubber on the road. After ~1500 miles I've averaged better than 20mpg with a considerable amount of stop and go (OC traffic) and as high as 26mpg on longer trips on the highway so mileage isn't nearly as bad as I feared. On the other hand, 1500miles is a very small sample size.

 

I'd go with a basic 550 all day as my favorite option is the V8. I believe it comes with the premium package, so all you need is the sports package along with premium sound and you should be okay. I'd get the CWP for the heated and thicker steering wheel as well.

 

Go for the 550i. Not considering the 540?

 

I would have love to have a V8, but prefered a fully loaded 530iA. I don't regret it. Also, here gas prices are important.

Nevertheless, the 3.0l L6 (straight six) is the essence of BMW IMHO. It's the engine that made BMW what it is today...


A V8 has a completely different resonation in hearts of people living in North America.

 

HUD to show off? On the contrary, when I ordered mine and was debating this option, one 15 minute drive in a 545 convinced me. It had HUD and it was amazing. I was used to it in minutes and found I could watch the road better. CA is awesome. Plain and simple. NAV is even cooler yet with HUD. Come on. If you're going to order a top end car, why scrimp on the treats? That's like taking Jessica Alba home and playing cards instead of playing something else!

 

Was that a question??? Dude, not such a a hard decision to make...550i is a dream
Enough said.