JimO'B

I originally intended to drive a 535i with SP, but my local dealer only had 535xi's available. I drove the 535xi first - which drives great - but I really wanted to feel the difference of the SP so the salesman noted that they had a Caron black on black 550i with the SP on the lot. I drove it - and wow...like a high-end sports car and family sedan all in one. Even with the 19" wheels it was a great ride, not punishing even on roads under construction. I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of getting into this thing; it's optioned out pretty good at about $69K, the only option I didn't want that it has is Nav. I'm trying to cost this out and determine if it's worth it (I always seem to find a way to justify toys like this).

A couple questions - how long should these performance tires last? I will definitely need to put 4 snows on being in upstate NY, but really don't want to buy another set of $1200 summer tires before the lease is up in 36-39 months. Also, what mileage can I expect - mostly suburban driving. As noted I intend to lease - although lease deals are awful right now...maybe better in July / Aug??

Thanks for your help

tachyon

Go for the 550i Sport Carbon Black - killer looks and stunning performance.

If you put on winter wheels & tires (6 months per year) I think you would get 3 seasons from the stock tires.

1600

550i!!!!! ENJOY

Hormazd

This always surprises me. My Dad said he didn't need or want it either. Now he is hooked and uses it ever opportunity. I have a good sense of direction and know my way around town, but Nav with traffic monitoring is a must in any urban location. I no longer look at exit signs its boon.

I love the 550i but cannot objectively compare to a 535i or 535xi

merklebob

i had a 545 manual and got 26.5 mpg on a drive from seattle to pittsburg and back. my 650 auto gets a little less than that on 200 mile trips it gets 24.5 and sometimes 26. my active cruise is the cause of some drop but i wouldnt trade it for the world. i drive 20 miles to work in moving stop and go and get about 20-22. when it was just 6 miles to work on back raods it was 17-18.

550isport

I have never driven a 535, but I have driven a 335. I have an 07' 550 sport and have driven the 08' 550 sport. The 550 is worth the price difference to the 535 IMHO. The sound of the V8 (which was nearly silent on my car before I added the Dinan exhaust) is very nice on the 550 with the new sport exhaust. Personally, aside from my father who literally doesn't know the difference between a phillips and flat head screwdriver, there isn't one person in this world who won't benefit from having navigation in their car - especially now that it includes real time traffic avoidance. Trust me, if you get navigation, you won't ever want a car without it.

As for the cost of operation. Tire life is dependent on driving style. I am hard on the car, so I will be happy to get 20-22k from my summer tires. I run winter tires for 4 months. So I will need to get new tires before my lease is up (you can't surrender the car on fully worn tires anyway). As for mileage, 22 highway, 13 city for me. You can do a little better if you're more law abiding.

Personally, I would seriously have considered a 535xi stick if I had to do it again only because of the all wheel drive. Aside from that, the 550 has bigger muscles in every way.

Good luck,
DRP

geokr1

I've had my '07 550i for almost a year now and get 19-20 in the burbs, 23-24 on the Interstates. That milage is calculated from the pump reading divided into the trip odometer, not the milage displayed on the dash which averages 2-3 mpg higher. I do get on it a bit when I can but not excessively. Hell, I bought it to DRIVE it not save the environment, solve world hunger, find a cure....

westcoast550

Mileage is a tough call , depending on driving style , better to ask a tire dealer. You need to be more careful due to the low profile , curbs and potholes are very tough on these types of wheel/tire set ups. Having said that it is an awesome car and you will never regret buying one . From the response that I see in this forum everyone loves driving their 550s the MSport package makes it very tight and agile but still fine as an everyday driver.

Go for it !!