the real difference - 530i/545i/535i/550i compared
08-14-2010, 11:11 AM
#11
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I agree that torque at a given RPM is often more important than maximum HP in how fast a car feels. The 550 earns points for the maximum torque, but the 535 delivers its maximum 300 lb-ft of torque from 1400 to 5000 RPM. In comparison, the normally aspirated 530 delivers its 220 lb-ft maximum torque at 2750 RPM. Even at WOT I would expect the difference in torque to be apparent between the 530 and 535. The 35% difference in maximum torque is large compared to a 6% weight difference. In normal driving the greater torque at low RPM from the 535 will be even more apparent. BMW rates the 0 to 60 mph time at 5.7 seconds for the 2010 535i with the automatic compared to 6.4 seconds for the 2007 530i. You will need more than the difference in weight due to a full tank of gas to close this gap.
In HP comparisons, keep in mind that several sources (including Dinan tests) have confirmed that the 535i in stock form produces more like 320 to 330 HP than the rated 300 HP. It has been speculated that BMW was exceptionally conservative in rating the horsepower from the 535 to maintain the desired interval behind the 360 HP of the 550. However, a difference of only 0.2 second in BMW's own specified 0-60 mph times between the 2010 535i and 550i suggests the difference in engine output is not that great. In addition, the difference in BMW's specified 0-60 time actually shrinks to 0.1 second with a 535i xDrive compared to a 550i (no xDrive available in the E60 model) despite the additional weight because of better traction. While HP and weight are important, there are other parameters that need to be considered.
I am glad that tuffluck likes the E60 530i. I enjoyed my E39 530i which had even less horsepower, but also a little less weight. However, I would not recommend any stock 530i race a 535i for pink slips.
In HP comparisons, keep in mind that several sources (including Dinan tests) have confirmed that the 535i in stock form produces more like 320 to 330 HP than the rated 300 HP. It has been speculated that BMW was exceptionally conservative in rating the horsepower from the 535 to maintain the desired interval behind the 360 HP of the 550. However, a difference of only 0.2 second in BMW's own specified 0-60 mph times between the 2010 535i and 550i suggests the difference in engine output is not that great. In addition, the difference in BMW's specified 0-60 time actually shrinks to 0.1 second with a 535i xDrive compared to a 550i (no xDrive available in the E60 model) despite the additional weight because of better traction. While HP and weight are important, there are other parameters that need to be considered.
I am glad that tuffluck likes the E60 530i. I enjoyed my E39 530i which had even less horsepower, but also a little less weight. However, I would not recommend any stock 530i race a 535i for pink slips.
i also looked up some info on the cars on another website--carfolio.com, which has an even greater disparity on the weight of the vehicles, but also rates the 530i at 268 hp, which is interesting since everywhere else i can find only shows it to be 255 hp. i am not sure which one to agree with, but i went with the trusty yahoo results of 255hp. of course as anyone knows, two of the same model, make and year of car is not going to deliver the exact same hp results.
08-14-2010, 11:22 AM
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To add to the thread, I actually raced a 535xi on the highway about a month back. It honestly did not pull like I thought it would. I believe it was stock, and he could not catch me from 70-125~.
We actually chatted further down the road (in traffic), and he said he thought I was a 545 (cant see my matte badge, only close up).
I believe the I6 N52 is a good compromise of speed, fuel, economy, and some measure of fun when pushed.
I drove the 550 and the 535 also when I bought mine, but couldnt justify 100-150 more a month for either one.
My .02.
We actually chatted further down the road (in traffic), and he said he thought I was a 545 (cant see my matte badge, only close up).
I believe the I6 N52 is a good compromise of speed, fuel, economy, and some measure of fun when pushed.
I drove the 550 and the 535 also when I bought mine, but couldnt justify 100-150 more a month for either one.
My .02.
08-14-2010, 11:38 AM
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I got the 530 at the time because of the fuel economy more than anything. It was the summer of horrible gas prices and I just couldn't justify the price I'd pay at the pump.
08-14-2010, 01:24 PM
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My Ride: 2010 535i wagon
To add to the thread, I actually raced a 535xi on the highway about a month back. It honestly did not pull like I thought it would. I believe it was stock, and he could not catch me from 70-125~.
We actually chatted further down the road (in traffic), and he said he thought I was a 545 (cant see my matte badge, only close up).
I believe the I6 N52 is a good compromise of speed, fuel, economy, and some measure of fun when pushed.
I drove the 550 and the 535 also when I bought mine, but couldnt justify 100-150 more a month for either one.
My .02.
We actually chatted further down the road (in traffic), and he said he thought I was a 545 (cant see my matte badge, only close up).
I believe the I6 N52 is a good compromise of speed, fuel, economy, and some measure of fun when pushed.
I drove the 550 and the 535 also when I bought mine, but couldnt justify 100-150 more a month for either one.
My .02.
08-14-2010, 01:37 PM
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When we ordered our '06 530i, I pretty much wanted to replicate our DD at the time, an '88 E28 528e with 275,000 carefree miles. We opted for essentially the same I6 engine and manual transmission. Well, the 530i has been a blast to drive and I find I have plenty of get up and go with its 255 horses. It still has not replaced our 528e though as the eta engine, currently with 310,000 miles, just keeps going and going.
08-14-2010, 01:49 PM
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I can certainly understand why some owners may prefer the 530 over the 535 for reasons of economy. However, more than one source puts the 535i at about 14.1 seconds and 100 mph for a quarter mile. http://www.dragtimes.com/BMW--535xi-Drag-Racing.html Cars.com information indicates the 530xi does about 15.1 seconds and 90 mph for the quarter mile. http://www.cars.com/go/compare/trimC...,USB70BMC072A0 If my math is correct, one second represents about 8 car lengths at 90 mph. It would surprise me that a stock 530xi would beat a stock 535xi from 70 to 125 mph if the cars are both driven for maximum performance, but stranger things have happened.
Like I said, I was ahead of him when we started WOT on a stretch, and he never caught up. He was a good 2-3 carlengths behind the entire time.
Also, sources list the 530xi stock as being 6.8-6.9 0-60. I have clocked myself around 6 flat (5.91 best) with multiple sources from the IPHONE app to a G-METER, and even a stopwatch. A stock 535xi is about 5.6 seconds IIRC.
People say the 530i/xi is slow, and this is not the case, especially on highway runs. My experience vs. the 535xi shows that the 530 is no chump. It's still no V8 550, but that's another story
08-14-2010, 01:58 PM
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I can certainly understand why some owners may prefer the 530 over the 535 for reasons of economy. However, more than one source puts the 535i at about 14.1 seconds and 100 mph for a quarter mile. http://www.dragtimes.com/BMW--535xi-Drag-Racing.html Cars.com information indicates the 530xi does about 15.1 seconds and 90 mph for the quarter mile. http://www.cars.com/go/compare/trimC...,USB70BMC072A0 If my math is correct, one second represents about 8 car lengths at 90 mph. It would surprise me that a stock 530xi would beat a stock 535xi from 70 to 125 mph if the cars are both driven for maximum performance, but stranger things have happened.
i have nothing but respect for the x35i owners, but the problems with the n54 and the weight
erformance ratios i mentioned at the start of this thread dissuaded me from owning the 535i, not to mention my test drive of the 535i really not impressing me much. i actually didn't even test drive the 550i because i was coming from a v8 and knew that would please me more than a v6 in any scenario. but the huge price jump from the 530i to the 550i wasn't what i wanted, and i was unwilling to pay more than 30k for my new bimmer (but i also required it be a CPO car as well).
08-14-2010, 03:56 PM
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When we ordered our '06 530i, I pretty much wanted to replicate our DD at the time, an '88 E28 528e with 275,000 carefree miles. We opted for essentially the same I6 engine and manual transmission. Well, the 530i has been a blast to drive and I find I have plenty of get up and go with its 255 horses. It still has not replaced our 528e though as the eta engine, currently with 310,000 miles, just keeps going and going.
Similar thoughts. I have a 86 535I with a few upgrades and have a 08 535XIT. I love my 86 as my DD. Have to admit the 08 is a beast compared to my 06. Both are still fun in their own way, and for everyday driving, I still enjoy my 86.
08-14-2010, 05:11 PM
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My Ride: 2007 550i Jet Black|Black
Options: Sport|Premium|Cold Weather|PDC|Nav|Satellite Radio|Active Steering|Convenience Entry
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not to mention the price difference when comparing a 550i to a 530i, the dollar per horsepower goes way up. not that it means anything other than just a rough diagram for the comparison of the 5-series.
hope i don't catch fire for this, haha...i just thought it was interesting. thoughts?
hope i don't catch fire for this, haha...i just thought it was interesting. thoughts?
I had an e39 528 for years. When it was time to get a new car, I figured the 530 would be a slight boost in power and would be enough for me. I test drove a 530 and it didn't seem any very from my 528. On a whim, I drove the 550. There was a HUGE difference. I went only one block and knew that the 550 was for me. As I recall, when buying used/CPO the prices of the 530 and 550 were closer than when new.
I smile every time I punch the accelerator in my 550. Every time I drive a different car (right now I am in a caddy DTS loaner) I fall in love with my car again when I get it back. No question in my mind the extra horsepower is a huge difference and worth the money if you have it.
08-14-2010, 05:43 PM
#20
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When we ordered our '06 530i, I pretty much wanted to replicate our DD at the time, an '88 E28 528e with 275,000 carefree miles. We opted for essentially the same I6 engine and manual transmission. Well, the 530i has been a blast to drive and I find I have plenty of get up and go with its 255 horses. It still has not replaced our 528e though as the eta engine, currently with 310,000 miles, just keeps going and going.
I love th E28 528e. That is one "classic" shape!!! Any work to the engine at 300k?PS 530i RULES!!