Returning Member here, with a new 550i
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, Califonia
My Ride: 2006 M5 Silvertone /Aluminum Trim
2008 550i blk/blk - Sold
Just sending a greeting to all! Great forum.
I just took delivery of a new 2008 550, I'm hoping to learn more about the differences in the 08, the suspension (is it M, or not), the comparisions to the 535, and everything else that is being discussed in this forum.
First impressions:
Haven't brought the car past 3500rpm's but it is torquey!
The IDRIVE seems much more intuitive than the one I had experienced back in 04.
The seats are incredible, even better than the CL500 that I had traded.
The sound is awesome, very throaty. I test drove the 535, big difference in sound. I could hardly notice the revs of the 535.
Big difference in "pin to the seat effect" off the line. With both cars at a stop, (of course test drove another 550, not mine) - with esp off, both in sport mode auto - the 535 did not even have any tire spin gunning from a stop. The 550 could have smoked the tyres for 500 feet. (Yes the target symbol came up, and the esp was completely off on both cars)
The 535 proportions are off after spending time with the m sport kit on the 550.
After watching every little old lady, soccer moms, and college freshmans trying to take advantage of an end of the month clearance sale - the 550 and 650 were the only cars not having a line for testing. Also the 535 corners differently. Lighter, but just differently. After gunning it through a corner, the steering snapped back and the car was defintely tossable. The 550 just corners heavily and completely flat. There seems to be more balance in cornering (maybe due to the weight), or the suspension?
I quickly envisioned pulling up at a light seeing my dear old mom revving her new bronze w/ creme interior next to me.
Lastly, after seeing the 550, next to the 535 for about an hour - the 535 seemed to look more and more like the 335 sedan. Then a 335 sedan parks next to both cars - they now share the same 18' sport wheels? In comparison - its like the x3 and x5. Although different, on the slaes lot - you really have to take a close look. I made the mistake twice and tried to get into the x3 - but really wanted to see the x5!
I just took delivery of a new 2008 550, I'm hoping to learn more about the differences in the 08, the suspension (is it M, or not), the comparisions to the 535, and everything else that is being discussed in this forum.
First impressions:
Haven't brought the car past 3500rpm's but it is torquey!
The IDRIVE seems much more intuitive than the one I had experienced back in 04.
The seats are incredible, even better than the CL500 that I had traded.
The sound is awesome, very throaty. I test drove the 535, big difference in sound. I could hardly notice the revs of the 535.
Big difference in "pin to the seat effect" off the line. With both cars at a stop, (of course test drove another 550, not mine) - with esp off, both in sport mode auto - the 535 did not even have any tire spin gunning from a stop. The 550 could have smoked the tyres for 500 feet. (Yes the target symbol came up, and the esp was completely off on both cars)
The 535 proportions are off after spending time with the m sport kit on the 550.
After watching every little old lady, soccer moms, and college freshmans trying to take advantage of an end of the month clearance sale - the 550 and 650 were the only cars not having a line for testing. Also the 535 corners differently. Lighter, but just differently. After gunning it through a corner, the steering snapped back and the car was defintely tossable. The 550 just corners heavily and completely flat. There seems to be more balance in cornering (maybe due to the weight), or the suspension?
I quickly envisioned pulling up at a light seeing my dear old mom revving her new bronze w/ creme interior next to me.
Lastly, after seeing the 550, next to the 535 for about an hour - the 535 seemed to look more and more like the 335 sedan. Then a 335 sedan parks next to both cars - they now share the same 18' sport wheels? In comparison - its like the x3 and x5. Although different, on the slaes lot - you really have to take a close look. I made the mistake twice and tried to get into the x3 - but really wanted to see the x5!
Contributors
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,486
Likes: 0
From: expat in The Netherlands
My Ride: BMW 545iA Black Sapphire
Model Year: 2005
Engine: 545i
Originally Posted by sf550i' post='442510' date='Jul 2 2007, 05:24 PM
...I quickly envisioned pulling up at a light seeing my dear old mom revving her new bronze w/ creme interior next to me.
..welcome back !
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, Califonia
My Ride: 2006 M5 Silvertone /Aluminum Trim
2008 550i blk/blk - Sold
Originally Posted by Rudy' post='442758' date='Jul 2 2007, 05:50 PM
Welcome back and nice car!
If you're a returning member, what was your forum name before?
If you're a returning member, what was your forum name before?
i believe it was smg545 but I can't remember and i can't remember the password as well.
Members
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: mequon, wi, usa
My Ride: 1973 porsche 911, 32,000 miles,with all S options and leather sport seats. 2004 porsche GT3,white track car, 2003 porsche boxter "my wife's" 2004 3/4 ton suburban tow vehicle, 24' pace trailer, 2006 BMW530XI, black, auburn, also "my wife's" about to buy a BMW 550I,silver gray,
Can't beat that V8 growl !, it keeps my foot to the floor
