Just get the 550 with everything...you won't regret it!

 

Didn't the M-Sport suspension start in the '08 550 with sport package?

 

+1

Mine is 550 sport Carbon with Natural interior. I am an old V8 fan but the turbo inlines (or any turbo assist) are kind of interesting. I like the idea of the AWDrive.

Think about swajames' remarks on suspension. You have to put some miles on both to evaluate that.

 

I pretty much agree with Rudy -- that's what I did, and Don't Regret It!

However, taking your questions in order:

1) 550i Sport or 535Xi Sport? 550i hands down, for what I want and expect in an enthusiast's car

2) Is night vision worth $2200? Marginally, or maybe not... I'd have to seriously question whether to spend the $ if doing it again. On the other hand, I have relied on it some in the back country roads I drive to get home and it has pointed out a dog or farm animal a few times. But, honestly, I agree with the poster that it's more a cool-novelty than useful alternative for me. By the way, it does not work well in fog or in heavy rain, as range is greatly reduced as you can appreciate it based on how it works.


3) Color for 550i - Carbon Black with Natural Brown interior or Carbon Black with Black interior? Anyone with pictures? No comment.

4) Active Steering? Absolutely. Completely at the other end of the spectrum from cool-novelty -- It was the option most in question in my mind as to whether I'd like it - and I love it.

5) HD radio? Yes. though I listen to my iPod and SAT more than FM-HD, when I am it makes all the difference in the world. I'd definitely get it again.

Good luck.

Cal

 

I live in Chicago too.

For the 550, you'll need a winter tire setup. With snow tires, the car handles winter weather with no problem. I actually enjoy driving in the snow. Much better than any FWD car.

I haven't driven the 535xi. I've driven the 335xi and the turbo engine felt great. AWD system seemed good and just was an odd feeling the fronts looking for grip. I'm not in the AWD camp yet.

So my choice would be RWD 550 or 535. Engine wise if I were buying today, V8 versus the turbo 6 is a coin flip. I'd probably chose the 6 for price as it delivers the same preformance. More if chipping. If price is equal, I'd go 550. I like the v8 sound and planted feeling. Its also top dog and, if you got to have the m kit, its the one.

I have Active Steer and like it. Not the purist choice, but it makes the car easier to handle. I've really gotten to like it, great for tight spaces and parking lots. Firms up fine at speed. Lots of opinions on it.

I like Audis too and have one. While they have really nice interiors, my decision to buy the e60 was a no brainer. It just killed the A6 in the handling department and was much quicker. I like the exterior much better as well. Lastly, I've grown to like the interior as well. Its minimalist and unique. And actually, it has better build quality than my 2003 audi (no interior peeling, seats don't crack, better design touches everywhere, and no hidden VW bits of cheap quality). Seats are better too.

To save some dough, have you considered a certified 550? For 35 to 40K, you can get a loaded 07 with low miles. This value proposition is simply unbeateable. If it weren't for a 997 on my mind, I'd put two 550s (a his/hers) in my driveway.

Hope this helps.

 

Save 10K and get a 535i or xi.

 

As everyone stated, you will be happy in either but the 550i has it's own appeal and would do it again and again.
The HD radio is not needed IMHO, I rather have the IPod interdace. I love the Active Steering, actaully, I love everything about this car.

 

Wanted to add my take on the HD radio -- I usually listen to Sirius or the files on my hard drive but quite often, I'll listen to a live sporting event or local newscast on AM or FM radio. HD makes all the difference in the world, especially for the AM stations that utilize it.

Also, most FM stations that broadcast in HD have more than one stream that offers alternative programming. For example, here in Pittsburgh, one of the main rock and roll stations uses an alternate stream for just blues music. The bonus is that the blues stream is 100% DJ and commercial free...for free! (Not sure if that'll stay that way but for now, it's pretty nice...)

 

+1 and if you like the front end of the 550i Sport (like everyone else, its probably safe to assume), you can just have the M-Tech kit installed. And before your "stealer" quotes you something completely insane (like 4800 installed), look into some replicas (umnitza.com is the least expensive and best-reviewed that I've found so far) - if made well, they'll fit exactly like the original parts and will have 0 problems. And you'll still have over $8,000 left to get a set of wheels and a nice little weekend getaway with your new baby at a track of your choice.

LOL its so easy to spend the $$, isn't it? LOL

 

A lot of people quote 10k difference but it has been proven in many posts in the past that if you compare apples to apples that it is much less. Do a search and I am sure you will find many discussions on this point.