I also live in chicago and I have had a 550 for 2.5 years now.

I put snow tires on mine this past November and Id be glad to share my experiences with you.

The difference in traction in the snow it totally amazing. Its not as good as x drive but its fine for any chicago winter driveing and you know we have had a ton of snow this year.

Recently I have had my car in at Knauz in Lake Bluff for service and I have been given an 09 535xi s for loaners so I have a pretty good basis for comparison. In fact last week I had a 335i convertible for a week of driving.

I would go with the 550 the difference in torque is substantial. Many have argrued on how close the 535 and the 550 are but i disagree (not because i own a 550 either) I love the active steering and the nightvision (its sort of expensive for how often I use it though) The power and acceleration are much better in the 550.

The cars I was loaned did have the comfort access which I didnt buy cause I thought it was a waste of money. I felt hell I have a button on the fob why do i need to pay more for comfort access. Well after using it dfor 2 weeks on two differnet loaners I wouldnt buy another bmw without it. Its so convienient not to have to drag the fob out of your pocket every time you drive. Id get the comfort access over nightvision in a second if that was a budgeting decision.

If you want to talk by phone Id be glad to chat with you just message me here and let me know.

 

I've driven 535xi and 550 sport...they're both nice cars, but like many have stated above there is nothing like a BMW V-8, so smooth yet so powerful. If you get the 535 are you going to be thinking that should've gotten the 550 all the time??
As far as night vision i personally would not get it, but HUD i think is a more useful option.

color = your preference. I like AW, but i have JB car! LOL.

At the end of the day you'll be really happy with either car and you know how far you can strech your pocket...post some pic after you pick it up.
GL.

 

I went with the 550i. For me, there really was no choice ... other than a temptation to go M5. (Just couldn't justify it for a daily drive in LA traffic).

Didn't even consider night vision... didn't see any value there.

I almost went with Carbon Black. Would have pulled the trigger and bought it, but STEALER lowballed me on my trade. Went to another STEALER and got $2,500 more for my trade.

I also considered (for a bit) going with brown interior. Saw a couple and it looked nice.

Don't have active steering... or HD radio. I didn't see much value in the steering. However, I did consider HD radio but have no experience with it and with satellite and iPod, didn't see much of a reason to get it.

 

I agree the 550 and 535xi are different cars. A more direct comparison would be the 550i and 535i. It all depends on what you are looking for from a car, and what aspects are more important than others. Depending on your preferences, a 528 might be the best choice. I have had both the V8 and the TT6. If you state your goals and needs, we can all help you better.

 

Get the 550i with the Sport Auto Transmission, it's a no-brainer for $500

 

550

 

ahem, ahem, ahem, cough, cough, the stick is free......................

 

Completely agree, provided you don't have to fight the type of daily traffic I do in Houston . I drove a stick all my life until I moved here in 1999, I persevered for another 4 years and finally gave up. My last two cars have been automatics, perhaps it's also a sign that I'm getting old