stupiddude

Now that I eliminated the C-class option with help from this forum in another thread...

I'm trying to decide whether to get a 2008 535i or 2008 550i. I like the engine and comfort of 535i, but *love* the M body kit and 19" wheels of 550i. I do not care about the 360hp V8 and its gas mileage. I sampled one of each car model the other day. I feel that 550i is slightly "heavier" and stiffer than 535i, which is a downside for me. Acceleration is awesome of course, but I do not miss not having that. 535i's engine is plenty for me.

For you 550i owners, what other things do you not like about your car, compared to the lower 5 series like 535 and 528? Of course, I don't need to hear things that you don't like about 5-series in general

I'm really torn between the two. Let me state again, I *love* the M kit and 19" wheels, but don't like the gas mileage, nor (forgive me for saying this) do I care about the V8 and its sound. Yes, I understand doing those as aftermarket is an option, but I don't like the hassle.

skelevirus

535 has had considerable problems w the HPFP, i've heard nothing but great things about the NA V8

bha7176

sounds to me like your mind is made up. if you don't like the V8 or need the power of it, the acceleration of it, the gas consumption of it, you feel its heavier and stiffer and you aren't going to upgrade to an RPI exhaust to hear the roar of the NA V8 - WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? Get the 535 and be happy about it. Later on you can add the M-tech kit and 19" wheels if you want.

Should be a bit of a price difference where the 535 is a little less expensive than the 550. use that difference as a start to your mod fund and let the fun begin.

Can't go wrong either way.

What don't I like about my 550? It does feel heavier to me, compared to the two 3 series I own or have owned, but that's to be expected. Gas mileage is averaging around 20 mpg all around - my wife's 325XI only gets 24 mpg all around, so I don't think 20 is that bad. The V8 is great though, especially with the sprint booster V2, RPI ram air intake and exhaust. Hard to beat that combo short of an M5.

Euronuts

I love my 550 more and more everyday
and did not even consider buying a different model!!!
Sounds like ur not into performance?
Buy a 530 and save money for a body kit and wheels?

ps: dont test drive the 550 it will make ur mind up for u!!!

S62FAN

Get the 535, and add the Dinan Stage 2 software upgrade, and you will NOT miss having a 550. I have left two 550's behind with this upgrade, it is incredible. And you still get 30 MPG on the highway, full warranty and the HPFP warranty is good for over a 100K miles. A no brainer in my book, I love my 535 Sport! Plus it is 300+ lbs lighter than a 550, so the handling is great.

Aspxguru

Pretty happy with my 535i so far.

stupiddude

bha7176, you're getting 20mpg combined? That's not too bad.

I haven't been able to make up my mind, that's why I started this thread. The reason I brought 550i into the equation is 1) I love the M-tech kit and 19" wheels 2) to expand my choices, since I haven't found the right 535i for me (miles, color combo, options/packages). The 550is I saw have some very good options, and color I can live with (although still not the perfect color combo for me).

Euronuts, yes I test drove a fully loaded 550i with only 18.5k miles yesterday. Still can't decide!!

v_therussian

Actually, there was this one "tiny" thread by Iceman about the N62 engine and ALL BMW V8's - go through his posts with a fine comb and you'll find it. If I'm not mistaken, the essence of the problem was in the gasket that is between the engine and the oil sump (correct me if I'm wrong here, please). Anyway, that was like the ONLY issue I ever remember seeing with the BMW V8s.

HPFP is a known issue and BMW has extended the warranty on all HPFPs to 100k miles/6yrs.

mustafa550i

I love my 2007 550 best car ever. LOVE IT!!

lawnboy

the V8 is amazing, the only drawback is its thirst for premium fuel