535i or 550i?

I'm down to a choice between a 535i or a 550i that I'll be ordering for a European delivery this summer.

I'm loading up with most of the gadgetry and it results in a less than $5,000 difference between the 2 models because of so many options for the 550i being standard or less cost than the 535i.

I'm estimating less than 10,000 miles per year. My previous 750li had 24,000 miles after 3 1/2 years.

I like the better gas mileage of the 6 cylinder but what I don't know is if my total cost of ownership is actually less or very close for the 550i after considering resale value after trading in 4 years later and the gas consumption difference. If it is, I may as well go for more power.

What do you think?

That is a tough choice since we cannot test drive either yet. Coming from a 750 i, I think straight line performance wise the 535i should be pretty comparable. The new 550i will be a rocket ship. I think it will be close to a high 4s or low 5 second 0-60 car. I love the power - so that would be my gut choice.

Regarding cost of ownership and resale value, I think the 535i will do better in both. Fuel prices are bound to go up and V8s are not that much in great demand. Depending on driving style, I am guessing that a 550i might a bit harder on the tires. Other than that service costs should be the same as the standard maintenance under warranty is on BMW's dime.

From an economical perspective the 535 is defintely the wiser option. If you decide to go with the 550 you add a) about $5,000 in base cost b) potential gaz guzzler tax c) lower MPG d) less resale options due to lower MPG. In 4 years there will be more and more fuel efficent cars on the market (not just from toyota but also from such houses like BMW) and the 550s resale value will be less attractive than the 535s.

Originally Posted by Bubbles

I'm down to a choice between a 535i or a 550i that I'll be ordering for a European delivery this summer.

I'm loading up with most of the gadgetry and it results in a less than $5,000 difference between the 2 models because of so many options for the 550i being standard or less cost than the 535i.

I'm estimating less than 10,000 miles per year. My previous 750li had 24,000 miles after 3 1/2 years.

I like the better gas mileage of the 6 cylinder but what I don't know is if my total cost of ownership is actually less or very close for the 550i after considering resale value after trading in 4 years later and the gas consumption difference. If it is, I may as well go for more power.

What do you think?

The following are based on the Press Release:

Options that are standard on the 550i that are optional on the 535i
Premium Package $1,800 for 535i (which includes Dakota leather).
Metallic paint $550 for 535i.
Park Distance Control $750 for 535i.
Navigation System $1,900 for 535i.

This totals $5000 in options. IF you were to get all these options, this makes the 550i a $5,100 upgrade (base MSRP $50,475 for the 535i and $60,575 for the 550i, $10,100 difference total, $5,100 after subtracting the options). WAS EDITED to remove the Dakota Leather separate option)

The premium 2 package is $4,900 on the 535i, only $2,800 on the 550i, so this may save another $2,100 IF you were to get this package. Not sure what comes in the Premium 2 package (haven't looked this up or searched for this yet). EDIT: Actually, this is not accurate- the navigation system is included in Prem 2 for the 535i, as is the PDC, so you cannot count these "discounts" twice.

Nappa Leather is $2,450 on 535i, only $1,000 on 550i.

There is likely to be a gas guzzler tax on the 550i (EDIT: Ivan says there is not!). If you lease, the lease rates are much less attractive for the 550i compared with the 535i.

If any of these notes are incorrect, I am happy to be corrected!

I'm leaning towards the 535i. Now I'm waiting on BMW to update their website's build your own to 2011 to get a better idea of what combinations I want.

Originally Posted by Flagpole Sitta

The premium 2 package is $4,900 on the 535i, only $2,800 on the 550i, so this may save another $2,100 IF you were to get this package. Not sure what comes in the Premium 2 package (haven't looked this up or searched for this yet).

Here is what I found:

FOR THE 550i
Premium Package 2
3AG Rear-view camera
416 Power rear sunshade with rear manual side window shades
494 Heated front seats
655 Satellite radio with 1 year subscription
677 Premium hi-fi system
6FL iPod and USB adapter


FOR THE 535i
Premium Package 2
3AG Rear-view camera
416 Power rear sunshade with rear manual side window shades
494 Heated front seats
508 Park Distance Control
609 Navigation system
655 Satellite radio with 1 year subscription
677 Premium hi-fi system
6FL iPod and USB adapter

A good place to compare the 2 models at this time, is the BMW UK website. There might be some differences in the U.S. specs, but probably not much.

These numbers are from that site:

550i / 535i

Horsepower 407 / 306
Torque 442 lb/ft. / 295 lb/ft.
Weight (base equipment) 4200 lbs. / 3935 lbs.
0-62 mph 5.0 sec / 6.0 (6.1)
Fuel consumption(combined) 27.2 / 33
Drag coefficient .30 / .29
Top speed 155 / 155

The torque differences are significant. In real world driving, torque really does make a difference. Fuel numbers for the UK are impossible to figure out, but the difference seems to be about 15% better for the 535i. Since we use 0-60 times, our times should be under 5 seconds for the 550i and under 6 seconds for the 535i.

Being in the "power at any cost" category, I am ordering a 550i. The dealer tells me 12-14 weeks for delivery.

FYI: No gas guzzler on the 550i

Ownership cost for a 550i is going to be more than for a 535i mainly due to more rapid depreciation. If you want more HP and don't mind paying for it (because you will), get it.

Originally Posted by dixiebimmer

A good place to compare the 2 models at this time, is the BMW UK website. There might be some differences in the U.S. specs, but probably not much.

These numbers are from that site:

550i / 535i

Horsepower 407 / 306
Torque 442 lb/ft. / 295 lb/ft.
Weight (base equipment) 4200 lbs. / 3935 lbs.
0-62 mph 5.0 sec / 6.0 (6.1)
Fuel consumption(combined) 27.2 / 33
Drag coefficient .30 / .29
Top speed 155 / 155

The torque differences are significant. In real world driving, torque really does make a difference. Fuel numbers for the UK are impossible to figue out, but the difference seems to be about 15% better for the 535i. Since we use 0-60 times, our times should be under 5 seconds for the 550i and under 6 seconds for the 535i.

Being in the "power at any cost" category, I am ordering a 550i. The dealer tells me 12-14 weeks for delivery.

1 UK (imperial) gallon = 1.2 US gallons, so just divide those numbers by 1.2. You'll get 22.7 vs. 27.5 (which is pretty optimistic for combined mileage anyway...)

Originally Posted by serge_ua

1 UK (imperial) gallon = 1.2 US gallons, so just divide those numbers by 1.2. You'll get 22.7 vs. 27.5 (which is pretty optimistic for combined mileage anyway...)

V8 getting combine 23mpg and V6 with 27mpg...HAHAHA

Originally Posted by nealh

V8 getting combine 23mpg and V6 with 27mpg...HAHAHA

dj

Originally Posted by djfitter

dj

ok sorry..TT6cyl getting 27 mpg