E60 550i to 2011 F10 550i - Smart or Dumb

I am beginning my next car search when I decide to sell my current '08 550i. My top choice right now is a 13 Lexus GS 350. I always buy pre-owned so any car will be purchased in this fashion. I am mainly thinking Lexus due to the great reviews everyone has given it and the reliability that BMW just doesn't seem to provide. However, since I would get a CPO BMW I don't care too much about reliability as I get rid of them while still under warranty.

I see the F10 550i is faster with better MPG than my current 550i. How is the 2011 reliability of the F10. Either the 550, 535 or even the 528. Although I LOVE the power, in all honesty you can't use it in everyday driving so it is more of a visceral feel than anything so this time I will consider all 3 BMW offerings. Would 2012 be a better year all around. Will be in the market 1 year from now so the 2012 could be in my price range I like to spend but the 550 might not. Tks

First you need to drive all 3 f10's and then drive a GS350 if you haven't done so already. My last car was a 2008 Lexus GS350...nothing crazy. I know the new GS350 is a redesign but they just don't feel as substantial as the BMW behind the wheel. I have had my 535i for over a year and it has been 100% problem free and an absolute pleasure to drive. I do love Toyota/Lexus for their reliability...my winter vehicle is a 1996 Toyota 4runner with 229k problem free miles.

Adjust my feedback based on this:

- I currently drive a 2008 E60 535xi.
- About a month, ago I ordered a 550i xDrive.
- I test drove the F10 535i xDrive and 550i several times.
- I test drove the all new GS 350 once.

Here is my feedback:

- The interior of the GS is nice, generally better than that of my E60. It is not as nice as the interior of the F10.
- The GS does not feel as fast as my E60. I think it's the torque difference (my E60 has 300 whereas the GS has something like 270 and it comes on late).
- The GS does not feel as fast as either the F10 535 or 550.
- The steering feel of the GS was not quite as good as that of my E60. It's about the same as that of the F10.
- The GS did not feel as stable going fast around large radius corners as my E60 or the F10.
- The display controller of the GS is mouse-like and therefore difficult to use because it requires concentration.
- The push button temperature controls of the GS are annoying compared to the knobs of the E60 and F10.
- There were other minor usability issues with the GS (e.g. canceling the turn single requires pushing the turn signal lever in the opposite direction).
- The exhaust note and engine sound of the GS and F10 535 are better than that of the F10 550. All three are relatively quiet.
- The 550 requires far fewer down shifts to use power (e.g. you can stay in 4th at 50 and pass other vehicles).
- The 550 speed is a bit more deceptive than 535, but both are very deceptive (easy to speed without knowing it).
- The speed of the GS is not so deceptive.

So I ordered the F10 550.

-Corey

I've owned a string of 5 series and still have my e60 as well as the new F10 550i.
In between, I had a 2008 Lexus GS350. The Lexus was an absolute no brainer to drive, not fussy at all, VERY reliable but, relatively bland. Not so with the new GS350, especially the full F Sport edition with adjustable suspension. I have driven it and it handles well and makes all the right sounds. The interior is rich with all all the tech and convenience goodies and has the BMW F10 beat by at least $10K. But, in the end, it came to power. The 550i removes all doubt where the money is spent. And, if you find one equipped right, (DHP, SAT, M sport) it'll even handle. If you're an enthusiast, you'll still need to do some aftermarket springs and exhaust...but I digress.

It'll be hard to find a CPO GS350 since its still new but CPO 550i should be more available (but at a higher price point...probably the cost of a new loaded Lexus GS F Sport).

My 2 cents:
GS350 F Sport = flashy, sporty (but looks like a Toyota), reasonably powerful and fuel efficient, lots of included goodies, and reliable.
F10 550i M Sport fully loaded = luxury, understated but a definite classy presence, brute powerful, and if you're willing to mod, even more power potential, so-so efficiency, so-so reliability.

My bottom line recommendation: Drive both thoroughly, back to back...you'll know.

Driving feel - the lexus will feel closer to your E60 than the F10 will.

Quality and polish- the BMW is the clear winner.

You need to drive them and understand what your desires really are.

MY11 for the F10 was launch year, probably MY12 would be a better bet if you are looking for reliability. As far as handling goes, its a personal choice. I haven't driven the GS350 so cannot comment on it. I will say I am not too fond of the new Lexus exteriors, they all have that uniform design with no individuality. I have a difficult time distinguishing an ES from a GS from an LS. The tail lights look like the Hyundai Sonata. Just my opinion of course.

I was driving an 09 535i, (every option avaliable) loved the car, great power and fuel mileage, great features. I just traded for a 13 550ix.... all I can say is wow.... every aspect of the car is improved. Especially I drive....

Skip MY11 F10. Just do a quick search on this section to see how many first MY issues there are.

Originally Posted by AutoUnion

Skip MY11 F10. Just do a quick search on this section to see how many first MY issues there are.

As someone with a month two build 2011, do not get one. A later 2011 or a 2012 have improvements.

You have seen the exterior of the Lexus, haven't you? [vomit icon here]

Coming from an E60 550, you'd probably be completely satisfied in a 535 (do MY12 or later if you can), and absolutely orgasming in a 550.

I have owned a Lexus GS430, LS400, two LX470's, and just got rid of a 2009 LS460. Let me tell you from years of experience with Lexus products: BORING!
I still have two Toyotas and love them as utility vehicles to go get groceries, take the dogs to the vet., and let the inlaws borrow for a couple of days. However, My Love is my BMW! Even my wife's 2009 G37 does not come close to speed, performance, and awesome quality of my bimmer.

Hope the above comments help you make the right decision. I know I did. I just picked up my brand new 535i M-Sport today and will never look back!

Quick answer.....I'd buy a new 2012 if you can find one or a 2013. My 12 550 has been perfect. I can't say that about many cars--and I've had a lot of BMW's and MB's over the past few years. With the deals out there and some careful negotiating I'm seeing a big reason to buy used.

550's do drink gas. However xdrive is great in the snow and ice. Being a snob, no Lexus ='s a BMW. I have superb reliabilty with my 550. I've had my ups and downs, but I've had some good luck. Far better than MB. Drive a 550 and see that the car doesn't disappoint. The 535 is a great car as well.

But if you want power and torque on demand, it's hard to beat the 550--sorry if I'm biased.

Originally Posted by DallasBimmer

I have owned a Lexus GS430, LS400, two LX470's, and just got rid of a 2009 LS460. Let me tell you from years of experience with Lexus products: BORING!
I still have two Toyotas and love them as utility vehicles to go get groceries, take the dogs to the vet., and let the inlaws borrow for a couple of days. However, My Love is my BMW! Even my wife's 2009 G37 does not come close to speed, performance, and awesome quality of my bimmer.

Hope the above comments help you make the right decision. I know I did. I just picked up my brand new 535i M-Sport today and will never look back!

If you haven't drive the newest GS, then I would say this statement may no longer be valid. The current GS is easily the dynamic equal of the F10.

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

If you haven't drive the newest GS, then I would say this statement may no longer be valid. The current GS is easily the dynamic equal of the F10.

According to the magazines yes. Thats what got me to test drive one before I bought my F10. The magazines might like the GS' numbers, but I thought that both the F10 and the A6 drove better than the GS350. There is nothing like forced injection engine, the Lexus NA engines coupled with the 6 speed tranny is simply out class by its German counterparts. Handling wise, it about on par with the F10 and A6. In the ned, the wife and I walked around the GS350 and took a last look after the test drive, we both agree the interior was nice, but the exterior simply did not look like a $60K car. When the GS was first introduce, I thought for sure this redesign will take the GS out of the dog house, but so far, the sales number have been disappointing.

Originally Posted by The X Men

According to the magazines yes. Thats what got me to test drive one before I bought my F10. The magazines might like the GS' numbers, but I thought that both the F10 and the A6 drove better than the GS350. There is nothing like forced injection engine, the Lexus NA engines coupled with the 6 speed tranny is simply out class by its German counterparts. Handling wise, it about on par with the F10 and A6. In the ned, the wife and I walked around the GS350 and took a last look after the test drive, we both agree the interior was nice, but the exterior simply did not look like a $60K car. When the GS was first introduce, I thought for sure this redesign will take the GS out of the dog house, but so far, the sales number have been disappointing.

Your points are valid.

However, I merely mentioned dynamics. In terms of chassis, steering, ride, and engine responsiveness, the GS is the F10's equal. I don't agree that the 6 speed is outclassed. And I don't agree that the N/A engine is necessarily a bad thing. My MDX has a similar engine to the GS - 3.7L V6 N/A. It's a revver. It loves to pull to the redline and makes a great howl doing it.

If you like that stump pulling torque, the FI engines will give you what you want.

All in all, the Lexus is definitely a solid package. I'd rate the interior not far behind the A6, honestly. But both trail the BMW in that department, IMO.

Exterior - Lexus is weird / ugly. Audi is classy but very boring. BMW is classic, dynamic, and elegant.