535 v. 550

Originally Posted by chrischeung

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Analogies aside, both cars are extremely capable at doing the same thing, and have near enough the same technological and interior features, except for the engine. Personally, I'm leaning more for the 550i, more as a change (from my 335i/535i) and as a status symbol (being very honest here). I'm going to no way utilitze the 550i's potential - or really get anywhere near it. I think 95%+ of purchasers would see minimal real world driving benefits of the 550 over the 535. The 535 is the best value F10 in my book - by a wide margin.

There are some minor aesthetic differences that, for me, give the 550i a preference over the 535 (i.e. wheels, exhaust tips). But overall, I think your comments are spot on.

I think "knowing it's there when you need it" is part of the appeal of the 550i. Chrischeung's point on the status department is on the money: for some who want to show status, this means 550 numbers on the trunk. I might add, that for others who don't want to boast as much, it means 535 numbers on the trunk. Entirely personal choice on the numbers.

I always wanted the biggest engine as so many cars were underpowered previously for me. Now, they got the engine technology so good, the inline 6 is more powerful than previous v8's and gets better gas mileage than my E46 330i. There is sure some elegance here.

Originally Posted by richschneid

These are what ultimately distinguish a BMW, the combination of sports car perfomance and "first class" luxury. You will love the difference in refinement and luxury of the F10 compared to your 3 series. I am always amazed at the difference between my 6 and the 3 series loaners I get when I bring my car in for service.

I'm not so sure. The F10 felt a little "tinny". I expected it to be much more solid based on the increase in weight. In addition, one of the 535s I drove had a B pillar seat belt rattle, similar to my 2008 535i - that the dealer could never really fix. It's ceratinly better than the E60 - more like half a step forward, than a full step. Just talking about the solidity of the interior and doors, and not its design and materials. Wheras the transmission and suspension are both full steps forward.

Originally Posted by Mr. Magic

I always wanted the biggest engine as so many cars were underpowered previously for me. Now, they got the engine technology so good, the inline 6 is more powerful than previous v8's and gets better gas mileage than my E46 330i. There is sure some elegance here.

Agreed - it's as if BMW is able to endow their current car with the M5 performance from 2 generations ago. It's been like that for a while.

Meanwhile real world average driving speeds decrease due to congestion and road deterioration. Something will eventually give.

I did the Ultimate driving thing today. IMO, the *50 is a tad, just a tad, better than the *35. At least once you up the *35 to the full *50 complement.

No mistake, I loved the 35, and do love my own 35, but there was juuuuust a little bit extra. Personally, I would go with the *35. It does it all. And, when setting up the *50 to drive, I did notice the 12.5 MPG on the dash. Yeah, I know, the Ultimate people mash the heck outta them things.

But, personally, as a frugal sort of fellow, I am looking at my next 5 being a 535, with the HUD, the active suspension, and a few other bits.

(BTW, I was extreeeeeemly disappointed in the MB. Not only did it have no torque, it had a freakin' windowshade over the sunroof!)

Originally Posted by chrischeung

I'm not so sure. The F10 felt a little "tinny". I expected it to be much more solid based on the increase in weight. In addition, one of the 535s I drove had a B pillar seat belt rattle, similar to my 2008 535i - that the dealer could never really fix. It's ceratinly better than the E60 - more like half a step forward, than a full step. Just talking about the solidity of the interior and doors, and not its design and materials. Wheras the transmission and suspension are both full steps forward.

The F10 felt "tinny" compared to your 3 series? Really? I find that hard to believe. My 6 feels a lot more "solid" than any 3 I have driven, it's not even close. There is simply no comparison. Every generation of BMW has a higher degree of torsional rigidity than the last. That "tinny" feeling may just be a product of your perceptions, not one of actual structural rigidity. I will be very surprised if my new 550i isn't as solid as my "old" 650i. My '99 540 was more "solid" than my '93 740 and my 650 is more "solid" than my 540 and M5.

No, compared to my E60s - 2006 530i, 2007 530i, 2008 535i. My 335i comvertible isn't getting here until next week. I'll replace it with a F10 early in 2011.

The dash material grade is the same/similar to the E69. Negative areas are some of the switches (eg. temp control between the vents), door pulls (cheap plastic vs wrapped material), plastic metal strips (in and out). Some of the tinniness may be down to early production build for these cars, and they may tighten the tolerances a little down the line. The material quality will take a step up (like on the E60) with the LCI in a few years I expect.

Originally Posted by chrischeung

IMHO, the 550i is a bit of an anachronism. On the one hand, it is extremely capable - more capable than speed limits and road conditions allow (at least in the USA). To a lesser extent, the 535i is as well.

However, you may say that you can use this on a track. Which is also strange. Since a lot of things on the 550i go against it being a strong track tool - like it's weight, lack of LSD, electronic controls that iron out the predictability near, at and over the limit etc.

So if it's overly adept for public roads, and underwhelming on the track, what's left? The only thing left that I can think of is that it's a great extension of a person's success. Like traveling first class when coach will get you there just as quickly and safely. And what's wrong with that?

I notice the difference from say a 535i every time I have to merge onto "hazard highway" err I mean I95 Honestly, I got a chance to allow my car to strectch its legs on the turnpike (toll road) to Orlando a couple of weeks back - poor Cayenne GTS - trust me when I say - once you have had significant seat time there is no going back to the 6 unless its chipped. But even then I doubt you will reach 450lbs/ft unless its a Dinan Stage 3, Racing Dynamics, or Hamannn Tune, and then you know there is that warranty thing.

Im not knocking the 6 in any way. IMHO BMW has always made the best 6 cylinder engines. As a matter fact while attending my second Ultimate Drive Event this past Wednesday someone was testing a 335is - that freaking thing is as visceral as it gets! Whoever was test driving it dropped down a couple of gears to pass a slower car the exhaust note is incredible, and I'm sure the acceleration is impressive as well. I went looking to drive it when I we got back to the dealership. Unfortunately for me the guy that was driving it, was also the guy that was buying it . It only took the one drive for him to be sold. Based on what I saw heard, I am contemplating a 335is coupe or demo M3 (last of the N/A M3's I hear) in addition to my GT.

Chris, the Bay Area aint like it used to be. 25 years back we used to be able to run 101 South from SF to San Jose pretty hard. Now you probably can open up on 280 for a spell..but we all know that CHP still likes to camp out along that route

Here in SoFla people don't give a damn they will not allow you to merge, even the big rigs run a constant 80 on the interstate, for me, its equal parts safety and luxury. So the V8 for this heavy vehicle was my "only" choice.

A few Bay area people..... Highway 17 road warrior here. It's all about car handling and survival, and 535i is best for me. Today, disaster struck with big-rig crash - wish I had GPS/NAV as I had to cut through confusing back mountain roads. Made it to coast, 85F. Forecast is for 95F Sunday! yipee!

Originally Posted by chrischeung

No, compared to my E60s - 2006 530i, 2007 530i, 2008 535i. My 335i comvertible isn't getting here until next week. I'll replace it with a F10 early in 2011.

The dash material grade is the same/similar to the E69. Negative areas are some of the switches (eg. temp control between the vents), door pulls (cheap plastic vs wrapped material), plastic metal strips (in and out). Some of the tinniness may be down to early production build for these cars, and they may tighten the tolerances a little down the line. The material quality will take a step up (like on the E60) with the LCI in a few years I expect.

best part of this post is i realized chrischeung is getting a new BMW EVERY year!! i like that strategy, this is something i may need to adopt. not sure how my wallet will handle it, but what the hell.

Originally Posted by chrischeung

No, compared to my E60s - 2006 530i, 2007 530i, 2008 535i. My 335i comvertible isn't getting here until next week. I'll replace it with a F10 early in 2011.

The dash material grade is the same/similar to the E69. Negative areas are some of the switches (eg. temp control between the vents), door pulls (cheap plastic vs wrapped material), plastic metal strips (in and out). Some of the tinniness may be down to early production build for these cars, and they may tighten the tolerances a little down the line. The material quality will take a step up (like on the E60) with the LCI in a few years I expect.

Interesting. I will check it out at my dealer. But does the 550i have better parts in the areas you listed than the 535i? The difference between the two cars is not just the engine. The more expensive models frequently have upgrades in many areas. If the 550i is upgraded in other areas that would be another reason to get it over the 535i. But I plan to get the ceramic controls upgrade in any case if it becomes available soon. That should solve some of the problems you mention.

Originally Posted by richschneid

The F10 felt "tinny" compared to your 3 series? Really? I find that hard to believe. My 6 feels a lot more "solid" than any 3 I have driven, it's not even close. There is simply no comparison. Every generation of BMW has a higher degree of torsional rigidity than the last. That "tinny" feeling may just be a product of your perceptions, not one of actual structural rigidity. I will be very surprised if my new 550i isn't as solid as my "old" 650i. My '99 540 was more "solid" than my '93 740 and my 650 is more "solid" than my 540 and M5.

Agree totally. I currently drive both a 09 328 and a 08 535. No comparison between the two. The 5 is more substantial in every way - different class of car completely. The 3 is obviously smaller, lighter, more nimble with quicker handling. But, without question, the best overall drive, ride, and value for the money is the 5, period.

No disrepect to my BMW brotherns; however, who buys BMWs to drive around town?
If you want just kick ass power then 550i (I am picking mine up on July 7)

I know it's not available quite yet, but how about a conceptual comparison between a 550i and a 535i with Dinan S1 package to equalize the price? Currently, Dinan gets 384hp/421 ft-lbs with the N54 engine, so with the assumption that the modified N55 would obtain similar performance, the 535 would be lighter and potentially have the sweet combination of being faster and more fuel efficient. Thoughts?