2006 550 vs 2011 535 & 550

I have a 2006 550 that is coming off of an extended warranty in November of 2012. To extend another 3 years would be over $6k so the decision is made - time for an upgrade! :-) The E60 has nearly every option they had an the time, plus upgraded 19" wheels with low profile tires. Black on Black with tint, etc.
My question to the experts: I want a 2011, since I can get some good prices on gently used cars (CPO), and need to know if the 535 is the way to go or should I upgrade to the 550? Will a 2011 535 suite all of my speed and power needs coming off of the E60 550? Or do I spend the extra money finding the 550 - and time, since there are not many 1 year old 550s.?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Additional info on my E60 - Sport, NAV, PDC, Cold weather, all shades, Xenon, Bluetooth, no iPod, and I think that is about it.

If you drive a 550 the 100 horsepower difference between it and the 535 is HUGE, and especially if you add Dinan's stage two in a 550, you will have a stupid fast sedan with great manners and will be a real sleeper. That setup in my car is awesome. When I drive other cars, including an E92 M3, I like the 550 best. My two cents.........

Don't know if you will get any usable perspective from this board. The 50 guys will say 50 and the 35 guys will say 35

I believe that the turbo 6 from 2008 on has similar / close 0-60 times with the 2006 V8.

If you own an oil well probably don't care that the gas mileage is better on the 535i.

For sure you need to drive them both and then decide.

The 535 is going to be closer/identical in performance to the '06 550 than the '11 550.

You said it right: a 2011 550 will be an upgrade, the 535 will pretty much be a lateral move (in terms of performance). You will lose the sexy V8 grunt, but you'll gain some awesome technology with the F10.

You may actually get more grunt from the engine in the 2011 535 than the 2011 550..

Here are the specs from the 2006 550: (from Edmunds InsideLine)

"The quarter-mile fell in 13.8 seconds at 102.5 mph and a 0-60-mph time of 5.6 seconds was easily repeatable. Stopping from 60 mph was 109 feet for the 550i."

Here are the specs for the 2012 535: (MotorTrend road test)

"60 mph in a scant 5.5 seconds and run through the quarter-mile in 14 seconds flat at 99.3 mph. BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 106 ft"

So, basically you will get a little better 0-60 in the 535 vs the 2006 550, better brakes (106ft vs 109 ft) and .2 seconds and 3.5 MPH slower for the 1/4 mile. Not too shabby... but here's the icing on the cake: 21/31 mpg vs 14/21 mpg.

Of course the 550 will do much better 0-60 and the 1/4 mile, but if you are happy with your 550, you will not miss any performance with the 535.


In any case, I would make sure you get a LATE build '11 (post September for sure, but better yet post-March) or go with a '12. The Combox, color HUD, extended black panel dashboard, and minor glitches fixed, etc.)

IMHO, go with the 550. You are coming from a 550 and will enjoy the new F10. It will be a fine upgrade.

Originally Posted by joeyrapp00

... since there are not many 1 year old 550s.?

Hmmm, what does that say? Not many people buying 550's or not many people trading in their 550's?

As I see it there are basically two choices: the 535i, an all-arounder type of car, or the 550i with Dinan which is a beast. I wouldn't bother with an un-modded 550.

Originally Posted by dunderhi

Hmmm, what does that say? Not many people buying 550's or not many people trading in their 550's?

As I see it there are basically two choices: the 535i, an all-arounder type of car, or the 550i with Dinan which is a beast. I wouldn't bother with an un-modded 550.

+1. add an additional $3g to your purchase price for (at least) stage 2 and the conversation is over. a modded 550i is a monster

Originally Posted by dunderhi

Hmmm, what does that say? Not many people buying 550's or not many people trading in their 550's?

I'd say not many people dumping them. The ones that I've looked at online are all overpriced for the options/miles you get and you'd be better off spending 3-7k more for a brand new one. I don't know if those resale values will hold, but it sure is interesting.

Bought a new 535. could not pass up the deal they offered, and compared to the 550 E60 '06 I had, this one has plenty of pop (Once my month break-in period is over :-)). Here is a pic or 2.

Congrats. A black 535 is the best looking F10 money can buy.

Check out the thread here for the System Software Update -- hope yours has it!

The 535 is a great car, I'm very happy with it.