*Should I buy a, 335i (e90) or 550i (e60)?*

I have recently fallen head over heels for BMW's after buying a 2005 545i, which was sadly killed by a dead with my friend at the wheel. Long story short I have been looking madly for a new one but instead have found myself looking at the 550i and the 335i. The thing is...I CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND!

First I want to point out the main reason I'm getting a BMW is because I LOVE a drivers car and I feel like I can't do any better than this with a four door car. I have been racing car for nearly 5 years now so I know how I want my car to feel but I don't want to spend a fortune on making it that way so I'm at a cross-road.

THINGS I WANT TO KNOW:
Which one is better in the corners, and why?
Which engine set-up is more reliable (I'm very worried about the turbo)
Which engine is more lively (again I'm worried about the turbo lag)
Any problems that the cars have had, such as Fuel Pump problems or decaying interior.

Please help!

I would get the 550i over anything with the N54 twin turbo engine. That engine is way too temperamental. Your mileage may vary but I don't trust my 535i (same engine) at all. I now for the third time in 9 weeks have a check engine light on.

it's too different cars, 550 is heavy but does a good job on corners with sport options, E90 is very good on corners. 550 is more family type car, more space less road noise, very good on long trips.

Originally Posted by phlfly

it's too different cars, 550 is heavy but does a good job on corners with sport options, E90 is very good on corners. 550 is more family type car, more space less road noise, very good on long trips.

I think 550i also makes almost equal noise as 335i..

The biggest difference is size. 335i is cramped and definitely not a family car but you'll love the drive and feel of the power. 550i in the other hand is roomy/comfort and also have power, the only disadvantage is you will feel the car needs to be pushed hard to get the power. But over 60+miles speed it cruises..

I like the 535i any day (Comfort + power(right from the start) )

personally i think the 550 is a much more comfortable and quieter car. the 335 is without a doubt faster. when i would drive my wifes car i couldnt wait to get back in mine. you feel all the bumps in the road. it is a fun car to drive but if you need something for a family you should definitely get the 550. we just traded the 3 this weekend for an MDX so we could have more room.

i average about 18 mpg in my car and she was getting about 22 mpg in hers. so you might consider that also.

Well I don't have a family and I care not about gas mileage, I'm looking out just for three things mainly: reliability, cornering grip and acceleration (because I know both top out at 155).

Originally Posted by Skaggs1204

Well I don't have a family and I care not about gas mileage, I'm looking out just for three things mainly: reliability, cornering grip and acceleration (because I know both top out at 155).

550i would be your choice..

Originally Posted by Skaggs1204

Well I don't have a family and I care not about gas mileage, I'm looking out just for three things mainly: reliability, cornering grip and acceleration (because I know both top out at 155).

you should look at the 135i

Originally Posted by Skaggs1204

Well I don't have a family and I care not about gas mileage, I'm looking out just for three things mainly: reliability, cornering grip and acceleration (because I know both top out at 155).

I don't know what is your money wise, but in this case E90 M3 all way.

Originally Posted by phlfly

I don't know what is your money wise, but in this case E90 M3 all way.

+1 I would definitely consider the M3 sedan as well

If you have kids, the 5'er is the one. No kids....and none on the horizon....335.

But they are indeed 2 entirely different cars. 335 says "Tryin to get there". "550 says I'm there".

ask yourself " I am I happy with stock powered cars?" If yes than get a550i and be happy with it. if you have moded cars in the past HP wise get a 335, you can go from stock levels to insane power quickly and in between stock and insane there a very affordable middle that will still shock M3 owners.

550i.i heard 335i have to many problems

THINGS I WANT TO KNOW:
Which one is better in the corners, and why? - 335 is more nimble - lighter and more responsive in the corners
Which engine set-up is more reliable (I'm very worried about the turbo) - 550 based on the HPFP issues with the N54, but both are wonderful regardless
Which engine is more lively (again I'm worried about the turbo lag) - either would be fine stock, but the 335 has more potential with aftermarket mods at a reasonable price if that's your thing

Both would bring nothing short of 100% driving satisfaction. Really can't go wrong with either.

Originally Posted by Skaggs1204

Well I don't have a family and I care not about gas mileage, I'm looking out just for three things mainly: reliability, cornering grip and acceleration (because I know both top out at 155).

If that's the case then a 335 since with a simple tune you would easily have 2 of the three. The reliability is definitely something the N54 setup has opportunity but many of the major issues are being or have been addressed. Not to mention every car has its issue. Right now my issue is I'm burning through spark plugs. Damn Cobb AP.

Originally Posted by heffdiddy

you should look at the 135i

I couldn't find a reasonable price....price range $15,000-$23,000

OP, the 335i is more nimble, has more power with a simple tune, and is definitely faster out the gate due to the turbos and less mass. Overall, might be more fun to drive. The major problem with the 335i for me, is the potential turbo issues down the road, especially with a tune the turbos will be working harder.

The 550i sport 2008 and up, is stunning look wise, very classy interior and superb road manners with some handling to booth for its size. Comes with some nice options not available for 335i. The V8 above 60 will put a smile on your face every time.

What is your driving demographics, is it city or mainly highway? I do a lot of city driving in traffic congested areas, and this is not where the 550i shines for me, it's an open road car and excels in that area. The transmission can feel a bit quirky in stop and go traffic. You will notice the size of car when driving in tight area and having to maneuver around other cars, but coming from a 545i this should not be a problem for you I guess.

If it was me and I could afford it, I would just get the e92 M3, the car is amazing! I drool every time my buddy pulls into gym parking lot with his 2011.

I have owned an E60 (535i), an E90 M3 and an E60 (550i Sport with M package) - all 2008. The 550i is the best of the three of them. Here's why:

1. Engine sound - the M3 has slightly more rumble but not by much. The 550i is just bad.
2. Room - the E60 is a great sized car...not too big and not too small.
3. Performance - Slight faster than the 535i but feels much faster to me.
4. Comfort - you won't find a better seat (even in a house) than the E60 20 point, multi-contour seat.

I have the 2008 E60 550i now and have owned it longer than any other car since I was 16 (41 now). It is just hard to beat.

Originally Posted by Space grau 550i

OP, the 335i is more nimble, has more power with a simple tune, and is definitely faster out the gate due to the turbos and less mass. Overall, might be more fun to drive. The major problem with the 335i for me, is the potential turbo issues down the road, especially with a tune the turbos will be working harder.

The 550i sport 2008 and up, is stunning look wise, very classy interior and superb road manners with some handling to booth for its size. Comes with some nice options not available for 335i. The V8 above 60 will put a smile on your face every time.

What is your driving demographics, is it city or mainly highway? I do a lot of city driving in traffic congested areas, and this is not where the 550i shines for me, it's an open road car and excels in that area. The transmission can feel a bit quirky in stop and go traffic. You will notice the size of car when driving in tight area and having to maneuver around other cars, but coming from a 545i this should not be a problem for you I guess.

If it was me and I could afford it, I would just get the e92 M3, the car is amazing! I drool every time my buddy pulls into gym parking lot with his 2011.

Sadly I can't afford a M3 for I'm only wanting to spend $15,000-$23,000; but as for your other question about the road scenario I'm in, it's 90% curvy narrow empty highways (I live in between 2 towns out in the middle of nowhere)

Originally Posted by heffdiddy

personally i think the 550 is a much more comfortable and quieter car. the 335 is without a doubt faster. when i would drive my wifes car i couldnt wait to get back in mine. you feel all the bumps in the road. it is a fun car to drive but if you need something for a family you should definitely get the 550. we just traded the 3 this weekend for an MDX so we could have more room.

i average about 18 mpg in my car and she was getting about 22 mpg in hers. so you might consider that also.

agreed.

Originally Posted by yahtzee5

I have owned an E60 (535i), an E90 M3 and an E60 (550i Sport with M package) - all 2008. The 550i is the best of the three of them. Here's why:

1. Engine sound - the M3 has slightly more rumble but not by much. The 550i is just bad.
2. Room - the E60 is a great sized car...not too big and not too small.
3. Performance - Slight faster than the 535i but feels much faster to me.
4. Comfort - you won't find a better seat (even in a house) than the E60 20 point, multi-contour seat.

I have the 2008 E60 550i now and have owned it longer than any other car since I was 16 (41 now). It is just hard to beat.

This is great info (even thought it is you opinion) about the difference between the cars. We just bought the 09 535i; I absolutely love driving that car. I am looking to get into a 550, though. Love the options available in the 550. Used a dealer loaner 328i on two occasions and was not impressed with it at all, compared to the 5 series.

Originally Posted by Skaggs1204

I have recently fallen head over heels for BMW's after buying a 2005 545i, which was sadly killed by a dead with my friend at the wheel. Long story short I have been looking madly for a new one but instead have found myself looking at the 550i and the 335i. The thing is...I CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND!

First I want to point out the main reason I'm getting a BMW is because I LOVE a drivers car and I feel like I can't do any better than this with a four door car. I have been racing car for nearly 5 years now so I know how I want my car to feel but I don't want to spend a fortune on making it that way so I'm at a cross-road.

THINGS I WANT TO KNOW:
Which one is better in the corners, and why?
Which engine set-up is more reliable (I'm very worried about the turbo)
Which engine is more lively (again I'm worried about the turbo lag)
Any problems that the cars have had, such as Fuel Pump problems or decaying interior.

Please help!

Drive both and make up your mind. You will not find your answer here. We all are different and we all have different needs. Good Luck!

The 3 will be better at corners. The 5 is a great cruiser. If it's a daily driver, my personal preference would be 550i. M Sport is a must.

I drove both and shopped for 6 months to find the right car. I bought the 550. I'm still a 335 fan though, I just prefer the 550 especially after owning it. Also, it can be tough to find a 335 with nav, the dash on the 335 looks odd without it. If you have kids the 550 is more comfortable for them as well.

Originally Posted by yahtzee5

I have owned an E60 (535i), an E90 M3 and an E60 (550i Sport with M package) - all 2008. The 550i is the best of the three of them. Here's why:

1. Engine sound - the M3 has slightly more rumble but not by much. The 550i is just bad.
2. Room - the E60 is a great sized car...not too big and not too small.
3. Performance - Slight faster than the 535i but feels much faster to me.
4. Comfort - you won't find a better seat (even in a house) than the E60 20 point, multi-contour seat.

I have the 2008 E60 550i now and have owned it longer than any other car since I was 16 (41 now). It is just hard to beat.

Very well said. Just got my 550 and I have made the very same observations, especially the difference in performance between the 35 and the 50. The seats are the best I've ever seen in any car. The 535 is a wonderful driving machine; the 550 takes driving to another level.