[Dutt1113]

Like title says I currently have a 2010 s4 with dsg. I'm thinking about switching to a 11 535 xdrive or 550i xdrive. I want something a little bigger and more luxurious feeling. The s4 dsg is finicky and jerky and often annoying to deal with, but does shift insanely quick. The 550 will be about the same speed as the s4 but the gas mileage is downright horrible, but raw power if that v8. That's the big turn off for me with the crap MPG. The 535 will be slower than s4, but still retain the good mpg. These would both be m sport by the way. The 535 could be chipped with a jb4 stage 2 to be close to 550 power considering 535 is like 300 lbs lighter? I know this is BMW forum but what do you think.

Opinions?

[nal13]

I came from a 2010 S4 to a 2014 550 xdrive. Two extremely different cars. The 550 is faster in a straight line and more luxurious but that is really all it has on the S4. The S4 is a lot more fun to drive and overall just feels significantly tighter, lighter, and more nimble. I can't comment on the DSG because I had a 6mt.

My conclusions of the 550, and I may be a little jaded, is that it is a great car if you want a fast luxury car and have a second sports car for passionate driving. It is not a sports sedan. It's sort of like a power Hugo boss suit. Bold and powerful but not exactly sporty. The S4 on the other hand is a true sports sedan but can also play the part of a proper luxury car.

[Dutt1113]

What's your opinion on the f10 535i xdrive m sport with say a jb4 stage 2 and 300 lbs ligher compared to the 550 that's nose heavy? Won't the 535 handle a lot better?

[nal13]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

What's your opinion on the f10 535i xdrive m sport with say a jb4 stage 2 and 300 lbs ligher compared to the 550 that's nose heavy? Won't the 535 handle a lot better?

The extra weight in the nose will likely only be felt if your tracking the car. It's negligible in normal driving situations. As for the tune still won't bring you close to the 550. The n63 engine is a beast. It's that fast. Unfortunately the chassis of the 550 can't keep up with it.

I remember in 1999 my father picked up a new 740. It's length was 199 inches and it's weight was 4200 pounds. My 550 weighs 4400 pounds and is nearly as long at 194 inches. The car is massive and unfortunately if you try to push it you feel it.

[clerkpalmer]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

Like title says I currently have a 2010 s4 with dsg. I'm thinking about switching to a 11 535 xdrive or 550i xdrive. I want something a little bigger and more luxurious feeling. The s4 dsg is finicky and jerky and often annoying to deal with, but does shift insanely quick. The 550 will be about the same speed as the s4 but the gas mileage is downright horrible, but raw power if that v8. That's the big turn off for me with the crap MPG. The 535 will be slower than s4, but still retain the good mpg. These would both be m sport by the way. The 535 could be chipped with a jb4 stage 2 to be close to 550 power considering 535 is like 300 lbs lighter? I know this is BMW forum but what do you think.

Opinions?

I made this exact switch about a month ago. I was looking for an alternative to the s4 DSG because my DSG was acting up and I didn't want to get stuck out of warranty. I zeroed in on the 550xi as the best alternative for under 50k and purchased a used 2011 550xi Msport. In short, the comments above are true. They are very different cars. The S4 is a blast to drive and handles like a go-cart. The 550 is pure speed. It IS faster than the S4. It has better road feel than the S4 which is very numb. The 8 speed is awesome. Quick shifts with far less drama than the S4. In some ways, it makes shifting with paddles less engaging. The 8 speed is so good, I haven't bothered shifting much. The DSG on the S4 I felt was a bit lazy even in dynamic at least on the 2010. As for gas mileage, I never got great mileage in my S4. Maybe 22 avg mixed highway/city. The 550xi is a gas hog, no doubt but it isn't as bad as my B7 S4 - that car was horrible on gas. Getting about 18 mixed.

I am very happy with the 550x but I was ready for a bigger car. I think you will be happy with the change.

[Dutt1113]

What kind if gas mileage are you getting in your 550? Is yours xdrive. I understand the 550 is big fast but I find it hard to drive a car with SUV/truck style gas mileage. How would one justify it? I mean compared to my driving route now which is 60/40 highway to city I project about $60 or so more per month fuel cost. They might change when I move closer to work within 5 miles vs 27 one way now. So mpg would drop a lot but won't be driving nearly as far so dont know. The s6 has the same-ish power as 550 and that's gets good mpg, what can't the 550 do cylinder deactivation like s6 when cruising? It would be perfect balance of power and economy.

[clerkpalmer]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

The s6 has the same-ish power as 550 and that's gets good mpg, what can't the 550 do cylinder deactivation like s6 when cruising? It would be perfect balance of power and economy.

Unfortunately, S6s aren't available on the used car market for under 50k. I would have grabbed one if I could. I can justify the gas in exchange for a twin turbo v8 with an underrated motor. This car screams. It's not quite SUV mileage but I also don't think the S4 is that great on gas either. I use about a tank a week in both the S4 and the 550xi. Difference being the tank is about 3 gallons more so figure 10-12 per week or 40-50 per month.

[Dutt1113]

Originally Posted by clerkpalmer

I made this exact switch about a month ago. I was looking for an alternative to the s4 DSG because my DSG was acting up and I didn't want to get stuck out of warranty. I zeroed in on the 550xi as the best alternative for under 50k and purchased a used 2011 550xi Msport. In short, the comments above are true. They are very different cars. The S4 is a blast to drive and handles like a go-cart. The 550 is pure speed. It IS faster than the S4. It has better road feel than the S4 which is very numb. The 8 speed is awesome. Quick shifts with far less drama than the S4. In some ways, it makes shifting with paddles less engaging. The 8 speed is so good, I haven't bothered shifting much. The DSG on the S4 I felt was a bit lazy even in dynamic at least on the 2010. As for gas mileage, I never got great mileage in my S4. Maybe 22 avg mixed highway/city. The 550xi is a gas hog, no doubt but it isn't as bad as my B7 S4 - that car was horrible on gas. Getting about 18 mixed.

I am very happy with the 550x but I was ready for a bigger car. I think you will be happy with the change.

I think I could deal with the gas mileage. Its bad but you get what you pay for. Its a huge luxury muscle car . you cant expect it to get good gas mileage.....well maybe with cylinder deactivation in future. Or maybe the 535 with jb4 would be fine. It would still be fast enough.Probably 5 secs flat with jb4 which is still wicked quick enough while gaining some mpg. Still a toss up though

[clerkpalmer]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

I think I could deal with the gas mileage. Its bad but you get what you pay for. Its a huge luxury muscle car . you cant expect it to get good gas mileage.....well maybe with cylinder deactivation in future. Or maybe the 535 with jb4 would be fine. It would still be fast enough.Probably 5 secs flat with jb4 which is still wicked quick enough while gaining some mpg. Still a toss up though

Tough call. I thought about going the 535 JB4 route but the engine in the 550 is intoxicating. It really is a different animal. My guess is if you are racing around in a 535 with a JB4 you are likely looking at gas mileage that isn't far off from the 550. I can tell you that the interior of the 535 is leaps and bounds above the 2010 s4. The seats are amazing. Good luck with your decision.

[MAC'S M3]

I have a 2011 535xi f10 N55 single turbo engine. Jb4 Tune, ER down pipe and BMS intake. Ugh this car is so heavy. Coming from a 2008 550msport, I miss my v8 power. I love the luxuriousness of the car and it looks great but as far as lowend speed I'm quite unhappy. I have been going back and forth in wanting to trade it in for m3 because I miss that power. The m5's are a bit out if my range price wise. I know the 535 is not a car to be racing around in, but I just want that launch and I'm not getting satisfaction from my f10. I'm going to try catless exhaust and see if that will help. If it doesn't she's getting traded in. Any suggestions anyone?

[TheGr8Swami]

Dutt1113, I was in the same boat! I was a proud Audi RS4 driver and absolutely loved my car. StaSiS Engineering brakes, AWE exhaust, KW V1 coils and GIAC tuning.. I really miss that car! Then I got married to a BMW owner, and my 4 ring world came to an end. Plus the fact that Audi service in the DC Metro Area was terrible and I was driving my car to tuners in Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland to get service!

Anyway, I traded in my baby for a loaded Stage2 Dinan 550xi MSport and haven't looked back. The car performs very well, and shockingly the gas mileage is about the same as my RS4. I've debated improving the braking but I'm not tracking the car and switching the pads did the trick!
Compared to Audi, BMW has significantly better dealership service if you're buying new. If you're buying a used BMW, make sure it's CPO buy additional coverage for peace of mind. Also, dump the run flats that are stock on the car and just buy a spare! The Goodyear LS2's are terrible, so just go with a quality XL Load rated All Season performance tire and you'll be very pleased. JB4 tuning is solid but for the 535 I would go with GIAC, and for the 550 I would stick with Dinan.

Good luck, and enjoy your new car if decide to make the jump! BTW, my wife cringes whenever I drive by the Audi dealership to see my old friends and I look over at an RS5 or S6... I start swaying and singing "I Remember".. She hates Audi more than she does my singing!!

[Seattle135is]

I have both - a 2011 550 with a JB tune and a 2012 S4 DSG with the APR Stage 2 tune, with a Stasis exhaust; DP's and intake. As all have mentioned, these are 2 totally different animals, but the S4 DSG is way more fun than the 550, but the torque and long legs of the 550 can also be intoxicating.
If I was forced to just choose one vehicle between the 550; M3 (I also have a '10 M3 DCT) and S4, I will take the tuned S4.

[Lesterh1]

You won't regret buying a 550. The motor makes up for the only decent handling. FWIW I'm always intrigued and slightly amused by people buying a $50k car who are concerned about gas mileage lol.

[davidrab]

Something must be going around as I'm thinking of getting rid of my '12 S4 and getting a '14 550 xdrive. It's good to hear the comparisons.

S4 is a great car but, while I'm glad to have tried it, I'm somewhat disappointed with the DSG. Bad thing is that I think it is mostly programming (short shifts, hitting the rev limiter, delays on WOT upshifts but not at part throttle). I'm ready to get back to a good torque converter automatic.

[Dutt1113]

Originally Posted by davidrab

Something must be going around as I'm thinking of getting rid of my '12 S4 and getting a '14 550 xdrive. It's good to hear the comparisons.

S4 is a great car but, while I'm glad to have tried it, I'm somewhat disappointed with the DSG. Bad thing is that I think it is mostly programming (short shifts, hitting the rev limiter, delays on WOT upshifts but not at part throttle). I'm ready to get back to a good torque converter automatic.

I think I feel the same way. Before I had the s4 I had a 335i and I always said to myself that I wish I had an S4 and that I always wanted one. Don't get mw wrong the s4 is a nice car, better interior than the e90 I had but the dsg in the s4 is so temper mental. Its so finicky and constantly has to be babied and treated like you are driving manual. I totally didn't realize this until after owning it for a bit. Maybe the later MY after mine are better since mine is a first year made B8. I'm just a little disappointed with the dsg. The car is fast and handles great but I want something that you put in drive and go and have to wait for dual clutches to engage and disengage every time you stop and go. Especially when its cold before car fully warms up. 2011 550i xdrive m sport here I come.

[ezmaass]

While not an S4, I came from a 335 to the 550xi - a similar comparison, I'd think. I was just ready for a bigger car with more luxury, better road feel, and more comfort... and I got it. The "true" sport sedans in the class of an S4, 335, M3, RS4, etc can't be replicated in these larger vehicles... but that isn't their purpose either.

The 5-series is an executive sedan. It was designed to walk the wall between the sports sedan and large luxury cruisers like the 7er or MB S. I think BMW is doing a wonderful job here. If you get the right options (M Sport, sport suspension or DHP, etc), the 5 will still retain a good deal of sportiness in the drive. I can push my 550xi pretty hard on the road, and it'll take it composure. If you're pushing the car much harder where you actually have concerns about stability, you're probably a menace to society and should have your license taken away.

As for the "fun" factor, it's all how you measure it. The small sports sedans are fun to drive because you can toss them around more easily, and you actually can feel their agility with every turn. The 550xi, on the other hand, will let you toss it around, but you'll feel its weight, and you'll likely be more conscious of it coming from a smaller car. However, it has a whole other category of "fun" - the engine, for starters. The N63Tu is a rocket-ship. You won't get tired of flooring this thing (which may be bad for long-term reliability!)... it moves. Likewise, the luxury is at a whole new level. I loaded mine up with toys, and it's head-and-shoulders above the luxury of the 335 I came from... I suspect you'd feel the same difference coming from the S4.

Finally, there's practicality. I assume you're looking at a 550xi and not another smaller car due to a need/desire for something a bit bigger, at least in part. The 5 didn't disappoint me there, either. It's just larger enough to be felt - interior space, trunk space, etc without feeling like a boat... a nice step up. The road feel is also incredible. In my 335 I need to always be "on" when driving... you didn't really ever cruise... you felt everything all the time. I opted for the dynamic handling package (adjustable dampers and active anti-roll) on the 550 and LOVE it. Just click a toggle switch on the center dash and you go from engaged driving where you feel the road to softer more comfortable cruising. Brilliant technology for those of us who'd like a little of both worlds on-demand.

If you're moving to a the 5 for the same reasons as the posters mentioned above, I think you'll find it rewarding.

[Dutt1113]

So now gotta get the s4 sold.....if anyone knows someone who wants a '10 s4 prestige black with red/black nappa, give me a holler. Full front xpel ultimate protection film. I'm in Michigan in metro Detroit area.

[TheGr8Swami]

Wow, it's amazing that some S4/S5 owners are complaining about their DSG shifts when GIAC has a programming fix that will address many of your issues!

[clerkpalmer]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

As for the "fun" factor, it's all how you measure it.

I would like to second this notion. Many speak in these forums about "fun to drive" as if it is objective. Car x is fun to drive whereas Car y is not. I am by no means a driving expert but I enjoy driving nice fast cars. I have owned a 911, a B7 S4, B8 S4 and a 135 over the years. The 550x is far and away the biggest, heaviest and most luxurious of all of them. It also is the most powerful car I have owned. The V8 engine is a work of art.

Each of these cars had their strengths and weaknesses. The 500xi may not be as light and tossable as the others but that doesn't mean it is not fun. At least for me, my typical driving is with the kids around the suburbs on the weekends or a highway commute during the weekdays. It sure is fun to move a 4300 pound sedan to 60mph on a highway on ramp in 4.5 seconds. Add some m5 mufflers and it makes the experience that much more visceral. Put some black grills in and the car is downright menacing on the road. It's stance and road presence is amazing.

In my mind, the 550xi is very fun to drive. I look forward to driving it every day. This car leans toward the luxury spectrum but with DHP it can be sporty as well.

[Alan l.]

Originally Posted by nal13

I came from a 2010 S4 to a 2014 550 xdrive. Two extremely different cars. The 550 is faster in a straight line and more luxurious but that is really all it has on the S4. The S4 is a lot more fun to drive and overall just feels significantly tighter, lighter, and more nimble. I can't comment on the DSG because I had a 6mt.

My conclusions of the 550, and I may be a little jaded, is that it is a great car if you want a fast luxury car and have a second sports car for passionate driving. It is not a sports sedan. It's sort of like a power Hugo boss suit. Bold and powerful but not exactly sporty. The S4 on the other hand is a true sports sedan but can also play the part of a proper luxury car.

I agree with Nal 100%

I had a JB 2013 535xi before and now a JB 550i. My buddy just picked up a 2011 DSG S4 with full APR bolt ons. I drove his car a few times and its like Nal described. One is a fulltime sports sedan and the other is a big luxury cruiser that is somewhat sporty if you want it to be. Coming from the S4 you would want the 550. The handling difference is negligible on day to day street driving but the power of the 550 more than makes up for it. Pushing both the 535 and a 550 will net you similar mpg's to be honest but even a tuned 535 can not come close to the 550. Trust me.

For me the only fun the F10 really offers is straight line thrust/speed and you can only get it in the 550imo. I came from a modified 335 so my expectation with speed/power is somewhat higher than most require.

Alan

[Grover432]

Originally Posted by 535X

I have a 2011 535xi f10 N55 single turbo engine. Jb4 Tune, ER down pipe and BMS intake. Ugh this car is so heavy. Coming from a 2008 550msport, I miss my v8 power. I love the luxuriousness of the car and it looks great but as far as lowend speed I'm quite unhappy. I have been going back and forth in wanting to trade it in for m3 because I miss that power. The m5's are a bit out if my range price wise. I know the 535 is not a car to be racing around in, but I just want that launch and I'm not getting satisfaction from my f10. I'm going to try catless exhaust and see if that will help. If it doesn't she's getting traded in. Any suggestions anyone?

M5