[dman918]

Hello all,

Well, I was away for a year or so. Sold my 2009 335i xdrive and went to a Mercedes E550. Not a big fan of the car, so now I am looking to come back to BMW. I like the 335, but the interior is a little plain, so now I am looking at a 5 series instead. I have several questions, but to sum up:

- I like the 550 but have read the horror stories. However, the CCP seems to be the solution to all read woes? My service manager at BMW said just get it done and I should be good. Thoughts?

- Could I just get a 535 and JB4 and be somewhere around the performance of a 550?

- Is there a big idrive difference between 2012 and 2013 models? I read that it was updated in 2013.

- Any particular features I should be sure to get? Sport, m-sport, premium sound, etc etc.

Thanks so much for your input!

[RSBro]

535+JB4 or any tune won't even be close to a 550. Totally different performance in HP, torque, etc..

I have a '12 which has had the CCP done and haven't had any issues thus far in almost 6 months now. My warranty runs out in Nov. and I will be purchasing an extended one through Route 66 after that. Whether you go 3rd party or CPO, these cars have to have warranty plans on them.

I forget when in '13, the 550 had the N63TU engine update from the N63 which is what caused the CCP. However, it remains to be seen whether or not there will be the same issues on the TU variant since it's relatively new and the original N63 didn't have these issues until last fall it seems like.

So, I recommend finding a '13 550, CPO, and definitely you want the M-Sport (at least) and then whatever options you can get on it. I have premium sound, cooled/heated/massaging seats, HUD, all the little cool stuff. But I'd love my car with just that glorious V8 and the M-Sport model and Sport Transmission.

[valbmw]

Hi bud and welcome back to BMW.

1) The pre-LCI engine V8 N63 is known as the oil eater and injectors/fuel pump are not prepared for urban use. The 550 are perfect on long distance but make no practical sense for commuting through traffic and standing idle at traffic lights. Here the injectors go crazy and cylinders are getting heavy carbonized. BMW normally blame the gas stations but it’s apparently the engine design issue and low-end drive is not for the 550.

The LCI engine N63TU has the described issues sorted out somehow. If no plan to get the LCI 550 and the older 2012 model fits your budget, it makes sense to get the CCP upgrade (N63TU parts) and try to push the car harder. The chip only will make it 550+ whp before DP, exhaust upgrade etc.

2) The 535 has a very good engine the inline six N55. It is smooth and good for a DD, and then you are right the JB4 only will add another 20% to power. Then $$ for exhaust, intake, DP, maybe turbo – and you are near to the 550 stock
Please note the 550 normally has much better options package than 535, if this is of any value for you.

3) LCI provides many upgrades to 535/550, such as: N63TU for 550 (450 whp), updated engine and steering SW, many cool options went basic (NBT and Internet, iDrive with touchpad, better sound, folded windows, sunshades etc.) I would seriously recommend giving LCI a priority if it's still within your budget.

4) Highly recommended: DHP, LED lights, HUD, Active cruise, Harman Kardon, M Sport, Comfort seats, Comfort access.
Optional: aftermarket wheels 20”, front spoiler/diffuser/trunk spoiler.

Check the Ordering Guides to see packages/options:
http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=691825
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=697460

I would vote for '13 550ix LCI.
Hope it helps.

[dman918]

Thanks for all the great info!

There is a part of me that is considering a loaded 335i xdrive instead, but the interior of the 550 just seems so nice. Here is one 550 option I was considering:

http://www.car-research.com/carinter...tocknum=Y69896


It is a sport (not m-sport), convenience, luxury seating, cold weather pkgs. I am going to inquire on any additional info. This was a lease turn in, and I know it has new tires. I drive approximately 15k-18k a year.

[jeveryday]

-Get the 550... I have the 535 msport and its a great car but you can definitely tell there something missing in the power dpt. Its very refined and smooth, a little too imo.

- not sure abt the idrive but i do know that closing doors wasnt offered in 2012 on the 535(if that matters to you)

- Get the msport definitely! The rest is preference. Cold weather package since your i IL

[Gpfarrell]

We have a stock '08 535. I like to go fast but rarely need it to go as fast as it goes. Before buying my '12 535 I pondered the same question you are... I was driving an extra-boosted Lincoln MKS that would run high 12's at the strip. I rarely found space to use all of it on the street. I opted for a 535 M-sport 6-speed. Fast as a 550? Nope. Plenty fast enough? Yep. Cars in the shop drive me nuts, warranty or not... so the N63 couldn't seduce me.

[valbmw]

The 3-series are too small and have poor interior compared to the 5-series with decent headroom, comfortable space for family and friends etc.

The car you show is pre-LCI and it has low miles. What is missing for me: HUD and sport transmission. It has Electronic Damper Control (EDC) but no ARS (active sway bars). Together they would form Dynamic Handling Package (DHP) which is one of the top things for BMW F10. The rest is fine. I love its soft-close doors, comfort access, surround view, ambient lighting and adaptive headlights.

VIN number decoder: http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by valbmw

I would vote for '13 550ix LCI.
Hope it helps.

Wasn't the LCI on model year 2014 not 2013? I second the vote on 550xi LCI though, if it fits the budget. I just picked up a '15 a few weeks ago and my only regret is that my commute is too short

I would definitely recommend DHP (research the options within on here, it varies by model year so make sure you're getting those options, whatever year you decide on). Without it, it might feel closer than you'd like to that E550.

[valbmw]

Originally Posted by chrisny

Wasn't the LCI on model year 2014 not 2013? I second the vote on 550xi LCI though, if it fits the budget. I just picked up a '15 a few weeks ago and my only regret is that my commute is too short

I would definitely recommend DHP (research the options within on here, it varies by model year so make sure you're getting those options, whatever year you decide on). Without it, it might feel closer than you'd like to that E550.

LCI has started in 2012: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sele...=0&series=F10N

To help the OP navigating Ordering Guides:

DHP consists of:
223 Dynamic Damper Control and
229 Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) adds 2VA Adaptive Drive

DHP as package:
ZDH Dynamic Handling Package
2VA Adaptive Drive
includes Active Roll Stabilization and
Dynamic Damper Control

[493263]

US versions, MY 2014 is LCI

[combatbmw]

I would wait if money is an issue for the 2014's to be a bit cheaper.
I would not get a 2011-13 N63 550i, to many issues, less aftermarket potential (tunes)

I personally drove a 535i, and there dogs man (too slow for me personally), not trying to say the 535i are going bad and others may think its plenty fast, IMO its way Too heavy for the power.

But in any case, If you don't care about performance and just want a nice 5 series.
the 535i is perfect. All the class, just w/out the performance.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by combatbmw

I would wait if money is an issue for the 2014's to be a bit cheaper.
I would not get a 2011-13 N63 550i, to many issues, less aftermarket potential (tunes)

I personally drove a 535i, and there dogs man. Too heavy for the power.

But in any case, If you don't care about performance and just want a nice 5 series.
the 535i is perfect. All the class, just w/out the performance.

+1 on the '14.

However, while I ended up in a 550, I wouldn't say the 535 is a dog by any means. 300/300 is still plenty of power, even for an F10. It's not "fast" but it's hardly slow. It's still a fast enough to be fun as a DD.

OP, as always, drive 'em both and decide for yourself.... Or better yet, drive the 535 first and see if it makes you happy. I ended up getting a 550 at the last minute only because i was doing the pull ahead and couldn't find a 535 with the equipment I wanted, was out of time, and they had a 550 that had everything I wanted and a bit more. That and I made the mistake of driving the 550 . Ignorance is bliss, if the 535 puts a smile on your face.

[David Webb NH]

I test drove the 535 and the 550... The 535 was fast and fun when it got moving. When I gave the 550 the pedal it just felt right for the weight of the car and didn't leave me waiting for the power band.

I'm an aggressive driver so there really wasn't much choice after I felt the 550.

+1 on the M-sport, Comfort package, and HUD... The Huds the only thing I'm missing and when I've been in loaners with it I wish I had held out.

I've had the drive-train issue and have had it repaired, even had the recent double fuel pump failure but was resolved under warranty.

I would only but a CPO or get a really good aftermarket warranty like Rt 66. I will never own a BMW out of warranty.

[ndinh]

My vote's on the 535. For a DD, fuel economy is a priority in my book. I had the option of a 535 or 550 also. CPO prices are negligible between the two cars but I came from a Mercedes SUV which was getting 15mpg, so the obvious choice was a 535, especially living in L.A. where you're pretty much in traffic all the time. Make sure you shop around and get all the bells and whistles because you'll regret not having them later. M-sport, comfort, etc. Another minor thing is that the '12 didn't have pull down rear seats while the '13 did as standard. Not sure how much power people need living in the city but my 535 seems pretty fast to me.

[M5Beast_NYC]

if you do a lot of local driving then i would suggest go with the 535. if you do a lot of long distance then go with the 550. fuel consuption is a big difference between the two. If I were you, i would hold off on the M sport package as later on you would want to upgrade the bumpers, etc, then you are up to an OEM M sport price so might as well go OEM.. I think the DHP is a must, you can always lower it with HR springs but the shocks on the DHP is more robust than the standard 5 series.

[bimmer_335]

I recently picked up 535i. Engine has enough power.

To me it makes no sense to get 550i. since you're coming from 335i... both 550/535 will NOT drive like a 335... handling with DHP will be better but again not 335i. Why get bigger engine than? Just chip it and you should be good.

If you want more power on 5er along with handling get M5... otherwise stick with 535i.

Oh... don't forget to get upgraded stereo. Standard stereo is POS

[dman918]

Thanks for all the responses!

I am a bit of a power fiend. I wouldn't say I fly through the corners, but it was neat how the 335 was kind of like a go cart. I do, however, really enjoy strong straight line performance. It sounds to me that the 535 would not be a good option for me because of that.

My budget is 40k, though I can stretch to 45k if it's really worth it. Around here, that affords a '12 550 or a 13-14 335. I could also just wait a little bit until the newer 550 is in my price range. I'm in no rush to exit the e550 as the warranty is good for another 2 years.

[493263]

Originally Posted by combatbmw

I would wait if money is an issue for the 2014's to be a bit cheaper.
I would not get a 2011-13 N63 550i, to many issues, less aftermarket potential (tunes)

I personally drove a 535i, and there dogs man. Too heavy for the power.

But in any case, If you don't care about performance and just want a nice 5 series.
the 535i is perfect. All the class, just w/out the performance.

lol you can get down from your high horse now.

[combatbmw]

Originally Posted by 493263

lol you can get down from your high horse now.

Ok, let me get on it boss.

[dman918]

Originally Posted by combatbmw

Ok, let me get on it boss.

No worries man. I didn't take your comments as arrogant And are just trying to be informative.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by dman918

No worries man. I didn't take your comments as arrogant And are just trying to be informative.

For what it's worth, I took them as arrogant (wrong choice of words I guess) plus I'm thrilled with my 535i, so my feelings might've gotten hurt in the process too

On a more serious note, there's always "better" out there, you just have to figure out what matters to you.

If you must have straight line speed, 550 no question, but don't forget, handling balance is slightly "compromised" since it's a bit heavier up front. 550 will be closer to what you have when it comes to 0-60, but not handling.

535 is plenty fast though, if you find DHP or M sport with RWD handling will be closer (NOT "same") to 335 you're used to, just not as quick 0-60. Not sure if gas mileage is something you value, but that choice seems pretty obvious, difference between the two is significant.

Neither will handle like what you're used to, 335 is pretty nice, but 5 series has other things you might appreciate.

Have fun shopping, good luck.

[combatbmw]

Originally Posted by dman918

No worries man. I didn't take your comments as arrogant And are just trying to be informative.

In all honesty, I wasn't trying to be arrogant. After reading what I wrote I still dont get how 429192123901 guy thinks I am.

Im just giving you my opinion.
Just a simple fact, 5 series are heavy pigs. 300hp IMO and IMO only just doesn't cut it for that much weight.

But like I said, if power wasn't a big deal for you and others then Its a no brainer save the $$$ and get a 535i.