[nyclio]

I am trading in my E60 550i MSport. Here are my options:

For the same price:

Car 1:
2011 550i MSport
Carbon Black/black interior
Convenience Pkg
Cold Weather Pkg
Premium 2
Sport Paddles

Car 2:
2011 535i MSport
Premium
Premium 2
Convenience
Cold Weather
EXTRAS:
Active Ventilated Seats
Driver Assistance
HUD
IAS
Rear View/Top/Side View Cameras

[LACSTER]

Car 2.

[Needsdecaf]

IMO: Driver assistance. Skip it. It's ok. But I only really ever appreciate the blind spot warning and even that's a bit annoying as it's overly cautious.

Active ventilated seats...yeah, those are nice.

HUD - cool toy. Can't see it through polarized glasses.

IAS - unnecessary.

Cameras - cool toy. Would rather have 300 HP.

I love my 535. But even with 300 HP, it's not a beast. From what I've read, the 550 is amazing. I'd go for it, no question. The only thing I would miss were the Active Vented Seats.

For perspective, my car:

535i
P1
P2
Cold Weather
Driver Assist
Convenience
Active Vented Seats
DHP
Nappa

[Vinfast]

I'd go with the 550i --- it's a beast --- I can't say enough about the engine performance even without the Dinan upgrade I'm planning on getting installed soon.

[GGPlena]

I always go for the toys, not just the engine. You will have enough performance as it is anyways...

By the way...just two more weeks until I pick up my 530d :-)

[Vinfast]

It always depends on the toys.

[masti99]

I will take # 2 with side order of x-drive

[SpawneyGet]

Engine is the greatest toy for me, and the chassis that enables it to be controlled.

1 - no brainer.

[EdM5]

Originally Posted by SpawneyGet

Engine is the greatest toy for me, and the chassis that enables it to be controlled.

1 - no brainer.

+1

[delvek]

Keeping in mind my reasons for buying a car are completely different then yours, I would take the 550i. I bought my first F10 550i and traded it back in and buying a second F10 550i and have many more options on it because I found I wanted them. With that said, I still would prefer the lighter equipped 550i then a loaded up 535. All about the engine.

ps. The IAS is absolutely needed imo. For someone NOT to need it they should live in a place that requires navigating tight spaces and/or traveling at very high speeds.

['17 750i Msport]

#1

[MBrown1003]

Depends on how you're wired.

Some people would relish using the features every time they're in the car, and not miss the extra power. If that's you, go for the 535i.

Some people would miss the power every time they're in the car, and not find the features enough of a consolation. If that's you, go for the 550i.

[O.S.]

#1 - 550 all the way (xdrive though).

blind spot and lane departure warnings are the most useless features that I have. I got them at no extra charge - otherwise I would not have ordered.

I got 535xi now for 2 month.... if I bought again I'd get 550xi with fewer toys. planning to do just that in 3 years when the lease is up. or may be m5 .... (yeah right keep dreaming....)

[blieu]

I'd go with car 2.

[ibimmer954]

I went essentially with car #2. I think IAS is awesome. I highly recommend it. IMO, makes for much more nimble handling compared to non-IAS. I also went with 6MT.

[pharding]

Car 1 for sure but add IAS in place of the Convenience Package. You will have a great car with everything that makes sense. I have the extras noted on Car 2 except for Top View on my 550i and I could do without them easily. However bear in that while much fun, the 550i gets worse gas mileage than the 535i. If that is not issue go for the 550i which is spectacular.

[nyclio]

I ended up with neither of those 2. Instead I got:

550i xDrive
Convenience
Cold Weather
Driver's Assistance (didn't care for this)
Premium 2
M-Sport
HUD
Side/Top Cameras
Split Rear seat

[BimmerGuyFL]

Car 1, Get the 550i. You'll love the power.

**Edit** Nice choice!!!! :-)

[hiroprotag]

car 1 - in my past car experiences (and I've bought an embarrassing number of cars) the novelty and coolness of electronics/toys wears off quickly but the power boost lasts the life of the car. Fwiw

[MileHiGolfer]

A big factor in my decision to order a 535 was the lease rates. They're much more favorable for the 535 than the 550, so even though the price is only a few thousand more, the monthly payments were significantly more for the 550. I'd like to say it was for the gas mileage, but it was just the money for me. Would have loved to have a 550 but going over $1000 per month on a lease seemed a bit excessive. I'll tell myself it was the gas mileage to make me feel better.

[mke1402]

Go for the bigger engine for sure. All the gadgets will bore you after a while. You will never get bored with the bigger engine.

After all the engine is the gadget you will be most pleased with.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Car 1 of course, no brainer it will "EAT" that 535.