2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum Anyone regret buying the 550i instead of the 535i ?
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-11-2010, 09:09 AM   #1
CarBrain
Private First Class
United_States
42
Rep
133
Posts

Drives: Mercedes GL 450
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: California, USA

iTrader: (0)

Anyone regret buying the 550i instead of the 535i ?

Everyone loves power.

My question is: Is anyone here who had received your 550i and driven it for awhile wished that they had ordered the 535i instead ?
Appreciate 0
      07-11-2010, 09:46 AM   #2
NewM3driver
Colonel
1108
Rep
2,008
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

While I am currently driving an '08 M3 sedan, I have owned numerous 5 series cars over the years... an E39 528 sport stick, a 540 sport auto, and a 530 sport stick (the best car I have ever owned).

I've had an E60 545 sport stick, a 550 sport auto, and a 535 sport auto.

Each and every time I get back into one of the 6 cylinder cars I can't help but feel they are the best of the bunch. There is a sweetness to the engines that is missing with the 8's, and truth be told I can't remember the last time I raced someone and needed the extra half second to 60.

Weight IS the enemy, and the extra few hundred pounds that the big V8's weigh can be felt sitting between the front wheels. The 6's are sweeter, better balanced packages.

The M3 is obviously an 8, but some how the M folks have worked magic with that car, as it is perfectly balanced, perfectly weighted, and absolutely sublime. The engine and drive line is an absolute dream. The car is so good in fact, that I have decided it is a keeper.

I will be ordering a 535 sport this fall. Hope my opinion helps.
Appreciate 0
      07-11-2010, 09:48 AM   #3
bernpep
BMWCCA member #2429
18
Rep
136
Posts

Drives: '12M.C.Blue M3, '16 targa 4S
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: N.E.

iTrader: (0)

Actually the 550 was too much so instesd of a 535 I got a prius. Sorry, couldn't resist.
Appreciate 0
      07-11-2010, 04:36 PM   #4
Chickster
New Member
3
Rep
23
Posts

Drives: 2016 M235i and 2011 X5
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

I like the V8 in the 5 Series. The 6 was great in the 3 Series. Actually, I should have ordered the V8 in my 2011 X5. The turbo 6 is somewhat overwhelmed by the weight.
__________________
2011 550i, Black Sapphire, Black Nappa Leather, ZSP,ZDH, ZP2,ZCV,ZDA.SAT (delivery on 6/26/10)
2011 X5 xDrive 35i Sport Activity, Black Sapphire, Black Nappa Leather, M Sport (delivery on 5/28/10)
Previous BMWs: 2006 E60 550i, 2001 E46 330cic, 2003 745Li, 2000 M5, 2000 540i
Appreciate 0
      07-11-2010, 08:36 PM   #5
Soon ExAudi Guy
Week 36 Build
Soon ExAudi Guy's Avatar
Canada
33
Rep
190
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada

iTrader: (0)

I don't have my 535 but was committed to the 550 until I drove the 535 several more times. If you are in North America, unless you really intend to race from every traffic light, you won't open up the engine in the city, period. On the highway, once you are cruising at 70MPH, are you really going to take advantage of the extra HPs to take it up to say 100MPH? I tossed and turned before I finally decided on the 535. I respect the 550's torque and its a quieter engine in the city because it doesn't rev up like the inline 6, but I think the 6 is the engine for this vehicle. Lots of power, lots of fun, and a nice engine note to boot.
Appreciate 0
      07-11-2010, 11:05 PM   #6
uhn2000
Big K...
uhn2000's Avatar
Canada
170
Rep
1,717
Posts

Drives: M3CS BX7
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Toronto, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Soon ExAudi Guy View Post
I don't have my 535 but was committed to the 550 until I drove the 535 several more times. If you are in North America, unless you really intend to race from every traffic light, you won't open up the engine in the city, period. On the highway, once you are cruising at 70MPH, are you really going to take advantage of the extra HPs to take it up to say 100MPH? I tossed and turned before I finally decided on the 535. I respect the 550's torque and its a quieter engine in the city because it doesn't rev up like the inline 6, but I think the 6 is the engine for this vehicle. Lots of power, lots of fun, and a nice engine note to boot.
+1 plenty of power to enjoy on the policed roads of Ontario
__________________
Many fun toys... M3CS XB7 FTW!
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2010, 09:23 AM   #7
listerone
First Lieutenant
United_States
10
Rep
345
Posts

Drives: 2018 BMW 540d
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Connecticut

iTrader: (0)

I'm leaning toward getting an F10 but I strongly suspect I'll go for the 535.Unlike many here I'm a rather sedate driver who would opt for the 535 for its smoothness,ride,style,comfort and "pedigree" rather than for its 0-60.If I lived near the Autobahn my attitude might be different,but...
__________________
Current : 2018 540d
Formerly: 2014 328d
Formerly: 2011 MB E350 Bluetec
Formerly: 2009 335d
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2010, 03:39 AM   #8
htman
New Member
7
Rep
12
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Phoenix

iTrader: (0)

Having driven both the 535i and 550i F10 I have to say the 550i is the creme de la creme. The smooth torque of the engine is amazing. Although the 8 cyl is turbo boosted, the boost seems to be lower at low rpm than one finds in the 535i. As a result there is no turbo lag in the 550i whereas there is some with the 535i. The point is well taken that in the US the capabilities of the 550i will never be fully used. But if you want the best drive, the 550i is it.
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2010, 06:15 AM   #9
mlai
Colonel
mlai's Avatar
Hong Kong
165
Rep
2,340
Posts

Drives: 650GC/E93M3/Lexus LS600HL
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Oh boy.... I bet if the 550i doesn't exist, people will ask the same question between 535i and 528i.......

Seriously, we all have our own reasons for our choices when we order and it is all too easy to fall prey to buyer's remorse. All I can say is, enjoy the ride of your choice!
__________________
F06 650i Gran Coupe Ruby Black/Dakota Cinamon- 2012-10-12 Adaptive Drive/IAS/Surround View/Adaptive LED/Comfort Seats/BMW 356 Liquid Black/Michelin PSS 245/35R20-285/30R20
E93 M3 Cabriolet Satin Pearl White/CR - 2012/03/12 Bilstein PSS10/ Michelin PSS 245/35R19-265/35R19 Brembo GT
2011 F10 550i M Sport - Retired
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2010, 07:37 AM   #10
topologe
Enlisted Member
2
Rep
46
Posts

Drives: 13 Porsche 991 S
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Boston

iTrader: (0)

The real question here should be "what would you take for free if you were given a choice between a 535i or 550i?"
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2010, 09:06 AM   #11
Gsquared
New Member
United_States
5
Rep
27
Posts

Drives: 2011 550i
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

no brainer ......550i
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2010, 09:14 AM   #12
raleedy
Colonel
United_States
160
Rep
2,248
Posts

Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gsquared View Post
no brainer ......550i
Not me. This car is too heavy, is a gas guzzler. Everyone makes a V8. Only BMW makes an I-6, the best of engine designs. For weight, even the 535 is over the top.
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2010, 09:19 AM   #13
mlai
Colonel
mlai's Avatar
Hong Kong
165
Rep
2,340
Posts

Drives: 650GC/E93M3/Lexus LS600HL
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
For me, 550i no brainer. I live on the hill side up a 4-lane uphill ramp. The bottom of the ramp is a 3-way merge, and on the side, numerous entrances and exits. I will take the power of 550i any day.

Whether 550i/535i or any other variants, really depends on the application and requirements of the specific owner's circumstances. Granted, if I live on flat land with highways and mostly city traffic, 550i may be overkill. But for us living on the hill-side with plenty of uphill on a daily basis, 550i is the car of the choice......
__________________
F06 650i Gran Coupe Ruby Black/Dakota Cinamon- 2012-10-12 Adaptive Drive/IAS/Surround View/Adaptive LED/Comfort Seats/BMW 356 Liquid Black/Michelin PSS 245/35R20-285/30R20
E93 M3 Cabriolet Satin Pearl White/CR - 2012/03/12 Bilstein PSS10/ Michelin PSS 245/35R19-265/35R19 Brembo GT
2011 F10 550i M Sport - Retired
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:26 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST