[skeemr4]

Hi all,

Coming from a 2008 m3 coupe. Wife has a 328xi. I also have a Ford Explorer that I use for work. We're replacing the m3 and 328 with one car, and I'll use my Explorer as my daily driver.

We just ordered a 535xi: White, Brown leather, Premium 2, Sport, Dynamic handling package, comfort access, heated seats, ipod adapter, anthracite headliner, sport tranny.

Obviously, coming from an m3, I love the power of the 550, but the wife drives the car 90% of the time, and would be fine with the 535. I feel that I got a pretty good deal (Paid 1,500 over invoice).

My dilemma is that I would love to have the 550, but would need to cut some options out to stay near the 65k mark. I probably have a few days before the order is submitted and the car goes into production to make a change.

If I order the 550xi, but skimp on the options a bit, (leave out dynamic handling, sport transmission, comfort access etc). I can get fairly close to the same number.

Is it worth it? What are the "must have" options??

I know this is subjective, but you guys understand! We're all fanatics here!

[skeemr4]

anyone have some input / advice?! I'm agonizing over here. and need to call my salesperson before the close of business tonight. If I leave out Dynamic handling and comfort access I'm within $2,000. Not bad, but am I making a mistake not ordering those options.

so 535xi w/ dynamic and comfort or 550xi without?! Help!

[Soon ExAudi Guy]

My bias: I have a 535 on order, but I labored over the decision to go with a 535 or 550.

On the engine decision:
a) city driving, will you really notice the power differential of the 550? how will the car be driven?
b) highway driving, once you get to the speed you need to drive at, is the 550i going to make your wife happier? How heavy is the foot of the driver?
c) does she care about fuel economy (does she have a practical side to her?)
d) will a 550 badge on the car make her feel any different, or will she really care?

I have always been a big engine guy, and boy, does the 550 go when you want to push it on the highway. But for the city, I found the 535 on my many test drives to be plenty of engine, and it sounded better when pushed.

Options:

There are many threads on which packages are important. Many seem to feel that if you want a better road/handling/steering feel, add dynamic handling and sport. Personally, cost was never a factor for me. My 535 on order has every option available (except night vision and IAS), plus several special order options (options only available on the 550 here in Canada and not on any of the 535). I like my cars loaded up with technology and the stuff that makes it drive superbly all the time. It is those options that you are considering dropping for more engine that may give you and her more enjoyable drives 98% of the time behind the wheel.

That's my subjective point of view. Good luck with the decision!!

[skeemr4]

You're right.....To her the engine doesn't matter....then again, neither does the dynamic handling option. She enjoys the luxury of the car and the looks. Other than that she could care less. The decision is basically for when I decide to drive it. Would I be more happy with the extra power and torque, or a sportier ride.

I'm not all that versed on what the dynamic handling does, but for whatever its worth, I have an 08 m3, and hardly ever adjust the suspension settings, dampers, etc.

So for a difference of 2k, it really boils down to whether I want the extra power, or the adjustable suspension/handling customization.

[dkerr]

I have a 535i xDrive on order, status 111. I decided that I wanted the dynamic handling, sports, premium 2, ventilated seats, etc. etc. packages rather than the extra power of the 550i. The 550i is certainly more powerful, but it also consumes a LOT more gas and is heaver, particularly at the front. I really don't think the extra ~$5K is worth it.

Note that even after placing your order you can still make changes. It will first go into status 111 (BMW AG accepts order) then status 112 (production date scheduled) and then status 150 (in production). You can make all the changes you want while in status 111 and 112. Note however that when you get to 112 it probably will move to 150 pretty quickly (within a day or so), so you really want to settle on final specs while still in status 111. A good dealer should monitor the status of all their orders daily and call you when there is any status change. Also, xDrives don't go into production until september, after their long vacation in august. In other words, don't get all worked up about having to settle on final spec tonight.

DAK.

[Grizzles]

if the car was for my wife i would get her the 535, unless she wanted the big dog.

I ordered the 550xi and wake up every morning thinking about the weight, the gas and my license. that 535 will be quite nimble.

[BimmerDrw]

Skeemr4:

I'm somewhat of the same dilemma. I'm a power junky who currently drives a 2004 545i sport package (fully loaded). I've owned six (6) 5 series (1-E-28, 4-E-39s and 1-E-60). I really want, I think, a 550iX with sport package. Here's my dilemma: I hate the staggered tire package! I've had to replace tires on my current car 3 times over the last 6 years. Replacing front tires isnt so bad, but when you get to those 275 high performance tires, you run into money. Secondly, I swopped out the run-flats longtime ago, but the 2004 e60 car at least had a donut spare. This is problem one---staggered tire package with runflat tires. Problem two: I really like gadgets. I have the HUD which I now cant live without. I like the enhanced sound; I like cold weather package, and if you've ever had a run in with a deer (I did, $9,000 worth of damage!) then the "night vision" option looks attractive. When I start adding things up with the "X" drive added in I'm getting an MSRP of $approx 74,000 (ouch!). This doesnt include 6 percent tax here in Maryland on a new car purchase. Now the 535iX is a very attractive alternative. It has nearly the same power as the 545i I now drive, but once you throw in those things that are standard on the 550i, your savings are not that great! The other option that argurs in favor of the 550iX is European Delivery which I am also seriously thinking about. Would be interested in hearing from those who have dealt with a dealer recently while ordering a car and what their impressions are. Given that I know now, I have a feeling that I am going to have to haggle on any BMW I decided on.

BimmerDriver

[blackberrycubed]

how come she gets to drive a 5 series and you drive a FORD EXPLODER????? !!!!!

[CarBrain]

Originally Posted by blackberrycubed

how come she gets to drive a 5 series and you drive a FORD EXPLODER????? !!!!!

Probably like me, the wife makes a lot more money.

[CarBrain]

I am actually in the same boat. My wife will be driving the F10 90% of the time and I will driving the big tank MB GL450 with very little handling. I will try to convince her to get the 550i so that I can enjoy the car 10% of the time.

[shaileshmd]

Living in NE need for X version is a necessity. We thought my wife will drive the 550Xi and I will drive the Audi A4. She panicked with the size and I am the lucky guy!

[delvek]

I wouldnt get xdrive in a 550 (would you get AWD in a M3 or on the racing circuit), meant to be RWD for handling and acceleration performance, unless you live in a heavy snow band area but you have an Exploder!