[CarBrain]

Which is better? (subjectively of course)

Here is the comparison

Pros:

535i

Better gas mileage
More options for the price



550i

More powerful
Looks better from the back (I like
the rectangular tailpipe more)

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Also, which car would have better resale value at 100,000 miles?

[bobbyd1961]

550

[dilsere2]

550i is a rocket..can't wait to get mine...hopefully i will be picking it up next week.

[BMW-GT]

I'd say it's a toss up. Probably equal in value @ that time. The base 535i will retain it's value better than the base 550i but you will lose more on the (greater number) of options on the 535i. I'd rather have the 550i with less options as I like the drive better (& power) and don't need all the electronic gadgets.

[bdardashti]

I'd say only consider the 550i if you can get at least the dynamic handling package (assuming you care about handling and making the car a little more performance oriented). The 535i is no slouch either. I haven't driven the new one, but the old 535i had plenty of power in my opinion.

[bavarianboar]

test drive

[CarBrain]

Does anyone know the gas mileage of the 550i? I know that it is worse than the 535i but I could not find the specific gas milage.

[TDS1]

Originally Posted by CarBrain

Does anyone know the gas mileage of the 550i? I know that it is worse than the 535i but I could not find the specific gas milage.

They had one at the dealer today (hadn't been prepped yet). 550i sticker said 17/25. 535i sticker said 20/29. Probably getting the 535 Xdrive myself, but want to drive the 550i first. Agree with OP that 550i looks better with those tailpipes.

[iwannabimmer]

The average MPG for the 535 is 23mpg, while for the 550 is 20mpg. So there is only 3mpg average difference. But I would guess that during normal everyday driving the power difference would be very very minimal. Those who have tested both could probably advice better on that.

Personally, I would pick 535i with more options such as ZPP, ZCW, ZSP+paddles and ZDH. What is the difference in options added to each?

[Bluesummer]

No brainer, 550. I will be ordering mine real soon

[beachBmmr]

You said this car is for you wife right? Would she appreciate amenities or more power? My wife is mostly driving our new 535, and she is a zippy driver, and our 535 is plenty quick enough. However, having the seat move back to her position as she unlocks the car is something she loves.

- Ask her.

oh - and I checked your order. You have confort access keyless entry (which I though was all i needed too) but we got the convenience package which adds soft close doors, auto closing trunk, and lighted door handles. Its very nice having the auto opening, and closing trunk. I was hooked on the 3rd time.The doors are nice too, its a nice feeling, not having to slam the door shut all the time. And when you slam it out of habit, it seems as if your being excessive. I think these options give it a more civilized feel. (you can aslo drive the heel out of it too)

[CarBrain]

Originally Posted by beachBmmr

You said this car is for you wife right? Would she appreciate amenities or more power? My wife is mostly driving our new 535, and she is a zippy driver, and our 535 is plenty quick enough. However, having the seat move back to her position as she unlocks the car is something she loves.

- Ask her.

oh - and I checked your order. You have confort access keyless entry (which I though was all i needed too) but we got the convenience package which adds soft close doors, auto closing trunk, and lighted door handles. Its very nice having the auto opening, and closing trunk. I was hooked on the 3rd time.The doors are nice too, its a nice feeling, not having to slam the door shut all the time. And when you slam it out of habit, it seems as if your being excessive. I think these options give it a more civilized feel. (you can aslo drive the heel out of it too)

Yeah, the car is for her but I will be the driver when I am with her so I like to have fun with the car when I drive. She may scream at me if I drive too aggressive though....

Anyway, still deciding which to get. It is a hard choice.

[scottz5]

I went with the 535i. I heard a gas guzzler tax will be on the 550i. My salesman said BMW is trying to fight it.

[iwannabimmer]

Originally Posted by scottz5

I heard a gas guzzler tax will be on the 550i. My salesman said BMW is trying to fight it.

That is just BS most likely! My Mazda is rated at 17/25 - same as the 550i - and it didn't have a gas guzzler tax.

[scottz5]

Originally Posted by iwannabimmer

That is just BS most likely! My Mazda is rated at 17/25 - same as the 550i - and it didn't have a gas guzzler tax.

I think new standards for 11 not 100 percent on that. He told me they are very worried about it.

[iwannabimmer]

Originally Posted by scottz5

I think new standards for 11 not 100 percent on that. He told me they are very worried about it.

Well, if it's new standards for 2011 then it would be so unfortunate for BMW, especially the 550i model.

But I think that the 535i should be quick enough for most people and most occasions. Is not like there is a lot of room to race the 550i in US anyway.

[Jim_in_Calgary]

We saw the equivalent of around $6/gallon when oil was at $140/bbl. That's why I'll likely go for the 535xi. I think in real world city driving the spread in fuel economy will be more than 3 mpg.

[scottz5]

Originally Posted by iwannabimmer

Well, if it's new standards for 2011 then it would be so unfortunate for BMW, especially the 550i model.

But I think that the 535i should be quick enough for most people and most occasions. Is not like there is a lot of room to race the 550i in US anyway.

I was looking at Road and Track and it did say that MY11 cars would have different standards. If they tax the 550i BMW will take a hit.

I agree with the room in the US and the 535i has plenty of power, I think the new 8 speed helps out a lot. IMO it really felt like a perfect.

[beachBmmr]

Originally Posted by CarBrain

Yeah, the car is for her but I will be the driver when I am with her so I like to have fun with the car when I drive. She may scream at me if I drive too aggressive though....

Anyway, still deciding which to get. It is a hard choice.

IMHO the 535 has enough get up and go. I test drove the 550 before I got mine, and while the additional power was enjoyable on the open road I question its utility in normal driving situations. I would rather have the goodies than the power.

[SkipSauls]

The old standard for the gas guzzler tax was 22.5 combined, so it would be surprising if they lowered it for 2011.

I'd go for a loaded 535i or 535xi over a 550i, even if the latter has nicer exhaust tips. Changing the tips to those from the 550i or aftermarket would be simple enough, and if you really think you need more power there will be reflashes, piggybacks, etc.

[raleedy]

The 8 is a nose-heavy, gas-guzzling boat. Without dynamic handling it won't drive well. Notice US dealers are taking their V8s loaded with the handling gadgets. Another point: every mfr offers a V8. Where else can you get a seriously powerful inline 6?

[Mr. Magic]

raleedy,
An astute observation - all 550i's I've seen also have been loaded. Would not get one otherwise for your reasons.

I have not seen a 535i loaded (Sport, DH) with IAS yet. Had to try IAS on loaded 550i, and I can just imagine it will handle even better in the lighter 535i - this was the configuration tested/shown in Portugal for the magazines (wheels may have been 18-inch).

I guess I'll know for sure in 9 weeks when it arrives.