[Bandini3]

I had a favourable reaction to the 535i and 550i following back-to-back test drives a few weeks ago. I came away thinking the 535i felt slightly more agile, although this was just a 20-minute drive. This impression was perhaps influenced by published reviews that singled out weight as one the the few aspects of the F10 to criticize.

I just noticed the BMWNA brochure provides weight and weight distribution data that permit a numerical measure of why the 550i feels a bit different. See Attachment.

The 550i automatic (4,365 pounds) weighs 6.7% more than the 535i AT (4,090 pounds). But the 550i has 50% more torque (450 vs. 300 lb-ft), which more than compensates for the additional weight and results in its effortless acceleration.

The reason the 550i feels somewhat less agile is because three-quarters of its additional weight is carried by the front axle. Roughly speaking, a 550i can be visualized as a hugely powerful 535i that has 210 pounds (95.3 kg) strapped under the hood over the front axle and an extra 65 pounds (29kg) in the trunk, over the rear axle.

The additional weight doesn't have a major impact, given the overall mass of the vehicle. However, it would seem to be enough to have a detectable effect on the 'feel' of the car (i.e. balance, initial response to steering inputs). It is the type of impact that is probably noticeable only in a back-to-back test by a driver who is trying to identify differences in driving characteristics.

I just thought I'd set this out for background interest. No criticism intended.

[delvek]

I dont do numbers well, I rely more on my touch/feel impressions. With that said, I have driven both the 550i and 535i extensively. Equipped properly there is no comparison. Just as much as a 528 and 535 are no comparison. Your paying for more then just speed, it all works together in concert to give a standard of performance for that particular model.

I have no numbers, just my insight for what its worth.

[SpawneyGet]

Originally Posted by delvek

I dont do numbers well, I rely more on my touch/feel impressions.

But the OP's approach is not entirely dissimilar to yours. Bandini3 goes back to numbers in an attempt to understand his 1st impressions, which I found to be very interesting.

As we would all agree, horses and torques aren't everything.

Also, I happen to believe that initial few seconds' impressions/judgments are usually more accurate. ("Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell)

[HighlandPete]

It is really about the balance of the car, isn't it. Same for most model ranges, many prefer the feel of a 4-pot 3-series, compared to the 6-pot engines. The extra front weight and front to rear weight ratio definitely changes how 'nimble' a car feels.

HighlandPete

[grimlock]

The 528i has an even better weight distribution.. 100lbs less and mostly off the front

Not saying 528>535>550 .. just, we have a need to justify our choices

[DuneMan]

Originally Posted by Bandini3

I had a favourable reaction to the 535i and 550i following back-to-back test drives a few weeks ago. I came away thinking the 535i felt slightly more agile, although this was just a 20-minute drive. This impression was perhaps influenced by published reviews that singled out weight as one the the few aspects of the F10 to criticize.

I just noticed the BMWNA brochure provides weight and weight distribution data that permit a numerical measure of why the 550i feels a bit different. See Attachment.

The 550i automatic (4,365 pounds) weighs 6.7% more than the 535i AT (4,090 pounds). But the 550i has 50% more torque (450 vs. 300 lb-ft), which more than compensates for the additional weight and results in its effortless acceleration.

The reason the 550i feels somewhat less agile is because three-quarters of its additional weight is carried by the front axle. Roughly speaking, a 550i can be visualized as a hugely powerful 535i that has 210 pounds (95.3 kg) strapped under the hood over the front axle and an extra 65 pounds (29kg) in the trunk, over the rear axle.

The additional weight doesn't have a major impact, given the overall mass of the vehicle. However, it would seem to be enough to have a detectable effect on the 'feel' of the car (i.e. balance, initial response to steering inputs). It is the type of impact that is probably noticeable only in a back-to-back test by a driver who is trying to identify differences in driving characteristics.

I just thought I'd set this out for background interest. No criticism intended.

I totally agree with you.

[ghueser]

Originally Posted by Bandini3

I had a favourable reaction to the 535i and 550i following back-to-back test drives a few weeks ago. I came away thinking the 535i felt slightly more agile, although this was just a 20-minute drive. This impression was perhaps influenced by published reviews that singled out weight as one the the few aspects of the F10 to criticize.

I just noticed the BMWNA brochure provides weight and weight distribution data that permit a numerical measure of why the 550i feels a bit different. See Attachment.

The 550i automatic (4,365 pounds) weighs 6.7% more than the 535i AT (4,090 pounds). But the 550i has 50% more torque (450 vs. 300 lb-ft), which more than compensates for the additional weight and results in its effortless acceleration.

The reason the 550i feels somewhat less agile is because three-quarters of its additional weight is carried by the front axle. Roughly speaking, a 550i can be visualized as a hugely powerful 535i that has 210 pounds (95.3 kg) strapped under the hood over the front axle and an extra 65 pounds (29kg) in the trunk, over the rear axle.

The additional weight doesn't have a major impact, given the overall mass of the vehicle. However, it would seem to be enough to have a detectable effect on the 'feel' of the car (i.e. balance, initial response to steering inputs). It is the type of impact that is probably noticeable only in a back-to-back test by a driver who is trying to identify differences in driving characteristics.

I just thought I'd set this out for background interest. No criticism intended.

I think this same conclusion was in one of the latest "Bimmer" magazines. (Like many of you, I get so many car magazines I cant always remember which article was in which magaizine.) The article basically concluded that the 535 was indeed a better driving experience and offered better feel as compared to the 550. You may want to track it down and read it.

[Touring]

On the 520d touring 55% of the weight is on the rear wheels.

On tiny curvy roads where power is not that important, the driving feeling with suspension setting on "sport", and 20 inch Pirelli Zero, is really awesome. The grip is sensational for such a big family car.

Next week I will get the ac-schnitzer suspension, will go strait to Nürburgring to test it. Im pretty sure it will be a great weekend.

On the autobahn of course the lack of power is a serious issue, but 99% of the time I dont drive there. So im very satisfied with my tiny Diesel.

[SpawneyGet]

Like I said, horses and torque aren't everything. It's all about balance.

[delvek]

I have driven many 528's and 535's for quite a few days, some cases weeks. Even more so now with the ACS suspension but there simply is no equivalent in total driving dynamic to the 550. I think of all the 528's I have driven and at no point in time did the thought, "wow in this instance this 528 exceeds the XXXX of my 550", except efficiency!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by delvek

I have driven many 528's and 535's for quite a few days, some cases weeks. Even more so now with the ACS suspension but there simply is no equivalent in total driving dynamic to the 550. I think of all the 528's I have driven and at no point in time did the thought, "wow in this instance this 528 exceeds the XXXX of my 550", except efficiency!

Ah now you are talking, the "total driving dynamics".

We don't typically see, or get a chance with a 550i over here, but based on my E39 540i there was no way the smaller engines felt better as a "total dynamic package", even if lighter at the front and they had a steering rack, rather than the 540i's 'box' steering system.

HighlandPete

[MBrown1003]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Ah now you are talking, the "total driving dynamics".

We don't typically see, or get a chance with a 550i over here, but based on my E39 540i there was no way the smaller engines felt better as a "total dynamic package", even if lighter at the front and they had a steering rack, rather than the 540i's 'box' steering system.

HighlandPete

What he said!!

I had three E39s: 528i, 540i/6, M5. While I can intellectually understand the balance discussion, FOR ME, the thrill of driving is in feeling the rush of acceleration. Not only from a standing start, but feeling the car gather itself and leap forward from 40 to 70 mph (US driver here), or while powering around a sweeping arc of an exit ramp. So, FOR ME, the 540i/6 and the M5 were the more engaging driving experiences.

As much as I love my M3 (and I LOVE my M3!), I am seriously considering replacing it with an F10 550i. Again, FOR ME, the power is what I enjoy. (That was one of the reasons I enjoyed my two GTIs so much -- both of them were VR6s, and surprisingly responsive. I could get out of my E39 M5, hop into my GTI, and enjoy the drive in the Vee-Dub. Besides, it was a good way to re-calibrate my "butt dyno" so I was always reminded how stunning the M5 was!)

[scottz5]

Well said love the butt dyno

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

What he said!!

I had three E39s: 528i, 540i/6, M5. While I can intellectually understand the balance discussion, FOR ME, the thrill of driving is in feeling the rush of acceleration. Not only from a standing start, but feeling the car gather itself and leap forward from 40 to 70 mph (US driver here), or while powering around a sweeping arc of an exit ramp. So, FOR ME, the 540i/6 and the M5 were the more engaging driving experiences.

As much as I love my M3 (and I LOVE my M3!), I am seriously considering replacing it with an F10 550i. Again, FOR ME, the power is what I enjoy. (That was one of the reasons I enjoyed my two GTIs so much -- both of them were VR6s, and surprisingly responsive. I could get out of my E39 M5, hop into my GTI, and enjoy the drive in the Vee-Dub. Besides, it was a good way to re-calibrate my "butt dyno" so I was always reminded how stunning the M5 was!)

['17 750i Msport]

Having driven both for me the clear choice was the 550. The lower end torque is significantly better and just sounds of the engine/exhaust won me over....compared to the 535. I am still going to modify the exhaust.

[grimlock]

Try flooring the 528 from standstill, I mean really just wack it.. the first fractions of a second the feeling of acceleration is something. I don't know what the 535 or 550 are like.. But the instant throttle response and watching the revs shoot up (like a ferrari? how would I know) and the sound (I6 NA.. the 'fallback')
I'm going to test this next time I come up against a 535 or 550.. I know they are faster, but I really suspect the 528i gets the 'jump'..

[MBrown1003]

I will admit that when I had a 528i as a loaner about six months ago, I was stunned at how well it moved. Still, I'm looking forward to re-acquainting myself with low-end torque, something that's lacking in my M3.

[delvek]

You mention 100 pounds off the front, shit thats the weight of my wifes purse! Tell you what, I will stick a 50lb bag of cement in the trunk and each one of the passenger seats and say ...

From the seat ... to the steering wheel ... to the rumble of the V8 ... to the force of its acceleration planting you in the seat ... there simply is no comparison at 0 to 60 or 60 to 100 or 100 to 160 ... straight aways, sloping curves, hairpins ... going downhill, uphill, dips, rises ... sunny days and cooler days ...

This could turn into an endless discussion but there simply is no comparison. The car feels different looking at it, sitting in it with the power off, turning it on, dirving it around town, driving it on the autobahn.

Simply no comparison.

With that said, the 528 and 535 are both excellent vehicles in their own right and have enjoyed driving them both (and owning a 535 once).

[Touring]

I wish I could afford a 550, but the tax system here (based on C02 and HP) makes it over 130 000 dollars more expensive than a 520d, so I try to adapt and see the brighter side of my micro Diesel.

One interesting fact by the way, BMW is keeping statistics over the BMWs coming in for inspection, actually the 320d is the vehicle with the highest average speed of all BMWs, that shows that owners of "weaker" Bimmers like to go fast too :-)

[delvek]

Originally Posted by Touring

One interesting fact by the way, BMW is keeping statistics over the BMWs coming in for inspection, actually the 320d is the vehicle with the highest average speed of all BMWs!

That is hilarious, but I am not suprised. They havent met me yet! actually my around town speed will be low, I rarely go above posted limit but on the autobahn I am moving.

[Bandini3]

The attraction of the incremental power of a 550i to someone with regular access to autobahn driving is interesting. And somewhat predictable. But hardly relevant to readers in most North American jurisdictions.

Here, energetic use of the 535i's capabilities can quickly land you with a $300 speeding ticket, and perhaps more serious consequences. Exploiting the 550i's enhanced capabilities (in the acceleration department) would simply mean the ticket is $600 and the other consequences that much more serious.

For that reason, in North America a regular Porsche 911 is ultimately a more rewarding drive than a Turbo or GT2. The latter are really just expressions of ego, given strict speed limits.

Horses for courses, one could say.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Ah now you are talking, the "total driving dynamics".

We don't typically see, or get a chance with a 550i over here, but based on my E39 540i there was no way the smaller engines felt better as a "total dynamic package", even if lighter at the front and they had a steering rack, rather than the 540i's 'box' steering system.

HighlandPete

I have the "ONLY" 550i M Sport in the UK (for sale at the end of the year) and it's much better all round than any other f10 IMO. Economy is outstanding @ 27/30 MPG.

[delvek]

Originally Posted by Bandini3

The attraction of the incremental power of a 550i to someone with regular access to autobahn driving is interesting. And somewhat predictable. But hardly relevant to readers in most North American jurisdictions.

Here, energetic use of the 535i's capabilities can quickly land you with a $300 speeding ticket, and perhaps more serious consequences. Exploiting the 550i's enhanced capabilities (in the acceleration department) would simply mean the ticket is $600 and the other consequences that much more serious.

For that reason, in North America a regular Porsche 911 is ultimately a more rewarding drive than a Turbo or GT2. The latter are really just expressions of ego, given strict speed limits.

Horses for courses, one could say.

The 550 is a different car at any speed. 70mph in a 550i is a total different driving experience then a 528. On fun backroads its just as different. Has nothing to do with speed limits or not.

I have had a blast driving my 550 all over Europe where the speed limit is usually about 80mph.

ps. this forum isnt exclusive to North America