[rome7890]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and looking to buy my first 5 series. I'm in love with the car but am having a really hard time choosing between a 2011 550i M or 535i M. They both have similar options in terms of HUD, Surround cameras etc..

Here is my dilemma:

2011 550 M:
color - titanium silver
interior - Venetian Beige leather (oyster)
mileage - 78,685 km (48892 miles)
condition - (mint)

2011 535 M:
color - space grey
interior - black leather
mileage - 37,121 (23065 miles)
condition - (fair) (I'll need to re-tint the windows ($300), all 4 rims have curb rash and will need to fix it ($700), a tire has a bubble so i would need to change all 4 tires ($$$), there are surface scratches on it so I would need to get them out($$$))

I saw the space grey in person and that is definitely the color I want, if I got the titanium silver I would get it painted to space grey ($4k)
Both of these car are similar in price, the 550 is $1k more.

I test drove the 535 and it didn't seem like it had much power to it, even when I put it in sport+.
The power in the 550 is no match but I heard the maintenance and reliability isn't as good as well as the mpg, also the 550 has a little more mileage. But the power is intoxicating.

I'd be using this car for daily commuting, not very long distances.

Thanks in advance.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by rome7890

....I saw the space grey in person and that is definitely the color I want, if I got the titanium silver I would get it painted to space grey ($4k)

This has been discussed over and over again, and it boils down to personal preference and tolerance for risk as 550 has more issues in general. If you do a bit of search in the forum, you'll find many threads on the same subject.

Really only you can decide what'll work for you.

Personally (no disrespect meant) I don't get why would you be willing to spend 4K to paint the car you've just picked up. I don't get additional expense and pretty much ruining resale value . Why not wait until you find the color you must have and use that money to get "more" out of your purchase ?

Good luck in your search.

[rome7890]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

Personally (no disrespect meant) I don't get why would you be willing to spend 4K to paint the car you've just picked up. I don't get additional expense and pretty much ruining resale value . Why not wait until you find the color you must have and use that money to get "more" out of your purchase ?

This is true, I probably would just deal with the titanium silver, it still looks great on the car.

But it really boils down to the work I need to put into the 535 and the mileage on the 550. Is the 550 worth getting even though it has higher mileage? will the 550 start breaking down on me in another 20000km? or is the 535 worth putting in the extra money to get the repairs done because it has lower mileage and the reliability.

Again I'm going to be using it daily but I love the power in the 550.

I am just looking for some personal opinions on which one you would get.

[cdmulders]

Originally Posted by rome7890

Again I'm going to be using it daily but I love the power in the 550.

I am just looking for some personal opinions on which one you would get.

Frankly, Bbb34 already gave you excellent advice. This has indeed been the topic of multiple threads.

The 550 guys will tell you to go for the power in a 550. The 535 guys will tell you that if you don't need brute power, then the 535 is an excellent overall car. You already know what colours and features you like. Unless you have to get something now (and I do know that feeling), I think you should keep looking for the perfect car and avoid making compromises that you indicate you would have to with the two choices you've mentioned so far. Good luck.

[rome7890]

Originally Posted by cdmulders

Frankly, Bbb34 already gave you excellent advice. This has indeed been the topic of multiple threads.

The 550 guys will tell you to go for the power in a 550. The 535 guys will tell you that if you don't need brute power, then the 535 is an excellent overall car. You already know what colours and features you like. Unless you have to get something now (and I do know that feeling), I think you should keep looking for the perfect car and avoid making compromises that you indicate you would have to with the two choices you've mentioned so far. Good luck.

Ok thanks for the tips.

What I am looking for is if the 550 will start breaking down after like 100000km (62137miles) If so then the 535 will be my choice. If the 550 is still reliable after 100k then I would go for the 550

[Bbb34]

Sounds to me like you know what you want, just need to find it in right color.

I'm guessing neither will be exactly cheap to run past 100K miles (at 100K km you're still under CPO), 535 engine "in theory" being a bit more reliable from the day one, not just at high mileage.

[ezaircon4jc]

Gas ain't getting any cheaper and the 6 will return much better in-town economy.

[Gpfarrell]

I would have loved a powerful 550... but when I weighed the few brief seconds that its could out accelerate a 535 before I'd have to take my foot off the pedal anyhow versus the difficult service history too many have already faced, the 535 was the pick for me.

[493263]

Originally Posted by rome7890

Ok thanks for the tips.

What I am looking for is if the 550 will start breaking down after like 100000km (62137miles) If so then the 535 will be my choice. If the 550 is still reliable after 100k then I would go for the 550

Sounds like you are concerned about the cost of repairs and maintenance. Just get the 535. The 550 will be reliable if you take care of it just like any other BMW. The problem is people that buy used BMW tend to ignore regular maintenance for the same reason they're buying used BMWs. These cars seem to break down much faster than the Japanese vehicles if maintenance is ignored.

My wise neighbor told me his secret how his BMWs never break down.

1. Follow the maintenance manual and replace parts at its recommended life span
2. Keep it clean so you can see any leaks and its source
3. Once a week, spend 5 minutes driving the car with the radio off

Ok it's not really a secret but common sense.

[Russkey]

I think the only mistake you might make is to get 535 and then after a few days come to a conclusion that it's underpowered for your taste. It might feel fast but it's very common to want more power after a few weeks. Ask for a long test drive.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Russkey

I think the only mistake you might make is to get 535 and then after a few days come to a conclusion that it's underpowered for your taste. It might feel fast but it's very common to want more power after a few weeks.

Not everyone.......

I'm completely satisfied with my 535i purchase.....

[Zer0Cool92]

Get the 550i. You only live once , so get the car that'll make your commute more enjoyable.

In my area , it's rare to see a 550i, so when I see a f10 cruising .. I know my balls are bigger

[rome7890]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I just test drove the 550 again and it's really nice and smooth but I'm still contemplating because the 535 has really low mileage. If I did get the 535 and felt it was not enough power it would still have good resale value because of the low milage and I could just trade it in for a 550.

But I will take everything I've read into consideration. And post picks of the car that I get

Thanks everyone.

[Autobuffoonery]

2011 535 M:
color - space grey
interior - black leather
mileage - 37,121 (23065 miles)
condition - (fair) (I'll need to re-tint the windows ($300), all 4 rims have curb rash and will need to fix it ($700), a tire has a bubble so i would need to change all 4 tires ($$$), there are surface scratches on it so I would need to get them out($$$))

I had this same problem when looking for my bmw...... 550 or 535 both m sports of course, I wanted either white or titanium but all the white ones were either too much for my budget or 535's and in Florida. I finally decided that the power of the 550 was the deciding factor, all the options can be had on either car and the gas mileage was negligible. I don't think anyone on here can tell you which car will last longer as the 4.4l twin turbo has only been around since 2010 and it seems the 535 owners are chasing the 550's power. Finally if you really want the 535 why don't you ask the dealer to fix the wheels, the paint and replace the bad tires??? I had exactly the same issues with my car and told the dealer if he fixed the curb rashed wheels, changed both front tires and fixed and painted a small dent in the rear I would but it, he said he would, he did, and I bought it. Only you can pick what you want and the engine is the only real difference so you must decide if your gonna be king off the line or the follower!!!

[lsturbointeg]

Dude...u just said it right there ^^^^^ get the 550 since power seems like a concern to u

[Autobuffoonery]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

Dude...u just said it right there ^^^^^ get the 550 since power seems like a concern to u

LS, it seems we think alike and prolly have a lot in common.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by Autobuffoonery

LS, it seems we think alike and prolly have a lot in common.

Lol...if I could do it again I'd go for the 550 or even an M5! But I have my 535 and I love her!

[rome7890]

One question - is the 550 body dimensions bigger than the 535 or are they the same just a bigger engine??

[493263]

Originally Posted by rome7890

One question - is the 550 body dimensions bigger than the 535 or are they the same just a bigger engine??

Same body. Bigger heavier engine. Your front end will be heavier and it's not as willing around the bends. That's not to say it's bad, just not as good.

[lsturbointeg]

I can hit 360 freeway exits/ramps pretty hard stock suspension on 20" wheels but I'll admit my tires are screeching! everyone drives differently... others drive aggressively... I like to push my car just to know what she can do! I can only imagine how much better the suspension will be after the KW's, sway bar upgrade and front upper stress bar!

[rome7890]

Thanks all for the input.I finally got my F10 over the weekend. And the verdict is (drum roll please).............I went with the...........535!
I had decided to go with this one because it had really low mileage, better on gas, it was the color that I wanted and was loaded with options. Having driven the 535 over the weekend, the car is amazing!! I pushed the car a little and it still has a decent amount of power.
The moment I got the car and turned on the freeway I was already being challenge from an older A4, which at that moment I was rethinking if I should have gotten the 550, but I immediately realized that I still had made a good choice when the A4 was no longer beside me but in my rear view mirror
Thank you BMW.

[Bbb34]

Congratulations, enjoy it, and next time you're "challenged" respectfully decline, as you've got nothing to prove, especially not to A4