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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums F10 Pricing, Ordering, and Tracking (and European Delivery) 2011+ 5-series
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      06-16-2014, 06:46 PM   #1
007BMWX5
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2011+ 5-series

Hey guys,

I am in market to buy a BMW 2011 and up 5 series.
But I can't decide which one to go with?!?!
535i xdrive Msport or 550i xdrive Msport.
Will the 535i give enough satisfaction and will it move quick or is it legging to much in start?
Also, is there a big difference on fuel efficiency, will the 550 spend a lot more gas then the 535 based on everyday driving?

Your opinions and suggestions are greatly appreciated!
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      06-18-2014, 09:02 AM   #2
Bulldogbobby
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I'm looking at the same and settled for a 2011 535i m sport xdrive. I see no problem with acceleration when starting. Personally I believe the fuel savings are much better, especially here in Canada.
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      06-18-2014, 01:39 PM   #3
Apple Corps
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I have never understood how people are expected to answer such a question. It all depends on your EXPECTATIONS for the car.

I have little interest in 0 - 60 times, that is of little value to me in my day to day driving.

That said, 40 - 80 time is very important given my driving style and the general speed of traffic in our area. When I want to get out of a "gaggle" of cars careening down the interstate or move quickly to an opening (usually for safety) than I need that 40 - 80 acceleration.

The 535 will simply not perform with the 550 for that metric.

Your mileage (need) may differ, I respect that.

Last edited by Apple Corps; 06-18-2014 at 01:47 PM..
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      06-23-2014, 09:25 PM   #4
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The 535 is an objectively fast car. The 550 is an obscenely fast car. But if you drive the 535 hard you'll probably get 25-30 miles/gallon, whereas driving the 550 hard will probably get you between 17-22 miles/gallon.

Having test drove the 535 and 550 recently, I personally think that the weakest link is the suspension and not the engine. I would rather drive a 535 with the Dynamic Handling Package than a 550 without it. Body roll on stock is so bad that you really can't push the car to its limit. Unless you like driving really fast in a straight line.

Last edited by digitalnoah; 07-02-2014 at 11:01 AM..
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      07-16-2014, 09:26 PM   #5
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I've always been a torque guy. While the 535i is objectively a reasonably quick car, my 550i torque monster has the ability to tickle some little spot in my brain way more intensely. I love that when I'm stuck in a knot in traffic, I can downshift three gears (my car has a manual transmission), stand on it, and squirt through just about any (reasonable) opening.

My driving is primarily suburban. Once a week, I commute in stop-and-go traffic for about 25 miles. Over the lifetime of the car (including 1,300 miles at mostly high speeds during my Euro delivery), I'm getting 17.2 MPG according to the onboard information.

My prior car was an E90 M3. The M3 was much more of a point-and-shoot, high-precision car. But the torque was lacking. Accelerating from a standstill was somewhat disappointing. Don't get me wrong, once you revved it over about 6,000 RPMs, there was plenty of adrenalin, it's just that there was a distinct delay in getting there. Riding the torque curve of the 450 lb-ft V8 in the 550i is a whole 'nother joy.
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      07-17-2014, 07:52 PM   #6
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im debating the same thing right now and theres not a huge difference between the 535 and 550 in terms of price well not a huge difference imo...but the sound and power of the 550 is totally worth it.
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      07-17-2014, 10:48 PM   #7
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I've had a 535 for 3 years and now switching into the 550. To correct someone earlier, the 535 will only average about 22-23 mpg with fairly aggressive driving unless you spend most time on the highway.

I switched to the 550 because my lease was up, and I wanted more power and the m-sport and other features my 535i just didn't have. Should be getting the 550 any day now. But I figure the cost of gas per year might run $500-$1k extra...more than worth it for the additional fun factor when driving.
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      08-16-2014, 11:19 AM   #8
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550

I'm looking to sell my 2012 550 if anyone is interested. Has about 27K miles. PM me if interested.
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      08-17-2014, 11:04 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MBrown1003 View Post
I've always been a torque guy. While the 535i is objectively a reasonably quick car, my 550i torque monster has the ability to tickle some little spot in my brain way more intensely. I love that when I'm stuck in a knot in traffic, I can downshift three gears (my car has a manual transmission), stand on it, and squirt through just about any (reasonable) opening.

My driving is primarily suburban. Once a week, I commute in stop-and-go traffic for about 25 miles. Over the lifetime of the car (including 1,300 miles at mostly high speeds during my Euro delivery), I'm getting 17.2 MPG according to the onboard information.

My prior car was an E90 M3. The M3 was much more of a point-and-shoot, high-precision car. But the torque was lacking. Accelerating from a standstill was somewhat disappointing. Don't get me wrong, once you revved it over about 6,000 RPMs, there was plenty of adrenalin, it's just that there was a distinct delay in getting there. Riding the torque curve of the 450 lb-ft V8 in the 550i is a whole 'nother joy.
It really goes to show that EPA estimates do not reflect urban driving. City, to me, means a stop light every 200 feet, where the lights aren't consistent with each other. It's literally stop and go for a good stretch of a straight road.

In my 535i, I average 14.7mpg, according to the on board computer.

Back to the OP's inquiry, how much power you need is based on what you've experienced.

For me, there is definitely enough power in the 535i.

I've never understood why people think a car with 300hp/300tq isn't capable enough for almost any situation. You're on the road with other cars that have much less power and they're all doing fine. Unless you're the type of person that merges from the slow lane to the left lane as you seeing a car approaching at much higher speed than you're going, you'll be ok.

With that being said, enough power doesn't always mean you don't want more power.

If I was looking for a used car, I would definitely go for a 550i. It's definitely more capaple, which can equate into more fun (and possibly more trouble for you).
Since the price difference is smaller in the second hand market, I would pay more for the extra ponies and TQ.
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      08-31-2014, 02:40 PM   #10
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Currently an 550i owner, go with the 8. The torque is worth it by itself.
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