[AmooManiak]

I'm sure this has been discussed a million times, but it's hard to determine which one people prefer as everyone seems to be partial. If you had a choice between an almost fully loaded 535i vs a somewhat loaded 550i, which one would you pick? I understand the JB4 is an option for both of them. How does a 535i with the JB4 compare to the 550i? I like speed and have had 3 other BMW V8s before, and one with an inline 6. Would I regret getting the 535i (even with JB4)?

The 550i is a 2012 while the 535i is a 2011. 550i does have the M package, while the 535 doesn't.

I heard some things about N63 issues. Owning a 540i, I know hot notorious the timing chain guide issue was on those older V8s. Am I better off sticking with proven inline 6 and just adding a Jb4?

[TZ]

I bet you people will ask you to stay away the N63 550i

[Bbb34]

These two threads will provide you with lots of info.

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1153430

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=958174

[AmooManiak]

Thanks! Exactly what I needed.

[TTG]

Unless you need X-drive, I would just go get a used M5 vs a 550i

[SchillerM]

I'd take the 550 every day over the 535. MSport, power, etc.
I test drove both back to back, and the 535 didn't compare. My wifes 335i has the PPK on it and it scoots well, the 550i still pulled way nicer.
After looking for awhile I settled on a Dinan 550i, cause even though stock has nice power, I am a power whore... Pick it up Sunday, can't wait..
Matt

[lsturbointeg]

It all depends on what you're needs are?

[AmooManiak]

Everyone likes extra power, but are the N63 issues wroth the extra power, when there is the Jb4 for the 535, which I understand makes close to stock 550i power?

[Gpfarrell]

The 535i is a terrific package with impeccable balance. I enjoyed mine.

The 550i is a terrific package that freaking flies. I enjoy mine.

[xxpanipuri]

550i

i'm sure the 535 is a great car (i've never driven one so i can't comment)

but i need 8 cylinders.

maybe i'm compensating for being short or for being brown...who the hell knows

but something about cylinders that makes me smile

thats my .02.

a big factor to consider is how often you're driving it.

for example if you're commuting in traffic alot its probably better to get the 535i as it would probably be more fuel efficient, but for me even then i'd choose the 8 cylinder motor

its totally worth the price you pay to play!

[Russkey]

535 is a great car, no doubt. More than enough power for most people, but not for me
550 + Dinan or JB4 tune is a good combo. The amount of torque you get is addictive. The car launches like a train. It feels fast, although very heavy. Yes, some N63 engines have issues, but BMW takes care of them with CCP package and under warranty, which can be aftermarket. Remember, not all N63 engines have issues. However, try to get the N63tu and you won't need to worry about known problems.

[David3]

Long time BMW owner/driver. I limit the 6 cylinder engines to the 3 series cars and below. 5 series and up are always V-8's for me. No question that my 2012 550ix is a blast to drive.

Current stable:
'12 550i
'08 X5 4.8i
'07 328i
'04 545i
'02 330i

[AmooManiak]

I'd be coming from a tuned 2015 A3, which really hauls (0-60 in high 3s, low 4s). At this point even an I6 will sound better, but I think I might miss that off the line torque if I go with the 535.

[mzabbas]

Originally Posted by AmooManiak

I'm sure this has been discussed a million times, but it's hard to determine which one people prefer as everyone seems to be partial. If you had a choice between an almost fully loaded 535i vs a somewhat loaded 550i, which one would you pick? I understand the JB4 is an option for both of them. How does a 535i with the JB4 compare to the 550i? I like speed and have had 3 other BMW V8s before, and one with an inline 6. Would I regret getting the 535i (even with JB4)?

The 550i is a 2012 while the 535i is a 2011. 550i does have the M package, while the 535 doesn't.

I heard some things about N63 issues. Owning a 540i, I know hot notorious the timing chain guide issue was on those older V8s. Am I better off sticking with proven inline 6 and just adding a Jb4?

Is the question about a 535i vs 550i or these particular 535i vs 550i?

As you know, the options make the car. While the power is great, how you use that power matters. I have a 535i with Msport, and I am really happy with it. I am sure I will like the 550i even more, but not the gas bill, as it is daily driver for me. I tend to use my cars a lot. I want lots of options and it is hard to find just the right one. I also buy vs lease, so want it right.

BMW is not so good about options. In this price range, there are options that really should be standard. There are even features that are standard in honda's and mazda's upper trims. But in a BMW you have to spec them.

Deciding on these specific two cars is hard. What features are important to you? How much will you use the car? how much do you plan to mod other than JB4?

535:
- does it have adaptive suspension? DHP?

550i:
- Everyone knows about the potential issues on the N63. While not everyone has these issues, in reality, probably a minority have the issues, with a car that is 5 years old and not under BMW warranty, do you really want to take the chance?


My opinion: find the right options, 535 with JB4. Find either adaptive suspension or atleast MSport (704) suspension. Might have to get a 2013+ for the 704 suspension.

If you really want a 550i, go for N63TU, which I think is 2014+. Also the suspension recomendation applies to the 550i also.

[krautmeister]

Originally Posted by AmooManiak

I'd be coming from a tuned 2015 A3, which really hauls (0-60 in high 3s, low 4s). At this point even an I6 will sound better, but I think I might miss that off the line torque if I go with the 535.

I would say a 5er in any engine flavor is not a pocket rocket like your A3. Even a tuned M5 will not be the same visceral experience as a small car with a lot of power.

The performance envelope for these cars IMO are above 60MPH... I think it really shines 60-135 MPH (oops... I wouldn't know). Just getting the power down is what limits it. Its a pussy cat when tooling around town and a lion when you put the loud pedal down. The car is a sports saloon... not a sports car. You can tune it to be a sports car, but that is a matter of your monetary commitment.

I love my 550 M Sport. N63 had the CCP and minor niggles here and there, all under warranty. Extended Warranty is a MUST for preowned. That aside, I don't think its really discernibly more unreliable than other high end luxury products as all the toys we love are the toys that break. So its a long way to say, I went V8 over I6 because the 5er has evolved to be an executive sports sedan and I think the 550 is one of the most perfect examples.

[AmooManiak]

Thanks for the input. I would definitely get the extended warranty. I currently have an E39 and have had 3 BMWs before. Warranty is a must with any of them.

[AmooManiak]

Currently looking at a 550i with these options. I wish it had the M-Package, but I will upgrade to the M front bumper anyway. Anything on this list you guys think is missing that is a MUST HAVE? This is a 2011...

S223A Electronic Damper Control (EDC)
S229A Dynamic Drive
S248A Steering wheel heater
S255A Sports leather steering wheel
S258A Tire with run-flat functionality
S2TBA Sport automatic transmission
S2VAA Chassis suspens. setupAdaptive Drive
S2VBA Tire pressure display
S2WCA BMW LA wheel, W Spoke 332
S316A automatic trunk lid mechanism
S319A Integrated universal remote control
S322A Comfort access
S323A Soft-Close-Automatic doors
S3AGA Reversing camera
S415A Sun-blind, rear
S416A Roller sun vizor, rear lateral
S423A Floor mats, velours
S430A Interioroutside mirror with auto dip
S431A Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S456A Comfort seat with memory
S488A Lumbar support, driver and passenger
S494A Seat heating driverpassenger
S496A Seat heating, rear
S4CEA Fine woodgrain vers., Fineline anthrac.
S502A Headlight cleaning system
S508A Park Distance Control (PDC)
S522A Xenon Light
S524A Adaptive Headlights
S5ACA High-beam assistant
S5ADA Lane departure warning
S5AGA Lane-change warning
S5DPA Park Assistent
S609A Navigation system Professional
S610A Head-up display
S615A Expanded BMW Online Information
S620A Voice control
S639A Preparation f mobile phone cpl. USACDN
S655A Satellite tuner
S677A HiFi System Professional DSP
S697A Area-Code 1 for DVD
S6AAA BMW TeleServices
S6ABA Control for Teleservices
S6FLA USBAudio interface
S6NFA Music interface for Smartphone
S6UHA Traffic Information
S760A High gloss shadow line
S840A High speed synchronisation
S880A On-board vehicle literature English
S8KCA Dummy-SALAPA
S8S4A Decoding variable light distribution
S8SCA Telematics access request,country-spec.
S925A Dummy-SALAPA

[PJinCA]

I had an E60 550 before my F10, and I loved it. When it was totaled (not my fault) I was looking for and F10 550 to replace it. I have many friends that also have 5 series, so I asked the ones that had the F10 550 - 3 of them had lemoned theirs, and another friend had a F01 750Li. He had just had $28k worth of work done (under CPO so it cost him $50), then another $9k that luckily BMWNA covered as "good faith". All 4 said "forget the 550, get the 535". I love 8 cyl, and the next car will hopefully be a G30 550. But the current V8 has too many issues for me to want to deal with. Instead I found a very well loaded 535 for a great price and snagged it. Do I miss the V8 power? Somewhat, the low end torque of my 550 was amazing.
At the end f the day you can't really go wrong with either car, just make sure you get an extended warranty from a reputable company (I got Route66) with it.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by krautmeister

I would say a 5er in any engine flavor is not a pocket rocket like your A3. Even a tuned M5 will not be the same visceral experience as a small car with a lot of power.

The performance envelope for these cars IMO are above 60MPH... I think it really shines 60-135 MPH (oops... I wouldn't know). Just getting the power down is what limits it. Its a pussy cat when tooling around town and a lion when you put the loud pedal down. The car is a sports saloon... not a sports car. You can tune it to be a sports car, but that is a matter of your monetary commitment.

Nailed what F10 is about in few sentences, fantastic explanation of the car, I could not agree more.

(Legal disclaimer: Not that I've ever been over 70mph in mine no idea what are you talking about 60-135mph )

[Nalod]

YOur getting all good advice here.
I stayed away from adaptive suspensions as historically they are expensive.
I have had an E60 530 and E92 coupe with Sport suspension. Both Inline 6. I love that motor. I loved my E92 as it was very sporty. Both had manual trans.
This f10 is a much bigger car and in my opinion, 550 is a "muscle car". Not a damn thing wrong with that. I don't "Need" the speed, its nice. I drove the 550 its its "better". Why? its faster.
Then there is the price. I want to own an car and not pay for extended warranties because I am in mortal fear. Sure the N55 motor could present a problem but after all my reading I decided to stay away from all N63 motors in any BMW. Is that silly? Might be.
I don't want a car so complicated either and tend to stay away from add on goodies that simulate something it is not. If I want a nimble light weight sports machine, I'll get one. Thus steering and adaptive suspensions are off my list.
I keep my BMW's pretty simple and have enjoyed good durability from them and few problems. These cars are wonderfully engineered and I just love the inline 6 motor. Always have, and to me its what they do best. In my opinion 8 cyl motors are necessary in a competitive environment and for those hungry for POWER. Power for a daily driver is not that important to me. In fact, POWER is not being enslaved by fear and having to purchase warranties which to me is a great waste of money.
5 series is not a sports car and I won't try to make her into one. I enjoy the 704 suspension and very impressed with its flat cornering and crisp performance.

[AmooManiak]

Does anyone know if it's possible to get BMW service records? Trying to figure out if this one I'm looking at had the CCP done. Whenever I called BMW before when I was buying cars, they said that it was private...

[PJinCA]

Originally Posted by AmooManiak

Does anyone know if it's possible to get BMW service records? Trying to figure out if this one I'm looking at had the CCP done. Whenever I called BMW before when I was buying cars, they said that it was private...

sorry, you can only get the service records if you are the registered owner (or have an exceptional relationship with your SA)