[carmelbmw]

I've had 2 BMW's that I loved, '86 325es and a 2000 Z3, 3.0. Am now considering a new 535 or 550 but am concerned that it may be too cold, maybe even sterile. As fellow car lovers, what do like most about your 5?

Thanks!

[Fantasm]

The F10 550i has been one of the best cars I've ever owned, and I've gone through a bit.

[cebphl]

+1

[HDEddie1]

Fantasm's comment is quite a compliment to the F10 550i considering all the cars he's had.

This is my 5th 5 series and am quite pleased with the plushness and luxury features of the car, not to mention the power, BUT I would be surprised if any Z4 or 3 series owner would warm up to the 5 series much. Not that the 5 is a cold, sterile car (its not if you order the right stuff), but I've never considered my 5s to be very sport or high spirited. But I chose the 5 specifically to be a nice touring sedan for long commutes with a just a tad of sport and (with the 550i) a lot of punch.

You might be more impressed with a 335i (with M Sport package) or if you can wait about a year, the M3. Compared to a 5 series, those cars are "hot" like a late night club bar compared to a 5 series being more like a 5-star hotel bar. It all depends on how you live and what you like.

[Lee]

I, too, have a Z3, which I 'love.' IMO, you strap on the Z3, become one, and you really have to drive and control it. In my 550, it responds to what you're thinking.

Difficult to answer the one thing I like, as I love everything about it. One thing that comes to mind is when you think you're really powering up a hill, you can apply even more pedal -- makes me smile.

If you have the extra cash, go for the 550 instead of the 535.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[bmwombat]

When my 'D' arrives it'll be my 4th 5er & 5th beemer. Much as I liked my last beemer (the x5), I will be so glad to be back in a 5 series; they are such awesome vehicles. Just the right size for 2 (or the occasional 4) to do long trips in gr8 comfort but with a ride that can suit your mood; from edgy to wallowing (if that's to your taste). A good town drive but a long haul car that is nonpareil. I'll stop wanking now & just say I like it.

BY THE WAY I'm a V8 guy (my last 3 beemers have been the 4.4 V8) but decided that I'd try a diesel for economy. Mind you, the 535d is only .5 sec slower 0-100 kmh than the 550 (which is the car my heart said to buy), but significantly BETTER economy-wise than the 550. So I'll report back next year on the overall experience. I'd go for the 550 if I were you given diesels aren't yet available in NA (god - when the 550d comes out here ill be queuing up for it!!!!!!!!!!).

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by carmelbmw

Am now considering a new 535 or 550 but am concerned that it may be too cold, maybe even sterile. As fellow car lovers, what do like most about your 5?

Thanks!

I'm in a 535i wagon and I love everything about it. Except it feels a bit big when parking it in tight spots.

I've just come from an E91 330d wagon for six years, so have had the 3-series feel and drive. Previous car was an E39 540i wagon, it is good to be home....

The 5-series are not everyone's view of a sporty BMW drive. I love the blend of luxury, refinement, driver involvement, all in a road car package that is built on BMW core values.

I started with a BMW E12 528.... the F11 535i is the best BMW I've ever had, didn't think anything would top the E39.

HighlandPete

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by carmelbmw

I've had 2 BMW's that I loved, '86 325es and a 2000 Z3, 3.0. Am now considering a new 535 or 550 but am concerned that it may be too cold, maybe even sterile. As fellow car lovers, what do like most about your 5?

Thanks!

Sounds like the 5 series is not your type of car. If you love cars like the 86 325es and a 2000 Z3, 3.0, then you might like the 1 series or the M3 better. Unless your taste in cars have change, you may want to stay away from the 5 series.

[Alan l.]

I love my 535 as a relaxed cruiser, being beautiful to look at and for all the gadgets it has to offer. That said it however doesn't give me the same feeling as lets say a M3 would after driving it each time. Certain cars just give you the right feeling, a complete package that stimulates the driver in all aspects (power, feel, sound etc...) and cars like the M3, 1M or even my previous tuned 335 Msport 6MT had where as my F10 doesn't. Its one awesome machine for what it is but if you are more a spirited driver then it might not be the right car for you. Again i love my car but not the same way I guess?

Alan

[SDf10]

My 535i is my first bmw, and actually my first sedan. I have always had range rovers, and other big suv's. I can honestly say that I LOVE my car. It's fast, luxurious and very fun. Obviously it's not a race car, but how many times a day do you really use your vehicle to race? With the cars that you are comparing too, it will feel big and heavy, because it is. It all depends on what you are looking for in a car.

[JNoSol]

I have my 535i for almost 2yrs, which is the longest I've kept a vehicle. I still turn around to look at her after I parked. It's the best vehicle I've owned so far. Looks great, awesome mpg (27 avg), fun to drive, and roomy.

I usually keep my cars from 6mos to 1yr. I've owned '07 EVO IX SE (not reliable and you have to gas up every 100 yard), '08 350z (really love it, but crashed it), '08 TL (hated it), '08 G35x (boring), '06 330i (first BMW and used car since college, hooked on BMW), '11 FX35 (unique exterior and awesome interior, but still boring), '11 535i (current), and '12 X35 SAV (current).

[Catfish454]

Love mine so far. A totally different vehicle than my tuned 335i 6MT, but in my advancing age I was ready for a more "relaxed" ride. The 535i is just the ticket in that regard. Granted, it doesn't handle as well or go as fast, but settling in at 75mph on an open highway on long drive is pure heaven.

[VWtoBMW]

That's a tough call. It is hard to find which side of the line to be on, for me at least, between spirited and nimble vs luxurious plush cruising with a touch of sportiness.

My 535i M-Sport is my 5th BMW. Have previously been a VW/Audi/Porsche guy. I had a 94 318i E36, 2009 335i E90, 2011 335 E92.... Now have a 2009 328i E90. with the sports package and a 2012 F10 535i M Sport.

The drive of the 5er is very nice but not spirited. I just installed the JB4 Stage 2 and it does now have a lot more raw power but the car is still smooth and quiet without the aggressive exhaust note. It is also xDrive so handling isn't what the E92 was that I just traded in. The electric steering is not what the E9x is like. When I drive my 09 328i, it gives me the feedback and feel that I enjoy, but the 5er has a certain feel that I love. Yes I miss the nimble tossable 335 E92 (with JB stage 1) but I am really enjoying the bigger more comfortable feel of the 5, with more then adequate performance.

When I get into the 3 after being in the 5, the overall feel is a few notches below the look, finish and quality of the 5. It is just not as refined.

I know, still a tough call.

[Amleto63]

Everything but the size...

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by VWtoBMW

It is also xDrive so handling isn't what the E92 was that I just traded in. The electric steering is not what the E9x is like.

I think the 535xi still have hydrulic steering.

[1HOT BMR]

Who do you love at the party? The girl who is the center of attention, is wearing the provocative dress and hints to you that she would like to get to know you better OR the gorgeous beauty that is sitting quietly and looks classy and sophisticated and has made no attempt to lure you in?

You could love either one, it all depends on who you are and what you want from your car. I personally feel that one must have at least two cars to satisfy all of one's needs: a sports car and a cruiser. If you must have only one, then the 5 is IMO the better alternative. I love my 550i and I love my sports car but they are so totally different that it would be impossible to find one car that could take the place of these two. However, in many people's minds this car exists and they buy an M3, a 335is or other similar car to satisfy the need.

To answer your question: the 5 is not cold and sterile - it is warm and exciting. What do I like the most? This:

[Rbembas_M3]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

Who do you love at the party? The girl who is the center of attention, is wearing the provocative dress and hints to you that she would like to get to know you better OR the gorgeous beauty that is sitting quietly and looks classy and sophisticated and has made no attempt to lure you in?

You could love either one, it all depends on who you are and what you want from your car. I personally feel that one must have at least two cars to satisfy all of one's needs: a sports car and a cruiser. If you must have only one, then the 5 is IMO the better alternative. I love my 550i and I love my sports car but they are so totally different that it would be impossible to find one car that could take the place of these two. However, in many people's minds this car exists and they buy an M3, a 335is or other similar car to satisfy the need.

To answer your question: the 5 is not cold and sterile - it is warm and exciting. What do I like the most? This:

yes i would agree with you

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

Who do you love at the party? The girl who is the center of attention, is wearing the provocative dress and hints to you that she would like to get to know you better OR the gorgeous beauty that is sitting quietly and looks classy and sophisticated and has made no attempt to lure you in?

Or some might like the girl who is sitting by herself in the corner ot the room, somewhat plain looking, not flashy, but very dependable, will never cheat on you and definitely the type that one can bring home to the parents. In that case, that person might buy a Lexus instead

[Amleto63]

Originally Posted by The X Men

Or some might like the girl who is sitting by herself in the corner ot the room, somewhat plain looking, not flashy, but very dependable, will never cheat on you and definitely the type that one can bring home to the parents. In that case, that person might buy a Lexus instead

What a boring life!

[Russkey]

I love my 550. Drive it for about 6 months and can't get enough of it. I'm missing handling of M3, but I'm 6.5 tall and the size + luxury of 5 series is perfect for me. Lowering springs and an exhaust are must have if you want to make it more sportier imho. I also think that 5 series look great with m-sport package. F10 still looks like a car that just came out.

[Jon D]

It was the highly impressive technology which led me to trade-in my gorgeous E92 330d MS for a new F10 535d MS in Sep '10 and although I was generally very pleased with the car, it never felt anywhere near as 'special' as the 3 series coupé.
Two months ago I traded up to an F12 640i SE and the feeling of owning a very special car has returned. As with my E92, I find myself looking back to admire it after parking - something I rarely did with the 5'er.
The F10 is undeniably a very good car, but to me, it's a bit on the bland and boring side - highly efficient, but cold and unemotional.

[Fantasm]

OK, I need to take you guys for a ride with me in my 550i.
It is not boring if you DRIVE it, and will smoke a 335i.

335i just seems too cheap ... its a $30-$40K car vs $74K...
The interior differences are way to disparate and all the "kids" (armenians, persians, mexicans, and wiggers) have a 3...
Even I have a 3, but its my throw around car or when I dont want to show someone up.


The new F30 3'er though looks GREAT on the exterior! Love that...