[Stopsign32v]

I was all set on getting a F30 335i Sedan as I have a wife and our 3 kids (7, 2, and 1 year old. Lord help me). Anyways my concern is realistically the 335i might be too small.

I then thought about a 535i but nothing I read really seemed to praise the car. It seems that motor in that large of a car leaves you wishing for more.


Then comes the 550i. I read nothing but horror stories about the reliability of them but after a bit more researching it seems the LCI 550i is more reliable. How true this is or not I'm not sure. But what I would like is a fast BMW 5 series but with some decent reliability.

I'm a wrench turner at home, have always worked on my cars and it seems the 335i is a friend to someone like that. Is the LCI 550i equally as easy to work on?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Stopsign32v

I was all set on getting a F30 335i Sedan as I have a wife and our 3 kids (7, 2, and 1 year old. Lord help me). Anyways my concern is realistically the 335i might be too small.

I then thought about a 535i but nothing I read really seemed to praise the car. It seems that motor in that large of a car leaves you wishing for more.


Then comes the 550i. I read nothing but horror stories about the reliability of them but after a bit more researching it seems the LCI 550i is more reliable. How true this is or not I'm not sure. But what I would like is a fast BMW 5 series but with some decent reliability.

I'm a wrench turner at home, have always worked on my cars and it seems the 335i is a friend to someone like that. Is the LCI 550i equally as easy to work on?

We have TWO 535i's; a 2012 base and a 2014 M-Sport. I'm not a kid racer and have never been left wanting for more power. The 6 gives up a half second to the 8 to 60mph; barely an eye blink. The 2012 has 83K+ miles and has only needed a valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket; both covered with the CPO warranty. I couldn't be happier with either 5. IMHO, the straight-6 5er is the sweet spot in BMW's line-up. Sure, it doesn't have the throw-you-in-the-back seat I read about the V8, but I would never have the opportunity to use all that power outside of a drag strip anyway! If this matters, our 2012 averaged 31+ on it's 3100+ mile road trip and the 2014 achieved over 32 over a 5600+ mile road trip. My wife's lead foot gets around 18 in 99% city driving.

IMHO the 3 will be way too small for 3 kids... ESPECIALLY as they grow! I thought about a 3 until our first vacation in the 5. There is no way there would have been enough room for the luggage 2 1/2 (the 1/2 was my mother-in-law who is a light packer) people needed for the 10-day trip. We took a 16 day trip last year (just the two of us) and there was just enough room for my wife's stuff. A Costco trip would also be "interesting" in the 3.

[philipm785]

I suggest you drive both so you can decide. Agree that the 6 is very strong. For me, the V8 experience isn't just about raw acceleration, it also feels different in the way the power is delivered. That said, it's hard to go wrong with the N55 535 and a test drive should help you see if it's right for you.

[TTG]

Originally Posted by Stopsign32v

I then thought about a 535i but nothing I read really seemed to praise the car. It seems that motor in that large of a car leaves you wishing for more.

I suggest keep on reading and doing more reserach.

I would buy my 535 over and over and over again.

Yes, I have spent plenty of time on a 550 (Including a 6M version) and would never consider owning one.

The lease on my 535 is coming to an end and one of the options that I am considering is keeping her!

If you get a nice clean car, you will not regret it.

[neverdone]

So I started out with a 128i...just as a fun car for weekends. Then i moved to a 335...i loved it, but both wife and kid started complaining that it was a bit too small.

I then bought an X1 35i as it was a bit bigger, but again after a while, i ended up getting an X5....which I've now downgraded to the 535....by downgrade, i mean size.

I honestly think with 3 kids, with the only slight issues I've had with 1, i wouldnt think that you would want to go with a 5 series at all...look at an X3 or an X5.

The 5 series rear seating is around the same size as the X1, the front seating is way better than all of the ones I've had, save for the X5...

Maybe that opens up more questions for you lol

[Stopsign32v]

Originally Posted by neverdone

So I started out with a 128i...just as a fun car for weekends. Then i moved to a 335...i loved it, but both wife and kid started complaining that it was a bit too small.

I then bought an X1 35i as it was a bit bigger, but again after a while, i ended up getting an X5....which I've now downgraded to the 535....by downgrade, i mean size.

I honestly think with 3 kids, with the only slight issues I've had with 1, i wouldnt think that you would want to go with a 5 series at all...look at an X3 or an X5.

The 5 series rear seating is around the same size as the X1, the front seating is way better than all of the ones I've had, save for the X5...

Maybe that opens up more questions for you lol

I have no interest in a SUV. My car will very rarely get used for family trips. Up until now I've been driving a 2 door if that gives you an idea. I would just like the option to take everyone out every now and then if I wanted.

[BigKutta]

I dont think I've heard anyone complaining about the power in the 535i. you may be thinking about the 528?

[ChiNorm]

My '13 535i is the first car I have ever owned where I have more power than I need. I almost never use the 'Sport' motor mode, as there is plenty of power in comfort.

You know how some jerks on the Interstate will block the left lane and speed up when you try to pass them on the right? They don't have a chance with this car. By the time they realize I am passing, my car has gone from 80 (or whatever speed we were going)to over 100 mph in just a second or so. All they can do is watch me go by.

Do drive a 535, I think you will like. Hell, even Consumer Reports loves it in the current issue.

Good luck.

[535_BiTurbo]

Stopsign32v from the svtperformance boards?!

N63 and N63TUs both seize and consume oil. Seems like the ones that should be had are the ones with the reman engines. Eitherway, just get a warranty and enjoy the power

[Dyelson]

When I was searching, the pattern I noticed was that the vast majority of detractors to the N63TU have never actually owned one. People that have actually owned vehicles with N63TU all seemed to have very positive experience. 550 seems to be used interchangeably with N63 by many posters, so you need to be specific with your searching and pay attention to model years being mentioned.

Personally I own a 2015 550 with N63TU now up to 80k miles and it has just required basic maintenance. I have had to replace 2 wheels due to potholes, but that's not the engines fault.

F10 backseats do not have much leg room if you have the comfort seat option as these are very large. Maybe you would consider the 750 as another option for added space if you don't want X5, just a thought

[philipm785]

Originally Posted by Dyelson

Personally I own a 2015 550 with N63TU now up to 80k miles and it has just required basic maintenance. I have had to replace 2 wheels due to potholes, but that's not the engines fault.

My experience too - my N63TU is coming up on 40k miles with nothing but scheduled maintenance (and one battery).

I still think it's a good idea to drive both.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by ChiNorm

...
You know how some jerks on the Interstate will block the left lane and speed up when you try to pass them on the right? They don't have a chance with this car. By the time they realize I am passing, my car has gone from 80 (or whatever speed we were going)to over 100 mph in just a second or so. All they can do is watch me go by...

I remember the first time this happened in my 2012 535i. I didn't realize how fast I was going until I looked at the speedo on my way back down to "cruising" speed. I was slowing through 108 or so. I have no idea how fast I got! Like you said, speed happens so FAST! I know, the V8 would be faster, quicker, but the I6 does it without burning any oil

[Stopsign32v]

Originally Posted by 535_BiTurbo

Stopsign32v from the svtperformance boards?!

N63 and N63TUs both seize and consume oil. Seems like the ones that should be had are the ones with the reman engines. Eitherway, just get a warranty and enjoy the power

That’d be me!

[Stopsign32v]

Originally Posted by Dyelson

When I was searching, the pattern I noticed was that the vast majority of detractors to the N63TU have never actually owned one. People that have actually owned vehicles with N63TU all seemed to have very positive experience. 550 seems to be used interchangeably with N63 by many posters, so you need to be specific with your searching and pay attention to model years being mentioned.

Personally I own a 2015 550 with N63TU now up to 80k miles and it has just required basic maintenance. I have had to replace 2 wheels due to potholes, but that's not the engines fault.

F10 backseats do not have much leg room if you have the comfort seat option as these are very large. Maybe you would consider the 750 as another option for added space if you don't want X5, just a thought

I’m looking for more of a 4 door “sports car”.

[Dyelson]

I agree with philipm785, best to test drive both and decide for yourself.

I also tried both 535 and lci 550, it was an easy decision for me, but everyone is different. Of course the 550 is significantly faster than a 535 flat out, but that's only part of the equation. To me, the big appeal of the 550 was that it moves the car so much more effortlessly with less throttle, that really adds to the luxo cruiser experience in my opinion.

[neverdone]

I never wanted an SUV either, which is partially why i went back to a sedan. But believe me when i say that a 335 will be a waste of money for that many people, especially longer term.

[Stopsign32v]

Originally Posted by neverdone

I never wanted an SUV either, which is partially why i went back to a sedan. But believe me when i say that a 335 will be a waste of money for that many people, especially longer term.

I'm starting to think this as well. Might end up with a 535i

[KRS_SN]

335gt. i did.

[yakattack]

You might also want to consider a 2011-12 E90 M3 sedan, it has a naturally aspirated engine and is viewed as one of the most reliable cars in BMWs modern lineup. I know 2 people who own them, one a sedan and the other a coupe. Awesome cars.

I prefer my f10 as a daily driver, but I'm also pretty boring

[Luky]

Go for the 535i with m-sport and get a JB4 for $579. It will make it feel like a 335i in acceleration. Get the M5 competition package front sway bar (~$350-400 iirc) and I think it was the hotchkis rear sway I also had. This will get rid of the floaty ride so it doesn't corner like a buick (even with m-sport sways). Get rid of the run flats for some decent summer tires. Enjoy. (Also get some Akebono pads as the stock pads are dirty as heck).

[550iFreak]

I have my 2011 550i, 6 speed manual. Almost at 115k miles on the clock.

Owned it since 73k miles, loved it. Granted, I changed out the plugs, filters, upgraded coilpacks, 90 degree Celsius thermostat, jb4, catless dps, upgraded x5m front brakes, new rear brakes and m5 bumper.

Lots, lots of room but I have no kids....not yet lol. I love the power delivery, and that sound it makes.....ughhhhhh.

But also granted, I am a mechanic so I do my own work, including the only major work I've done was the valve seals( and associated gaskets, separators, and other top end seals.) At 100k ish miles.

She used to use a quart of oil every 1500-2k miles.

Now, up to this point closing in near 15k miles and one oil change at 6500 miles, I have ZERO usage. I pulled out 8.5 quarts out the pan from my 9 quart initial fill at first oil change

.5 of a quart usage is astonishing at 6500 miles, so I consider it as zero use.

But.......I guess I have an unicorn. I see alot of terrible stories on the n63 and tus. The n55 on the other hand is a tried and true engine. Bmw arguably has the best I6 engine out there since they built it since they basically started lol. The n54 is not terrible either, but they do have some issues. Nothing like the n63.

A jb4 n55 should be as quick as a stock n63, let alone the tu. Get the 535i, and throw some mods on it. I feel you'll be happier. Reliable, quick and awesome on gas. Also, you have an actual family. I rather spend more time with the family vs under the hood or at the dealership stressing out.

If you are handy, the 550i isnt too bad......but just be prepared for the worst if it does come through.

And research the hell out of said vehicle and make sure EVERYTHING is done. Better see index 12 injectors, updated coolant lines, newer stickers on the turbos, and let it idle for 10 mins and smash the gas. Better not see a lick of smoke out of the tailpipe.

If those above meet, it is a good start.

[EL Jeffe 5]

Originally Posted by 535_BiTurbo

Stopsign32v from the svtperformance boards?!

N63 and N63TUs both seize and consume oil. Seems like the ones that should be had are the ones with the reman engines. Eitherway, just get a warranty and enjoy the power

just small correction on this comment

all turbo cars consume oil and specially modern cars, all cars brake down cost of repair these days is crazy expensive even more money on imported German Cars.