535i vs. 550i
 

I never really looked at the numbers for these two cars back-to-back until today and I was surprised. First of all here are the specs;

535i $49,400 base, 300 hp/300 lb.ft., 3660 lbs. 0-60 5.6 sec 17/26 mpg
550i $58,500 base, 360 hp/360 lb.ft., 3946 lbs. 0-60 5.4 sec 15/22 mpg

So what do you get with the 550i over the 535i? It costs nearly $10k more, it gets worse gas mileage, it is 300 pounds heavier and it is only 2/10's of a second faster to 60 mph??? I don't see how BMW is selling any of these. If you add in the Dinan software for the 535i, you are still nearly $8k less and now you are smoking 550's. What is the point of the 550i right now? :dunno: I would assume that the 4.4 twin-turbo will be replacing the n/a V8 ASAP.

By the way, the above figures were for the manual trans. models.

body kit


There is not really a point to get the 550i, until the 555i comes out.

I chose the 535 for the handling, the smoother inline 6 engine, and the mileage. I would have taken it over the 550 if they were the same price. I got the factory M-Sport kit (which may not be available in the US, I think you can just get the wheels and body kit and not the M-Sport suspension and other upgrades).

No Dinan flash yet, but it would be an easy upgrade.

I saw a few photos of your 535i in another post. It looks really good with the M-Sport package. I would have chosen the 535i as well. It is a no-brainer. I haven't driven either car, but I am sure you would be able to tell a difference in handling with the 300 lb. weight reduction in the 535i. What's not to like? More nimble, costs less, same looks, more efficient and nearly as good (better with the flash) straight line performance.

I too would choose the 535 over the 550 but boy does that 550 sound great when you're on the throttle. :wow:

I dare say that the 535 is a near perfect match between engine and body.

I think when you're done configuring both models with a feature rich cabin you'll find that the difference is nearer to 5K. The base 550 includes options you'd have to buy a la carte when configuring the 535.

But you're right... base model to base model sure begs a few questions.

In Canada, the 550 base price is 14k higher. Reasonably loaded (M Sport, premium, USB, no nav) the difference is 8 k.

Interestingly, BMW will now delete the M Sport suspension, body kit, wheels, tires, steering wheel, trim, etc, on a 550. They then put 17" all seasons on it. This package is a N/C option. Wonder how many take it?

I have racked some mileage behind 535 wheel and can tell you that I really like it. Nimbel and tight and power when you need it.

With Vishnu Procede Stage 0 you get 360-380 HP. Here's the Dyno

http://www.vishnutuning.com/images/BMW/535i_graph.jpg

535xi is even faster ;)

and I'm not completely 100% sure, but there are options available on the 550i which may not be available on the lessor ones. I've seen anthracite headliner and soft close doors, for example.

A sweet V8