[JK479]

What are people avergaing for the 550i sport stick shift? Just curious... tough decison needs to be made today.

power or economy... 50i or 35i...

and is the 15/22 respectable for 400 hp? or is 19/29 amazign for a 535i.

On the fence... its not about the price of fuel... rather its about pickign the right car for the times... ie... for this new 5 series platform... does it now beg a 8 while in the past a 535i was all it needed...

[rsyed]

Can't help you with your quesiton (never ever driven a 550i or a 535i) but just like to note the regional discusisons:

On german/european forums, the discussion evolves around the 520d (184hp) vs 525 (204hp), which one has sufficient power, which was is economical etc.

And just across the pond the luxary problem is to choose between a 300 hp beast and a 400hp devil...

This is what i called globalization...

[JK479]

rsyed- Excellent point. I think the excesses of America have definitely rubbed off on me

[mlai]

Originally Posted by jk3355

rsyed- Excellent point. I think the excesses of America have definitely rubbed off on me

I would have happily gone for the 535d if it were available here in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, I would have to go for the 2nd best: 550i

[jeffhoff]

Originally Posted by jk3355

On the fence... its not about the price of fuel... rather its about picking the right car for the times... ie... for this new 5 series platform... does it now beg a 8 while in the past a 535i was all it needed...

I couldn't agree more on the fuel comment, if you're looking at a $60k+ car and you're concerned about fuel costs you should be looking elsewhere.

I test drove both the 535 and 550, while I found the 535 more than adequate the 550 was just so much more fun to drive. Ultimately what made the decision for me was when I optioned out both cars. The 550 has more standard equipment and because of that required the addition of fewer options.

Once I had the configurations set the 550 was only $2500 more than the 535. To me that made the decision to go with the 550 a no-brainer.

[topologe]

I think it comes down to how you will use the car. If it is for mostly city driving you are better off with the 535i. I get 25-26 mpg on highway with the 550i. Winter usually is about 1-2 mpg less on highway

[JK479]

option to option, the 535i is 64,000 and 550 is 71,000. but about 150.00 a month on a lease...

I agree with the group that i can afford the extra 600 a year in gas fuel. Even if gas goes up, its not about the prices.

My question to the car guys and gals here... is 15/22 goign to give me about 18 miles once the car is broken in and i am drivign a normal spirited car...

I just fight the pressure that the 550i is an ego trip for myself. On paper, the 8 looks good. But i question if i do not get it, will the 535i be enough for me...

[jeffhoff]

Originally Posted by jk3355

option to option, the 535i is 64,000 and 550 is 71,000.

I just fight the pressure that the 550i is an ego trip for myself. On paper, the 8 looks good. But i question if i do not get it, will the 535i be enough for me...

$64,000 or $71,000. . . . 535 or 550. . . . either way, it's an ego trip, the question is just the size of the trip

Both are great cars, but I'd ask the question differently, will you feel like you "settled" if you go with the 535.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by jeffhoff

$64,000 or $71,000. . . . 535 or 550. . . . either way, it's an ego trip, the question is just the size of the trip

Both are great cars, but I'd ask the question differently, will you feel like you "settled" if you go with the 535.

Its been a question I have pondered for 2 weeks, flip flopping back to each cars merits.

Your right, a 5 strikes the ego. Its luxury, comfort, and style. And a 6 speed manual for the EGO in me.

I almost feel like flippping a coin, I really have to make a decison. it would be my first ever v8. Early 30's... does a 550i fit me more than a 535i. I just wonder...

But i t answer your question, i do feel like I settled on a 535i for price and fuel economy. Just not being able to pony up yet to a 550i... excellent analysis Jeff!

[JK479]

Originally Posted by topologe

I think it comes down to how you will use the car. If it is for mostly city driving you are better off with the 535i. I get 25-26 mpg on highway with the 550i. Winter usually is about 1-2 mpg less on highway

Overall, what do you average. 25 on the highway is amazing... 6 gear? or are you automatic 8 speed?

I think that makes a big difference, the auto verses Manual on the 550i. 535i is about the same with both transmissions. 550i stick just seems to be a little bit thirsty.

I just compared the 335is to a 550i. 17/26... thats a close call too. I think as we get up in performance, you pay the penalty obviously on the gas. i just have to be "okay with the fact". Its purely down to whether or not I can live with it. because driving you must forget it, right?

Any 550i stick owners care to chime in... what do you average now... is it like the M3? or a bit better. Just need some real world advice, not the brochure...

[tadtaggert]

Originally Posted by jk3355

Any 550i stick owners care to chime in... what do you average now... is it like the M3? or a bit better. Just need some real world advice, not the brochure...

Pretty much what others have said. Live in a small town, average just a bit over 19mpg overall, when you get on the highway it goes up. All this is depending on how you drive.

I have the auto, test drove a 6mt, with the 6mt you will not get as good of highway mileage, 8th gear is not duplicated in the 6mt.

I had a 335i with 6mt a while back, the 550i gives me that same enjoyment, even with the auto. It's not an M in any comparison, but still fun. Test driving the F10 535i I did not get that same level of fun, but on the other hand mileage will be significantly better.

[jeffhoff]

Originally Posted by jk3355

Overall, what do you average. 25 on the highway is amazing... 6 gear? or are you automatic 8 speed?

I think that makes a big difference, the auto verses Manual on the 550i. 535i is about the same with both transmissions. 550i stick just seems to be a little bit thirsty.

I just compared the 335is to a 550i. 17/26... thats a close call too. I think as we get up in performance, you pay the penalty obviously on the gas. i just have to be "okay with the fact". Its purely down to whether or not I can live with it. because driving you must forget it, right?

Any 550i stick owners care to chime in... what do you average now... is it like the M3? or a bit better. Just need some real world advice, not the brochure...

I'm not sure if this qualifies as real world advice, but Car and Driver did a review and their "observed" economy was 18 mpg (auto), 17 mpg (manual).


http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take_road_test

[gatoman39]

Originally Posted by jk3355

What are people avergaing for the 550i sport stick shift? Just curious... tough decison needs to be made today.

power or economy... 50i or 35i...

and is the 15/22 respectable for 400 hp? or is 19/29 amazign for a 535i.

On the fence... its not about the price of fuel... rather its about pickign the right car for the times... ie... for this new 5 series platform... does it now beg a 8 while in the past a 535i was all it needed...

When, not if, but when pump gas goes to 5+ dollars in the United States, you may have to rethink the 550i decision. Not only the upfront cost, but the fact that trying to sell such a car may become impossible in such a world. Last time I checked it was the equivalent to $7 a gallon in London.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by gatoman39

When, not if, but when pump gas goes to 5+ dollars in the United States, you may have to rethink the 550i decision. Not only the upfront cost, but the fact that trying to sell such a car may become impossible in such a world. Last time I checked it was the equivalent to $7 a gallon in London.

But this is a lease. i am not buying the car forever...

no one has their own gas mileage who is a manual owner here...?

[JK479]

Originally Posted by jeffhoff

I'm not sure if this qualifies as real world advice, but Car and Driver did a review and their "observed" economy was 18 mpg (auto), 17 mpg (manual).


http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take_road_test

no that makes some sense. I jsut bet around town, this car will do 17.

Is that good guys? for a 400 hp beast? I just need to know what i am gettign myself into to make the best decision.

Why do i even care about the perception of gas mileage. It just bugs me to no end right now.. but would my feelings change if a 2011 550i silver/black sedan sat right in front of me? what does a 535i stick avergae again. Yikes!

[1HOT BMR]

The 535 is the sensible decision from every angle. The 550 is the emotional decision and it will cost you much more in the end. The question is: Is the fulfillment of this emotional need really worth all the extra money to you?

[jeffhoff]

Originally Posted by jk3355

Your right, a 5 strikes the ego. Its luxury, comfort, and style. And a 6 speed manual for the EGO in me.

I almost feel like flippping a coin, I really have to make a decison. it would be my first ever v8. Early 30's... does a 550i fit me more than a 535i. I just wonder...

If you really want to push the ego button you can always wait till 2012 for the M5, rumors are 580 HP.

Almost makes the 400 HP in the 550 seem tame.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

The 535 is the sensible decision from every angle. The 550 is the emotional decision and it will cost you much more in the end. The question is: Is the fulfillment of this emotional need really worth all the extra money to you?

But is sensible enough HP to move the 4000lb sleigh around? I have yet to trully get behind the wheel of a 535i stick to know for certain.

I was lucky to flog a 550i stick and you just know right away its a bullet.

its the performance shadow of doubt that comes from the 535i's weight gain and same HP from last year. Just makes me truely wonder if the car will be underwhelming. I am renting a Malibu, so I am sure either variant will be much more fun to drive.

My dealer has been excelllent, the salesguy is just like me. And enthuiast. So they have my back either way, I just need to make a decision and stay true to it...

[JK479]

Originally Posted by jeffhoff

If you really want to push the ego button you can always wait till 2012 for the M5, rumors are 580 HP.

Almost makes the 400 HP in the 550 seem tame.

I used to think an M5 was the perfect compromise.

But if i have trouble justifying a 550i in this economy, the M5 is reserved for those folks who are not affected by the economy.

I think its a valid point to make here, a car decision can be heaven or hell for three years on a lease.

I also can't see myself dropping down to a 335i. The creature comfort and design language is so much me... in the new 5. 335i is a great performance sedan, but the 5 is the true luxury sports car/sedan. And dynamic drive can make it so much more comfortable for passengers.

The v8 is the proverbiale icing on the cake. But i thank you all for taking the time to discuss matters of the heart... the car purchase. You've all been in my shoes atleast once. Wondering if you were being too greedy, or patting yourself on the back realizing your worth it. Once you get over that point, you are on to the semantics of being green with the gas mileage or being a sleeper v8 on the highway. Knowing you could take 80 percent of the cars on the road. its an ego check like some of you mentioned... but more than anything for me, its the love of BMW. One of the only car makes that lets you manually shift your car. With so much performance, its really the only car out there. In this segment that is...

thanks again!

[gatoman39]

Either way, they're both great.
Rib eye, or porter house? Yes, bloody please.

[1HOT BMR]

Originally Posted by jk3355

One of the only car makes that lets you manually shift your car. With so much performance, its really the only car out there. In this segment that is...

thanks again!

Not quite . . . . There are two other cars I was considering and test drove before deciding on the new 550i. One is a blast to drive and the other one is pretty nice too.
Have you driven a Cadillac lately? I drove the CTS-V with a six speed manual and let me tell you - it was just a blast to drive! It has 556 hp and huge torque. The other one is the Audi S4 that I also drove with a six speed manual. A really nice car with plenty of power, 330 hp, a bit more than the 535 and plenty of torque too. Take them for a spin before you buy your new F10, even if it is just for fun - that Caddy will amaze you.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

Not quite . . . . There are two other cars I was considering and test drove before deciding on the new 550i. One is a blast to drive and the other one is pretty nice too.
Have you driven a Cadillac lately? I drove the CTS-V with a six speed manual and let me tell you - it was just a blast to drive! It has 556 hp and huge torque. The other one is the Audi S4 that I also drove with a six speed manual. A really nice car with plenty of power, 330 hp, a bit more than the 535 and plenty of torque too. Take them for a spin before you buy your new F10, even if it is just for fun - that Caddy will amaze you.

True... but is a s4 really a rear wheel drive car? I know its awd with rwd bias like x drive.

You are 100 percent correct about the CVS v. But being in my early 30's, I just can't warm up to the Caddilacs style. Its great for someone who can truely appreciate GM. But I can't get over things like how outdated the seatbelts are, the interior is not my personal taste. But you're right, its a rocket. Again, the gas mileage is actually worse than the 550i... BUT its a corvette engine.... So I guess the real tradeoffs with these performance cars are the mileage. I was jsut so green to it, i never realized how much it impacted mpg. I also used to think SUV's where hip until i looked at how much weight a YUKON had.

if only the 5 series weighed in at 3700 lbs. but i guess we'd still be in the e60, right?