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The 550 slushbox is a ZF 6HP 26Z, which is a different transmission.
In other words does it shift faster in the auto mode as well, when the car is "deciding"?
The shift speed and "smoothness" varies according to accelerator pedal position, engine speed, and vehicle speed. I haven't driven a 550i; they aren't bad cars, but they simply aren't my cup of tea.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I'm not 100% sure, but as far as I know, there is no difference between the transmissions other than the lack of shift paddles and perhaps some different programming to accommodate the xDrive system.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
There's nothing wrong with the E60; it's simply too big and heavy for my tastes. I prefer a vehicle shorter than 175 inches and weighing under 3200 pounds. And since whatever I buy eventually ends up at a track day -my Jeep TJ and my wife's X3 truck excluded- I find that the extra mass is even more noticeable in that environment than it is on the street. I'm still a bit tempted by the new M3, but I really consider it to be an updated incarnation of my beloved E24 M6(which even then was a bit of a porker, though just about as fast as a 550i) rather than a true heir of the iconic E30 original. When all is said and done, I still think my next BMW will be a true classic such as a 2002 Turbo, E9 CSL, or M1.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I tested the 7 today and it just didn't give me the "grin" factor of the 5 (as you all know, the "grin" factor is the most scientifically accurate way to choose a car
So here's my questions (calling Shipo, BMW guru).
I am leaning toward the 535xi. I will load it up with many options that I like: Sport, HUD, Nav, Logic 7 (by the way the logic 7 sounded better in the 5 than the 7, go figure),
If I went for the 535i then the sport package would include the lower profile tires and roll stabilization. I could also get the cool sport paddles. I have already done the winter tire change routine on my 330i and it works great but I don't really want the hassle.
Do you know if the sp on the 550i would ride the same as the one on the 535i? I tested only the 550 and it seemed fine. My 330i was a bit rough with the sp and I did crack a rim on the wonder full pot holes of NYC.
Is the car lowered on the 535 sp vs the xi? Is the non sp 535 lower than the xi?
Do you get a choice of run flats or regular tires and any or all of the above? What's the consensus on the run flats?
Any other advice on options?
Thanks
Unfortunately I've yet to drive a 535i SP or a 550i SP with the "Retuned sport suspension calibration", however, in past generations, the top of the line I6 models with SP and the V8 models with SP had almost identical ride and handling characteristics. Is that still the case? My bet is "yes", I just don't know that for a fact.
In answer to your query about the lower ride height, yes, the 535i SP does in fact ride lower than all other versions of the 535, in fact, I ran across a spec a year ago or so that suggests that even a 535i non-SP rides fractionally lower than any flavor of the 535xi.
With the 535i SP (in fact all flavors of the I6 models with SP, "xi" or no) comes summer performance RFTs, like it or no. Oddly enough, the 550i SP still comes with good old fashioned summer performance GFTs. Go figure. :-/
Consensus on RFTs? Ummm, I'm not sure there is one. Personally I wouldn't have them. Were I to lease a new BMW with RFTs, I'd drive them until they had say 6mm of tread left and then stash them in my attic (to be remounted at lease end) in favor of a good set of GFTs. Were I to buy a new RFT shod BMW, I'd simply run them till they were done and throw them away, once again in favor of GFTs. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Not sure I am reading your message correctly, but I got the sport package on my 535Xi and it came with 17" all season GFTs. 18" wheels with summer performance run flat tires were an available option, predicated on having the sport package, but I did not order them.
Thanks
Bruce
Sorry folks for hosing that one up.
Best Regards,
Shipo
I have had no overheating problems with my 535Xi, actually no problems at all.
From looking under the hood, and at pictures someone else posted, I believe my 535Xi did come with an oil cooler.
Thanks
Bruce
"I just worked a 07 335 Biturbo yesterday USING ASTM lab tests on the used oil and M1 0w40 went from VOA flash of 430+F to 280 F in 1150 miles, oil sheared to 12.1 cSt and fuel was at 1.99% by IR."
Now granted, this is data from only one forum and one expert's opinion, but it is something to consider. Combine the fuel dilution with the high oil temperatures seen on the N54 and I'm thinking that these engines may not last much over 100K -if that long- especially if the oil changes only take place at 15K intervals. And, while neither manufacturer requires the use of synthetic oil, Mazda calls for 5K changes on the DISI and Subaru has just announced that a 3.7K OCI is mandatory for all of their turbo motors.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Regarding the UOA from the 335i, hmmm, don't sound too good. That said, I find myself wondering what kind of driving regimen that car was exposed to. Manhattan traffic? Road Atlanta on weekends and garaged during the week? Local errands and no chance to get fully warmed up? I kind of think something like the above was going on to cause the owner to pay for a UOA after only 1,150 miles.
Another thought, was the 335i tested one of the early models sans oil cooler? I may have time in the next few days to nose around over there and have a look-see.
Thanks for the "heads-up".
Best Regards,
Shipo
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Very interesting: "She drove the 528xi and commented on how rough the ride was and ..... ordered a 328xi."
I traded in an '06 330Xi for a 535Xi as I did not like the harshness in the 330Xi's ride. To me, the 535Xi has a noticeably smoother ride.
Thanks
Bruce
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Best Regards,
Shipo
I am a bit concerned that if it was too low than I wouldn't be able to get through a few inches of snow. (if you don't know, then no one would:).
Do you think the 550 would handle the bad weather in a similar way as the 330i did?
(It was like a little tank).
I am still trying to decide between the 550, 535i and 535xi. I found that the 550 felt heavier but in a good way, like it was a more substantial car. The 535i was light and more toss able but it didn't feel as "buttoned up" if that makes sense. It felt very much like my old 3. The 550 felt like a more civilized M car to me and I really liked the engine note. And the aero kit that gives it a special flair.
The "sensible" choice would be the xi. No tire change needed and very good handling in the wet but to me it drove very similar to my wife's X5. Not that that's bad at all but it felt a bit "heavy". I also may want the goodies that are only available on the non xi cars: sport auto trans (I hear it's great, any feedback?), ARS, and sport suspension.
Oh, and do you know anything about an "anthracite head liner". I see it referenced in some bimmer sites but I can't find it in the brochure.
Thanks!
I can address a couple of your questions - I too looked at the various levels of the '08 5 series and ended up ordering and leasing a 535xi. I did not have a chance to drive an 535i as my local dealers never had any on the lot (I've had RWD manuals in the past, but went with the steptronic this time because I need to trade with my wife every once in while.) I can say the auto is smooth and quick, and in sport mode is very responsive (no experience with the sport-auto trans - but I've heard only good things). The dealer reps all said the xi drove more solid or "planted" than the i, and was unstoppable in the winter. Since I went with sport package and upgraded 18" wheels and perf tires, I'll have to go with a winter set-up. Depending on ice/snow in your area, don't assume an xi without snows will suffice as you still the right tires to turn, stop, etc.
I also ordered the anthracite headliner since my interior is "natural brown" - black carpet and trim with light brown seats...would not have looked good with the standard gray headliner. The antracite is very dark gray (almost black) and goes well with the combo I ordered. It is a "Priority One" option...can be selected at the time the order is placed.
Hope this helps - good luck.
BTW... B'dos?
Best Regards,
Shipo
B'dos visitor... Trini native, and NYC dweller.
Don't know if this is your first Bimmeer, however they are all smile machines... Got 130K on my 2003 E39 (as of yesterday... lol) and I still glance back when i walk away from it. Enjoy
- Ray
Enjoy.......
Any word on when the 5 series gets overhauled? I heard online it is for the 2009 model year, but also heard some for 2010 -
Also looking when the desiels might be coming?
Active Steering- I hear mixed reviews on it. I love the BMW steering feel and I would be hard pressed to order something "new" without trying it. My dealer doesn't have one to try and I'm not sure when or if they get them. Besides being easier to steer when parking or low speed maneuvers, it's being marketed as a safety feature. One of the reasons I want a bimmer is for the steering feel, so as I said I'd be wary here unless I can get a long test drive.
Vent seats- So from what I've read they aren't cooled (like in my Lexus) but simply have air recircluated through. It's about $1,000 option (ouch!) Is it worth it?
Anthracite headliner-From what I can tell it's a black inside roof vs grey. Any difference other than color? About $450. If it's just color I would pass.
Lane Departure warning. Another safety feature. I'm not sure. Any comments?
Thanks
2009 isn't very likely as the facelift was just done. I'd say 2010 or 11. Let's hope they return to classic BMW styling ala E92.
Diesels may be out by '09.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
I've tried Servotronic steering on an X3.. That just changes the low-speed ratio, without all the extra stuff that you get with Active Steering... I thought that was worthwhile at $250, but that didn't change the steering at speed.
You can get a lot of worthwhile, expensive options on a 550i.. I wouldn't put any of those on that list.
regards,
kyfdx
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I told the dealer I wanted the 172's in place of the 124's. They said its not possible!
Does anyone know of any dealer that will do this for me?
BMW did a horrible job by keeping the 124 rims. I actually liked the style 123 rims that were on the 530 Sports Package. Yes they were outdated, but much nicer than the 124 rims.
Those darn rims are keeping me from buying the car.
I had the options on my M35 Sport. I totally agree!
2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT
"The 5 Series received its last major re-design in 2004 and was freshened for the 2007/2008 model years. We do not anticipate another major overhaul until the 2011 model year"
Hope this helps!
For me, it all depends. There are certainly plenty of vehicles out there where an older design is better looking than a newer one.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I felt the same way about the older Jag XJ6...
FWIW, my experience ordering a 535Xi is the sport package per se does not include the style 124 wheels. They are an additional option, if you also get the sport package.
Thanks
Bruce