2007 335i vs. 2006 550i

[d-burn]

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to decide between these two vehicles. I always thought that a 5-series would be out of my price range, until I actually investigated and found that an '06 550i prices out in a similar range as an '07 335i. What would you get?

[masterballer]

550i

[no_name_brand]

Two completely different cars. I think it all depends on what you need and what your preferences (driving dynamics of a big car vs a smaller one) are.

Do you need the extra room that the 5 has to offer? It will have a v8 in comparison to a v6, so this will definitely factor into cost of ownership from a fuel consumption point of view. In addition, the 07 will likely have a warranty which will last longer and come with less km's on the clock.

I think looks would also be a pretty important factor. I know looks are subjective and everyone has their own opinion, but the I think the 3 series sedan is ugly as sin. Pick the car that you will genuinely like to see sitting in your drive way. Pick the car that you want to drive everyday, not the one that people will think you look cool in. With that said, I think the decision for me would be easy. I would go for the 5 series in a heartbeat, just because I wouldn't be able to stomach the 3 series sitting in my drive way.

[lexani]

^ +1, without thinking twice about this.

[booblehead]

550. Hear V8 roar

[onecoolloser]

550. Hear v8 roar

+1

[geokilla]

Two completely different cars. I think it all depends on what you need and what your preferences (driving dynamics of a big car vs a smaller one) are.

Do you need the extra room that the 5 has to offer? It will have a v8 in comparison to a v6, so this will definitely factor into cost of ownership from a fuel consumption point of view. In addition, the 07 will likely have a warranty which will last longer and come with less km's on the clock.

I think looks would also be a pretty important factor. I know looks are subjective and everyone has their own opinion, but the I think the 3 series sedan is ugly as sin. Pick the car that you will genuinely like to see sitting in your drive way. Pick the car that you want to drive everyday, not the one that people will think you look cool in. With that said, I think the decision for me would be easy. I would go for the 5 series in a heartbeat, just because I wouldn't be able to stomach the 3 series sitting in my drive way.

+1. Also consider the 535i as well. It's just a tad slower than the 550i, while its fuel consumption is way better than the 550i.

[Sprite_TM]

i like both cars but i'll choose the 550i

[d-burn]

+1. Also consider the 535i as well. It's just a tad slower than the 550i, while its fuel consumption is way better than the 550i.

You have to remember i'm looking at '06 for 5 series. The 535i didn't receive the twin turbo 6 from the 335i until 2008 I believe? Looks like everyone seems to be in the 5 series camp. Any particular reason?

[bionicbadger]

just be prepared to spend a whole ton on maintenance when you buy the bigger car.

[m4gician]

335, Adjust the exhaust, rebadge, add ebay trim pieces...and M3! :)

Haha, I'm value conscious and I think you're making the "get the most for my money" purchase.

THE 335 Will have a balance of warranty, move a tad faster and give you a bit better numbers at the pump. It's a better value imho.

[gilboman]

335

[booblehead]

550 is your luxury cruiser ..335 is your (more) fun to drive and zip around the traffic type of car and lots more aftermarket upgrade parts available for this car as well.

I have an 08 535xi and I was actually leaning at the time of getting the 08 M3 (I always wanted one but after having some serious thoughts), I finally went with the 535xi ... much more practical for our Cdn winter application. Just a tad slower, of course than a M3. But now, I am looking to do some Dinan ECU upgrades.


You have to remember i'm looking at '06 for 5 series. The 535i didn't receive the twin turbo 6 from the 335i until 2008 I believe? Looks like everyone seems to be in the 5 series camp. Any particular reason?

[TenzoR]

I'm not sure about the 550i but the inline6 turbo has quite a few cases of bad fuel pumps, also make sure you get a car with the secondary oil cooler (mainly cars with manual and some auto with sport package)

Overall if you are buying them, get atleast CPO warranty as they are quite pricy to fix

[ES_Revenge]

335i, no need for bigness (for me) and does the 550i even come in manual trans (I've never seen one)? Slushbox FTL.

[Anonymouse]

I'm actually looking at the same cars, but there's no BMW dealer for 200 km, so I'm wondering about the practicality of having one. If I can find a BMW-certified mechanic in my city, can he do warranty work?

[TenzoR]

335i, no need for bigness (for me) and does the 550i even come in manual trans (I've never seen one)? Slushbox FTL.

It's a No Charge Option

[Dina_E]

335i, no need for bigness (for me) and does the 550i even come in manual trans (I've never seen one)? Slushbox FTL.

Manual 6 speed is standard!!

smg 7 speed is optional

auto is not even an option.

[mart242]

Manual 6 speed is standard!!

smg 7 speed is optional

auto is not even an option.

Huh? For 2009, the 550i appears to be only auto.. <puke>

[mr_raider]

550i if you plan on keeping the car beyond warranty. The 335i twin turbo doesn't inspire much confidence. I would be wary of running such a hot engine is such a cramped space.

[ES_Revenge]

Manual 6 speed is standard!!

smg 7 speed is optional

auto is not even an option.
No, 6spd auto is standard; 6spd manual is optional but no charge as TenzoR mentioned. Still I have seen very few 550i units that were equipped with a manual trans--I actually don't remember any. As for SMG, that's not available on the 5-series outside of the M5.

I'm actually looking at the same cars, but there's no BMW dealer for 200 km, so I'm wondering about the practicality of having one. If I can find a BMW-certified mechanic in my city, can he do warranty work?
If it's not your only car, then it might not be so bad. If there were a failure of something that rendered the car undriveable I would assume BMW Roadside Assistance would have to tow the car to a dealership for you; but, it's still going to be a pain if that ever happens. Also you don't need a BMW dealer to do the maintenance but you will lose out on the no-charge maintenance (if applicable) doing the maintenance privately. I don't think they have non-BMW dealership mechanics that do warranty work but I could be wrong. Check their warranty booklet/statement (might be avail. online).