please help me to choice between...

550i has 3500miles on it, with sports pk.(carbon black) 56500$
i think the price is resonable.

anothe choice is 2008 Is f.

which one i should go?

thank you for your help.

It depends on function.

Do you need more room? Or do you want more sport?

Are multiple passengers expected to ride with you often?

Is it a daily driver or a weekend splurge? How many miles do you expect to add to it a year?

Are maintenance costs a concern? Insurance costs?

Poll time!! Both great cars, IS-F for me unless you need the additional room of the 5 series.

Agreed, unless you need the space, the IS-F is the way to go. Incidentially, I see a lot of 550is around where I am at.

It is sort of a silly poll. As mentioned, if you need the space (i.e. you ever have people in your backseat), then the 550 is the way to go. If you don't need the space and want more of a sports car, then the IS-F is the way to go.

The price seems pretty low on the 550i - what options does it have?

The 550 is the complete package. No problem when it comes to sport, luxury, space, looks, performance, steering, driving dynamics, cost of ownership, heritage, etc..

Your call, your cash buddy. I made my choices in vehicles...:D

It is sort of a silly poll. As mentioned, if you need the space (i.e. you ever have people in your backseat), then the 550 is the way to go. If you don't need the space and want more of a sports car, then the IS-F is the way to go.

The price seems pretty low on the 550i - what options does it have?

A lot of these cars are priced the same, new and used so its great for buyers. You can get a used CLS for that price and other cars.

We have never had more and better choices!

I said 550, but if youre going to get an auto you might as well get the IS.

Very different cars. Apples to oranges. Have you driven both? You need to do that long before asking a bunch of people on the 'net for their opinion.

If you plan to keep it for higher miles (outside of warranty), value driving fun over comfort and practicality, and don't need the much larger cabin room of the 5-series, then go IS-F.

If luxury and comfort are valued over sport/performance, you plan on getting rid of it before the warranty is out or getting an extended warranty, and plan on seating people in the back seat often... get the 550i.

A lot of these cars are priced the same, new and used so its great for buyers. You can get a used CLS for that price and other cars.

We have never had more and better choices!

Very true
Unfortunately many of the "slightly used" 2008 550s out there have very few options and if you don't have auto, it really kills your resale. Still if you don't know what you are missing (HUD, Cold Weather Pkg, HD Radio, Folding rear seats) - then these are screaming deals - especially considering this car probably went for $65K at a min.

The 550's are ugly looking and with BMW's subsidized lease rates, they are dollar a bucket. Only if you need the extra space, get the 550, otherwise get the IS-F, but also consider a BMW M3.

Poll time!! Both great cars, IS-F for me unless you need the additional room of the 5 series.

Likewise. :thumbup: IS-F more like an M3 than a 550i.

funny thing, i thought this was on ISF racing a 550i. I raced my friends 550i and uh...you know the rest.:rolleyes:

I would pick 550I since it has everything I need. :)

apples n oranges :uh:

I would go for the 550i.

While BMW does not break down 5-series sales any more, they were only selling about 350-500 550s a month (back when they were reporting) - I'm betting that amount is now down to 300ish. I personally have seen only a handful since they came out in 2006. Of course many people mistake the 530 for the 550 (the badges look the exact same from a difference). So...for those of you who claim they are a dime a dozen.... I'm calling bull s....

While BMW does not break down 5-series sales any more, they were only selling about 350-500 550s a month (back when they were reporting) - I'm betting that amount is now down to 300ish. I personally have seen only a handful since they came out in 2006. Of course many people mistake the 530 for the 550 (the badges look the exact same from a difference). So...for those of you who claim they are a dime a dozen.... I'm calling bull s....

Well maybe you're right, I actually meant 5 series are dollar a bucket, not necessary the 550. Unfortunately, theres no way to tell them apart besides the badge.

However IS-F, M3 and M5 have plenty of styling enhancements that make them easy to tell apart from their more common siblings.

Well maybe you're right, I actually meant 5 series are dollar a bucket, not necessary the 550. Unfortunately, theres no way to tell them apart besides the badge. A dollar a bucket? In that case, there should be more of these cars on the road since they are so obtainable to the average Joe Schmoe with a 30k per year job. Why settle for less car or a used old car if new 5 series Bimmers are going for a dollar a bucket. What are the lease rates on these cars? Any sources? :D

A dollar a bucket? In that case, there should be more of these cars on the road since they are so obtainable to the average Joe Schmoe with a 30k per year job. Why settle for less car or a used old car if new 5 series Bimmers are going for a dollar a bucket. What are the lease rates on these cars? Any sources? :D

Come on Dashocker, you know what I mean. They not as popular as Camry or Accord, but go to any upscale neighborhood in NYC, and there are four of them on every block. And if there's a block that only has three of them, then the next block is bound to have five :D :D :D :D :D

That being said, Lexus "F" or BMW's "M" cars are much more rare and exclusive.

Why not M3?

A dollar a bucket? In that case, there should be more of these cars on the road since they are so obtainable to the average Joe Schmoe with a 30k per year job. Why settle for less car or a used old car if new 5 series Bimmers are going for a dollar a bucket. What are the lease rates on these cars? Any sources? :D

Yes, b/c BMW doesn't have the lowest lease rates in the luxury business (maybe Infiniti a lil lower).;)

Its not cheap but clearly, their lease deals drive TONS of sales.

I would think the 535i hurt the 550i the most.

IS-F all the way. But unless you're getting a base IS, there is a $6k diff in cost and BMW pays for your reg scheduled services.:uh:

apples n oranges :uh:

i was thinking the same ****:uh:
anyway, i think i might choose an 550 but im an GS/M45 type of guy, but then again the IS-F is hot so ill will try cross shopping M3s and AMG Cs, but thats me

also research/drive 4 cars that in the SAME category then choose:thumbup:

Definitely ISF.

simple.

IS-F if you're more sport driving oriented
550i if you're more into luxury

2 separate missions.

thank you all for your opinions.
i might need some more time to think about between two great cars.
thank you very much.

A dollar a bucket? In that case, there should be more of these cars on the road since they are so obtainable to the average Joe Schmoe with a 30k per year job. Why settle for less car or a used old car if new 5 series Bimmers are going for a dollar a bucket. What are the lease rates on these cars? Any sources? :D
In some areas around me, they are a drop in the bucket, there maybe more 5 Series than Chevys in some cases

two different size classes. i hate how small the ISF and all IS models are. if it was up to me i would get the BMW.

you want a badass car? get the isf
you want a bigger, nice sedan.. get the 550i

i say get the isf bc i see one like once a month, i see a 550i everyday

i see 525 530 all the time here, get the feeling people are just going to think its a cheapie 535/530 at first glance. I would prefer the 535 over a 550. However the 550 might be really cheap due to gas prices

It you wanted a more executive looking car, get the 550i.

If performance is your priority, the ISF is a no-brainer.

.

5 series have been out for many years already. New models are going to replace the current ones. Why buy a car that's going to be outdated in a year?

I know the BMW is a great car to drive, but I can't get past two things:

- the exterior appearance
- very, very common here in California.

The V8 powered cars are somewhat rare, but to the general public a 525, 528, 530, 535, 545, and 550 basically are the same car.

Of course, this is a Lexus board, so I'm not surprised by the poll results so far.

if IS-F has 5 seats, i would get IS-F
otherwise the 550i is good balance between comfort and sport

Wouldn't have to spend more than a second thinking about this. The 550 for sure, especially since it can be had with a manual.

A dollar a bucket? In that case, there should be more of these cars on the road since they are so obtainable to the average Joe Schmoe with a 30k per year job. Why settle for less car or a used old car if new 5 series Bimmers are going for a dollar a bucket. What are the lease rates on these cars? Any sources? :D

Seriously though what kind of lease rates are on 550/535 right now? I wasn't impressed with a 550 that I test drove, but the 335 was a blast, is 535 comparable to the 335?

Seriously though what kind of lease rates are on 550/535 right now?

They are decent although not great.

2008 BMW 535i Sedan
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00270 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 29% of MSRP – .00270 Base Rate

2008 BMW 535xi Sedan
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00270 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 30% of MSRP – .00270 Base Rate

2008 BMW 535xi Wagon
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00270 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 26% of MSRP – .00270 Base Rate

2008 BMW 550i Sedan
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00220 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00220 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 29% of MSRP – .00270 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 23% of MSRP – .00270 Base Rate

above are for 15K/year - add 2% to the Residual for 12K

I actually was just looking at BMW website at the 335... Its amazing, I think I now understand why people buy BMW's. You can actually buy this thing in a coupe, with all wheel drive, with sports package, with manual, with wood trim. This is just too totally awesome. You can have your car anyway you want, heck, they even have a convertible. I used to think 335 coupe was only RWD, and I didnt know you could get AWD version with sports package.

Now to the transmissions. I dont want a manual, I'd rather have a fully automatic transmission, and I undersnad BMW has a bunch of different SMG/DMG or whatever transmissions. Which one is best while being fully auto?

I drove several BMW or rode in one and had the same complaint HORRIBLE VIBRATION FELT IN STEERING I asked a BMW engineer about it amazingly I was told that gives you road feel it is normal. UGH!!!! I know one owner brought her BMW back refused to drive till BMW corporate assured her it was safe and normal.
IMO unsafe abnormal!!!

I actually was just looking at BMW website at the 335... Its amazing, I think I now understand why people buy BMW's. You can actually buy this thing in a coupe, with all wheel drive, with sports package, with manual, with wood trim. This is just too totally awesome. You can have your car anyway you want, heck, they even have a convertible. I used to think 335 coupe was only RWD, and I didnt know you could get AWD version with sports package.

Now to the transmissions. I dont want a manual, I'd rather have a fully automatic transmission, and I undersnad BMW has a bunch of different SMG/DMG or whatever transmissions. Which one is best while being fully auto?

Not only can you have it any way you want, but you can order it and get it here in about 6 weeks (if your dealer has open slots). Some people even get theirs quicker....

The new DCT transmission in the M3 (avail as of July 2008) is their best manual/auto (I believe like the SMG it is a manual at heart but with automation). But unfortunately the BMW SMGs (not sure about the DCT) are wonderful on the track and sucky on the street (from what I've read - note that I don't have one). The auto in the 335 however is supposed to be wonderful (and can be had with paddle shifters). Many people (and reviews) claim it is superior to the manual. It is not as fast as the IS-F auto, but rumor has it that it is sweet.

Now Och - did you really just write "totally awesome" and BMW in the same post? :)

This is gonna be so lame when I get a BMW after bashing them on this forum for five years. The hardest part will be convincing the wife that we need a new car.

I'm defenately gonna check out a few variants of the 335. See, I just dont like the way 5 series looks, and the 3 looks good in the coupe form only. If I junk my LS or pass it to my daughter, then I can make my GS the beater, so there's no reason not to get a coupe, especially that I was considering an SC430 anyway. If I get the 335, I'll probably get the AWD, non sport, with as much wood and leather as possible.

I drove several BMW or rode in one and had the same complaint HORRIBLE VIBRATION FELT IN STEERING I asked a BMW engineer about it amazingly I was told that gives you road feel it is normal. UGH!!!! I know one owner brought her BMW back refused to drive till BMW corporate assured her it was safe and normal.
IMO unsafe abnormal!!!

I would say that 90% if not 99% of steering wheel vibrations in todays cars comes from bent wheels. Nowadays cars come with low profile tires, and lightweight aluminum wheels that easily bend when hitting a pothole.

But some cars, like Lexus, or at least the 2nd gen GS300/400/430 suffer from vibration because of its flimsy steering column. But that comes as no surprise as Lexus is built by a company that should be flipping burgers instead of making cars.

I'd go with 550.

As much as I love the IS-F, the back seat is useless.

This is gonna be so lame when I get a BMW after bashing them on this forum for five years. The hardest part will be convincing the wife that we need a new car.

I'm defenately gonna check out a few variants of the 335. See, I just dont like the way 5 series looks, and the 3 looks good in the coupe form only. If I junk my LS or pass it to my daughter, then I can make my GS the beater, so there's no reason not to get a coupe, especially that I was considering an SC430 anyway. If I get the 335, I'll probably get the AWD, non sport, with as much wood and leather as possible.:eek2: :uh: :D Is this Och ?lol
If you are truly interested take a look at these deals at Rallye BMW.

VF24725 2008 BMW 135i Coupe Alpine White / Terracotta MSRP $41,150
Lease for $593.55 X 24 months with $3218.52 due at signing / Buy for $39,400

VF55090 2008 BMW 135i Convertible Jet Black / Savanna Beige MSRP $44,950
Lease for $598.31 X 24 months with $3233.12 due at signing / Buy for $42,700

PY39829 2008 BMW M3 Coupe Interlagos Blue / Silver MSRP $67,200
Lease for $923.32 X 48 months with $6291.45 due at signing / Buy For $61,500

A236420 2008 BMW 328xi Sedan (manual) Crimson Red / Beige MSRP $39,175
Lease for $370.16 X 24 months with $2550.14 due at signing / Buy for $35,700

BZ45209 2008 BMW 528xi Sedan (manual) Platinum Bronze / Black MSRP $50,725
Lease for $548.79 X 24 months with $3248.37 due at signing / Buy for $44,000

CV90468 2008 BMW 650i Coupe Titanium Silver / Black MSRP $79,675
Lease for $958.68 X 36 months with $5480.93 due at signing / Buy for $72,000

P330289 2008 BMW M3 Convertible (manual) Jet Black / Black MSRP $74,775
Lease for $1255.17 X48 months with $7758.51 due at signing / Buy for $74,775

E041540 2008 BMW M3 Sedan (manual) Interlagos Blue / Silver MSRP $64,925
Lease for $899.92 X 42 months with $5705.37 due st signing / Buy for $59,280

E041120 2008 BMW M3 Sedan (manual) Alpine White / Fox Red MSRP $69,545
Lease for $963.61 X 42 months with $5999.64 due at signing / Buy for $63,485

CX10282 2008 BMW M5 Sedan (manual) Space Gray / Black MSRP $90,470
Lease for $1179.46 X 24 months with $5166.39 due at signing / Buy for $83,000

CX09835 2008 BMW M5 Sedan (manual) Alpine White / Sepang MSRP $88,550
Lease for $1143.85 X 24 months with $5057.10 due at signing / Buy for $81,000

L165117 2008 BMW X5 4.8is SAV Black Sapphire / Sand Leather MSRP $68,520
Lease for $852.00 X 36 months with $5043.05 due at signing / Buy for $62,500

DT86259 2008 BMW 750Li Jet Black / Cream Beige MSRP $79,675
Lease for $916.10 X 36 months with $5305.87 due at signing / Buy for $69,500
5 Other colors to choose from at this price



http://nybmwsales.com/currentspecials.html

When you are ready I can put in a word for you to my sales rep as I did for FrankyJ.

This is gonna be so lame when I get a BMW after bashing them on this forum for five years. The hardest part will be convincing the wife that we need a new car.

I'm defenately gonna check out a few variants of the 335. See, I just dont like the way 5 series looks, and the 3 looks good in the coupe form only. If I junk my LS or pass it to my daughter, then I can make my GS the beater, so there's no reason not to get a coupe, especially that I was considering an SC430 anyway. If I get the 335, I'll probably get the AWD, non sport, with as much wood and leather as possible.

Hell hath frozen over:D

I'm just fed up with both my cars. Lexus = fast food of the auto industry.

I'm just fed up with both my cars. Lexus = fast food of the auto industry.

Mike, I think Och's account has been compromised...

Mike, I think Och's account has been compromised...

No man, I'm just pissed off at both of my car, I've had it with Lexus.

This ain't true... somebody wake me up... I think I am dreaming... :)

IS-F all the way. But unless you're getting a base IS, there is a $6k diff in cost and BMW pays for your reg scheduled services.:uh:

The so-called "free maintenance" from BMW shouldn't be factored much if at all into any value comparo; even a lot of BMW fanboys on BMW forums recognize this. It only covers maintenances when the dashboard light comes on, which is every 15k mi and only includes an oil change and maybe a filter change. Any other routine maintenance cost is still on the buyer. How much cost savings is that really?


if IS-F has 5 seats, i would get IS-F

The IS-F is a 2+2. The rear seat is about as worthless as rear seats can get, though, so being a 5-seater would be pointless.


If I get the 335, I'll probably get the AWD, non sport, with as much wood and leather as possible.

Just to opine that I recently test drove the 335xi and hated the steering and cornering feel. It's all wrong and a completely different experience relative to the 335i.

The so-called "free maintenance" from BMW shouldn't be factored much if at all into any value comparo; even a lot of BMW fanboys on BMW forums recognize this. It only covers maintenances when the dashboard light comes on, which is every 15k mi and only includes an oil change and maybe a filter change. Any other routine maintenance cost is still on the buyer. How much cost savings is that really?In real life, it is actually 1 yr or 15k on the maintainence. At present I do not have 15k on either of my BMW's. Nov. of 2007 I took my X3 for its annual maintainence at 6300 miles. I was not charged a penny for the service which included oil/filter change, wiper blade replacement, tire rotation, cabin filter change.

I would say that 90% if not 99% of steering wheel vibrations in todays cars comes from bent wheels. Nowadays cars come with low profile tires, and lightweight aluminum wheels that easily bend when hitting a pothole.

But some cars, like Lexus, or at least the 2nd gen GS300/400/430 suffer from vibration because of its flimsy steering column. But that comes as no surprise as Lexus is built by a company that should be flipping burgers instead of making cars.
Dog you just mad because you got your Lexus pass revoked by throwing those wheels on your GS.

In real life, it is actually 1 yr or 15k on the maintainence.

Yes, we all know this - and it gives the same number of maintenances over the warranty period, therefore having no effect on the compared value relative to the 15k interval. So your point is what exactly?

I was not charged a penny for the service which included oil/filter change, wiper blade replacement, tire rotation, cabin filter change.

As has been related by many posters on various BMW forums (and my ex-rooommate can attest with his 335i and local dealers), most dealers will only replace oil on the 1yr, sub-15k-interval maintenances. So, consider yourself lucky for having a good dealership.

Yes, we all know this - and it gives the same number of maintenances over the warranty period, therefore having no effect on the compared value relative to the 15k interval. So your point is what exactly?



As has been related by many posters on various BMW forums (and my ex-rooommate can attest with his 335i and local dealers), most dealers will only replace oil on the 1yr, sub-15k-interval maintenances. So, consider yourself lucky for having a good dealership.

Thats why I will just least the car (if I end up getting it), and not care about mainenance. If BMW wants to service it only once a year, let it be, after the car is returned from lease, it will be someone elses problem.

No man, I'm just pissed off at both of my car, I've had it with Lexus.

We will check into it...

Or its PWI :D

We will check into it...

Or its PWI :D

PWI = ?

10 char

Being I have a family, I would choose the 550. Although I do not own an IS-F, I do own an SC (smaller) that I drive as my daily while my wife hauls our two kids in our 530.

:eek2: :uh: :D Is this Och ?lol
If you are truly interested take a look at these deals at Rallye BMW.





http://nybmwsales.com/currentspecials.html

When you are ready I can put in a word for you to my sales rep as I did for FrankyJ.


According to that website, they're willing to sell that M3 Coupe below invoice?? Invoice is 62,390, selling is $61,500???

Is that right???? was it a demo?

According to that website, they're willing to sell that M3 Coupe below invoice?? Invoice is 62,390, selling is $61,500???

Is that right???? was it a demo?This is for a new M3. Current or past BMW Owners actually get a better deal than listed...i.e. $0 down payment..

The so-called "free maintenance" from BMW shouldn't be factored much if at all into any value comparo; even a lot of BMW fanboys on BMW forums recognize this. It only covers maintenances when the dashboard light comes on, which is every 15k mi and only includes an oil change and maybe a filter change. Any other routine maintenance cost is still on the buyer. How much cost savings is that really?

You've obviously never owned one, or spoken to someone who has. The ONLY thing that's not included with the "free maintenance" is tires. Yes, even BRAKES are included--had both fronts and rears replaced at 30k, free of charge. The fronts alone are a $1,000+ item at the dealer, and cost me over $300 doing all the work myself the second time they needed it (after the warranty expired).

Basically the "free maintenance" means that anything that fails or wears out during the warranty period, other than the tires, will be replaced, regardless of whether or not it's a "wear item". This includes wiper blades, battery, etc etc. It's probably not worth a $5k difference, but it certainly has substantially more value than "just an oil and maybe filter change"

Let me get this straight. So lets say BMW's maintenance is only once a year or 15K, but lets say my brakes wear out at 10K. Do I have to replace them myself, or I can bring it in as warranty repair?

Let me get this straight. So lets say BMW's maintenance is only once a year or 15K, but lets say my brakes wear out:D at 10K. Do I have to replace them myself, or I can bring it in as warranty repair?BMW will replace the pads, rotors, which ever part(s) are worn.. $0 out of pocket. Well, there is always BayRidge Lexus if you want a brake job :D:D How much do they charge again?

Let me get this straight. So lets say BMW's maintenance is only once a year or 15K, but lets say my brakes wear out at 10K. Do I have to replace them myself, or I can bring it in as warranty repair?

All of the maintenance is covered. However, they will not do any maintenance until the car calls for it except that you can have your oil changed annually.

So I had my oil changed at the 1 year mark and then 4 months later the cabin air filter called for replacement - so into the dealer to have that done. The car will tell you how much life is left in the pads, trans fluid, etc - you can call any of them up and see where you are at. As for the wipers or anything that is not monitored, just bring the car in and have them change it. Let me tell you, it is far less stressful than bringing the car into other dealers*

*I always hated bringing my GS in for service because it was leased I only wanted the required maint done - but they always wanted to do other stuff that was on THEIR recommended list. Same goes for the wife's MDX - ugh, just hate bringing the car in because I know I'm being taken since they are doing things that are not even called for in the manual. Even my mother in-law's Corolla - they are constantly hitting me up for a rear brake cleaning and adjustment charge. Ugh....

BMW will replace the pads, rotors, which ever part(s) are worn.. $0 out of pocket. Well, there is always BayRidge Lexus if you want a brake job :D:D How much do they charge again?

Bay Ridge Lexus? Did you read the forum rules regarding bad words?

:ban: