BMW 535d alternative

[jenkins70]

I was looking to buy a cheap (so high mileage probably) 535d, it was always an engine that I wanted to try out. Looking on Ebay, I found also some 550i cars, which obviously don't have the same consumption but they seem to be cheaper. Some sellers are only asking 10k for them! Like this one for example:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-BMW-550I-M-SPORT-AM...
There is also an auction going on, not sure how much it will finish, but looking at past auctions I think it will be definitely cheaper than a 535d.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-BMW-550I-M-SPORT-AU...
I wonder if anybody has anything to say about the 550i, is it fun to drive, do you feel the push that you get with the 535d at mid-range or is it too smooth?
Thanks,
Karl

[Matt UK]

One is a decent turbo diesel. The other is a petrol V8.

You know the answer!

[S3000]

i think a 335d is a good alternative.

[Thom987]

S3000 said:

i think a 335d is a good alternative.

Obviously remapped.

As an alternative to the 535, how about a Jaguar XJ TDVI?

[Stitch]

you could also consider a 730D if you are more interested in wafting than thrusting.

[philmots]

I'd be happier owning (responsible for the repairs etc!) a 100k 550 that 535d..

[Blown2CV]

Stitch said:

you could also consider a 730D if you are more interested in wafting than thrusting.

having driven one recently i'd say they are probably quite a different proposition... perhaps a Jag XF 3.0D S? Felt a lot tighter and less bargy when i drove one recently... poss where my money is going soon.

[redgriff500]

How many miles do you do ?

Modern diesels can generate HUGE bills when they go wrong.

I'd also consider getting a V8 converted to LPG - best of both worlds then.

[FranzKlampon]

Yes, I've had a 550i. I only bought it to satisfy the OCD in me.... Terrific car that was far more usable than the M5. Immense amount of power, and not too bad on the fuel either. I usually got between 23-25mpg, where as I never seem to get much more than 30mpg out of a 535d. The reason they're cheaper is that people don't know this, or won't believe you. So all in all, probably not a bad buy. But it will be trickier to shift when the time comes.

[alfa pint]

Stitch said:

you could also consider a 730D if you are more interested in wafting than thrusting.

Or a Jaguar with the 2.7 V6 oil burner. The S type is a ridiculous amount of car for the money.

[texasjohn]

FranzKlampon said:

Yes, I've had a 550i. I only bought it to satisfy the OCD in me.... Terrific car that was far more usable than the M5. Immense amount of power, and not too bad on the fuel either. I usually got between 23-25mpg, where as I never seem to get much more than 30mpg out of a 535d. The reason they're cheaper is that people don't know this, or won't believe you. So all in all, probably not a bad buy. But it will be trickier to shift when the time comes.

Up until very recently there were one or two 550i's for sale that had been advertised for getting on for a year!

The only two I have seen sell quick were a 59 plate SE for 21k (the car was about 12 months old at the time and I regret not snapping it up with hindsight) and a 550i manual (obviously went quick due to the Spanish factor).

[jenkins70]

Thanks for all the replies. I am anticipating that I will be doing no more than 5-6k per year, so it looks like a 550i would probably be the best choice. Also it is a non-turbo engine which is known to be very reliable as it is underpowered (for its potential anyway, for example compared to the 545i which is much more stretched). Hopefully I will get it at a good price!

[philmots]

I'm sure you'll get a right bargain on a 550!

and enjoy!

[MattOz]

550i is a cracking car. I'd have one over a 535d if I was doing anything less than 20k miles a year.

[CarbonM5]

There is no alternative since Concorde last flew.