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Used BMW 550

The BMW 550 is a member of the mid-size executive 5 series line of vehicles from BMW. The 5 series has several current models: the 528i, the 535i, the 550i and the 535 Wagon. With exception of the Wagon, all models are four door sedans. There is also an optional xDrive BMW All Wheel Drive System that is available on the most of the models.

The BMW 5 series, like the 3 series, is a staple of the German car manufacturer and has been in continuous production since 1972 (so for more than 37 years). With such a long standing history, you will no doubt find what you’re looking for on the used car market. There are also many auction sites online that have a wide variety of 5 series BMWs available. There has been nearly every imaginable combination of powerplant that you can think of stuffed in the 5 series sedans over the years, so make sure you know exactly what you want. The car has housed an 2.0L I4 diesel, a 2.5L I4 diesel, a 2.5L I6 diesel, a 2.8L I6, a 3.0L I6, a 3.5L V8, a 4.4L V8 (with and without Turbos), a 5.0L V8 and surely a couple of other engines along the way. The bottom line is that you can find whatever you’re looking for if you’re smart about it. That is both a good and a bad thing. With all of these options out there, you really need to do your research in order to make sure that you’re getting the right balance between options and reliability.

The BMW 550 is the larger motor version of the 528 and 535 models, featuring 360hp in its 2009 configuration. For a new model, you will be looking at more than $60,000, so be prepared. The creature comforts of the 5 series don’t disappoint, even though it is important to understand that the 550 is not meant to be an economical car – something that may be of importance to you in today’s economy. The 550 gets an estimated 15 mpg City and 22 mpg Highway – not bad for a car in this class, but also not great. The 550 features a six speed manual transmission with optional steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters for fingertip control over its large 4.8L V8 360hp motor. Acceleration and handling are both extremely crisp and smooth. It may just be the perfect blend of performance and elegance, all wrapped up in one nice package.