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      06-13-2017, 02:04 PM   #1
daveschroeder
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Drives: 2017 F06 650i GC
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Madison, WI

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US 2018 M550i Black Sapphire/Black Nappa/Piano Black pictures and mini-review

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Well, it's finally here. Pictures attached. As a previous F10, E60, E39, E34, and E28 owner (and also F06 and E30), I can say without reservation that this is a very impressive vehicle. It is understated, and a comfortable evolution from the F10. It "feels like" a 5 Series. Surprisingly, I feel my F10 535 M Sport "looks" a little more muscular from the rear, whereas the G30 feels more muscular from the front. The side view is a wash to me, but the M rocker panel blades add a sporty touch. Even with 669M 20" wheels with 245/35-20 front and 275/30-20 rear, they look a bit small for this vehicle — and the stock offset ends up setting the wheels in a bit inside the fenderwell (could use 10mm+ spacers for those so inclined).

The active steering is surprising, but in a good way. The intelligent driving aids are also incredible: I drove across town several times using almost nothing but active cruise control, and pressing the Resume button if stopped for a longer period. iDrive is very functional and a significant improvement over the older iterations, but easy to get used to in a day or so from previous versions. Touch screen is welcome, but I find the iDrive controller suitable for all tasks. One of the better vehicle telematics systems (behind the newest Volvo offerings in this area in my opinion, e.g. on 2016– XC90, but still excellent).

The exhaust note on acceleration and normal driving is much quieter than expected. The V8 rumble is there, but it's not overbearing and not extremely obvious. I was hoping it was a bit louder, to be honest. Active Sound in Sport Plus mode is annoying (to me, but I understand why it's there), and I prefer the natural engine and exhaust sounds in Comfort mode. I have to say, I wish it was louder and that the V8 reminded me it was there. But then, I also wish I had a pure manual transmission, too. C'est la vie! [Edit: I chose to conduct a quick mod to keep the exhaust flaps open, resulting in better sound.]

The BMW Connected app has come a ways from its inception, but I don't see myself using it a lot. The Display Key will need a case because it definitely feels like it is waiting to be dropped, scratched, or otherwise destroyed. I may use one of the "normal" keys (it came with 2 plus the Display Key) on a routine basis. As an aside, Remote Parking cannot be used as a "back door" to remote start the vehicle, as you need to be too close to start it (closer than you'd usually be to the vehicle when parked outside). Remote Parking itself is very interesting, but I have no applications for it myself.

It does have the auto open/close trunk, as expected for MY2018. I am disappointed that I could not get the full digital instrument cluster (6WB) and 668M wheels at the time I ordered. Note that while the window sticker does not show active steering as part of the Dynamic Handling Package, the vehicle definitely has it.

As someone who has owned all of the previous generations of 5 Series except E12, there really weren't any surprises for me. It's exactly what I expected an M Performance version of a 550 to be — and that's all I hoped for. Overall very happy with the decision. If BMW keeps making vehicles like this, they'll keep people like me coming back to the 5 Series.

Previous thread.

Additional items installed:

- Black kidney grills (51712430993, 51712430994)
- Black finisher trim (51712431044, 51712431045)
- Black side vents (51747439013, 51747439014)
- Black front reflectors (IND Distribution)
- Window tint

Timeline:

16 MAY 16 — Placed deposit with dealer for first G30 allocation (later decided on M550)
31 JAN 17 — Ordered and received 14 APR 17 production week
13 FEB 17 — US pricing received for vehicle
07 APR 17 — Allocation confirmed
20 APR 17 — Vehicle entered production (150)
08 MAY 17 — Vehicle waiting for vessel (193)
16 MAY 17 — Loaded on M/V SALOME with estimated US port arrival of 25 MAY 17
16 MAY 17 — Vehicle appears on Wallenius Wilhelmsen tracking tool
17 MAY 17 — Port ETA updated to 26 MAY 17
26 MAY 17 — Discharged from M/V SALOME at Port of Baltimore (MD, US)
30 MAY 17 — Received at Baltimore VPC for processing. (VPC ETD: 6/3, Dealer ETA: 6/5)
01 JUN 17 — VPC work order started. (VPC ETD: 6/2, Dealer ETA: 6/5)
06 JUN 17 — VPC work order completed. (Dealer ETA: 6/9)
06 JUN 17 — Released to carrier Moore Transport. (Dealer ETA: 6/9)
08 JUN 17 — Delivered from VPC. (Dealer ETA: 5/11)
09 JUN 17 — Vehicle arrived at dealer.
12 JUN 17 — Vehicle delivered.
Attached Images
          

Last edited by daveschroeder; 06-19-2017 at 12:59 PM..
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