[ryanrc9]

Hey all I have been reading many of the posts and have decided to get some advice.

I have driven many different sedans/suv's trying to find what I want to upgrade to from my Infiniti Q50s. I really like the M550. Currently I have 2 that I am considering. Both are M550i X-drive with non DHP. One is 2020 with all packages, 38k miles and $3k less than the 21'. The other is 2021 with all packages except Luxury package (excludes ventilated/massaging seats) with 41k miles. I dont really care about the LCI facelift vs non-LCI.

Is there any reason I would pick the 21' over the 20'. And with this being my first BMW is there anything I should worry about with them getting to the end of factory warranties? Any thing I should ask the dealer about (BMW specific)? Thanks for your help.

[adhrp]

With not much difference in mileage or price but likely an additional year of factory warranty on the 21, I'd recommend that one. The engine is the same on both and they're both handsome models.

Check out the thread on the Route 66 EW for peace of mind after the factory warranty is over.

[eliphil]

I to would get the 21 but either way the m550 is a freaking great car. Wonderful combo of luxury and performance

[NGT2]

We have at least one, maybe a couple threads on how impossible it is for us to find anything to replace the M550. So you’re definitely targeting the right car!

The upside to the 2021 would be any time left on the factory warranty.

Honestly, I’d pick based on two things: 1) which one has more attractive options 2) which one has the colors or style you like best (LCI vs pre LCI).

If you pick the 2020, you can get a Route 66 warranty for about the price difference you’re looking at, probably.

I have a 2020. It’s awesome. If or when I replace it, it will almost definitely be with a newer (used) M550. I’ve driven multiple other cars/SUVs and can’t find anything I like better.

[ryanrc9]

Originally Posted by NGT2

We have at least one, maybe a couple threads on how impossible it is for us to find anything to replace the M550. So you’re definitely targeting the right car!

The upside to the 2021 would be any time left on the factory warranty.

Honestly, I’d pick based on two things: 1) which one has more attractive options 2) which one has the colors or style you like best (LCI vs pre LCI).

If you pick the 2020, you can get a Route 66 warranty for about the price difference you’re looking at, probably.

I have a 2020. It’s awesome. If or when I replace it, it will almost definitely be with a newer (used) M550. I’ve driven multiple other cars/SUVs and can’t find anything I like better.

I guess the 21 will have a small amount of remaining factory warranty. I just looked it up and it is 4yr/50k mi. They both will have corrosion warranty for 12yr/unlimited mi. I need to ask about any extended/transferable warranties. This may make the ultimate decision for me.

I think I like the pre-LCI look better but would be fine with either. They are both the same color. The 20' has carbon fiber mirror covers and Luxury Package (ventilated and massaging seats) and the 21' does not have either.

Either way I will purchase a Route 66 warranty.

Have you had any issues with your 20'? Anything I should double check?

[AP]

Only issue that seems to crop up on the 5 series range are coolant leaks. I had a leak from a reservoir which was replaced under warranty on a 2017 model I had. Look through these threads and you’ll see it’s not unknown. They manifest as small leaks so generally don’t affect reliability , ie don’t impact your journies but need sorting all the same

Other than they seem to be pretty solid

The stories about issues with the v8 engine apply to earlier variants, the TU2 and tu3 seem to be holding up well so far

You’ll enjoy which ever you go for

[adhrp]

My 20 has been very reliable and a dream to own and drive as my DD. That said it only has 52k miles on the odo and did have the usual coolant leak issue that was fixed under factory warranty. I also had a LPFP fail, which is not common, and that was also fixed under original warranty. No issues since (touch wood).

[w1zk1d]

Originally Posted by ryanrc9

I guess the 21 will have a small amount of remaining factory warranty. I just looked it up and it is 4yr/50k mi. They both will have corrosion warranty for 12yr/unlimited mi. I need to ask about any extended/transferable warranties. This may make the ultimate decision for me.

I think I like the pre-LCI look better but would be fine with either. They are both the same color. The 20' has carbon fiber mirror covers and Luxury Package (ventilated and massaging seats) and the 21' does not have either.

Either way I will purchase a Route 66 warranty.

Have you had any issues with your 20'? Anything I should double check?

Outside of checking the service history/records, tires/wheels, brakes, recalls, rust, underside of car, etc:

Check to see if any of repairs have been done: guibo/flex disk, coolant system, wastegate - I would think it's a positive if these were already fixed.

Open and close the doors slowly and listen for any squeaks. Upon getting into the car, check all the ambient lighting and make sure it's all solid and visible. Check the headlights and make sure they are bright, white, and consistent on both sides. Turn the radio on and make sure the speakers are working properly at volume and test other controls and listen for rattling anywhere. Test the wireless charging if your phone does fit in the bay. Check the coolant lines to see if there's any residue/build up. Also, upon cold start, go immediately into sport/sport plus mode and then go outside and listen to your exhaust. If there's rattling like a chain or loose metal flap, that may be a wastegate issue. Then test drive the car in dry weather and make sure to take it out for at least 20 minutes (if possible). Make many turns to test for any wobbles and/or clicking noises and make sure to constantly test the brakes. If there's brake squeal, consider it may be persistent issue. Also, pay attention the the gear shifts and also the for any acceleration delay (throttle response). Check the trunk to see if there's a spare- I am guessing most do not have, but some were surprised to get one and others have ordered one after the fact. If you want remote start, I believe you will need the display key. You might want to consider that and possibly a spare in the negotiation if it doesn't come with and that matters to you. If remote start a deal-breaker, the '21 might be the better choice.

I'm sure others here have more to add to this list.

Good luck and hope you get everything you want!

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by ryanrc9

I guess the 21 will have a small amount of remaining factory warranty. I just looked it up and it is 4yr/50k mi. They both will have corrosion warranty for 12yr/unlimited mi. I need to ask about any extended/transferable warranties. This may make the ultimate decision for me.

I think I like the pre-LCI look better but would be fine with either. They are both the same color. The 20' has carbon fiber mirror covers and Luxury Package (ventilated and massaging seats) and the 21' does not have either.

Either way I will purchase a Route 66 warranty.

Have you had any issues with your 20'? Anything I should double check?

No issues on mine. AP nailed it on what to look out for.

I like the pre LCI styling also and that’s one reason I got a 2020. Pre LCI style with the updated engine. The iDrive systems are slightly different between 2020 and 2021-2023. But I like the iDrive on my 2020 and on my wife’s 2021 X7, so that’s a non factor for me. There aren’t any differences that I care enough to notice off the top of my head.

Nappa leather is nice but I rarely use the massage or ventilation functions. Nice to have but I wouldn’t miss it either.

Where are you located? US?

[ryanrc9]

Originally Posted by NGT2

No issues on mine. AP nailed it on what to look out for.

I like the pre LCI styling also and that’s one reason I got a 2020. Pre LCI style with the updated engine. The iDrive systems are slightly different between 2020 and 2021-2023. But I like the iDrive on my 2020 and on my wife’s 2021 X7, so that’s a non factor for me. There aren’t any differences that I care enough to notice off the top of my head.

Nappa leather is nice but I rarely use the massage or ventilation functions. Nice to have but I wouldn’t miss it either.

Where are you located? US?

I am in Oklahoma, US. We get really hot summers. The ventilated seats would be nice. My current vehicle doesn’t have them, so I wouldn’t miss them.

I lean slightly to the styling of the pre-LCI. And I don’t really notice the difference in screen size. I need to look at them side by side to see if I notice much a difference in the office software.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by ryanrc9

I am in Oklahoma, US. We get really hot summers. The ventilated seats would be nice. My current vehicle doesn’t have them, so I wouldn’t miss them.

I lean slightly to the styling of the pre-LCI. And I don’t really notice the difference in screen size. I need to look at them side by side to see if I notice much a difference in the office software.

I’m in Memphis, so I feel your pain on the hot summers. I’ve never even thought about the difference in screen size. I guess that probably matters to some.

[ryanrc9]

Originally Posted by w1zk1d

Outside of checking the service history/records, tires/wheels, brakes, recalls, rust, underside of car, etc:

Check to see if any of repairs have been done: guibo/flex disk, coolant system, wastegate - I would think it's a positive if these were already fixed.

Open and close the doors slowly and listen for any squeaks. Upon getting into the car, check all the ambient lighting and make sure it's all solid and visible. Check the headlights and make sure they are bright, white, and consistent on both sides. Turn the radio on and make sure the speakers are working properly at volume and test other controls and listen for rattling anywhere. Test the wireless charging if your phone does fit in the bay. Check the coolant lines to see if there's any residue/build up. Also, upon cold start, go immediately into sport/sport plus mode and then go outside and listen to your exhaust. If there's rattling like a chain or loose metal flap, that may be a wastegate issue. Then test drive the car in dry weather and make sure to take it out for at least 20 minutes (if possible). Make many turns to test for any wobbles and/or clicking noises and make sure to constantly test the brakes. If there's brake squeal, consider it may be persistent issue. Also, pay attention the the gear shifts and also the for any acceleration delay (throttle response). Check the trunk to see if there's a spare- I am guessing most do not have, but some were surprised to get one and others have ordered one after the fact. If you want remote start, I believe you will need the display key. You [...]

This is all really good! Thanks you.

[Joe-BMW33]

Not much more to add that the experts haven't, but I have an Infiniti I use as my daily driver/beater. I bought it new. You are in for a treat overall on the BMW experience vs. Infiniti. Besides German vs. Japanese engineering (soft and floaty), the dealer experience is completely different. Even though Nissan created Infiniti as an upscale high touch brand, they treat you like a Nissan customer for sales and service.

On the car choices. Tough call, I personally would go LCI because of the updated look of the tails, but I do like the pre-LCI headlights better, but not enough to pass on the tails. Tails can be swapped though. The other thing not mentioned is that some "options", such as soft close doors where eliminated on the LCI and some other things, like kick to open trunk, we skipped on many cars because of supply shortage. Bowers and Wilkins is a very important option to anyone who appreciates great audio quality and also because HK sucks in the G30. B&W is always hard to find, but COVID and supply issues made it tougher in 2021/22. The sound systems in Infniti's are outstanding, so you will be lacking if you get an M550 with HK.

Now on the ventilated seats, don't get your hopes up, they SUCK in BMW's. Don't expect what you get in your Infiniti. The ventilated seats in my infiniti are outstanding. They use the AC and they blow out of the holes. BMW is merely air being sucked into the holes and often hot air. I would not consider ventilated seats a deal breaker on a G30 that did not have it.

Nappa or better is a must for me. 668M wheels are a must optioned for summer non runflats (rare find) and B&W as mentioned. I pretty much have everything but DHP and DHP was a take it or leave it for me.

[eliphil]

I have a 22 m550 bernina grey up for grabs 31k miles if u want to consider

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Now on the ventilated seats, don't get your hopes up, they SUCK in BMW's. Don't expect what you get in your Infiniti. The ventilated seats in my infiniti are outstanding. They use the AC and they blow out of the holes. BMW is merely air being sucked into the holes and often hot air. I would not consider ventilated seats a deal breaker on a G30 that did not have it.

This is an important point. I haven't had ventilated seats before, but there's a big difference in cooled vs ventilated seats in that the former blows cold air whereas the latter just ventilates the seat. I live in FL and we have hot summers.. the ventilated seats seem to fire up on overdrive when the car's hot and my shirt does not stick to my seat so I think it helps, but is not to be confused with active cooling.

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by adhrp

This is an important point. I haven't had ventilated seats before, but there's a big difference in cooled vs ventilated seats in that the former blows cold air whereas the latter just ventilates the seat. I live in FL and we have hot summers.. the ventilated seats seem to fire up on overdrive when the car's hot and my shirt does not stick to my seat so I think it helps, but is not to be confused with active cooling.

I've had ventilated seats in our '19 and '24 X3's IMO they work pretty well. Not life changing but in warm weather things are better with them than without. I also run them along with the heaters for a nice even heat. It's important for potential buyers to understand how they work to avoid disappointment after getting them.

[BlueSander]

Originally Posted by adhrp

This is an important point. I haven't had ventilated seats before, but there's a big difference in cooled vs ventilated seats in that the former blows cold air whereas the latter just ventilates the seat. I live in FL and we have hot summers.. the ventilated seats seem to fire up on overdrive when the car's hot and my shirt does not stick to my seat so I think it helps, but is not to be confused with active cooling.

I do use mine often here in the North East. It helps dissipate the heat in the seats after parking outside under hot sun, especially for black interior. Long drive, every now and then you find your body building up hot spots with the seat surface, ventilated seats helps.

Nice to have but would be much nicer if they were cooled seats.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by BlueSander

I do use mine often here in the North East. It helps dissipate the heat in the seats after parking outside under hot sun, especially for black interior. Long drive, every now and then you find your body building up hot spots with the seat surface, ventilated seats helps.

Nice to have but would be much nicer if they were cooled seats.

I’ve tried and tested mine on getting in a hot car. When just ventilation is on, it feels like the heater is on. The leather is actually hotter than the seat next to it that I have off. I honestly thought there was a bug in my control panel that even though the ventilation was on, was really firing up the heating element.

Between the lack of improvement and even if slight improvement, the bang isn’t worth listening to the loud fan either.

Just one man’s experience though.