[tsbrown]

As some of you know I have a 2019 540i M sport and absolutely love this car. But I’ve had it since new - ordered with every option I wanted and left off those I didn’t - in December 2018 so I have the itch for something new, even though the G30 still meets all of my needs and most of my wants. I’ve explored other cars…Macan S, 8GC, F90 M5 base, G60 540iX among them. Nothing is better in total for me than my G30.

So the M550i has emerged as a contender. Always liked the concept of this car…most of the power of the M5 or Alpina B5 and more comfort than the M5 and similar to the B5. If I’d spent the 10-15k more 5 years ago I’d probably not have my current dilemma. Then I find this, nearly identical to my current car except for a couple things. Does this have DHP, IAS, etc or the standard suspension?

Pros
- as wonderful as the B58 is, this has the V8
- 2022 with only 8k miles, 2 years of warranty remains
- color combination nearly same as my Mediterranean Blue/mocha Nappa

Cons-
- no heated rear seats
- it’s 2 years old not 1 year old
- it’s 11 hours from me
- I’ve never actually driven the M550.

Thoughts/recommendations?


https://www.rickhendrickbmw.com/cert...=gmb_inventory

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

As some of you know I have a 2019 540i M sport and absolutely love this car. But I’ve had it since new - ordered with every option I wanted and left off those I didn’t - in December 2018 so I have the itch for something new, even though the G30 still meets all of my needs and most of my wants. I’ve explored other cars…Macan S, 8GC, F90 M5 base, G60 540iX among them. Nothing is better in total for me than my G30.

So the M550i has emerged as a contender. Always liked the concept of this car…most of the power of the M5 or Alpina B5 and more comfort than the M5 and similar to the B5. If I’d spent the 10-15k more 5 years ago I’d probably not have my current dilemma. Then I find this, nearly identical to my current car except for a couple things. Does this have DHP, IAS, etc or the standard suspension?

Pros
- as wonderful as the B58 is, this has the V8
- 2022 with only 8k miles, 2 years of warranty remains
- color combination nearly same as my Mediterranean Blue/mocha Nappa

Cons-
- no heated rear seats
- it’s 2 years old not 1 year old
- it’s 11 hours from me
- I’ve never actually driven the M550.

Thoughts/recommendations?


https://www.rickhendrickbmw.com/cert...=gmb_inventory

I'd drive a M550 locally before you decide to trade the 540 in.

I just got an appraisal on my 540 from a non-BMW dealer. They offered me 27k-29k without seeing the car. My car is practically brand new. You will find maybe 1 blemish (the driver's side fender was repainted by the P.O. not the greatest job. A none car guy probably won't even notice it). 38k miles garage kept. Never driven in the snow or even in the rain.

These things tanked in value like crazy. I mean, I brought mine CPO back in 2022 with 29k miles on it. Was thinking of trading it in for a 2013 BMW E92 M3 Competion package. But, can't justify that I'll have to trade the 540 in and add another 9k-12k on top.

[AP]

There a couple of threads in this forum about 540 versus 550 so to save repeating suggest reading those
A test drive would be a good idea to see if the 550 is for you.

As previously mentioned cost to change is a large factor in the decision

The car you highlighted does look good, less miles on it than my 2023 one. It doesn’t have the driver assistance professional stuff , not sure if that’s important to you or not.

You should also consider ongoing maintenance costs, depending upon how long you pla to keep it particularly outside of a warranty , just be prepared it could get expensive as the years progress. Whilst it’s reliability seem to holding up well so far other than coolant leaks which are quite common across the range not just the 550, just normal items may be expensive.

My own opinion is that the 540 is a very very good car, but the 550 does take things to another level. Whilst it’s performance is the obvious highlight, it’s pleasurable to drive conservatively as it has tons of torque and so doesn’t need to rev much giving the impression of effortless travel.

Other hidden cost is insurance which may jump up a bit

[Joe-BMW33]

I'll keep it short, hell yeah, the M550 is one hell of an upgrade over the 540. Get what options you deem a must. In terms of getting an identical color in and out, that is personal, but personally, I would look for something different. Not because I don't like the combo (although I am not a fan of Mocha), but because you want to feel like you are looking at a new car. You got to drive one or two though. It is a different ride, the weight distribution is different. The power will blow you away, that is a given. If you are coming my way for summer, I will let you drive mine.

On the rear heated seats, I would not even think twice. First because you don't sit back there and second, you don't sit back there, who cares, they will survive.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I’ve explored other cars…Macan S, 8GC, F90 M5 base, G60 540iX among them. Nothing is better in total for me than my G30.

So the M550i has emerged as a contender.

When I read Macan S, I thought "yes!". But then I read the sentence after that. If the G30 is what suits you best, then do first test the M550i. I tested the 540i and M550i back to back (M550i first) and I was surprised by how peppy the 540i was. The M550i comes with additional maintenance and higher labor costs due to the complexity of the engine. There's more power, yes, but 1) would you use it and 2) would you get bored of that quickly? That said, the LCI will be something "new" from what you have.

Overall, my recommendation for a situation like yours is to keep your current car that is very capable, that you know so well, and has been trouble-free, unless you are interested in something completely different, such as a Macan S or M5, which would be a much different move than a mostly lateral move from a 540i to an M550i. I'm sure those who have owned both will have a different opinion, but that's my $0.02.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I'll keep it short, hell yeah, the M550 is one hell of an upgrade over the 540. Get what options you deem a must. In terms of getting an identical color in and out, that is personal, but personally, I would look for something different. Not because I don't like the combo (although I am not a fan of Mocha), but because you want to feel like you are looking at a new car. You got to drive one or two though. It is a different ride, the weight distribution is different. The power will blow you away, that is a given. If you are coming my way for summer, I will let you drive mine.

On the rear heated seats, I would not even think twice. First because you don't sit back there and second, you don't sit back there, who cares, they will survive.

I can drive your car for free? Sounds like Boston is a trip that might be worth it!

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

I can drive your car for free? Sounds like Boston is a trip that might be worth it!

You are always welcome my friend. I will not only let you drive it, I'll take you out on the town.

[NGT2]

I’ll maybe chime in more later. But yeah, you’ll like it. I went 540 to 550. Zero regrets. I did test one first but had to go to Nashville to do it (3 hours away and was also there to see family).

Ask me anything you want here or DM. But get the one you want as far as colors and options.

With under 10k miles, if the carfax is clean and the car is clean I wouldn’t worry about 2022 vs 2023. You can have a 2023 that is in reality only 4 months newer than some other 2022. Check the Carfax for the remaining months of warranty. That will tell you more than the model year. Mine is a 2020 but the warranty runs to 2025 because it didn’t go in service until 2021 (likely a Covid related outlier but still makes my point).

There are very specific reasons one might prefer the 540. Valid. Lighter nose and fuel efficiency is pretty much it.

If you liked the M5 but it wasn’t daily driver material for you and you want something more powerful than your 540, the M550 is it. And my experience is that it isn’t just the same experience with a bigger engine. Two completely different cars, to me.

I went from 2018 540i Luxury Line to a 2020 M550i xdrive with DHP. So, quite different. Maybe less different from a 540ix M Sport to a M550 with base suspension. But still, going 2019 to 2022 will also give you some updates in body style and dash/instrument panel.

Get the right one. But I think after all you’re looking around, the M550 is rising to the top for a reason. And you can still get one in almost new mileage and condition.

[NGT2]

Couple more thoughts - wouldn’t get wrapped up in CPO vs pre owned. Just make sure you know why it’s not CPO. Some dealers just don’t like to do it because they can sell a third party warranty and make more profit. You can tell if that’s the case because they will have a lot of lightly used cars not certified and very sparse CPO inventory. The Route 66 warranty is so cheap that if you can get a couple grand under market for a preowned vs CPO, it washes out. Just my experience and thought!

Also, I’ve been doing the same thing as you and I’ve come to three choices that might work when the time comes:

M850GC
F90 M5
LCI M550

And I already have one. It’s so good that there’s only two other cars I’d consider and this one is still in contention with both of them.

What does that tell you? BMW shouldn’t have stopped making this car. If there’s a better all around daily driver for someone that likes the combination of luxury and power, I don’t know what it would be.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

I'd drive a M550 locally before you decide to trade the 540 in.

I just got an appraisal on my 540 from a non-BMW dealer. They offered me 27k-29k without seeing the car. My car is practically brand new. You will find maybe 1 blemish (the driver's side fender was repainted by the P.O. not the greatest job. A none car guy probably won't even notice it). 38k miles garage kept. Never driven in the snow or even in the rain.

Mine has 44k and is garage-kept and I figured mid-20's on trade, which isn't bad but the 540i is a lot of car for that money. Probably why it's getting so much attention on the 2nd hand market.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I'll keep it short, hell yeah, the M550 is one hell of an upgrade over the 540. Get what options you deem a must. In terms of getting an identical color in and out, that is personal, but personally, I would look for something different. Not because I don't like the combo (although I am not a fan of Mocha), but because you want to feel like you are looking at a new car. You got to drive one or two though. It is a different ride, the weight distribution is different. The power will blow you away, that is a given. If you are coming my way for summer, I will let you drive mine.

On the rear heated seats, I would not even think twice. First because you don't sit back there and second, you don't sit back there, who cares, they will survive.

I love BMW's blues, but Mediterranean Blue is probably my all time favorite of the ones I've owned (Mystic Blue E46, Tanzanite Blue F30 and Med Blue G30). While a new color combo would be preferred...Tanzanite/Ivory or Bluestone/Ivory...this one has 95% of the options I want. Napa comfort seats are an absolute must-have which limits interior choices. And black exterior or interior is out of the question for me. Looks great I just don't want it. I may take you up on the test drive when I'm up there this summer.

As for the heated rear seats, I bought the car when we had kids at home and now they're on their own. They would complain that mom's X3 didn't have them in winter. TBH, I've probably used them less than 10 times in 5 years so it's not a must have. But in a luxury car, giving up features just seems a step backward (G60 anyone?).

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by NGT2

And I already have one. It’s so good that there’s only two other cars I’d consider and this one is still in contention with both of them.

What does that tell you? BMW shouldn’t have stopped making this car. If there’s a better all around daily driver for someone that likes the combination of luxury and power, I don’t know what it would be.

We're pretty much in the same place. The G30 is just that good. It's the king, you might say.

[BlueSander]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Mine has 44k and is garage-kept and I figured mid-20's on trade, which isn't bad but the 540i is a lot of car for that money. Probably why it's getting so much attention on the 2nd hand market.

Well, first of all, BMW subsidized the heck out of their leases. It shouldn't be new to anyone here so it always depreciate the most and very popular on the 2nd hand market. It seems like everyone kind of forgot about it after Covid.

Secondly, you have to do a test drive to see if the M550i is really worth it for you. Some here find it way too firm for daily. I find it firm but still comfortable enough to say heck no to the 540i body roll. Mine has DHP as well so it is already a bit softer than standard suspension as many stated. However, if you do take your car out for twisty roads every now and then and truly enjoy the purist feel, buy one without DHP.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

We're pretty much in the same place. The G30 is just that good. It's the king, you might say.

I think we had the same thoughts on the M850 or 8 series in general.

I’m sure I read them somewhere and forgot, but what are your thoughts on the M5? Have you gotten to drive one?

I’d like to drive an F90 M5 Comp, or even base, to see what the dynamics are like. The body and interior are so similar to the M550 and I will never use all the power. But if the feel of driving the car was different enough, it might be a better choice than the M850 just because of how poorly those 8 series seats fit my back.

[Warp Ten]

Let me throw in my thoughts. I also have a 2019 540xi M Sport and I really love it. Every once in a while I think about how much fun it might be to have a M550, as I have always loved big V8s and have usually gravitated to the big dog of the time ('68 Hemi Roadrunner, mid '90s ZR-1 Corvettes, 2016 Z06 Corvette [current]). I know all the owners I hear from love their M550s. When I ordered my 540xi I seriously considered getting a M550 instead but decided that (a) it was $10k more expensive for a very similar car and (b) the 540xi was really pretty fast in its own right (0-60 around 4.8, the same as my stock ZR-1s). So I went with the 540xi. It has proven to be very reliable and very enjoyable to own and use. It is configured the way I want it and doesn't have big distracting touch screens (which I dislike), has enough buttons that I like, and has no subscriptions for heated seats or maps (new Corvettes). And it I really want to go fast, I've still got my loud and raucous Z06 (Per GM, 0-60 in 2.95) to do that in. At this point in my life I plan to keep it a long time, and hopefully keep the Z06 for a while longer, but it is admittedly getting a little harder to get in and out (mainly out). You have probably gathered that I am old. So I would recommend that you stay with the car you know and love even it you feel that Trade-Up urge from time to time.

Having said that, though, I admit to once coming close to trading up. I have posted this story before but it remains relevant here. About a year ago my local dealer (where I worked for a while) advertised a CPO 2020 M550xi with 3,000 miles in the exact same spec as my car (Carbon Black with Cognac, etc.). I was sorely tempted. Now, my wife really doesn't care about cars and is essentially oblivious to them. I am absolutely confident that had I said I was taking the 540 to the dealer for service and returned with the M550, she would probably not have noticed any difference for a couple of years or more. But once she figured it out, Hooo Boy would I have been in trouble. Nevertheless, I did go over to look at the M550 but fortunately a salesman friend of mine said he had just old it to a guy in Michigan. Saved. So I am safe with my 540xi for now and maybe forever. But you never know, do you?--Bob

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Warp Ten

Let me throw in my thoughts. I also have a 2019 540xi M Sport and I really love it. Every once in a while I think about how much fun it might be to have a M550, as I have always loved big V8s and have usually gravitated to the big dog of the time ('68 Hemi Roadrunner, mid '90s ZR-1 Corvettes, 2016 Z06 Corvette [current]). I know all the owners I hear from love their M550s. When I ordered my 540xi I seriously considered getting a M550 instead but decided that (a) it was $10k more expensive for a very similar car and (b) the 540xi was really pretty fast in its own right (0-60 around 4.8, the same as my stock ZR-1s). So I went with the 540xi. It has proven to be very reliable and very enjoyable to own and use. It is configured the way I want it and doesn't have big distracting touch screens (which I dislike), has enough buttons that I like, and has no subscriptions for heated seats or maps (new Corvettes). And it I really want to go fast, I've still got my loud and raucous Z06 (Per GM, 0-60 in 2.95) to do that in. At this point in my life I plan to keep it a long time, and hopefully keep the Z06 for a while longer, but it is admittedly getting a little harder to get in and out (mainly out). You have probably gathered that I am old. So I would recommend that you stay with the car you know and love even it you feel that Trade-Up urge from time to time.

Having said that, though, I admit to once coming close to trading up. I have posted this story before but it remains relevant here. About a year ago my local dealer (where I worked for a while) advertised a CPO 2020 [...]

What’s a 2016 Z06 worth these days Bob?

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I think we had the same thoughts on the M850 or 8 series in general.

I’m sure I read them somewhere and forgot, but what are your thoughts on the M5? Have you gotten to drive one?

I’d like to drive an F90 M5 Comp, or even base, to see what the dynamics are like. The body and interior are so similar to the M550 and I will never use all the power. But if the feel of driving the car was different enough, it might be a better choice than the M850 just because of how poorly those 8 series seats fit my back.

I drove a 2022 F90 M5 base that was sold just before I arrived at the dealership for a scheduled test drive. But the SA managed to hold onto the keys so I could drive it briefly and somewhat gently.

Inside it's 100% familiar but with nicer materials and extra settings that make sense for that car. Seats are M5-specific multi-contours in leather that is even softer than the Nappa in my car and just wrap around you without making you feel like you have to climb out of a racing bucket seat.

The drive is definitely more firm but not jarringly so. It handles some bumps better than my 704 passive suspension, but at the price it should. Steering is more direct, and the car shrinks around you even without rear steering. While the 540i M sport does most things with no drama, the M5 adds good drama with its performance and sounds. The exhaust note is certainly audible at all times but not intrusive (not sure how much ASD is used, if any).

I felt like I could enjoy that car for 2-3 days a week but maybe the other days I'd wish it was more relaxed. Therein lies the M550's appeal. My G30 does everything I want 95% of the time and that other 5%, maybe less, is when I wish for more power than the Dinan tune I have. Such a small miss it's almost negligible.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I drove a 2022 F90 M5 base that was sold just before I arrived at the dealership for a scheduled test drive. But the SA managed to hold onto the keys so I could drive it briefly and somewhat gently.

Inside it's 100% familiar but with nicer materials and extra settings that make sense for that car. Seats are M5-specific multi-contours in leather that is even softer than the Nappa in my car and just wrap around you without making you feel like you have to climb out of a racing bucket seat.

The drive is definitely more firm but not jarringly so. It handles some bumps better than my 704 passive suspension, but at the price it should. Steering is more direct, and the car shrinks around you even without rear steering. While the 540i M sport does most things with no drama, the M5 adds good drama with its performance and sounds. The exhaust note is certainly audible at all times but not intrusive (not sure how much ASD is used, if any).

I felt like I could enjoy that car for 2-3 days a week but maybe the other days I'd wish it was more relaxed. Therein lies the M550's appeal. My G30 does everything I want 95% of the time and that other 5%, maybe less, is when I wish for more power than the Dinan tune I have. Such a small miss it's almost negligible.

You’re convincing me of two things:

1 - I need to drive an M5 when I get a chance because that might be what I’m looking for in the next vehicle.

2 - You would really love the M550.

[Warp Ten]

Originally Posted by NGT2

What’s a 2016 Z06 worth these days Bob?

Much less than I would like, of course. Hard to say precisely but similarly equipped (2LZ, Automatic) Z06 coupes with similar mileage (29,000) seem to have asking prices between about $62,000 and $68,000. Mine is one owner and dealer serviced but has a few minor cosmetic blemishes as one might expect from a daily driver. But it really is a hell of a car, even at those prices. The one below at a Carvana is virtually identical to mine with the same mileage but 3 owners.--Bob

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Warp Ten

Much less than I would like, of course. Hard to say precisely but similarly equipped (2LZ, Automatic) Z06 coupes with similar mileage (29,000) seem to have asking prices between about $62,000 and $68,000. Mine is one owner and dealer serviced but has a few minor cosmetic blemishes as one might expect from a daily driver. But it really is a hell of a car, even at those prices. The one below at a Carvana is virtually identical to mine with the same mileage but 3 owners.—Bob

That’s pretty impressive. I don’t know what it cost new but if you’d bought a M5 or M3 on the same day, it isn’t anywhere close to that.

[Warp Ten]

Originally Posted by NGT2

That’s pretty impressive. I don’t know what it cost new but if you’d bought a M5 or M3 on the same day, it isn’t anywhere close to that.

The MSRP was about $93k and with a bunch of discounts I was able to get I think I paid about $85k. I agree that the depreciation curve could have been a lot worse. And I have loved every minute with it. But now back to our regular BMW programming....--Bob

[eliphil]

I would absolutely upgrade to that M550 you will never see a new one again and this has low miles. The M550 is a superb car with an outstanding combo of performance and comfort. I have a 22 m550 bernina grey loaded w 32k miles up for grabs only because I wanted a new one w less miles I can keep longer. If your interested it’s less then what u are looking at.