[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

90% of the time, my clubs are the only ones in the trunk. We all just meet at the club. Someday when I’m old and don’t workout two hours a day every day, I’ll walk the course for some exercise and to burn some calories. You can drink more when you take a cart😉

Depending on course, my clubs and cart are stored there but if not then I need the trunk space. Also need it for our semi annual migration north/south. Early retirement left too much time to sit on my ass for 4 hours so drinks are at the bar after the round. That said, the sedan is a more practical design- and the one I prefer- vs the GC. But given current BMW choices, the 8GC has become more attractive. If only I still had a 3rd garage spot I could keep the G30 and add add a small 2 seater.

NGT2 the M850i is available…just saying. I’m here to help.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Depending on course, my clubs and cart are stored there but if not then I need the trunk space. Also need it for our semi annual migration north/south. Early retirement left too much time to sit on my ass for 4 hours so drinks are at the bar after the round. That said, the sedan is a more practical design- and the one I prefer- vs the GC. But given current BMW choices, the 8GC has become more attractive. If only I still had a 3rd garage spot I could keep the G30 and add add a small 2 seater.

NGT2 the M850i is available…just saying. I’m here to help.

I stopped keeping my clubs at the course when we moved into a house with an attached garage. We’d just moved, the bag storage fee hit among all the moving bills, the wife was in a tizzy, so I said screw it and started keeping them here. Now I prefer it. I can clean them, regrip them, or take them to the range or another course any time I want.

My wife also plays. We have the X7 but I do like being able to take my car and take both sets.

You’re right. If I had the checkbook and need to buy a brand new BMW, given the choices, it would have to be an M850 GC.

Honestly, if there were an M4 GC then I think it would be attractive. I don’t hate the grill. But I don’t like it on the 3 series. It fits the coupe or GC body style better. I get an M4 GC would be too similar to the M3 and wouldn’t make sense to make both. Just saying that I’d be intrigued. The M440 isn’t nice enough inside and isn’t fast enough to make up for it. The M3 is just kind of an ugly duckling. It looks kind of forced.

Remind me, why are you feeling the pressure to replace yours? Lease ending? Or just feel like it’s time?

If I were to replace mine, M850 is the only real candidate that I think wouldn’t result in regret. It has the power, the interior quality, and also can be found with bowers stereo. Those are the three things I’ve gotten spoiled on.

Different style but the X6 M50 is the only one left I haven’t driven but think would have potential. But it’s not much faster than an 840ix. I’d rather drive the 8.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Depending on course, my clubs and cart are stored there but if not then I need the trunk space. Also need it for our semi annual migration north/south. Early retirement left too much time to sit on my ass for 4 hours so drinks are at the bar after the round. That said, the sedan is a more practical design- and the one I prefer- vs the GC. But given current BMW choices, the 8GC has become more attractive. If only I still had a 3rd garage spot I could keep the G30 and add add a small 2 seater.

NGT2 the M850i is available…just saying. I’m here to help.

I miss my 3-car garage. I went from south shore to north shore. I miss the south shore where 3,500+ sf houses had land and 3 car garages as standard and were and still are under a million. Three car garages are tough to come by in the north shore. Still getting used to it overall.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I stopped keeping my clubs at the course when we moved into a house with an attached garage. We’d just moved, the bag storage fee hit among all the moving bills, the wife was in a tizzy, so I said screw it and started keeping them here. Now I prefer it. I can clean them, regrip them, or take them to the range or another course any time I want.

My wife also plays. We have the X7 but I do like being able to take my car and take both sets.

You’re right. If I had the checkbook and need to buy a brand new BMW, given the choices, it would have to be an M850 GC.

Honestly, if there were an M4 GC then I think it would be attractive. I don’t hate the grill. But I don’t like it on the 3 series. It fits the coupe or GC body style better. I get an M4 GC would be too similar to the M3 and wouldn’t make sense to make both. Just saying that I’d be intrigued. The M440 isn’t nice enough inside and isn’t fast enough to make up for it. The M3 is just kind of an ugly duckling. It looks kind of forced.

Remind me, why are you feeling the pressure to replace yours? Lease ending? Or just feel like it’s time?

If I were to replace mine, M850 is the only real candidate that I think wouldn’t result in regret. It has the power, the interior quality, and also can be found with bowers stereo. Those are the three things I’ve gotten spoiled on.

Different style but the X6 M50 is the only one left I haven’t driven but think would have potential. But it’s not much faster than an 840ix. I’d rather drive the 8.

I don’t need to replace my G30, bought in Dec 2018, never had a leased car. Still low-ish miles, no major mechanical or cosmetic issues, it meets all my needs. It’s awesome as most of us have said. Just an itch for something new/different after 5+ years. It’s more of knowing the window is closing on new BMWs configured to my liking.

I was going to trade my F30 for a similar G20 in 2018 but then all the import tariff talks started (remember that?) and I drove a G30 because the G20 wasn’t even launched yet. So I went with the G30 because I really liked it and could take delivery before any possible tariff took effect. Turned out to be the right move.

We have a couple long drives coming up, one to GA and onto FL in a rental and then up to MA in my car. I suspect the 1000 miles in a rental SUV will remind me how good I have it with my G30 and the 1000 miles in my 540i will close the deal that I just need to enjoy it and forget about something else for at least another year.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by NGT2

This is the last car on the list for me to cross off, as far as potential alternatives. If I walk away from this still saying the next car is another, newer, G30 then it’s truly irreplaceable for me (given that Porsche isn’t attainable for my budget).

It is funny how I get spoiled. The car is awesome but I know two things - I don’t want to go back to HK stereo and I can’t help but feel slow even though it’s still an objectively fast car with the B58. Sport plus and shifter to the left and I still never felt like the power could overwhelm me. The V8 is just a monster and it’s hard to go back from it.

There's only one obvious, worthy upgrade. I think you know what it is, it stares at all of us with M550's right in the face.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Gautam

There's only one obvious, worthy upgrade. I think you know what it is, it stares at all of us with M550's right in the face.

Haha well, for the time being, all my cars come used or CPO. That’s the only way I can drive these cars, at this stage. I just don’t have the balls to drive a preowned F90 or any other true M car, as a daily driver, with 3+ years and 40k+ miles on it.

Really lightly used F90 or Panamera would be on my list if my budget was bigger. For now, M850 is really the only alternative I’ve found that is both realistic and would be suitable after being spoiled on the M550.

On day three, I’m really liking the 8 GC. Even in the 40i trim. The handling is different than the 550 and it’s big but very sporty to drive. I think the width and low ride height help. And the suspension is probably just tuned well. It’s so big, I’d like to drive an M850 to see if the added weight of the engine makes a big noticeable difference in driving feel. It does, to me, in the 550.

We’re going to drive an X7 M50 on Saturday. Not to buy but it’s in town and my wife hasn’t ever driven one. I haven’t either but she’s the X7 driver. We want to see how much difference it makes. Her 40i drives so light in the front end, I want to see if it drives a lot heavier. Also interested to see how much you feel the difference in power in normal driving in a vehicle that’s so heavy.

[lordknows.]

My lease ended earlier this week, I am now the proud owner of that vehicle. Love this car.

[G30M]

reunited with the 550. let's see if i can get the computer to reprogram the throttle response so it's not so laggy (aka drive it hard and convince the computer I'm a different owner)

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by G30M

reunited with the 550. let's see if i can get the computer to reprogram the throttle response so it's not so laggy (aka drive it hard and convince the computer I'm a different owner)

Sport mode, shifter left

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Haha well, for the time being, all my cars come used or CPO. That’s the only way I can drive these cars, at this stage. I just don’t have the balls to drive a preowned F90 or any other true M car, as a daily driver, with 3+ years and 40k+ miles on it.

Really lightly used F90 or Panamera would be on my list if my budget was bigger. For now, M850 is really the only alternative I’ve found that is both realistic and would be suitable after being spoiled on the M550.

On day three, I’m really liking the 8 GC. Even in the 40i trim. The handling is different than the 550 and it’s big but very sporty to drive. I think the width and low ride height help. And the suspension is probably just tuned well. It’s so big, I’d like to drive an M850 to see if the added weight of the engine makes a big noticeable difference in driving feel. It does, to me, in the 550.

We’re going to drive an X7 M50 on Saturday. Not to buy but it’s in town and my wife hasn’t ever driven one. I haven’t either but she’s the X7 driver. We want to see how much difference it makes. Her 40i drives so light in the front end, I want to see if it drives a lot heavier. Also interested to see how much you feel the difference in power in normal driving in a vehicle that’s so heavy.

x7 m60 is super effortless, feels like you are riding on a cloud just flying over everything. sitting up high lol.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by G30M

reunited with the 550. let's see if i can get the computer to reprogram the throttle response so it's not so laggy (aka drive it hard and convince the computer I'm a different owner)

Isn’t there a throttle and transmission adaptation reset procedure? And if there is, what is the procedure? If not Sport+ and shift lever in sport mode (left or right, depending which side you drive on)

[G30M]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Isn’t there a throttle and transmission adaptation reset procedure? And if there is, what is the procedure? If not Sport+ and shift lever in sport mode (left or right, depending which side you drive on)

Yes there is, but it seems to be fine. Just need to drive it hard and it seems to know what to do.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I have an 840i GC loaner........

It seems like you have one of your BMW's in the shop every 2 weeks.
LOL
At least they're nice enough to give you nice toys to drive!
New England dealers here, you're lucky to get a 3 series.
And that takes weeks to happen.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

It seems like you have one of your BMW's in the shop every 2 weeks.
LOL
At least they're nice enough to give you nice toys to drive!
New England dealers here, you're lucky to get a 3 series.
And that takes weeks to happen.

Haha well the recent visits were somewhat voluntary. In Feb I took mine just check for any leaks or anything before I drove a 1,500 mile trip. That visit resulted in a tire rotation visit a few days later. This time was just scheduled oil change but they found the leak in the expansion tank. X7 oil change at the end of next month. Hopefully they’ll give me something fun again. I try to stay in the good graces of the loaner car lady. Haha

[NGT2]

Well f-ck me running, it’s just damn impossible to find something hands down better than this car. Got her back. Everything I said about the 8 is still true. It’s magnificent. It’s sportier. It drives really fun. But Goshdamnit it’s just not as comfortable. I’m back in my M550 and there’s nothing an 8 can do that it can’t… and I can actually be comfortable while I do it. The 8 wasn’t THAT uncomfortable. I’d get used it (though my upper back has been acting up again since driving it for a few days). But the G30 is supremely comfortable. And just as fast. And any difference in handling is pretty minor. The 8 steers heavier, which I like. Otherwise, the 5 is a bit more agile. It feels that way.

That thing about my back… the 8 seat was just too narrow. That’s the problem for me. I’m not big but I’m also not built slender. Wide shoulders and back. Maybe if I were taller it would be better but where I’m positioned, I can’t quite rest my back comfortably flat. I don’t want to admit to my wife that it may have been the car… just in case. But truthfully, deep down I’m afraid I’d regret the switch for just this reason.

So chalk up another scalp for the M550. I’ve now tried to talk myself into an M340,
M440, X5 M50, X6 M50, and M850. No car is perfect but the M550 just beats all those in all around existence. It just exists better.

If you like getting a new car every year or two, don’t get an M550. You’ll be hard pressed to find its replacement.

So… the obvious one that a few have pointed out and I’ve refused to consider… the F90. I may have to do some research. I’d have to get real comfortable and do a lot of homework to daily drive an M5. Or M anything. So now my attention is aimed at researching daily driver ownership of a F90 from 20-30k miles up to maybe 60-80k miles. I imagine what appealed to me in driving dynamics of the 8 would also apply to an M5. And it would be comfortable. And it’s a classic BMW moniker.

This car is too good. Too good looking and too good on the road. Too versatile to let go of. You can tighten the bolsters and go to town in sport mode or flatten the bolsters and lean sideways on the console, left arm on the wheel, and effortlessly cruise at any speed you like. And get to that speed swiftly.

I’m not doing anything anytime soon. I’m under warranty til Feb and then I’ll contemplate a switch or a Route 66 warranty. The F90 research will hold my car problem at bay for a while.

Oh… and now the wife wants her own V8. So I’m also distracted with a X7 M50 search, as she prefers the pre-LCI. Over 1000 hp in a two car garage… sounds lovely! Also another reason to contemplate the F90 in the future… can’t have the wife boasting equal hp, can I???

[G30M]

either F90 or G80 - multicontour seats, don't option ventilation or massage

anyway, i sat in the back seat listening to the Bowers and Wilkins and it sounds twice as good compared to the front seats

in fact it's not twice as good it's perfectly balanced in every way (using the On Stage setting and custom EQ)

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by G30M

either F90 or G80 - multicontour seats, don't option ventilation or massage

anyway, i sat in the back seat listening to the Bowers and Wilkins and it sounds twice as good compared to the front seats

in fact it's not twice as good it's perfectly balanced in every way (using the On Stage setting and custom EQ)

I’ll have to try that. It makes perfect sense that it would sound better. The system is front biased with the subs under your ass and the center channel in your face. It would make sense that that siting in the rear would be a better and more balanced acoustic environment.

Nice to see someone else who also uses unprocessed “studio”. The rest are all digital sound processing. Studio is the way the listening material was made to sound.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by G30M

either F90 or G80 - multicontour seats, don't option ventilation or massage

anyway, i sat in the back seat listening to the Bowers and Wilkins and it sounds twice as good compared to the front seats

in fact it's not twice as good it's perfectly balanced in every way (using the On Stage setting and custom EQ)

I never use the ventilation and rarely use massage. Honestly, I don’t think I’d ever miss it.

[Gautam]

I briefly sat in an 8 at the showroom and had the same experience as you with the seats. Not bad, but not as good as the 5’s. The entire cockpit also just felt more cramped.

I used to have a 6 series and regretted not getting a 5. I can admire the 8 from afar, but coupes, even gran coupes are simply not for me.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Gautam

I briefly sat in an 8 at the showroom and had the same experience as you with the seats. Not bad, but not as good as the 5’s. The entire cockpit also just felt more cramped.

I used to have a 6 series and regretted not getting a 5. I can admire the 8 from afar, but coupes, even gran coupes are simply not for me.

It felt more cozy than cramped to me. I kind of liked that aspect. Just didn’t like the seat back.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I never use the ventilation and rarely use massage. Honestly, I don’t think I’d ever miss it.

Same, if it didn't automatically come with the finer leathers, I would skip it.