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      05-04-2017, 11:37 AM   #1
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Autogefuehl review

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      05-04-2017, 02:04 PM   #2
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Autogefuehl - M550ix 42 minute Review - The One I was Waiting For



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Last edited by vtknight; 05-04-2017 at 10:28 PM..
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      05-04-2017, 02:07 PM   #3
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I usually like Thomas's reviews, but I was disappointed by this. He doesn't really get to grips with the chassis and suspension differences between this and the lesser 5's and he's plain wrong about availability of rear wheel steering....
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      05-04-2017, 02:07 PM   #4
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Nice overall.

One thing I didn't like is the noise in Sport mode. That synthetic noise from the speakers is just annoying, and would make me want to avoid Sport mode, which is unfortunate. The F10 550i doesn't have this problem - you can drive it in Sport mode without having to listen to some artificial engine/exhaust noise. Comfort mode gives pretty lousy transmission and throttle response, so that's not a good way to drive either.

Does anyone know if the 540i also makes such noise in Sport mode?
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      05-04-2017, 03:12 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by morellomax View Post
I usually like Thomas's reviews, but I was disappointed by this. He doesn't really get to grips with the chassis and suspension differences between this and the lesser 5's and he's plain wrong about availability of rear wheel steering....
He does discuss the chassis and suspension - but I think his response was that suspension is equivalent with the other 5ers. It makes sense as the suspension is exactly the same. It is also possible they may not get the rear wheel steering on this particular model.

Personally, I have found the car corners extremely flat - the comfort seats don't keep you secure however - and there is some roll at more extreme cornering (thus his comment about weight being impossible to dismiss at a certain point).

Right at the end of the video he actually states something I agree with - how suitable are these cars for the track - even at the M5 level? I tracked my E63S once - and it was not a great experience as the weight of the car just made it a painful experience (feeling the car labour through each turn) - it could do it - but it was very hard on the car. The earlier, very light and much smaller gen 5er's some people had or remember are - in general - gone for all Manufacturers.

Last edited by vtknight; 05-04-2017 at 03:26 PM..
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      05-04-2017, 03:39 PM   #6
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M550i suspension is different to all existing G30's - it combines 10mm suspension drop with adaptive dampers. It also offers the option of active anti-roll and rear wheel steering, which can't be combined on other G30's.
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      05-04-2017, 03:44 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by morellomax View Post
M550i suspension is different to all existing G30's - it combines 10mm suspension drop with adaptive dampers. It also offers the option of active anti-roll and rear wheel steering, which can't be combined on other G30's.
Yes, the Adaptive M suspension Professional (option 2VW) includes the active anti roll bars and integral active steering.
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      05-04-2017, 04:08 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by morellomax View Post
M550i suspension is different to all existing G30's - it combines 10mm suspension drop with adaptive dampers. It also offers the option of active anti-roll and rear wheel steering, which can't be combined on other G30's.
I thought the M suspension for the 540i - for example - is the same? I recognize the active steering and anti-roll bar is an option - but they are also options for the 540i here...
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      05-04-2017, 04:10 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vtknight View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by morellomax View Post
M550i suspension is different to all existing G30's - it combines 10mm suspension drop with adaptive dampers. It also offers the option of active anti-roll and rear wheel steering, which can't be combined on other G30's.
I thought the M suspension for the 540i - for example - is the same? I recognize the active steering and anti-roll bar is an option - but they are also options for the 540i here...
Not together.
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      05-04-2017, 04:45 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by ZigmundUK View Post
Not together.
Interesting...in Canada you can combine all of them with either the 540 or 550.
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      05-04-2017, 05:00 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vtknight View Post
I thought the M suspension for the 540i - for example - is the same? I recognize the active steering and anti-roll bar is an option - but they are also options for the 540i here...
The M550i does not have a passive M suspension like the M suspension (704) on the 540i/530i m sport.
The standard M suspension (2VF) on the M550i has dynamic damper control with a 10mm lowering.
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      05-04-2017, 05:04 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by remmib View Post
The M550i does not have a passive M suspension like the M suspension (704) on the 540i/530i m sport.
The standard M suspension (2VF) on the M550i has dynamic damper control with a 10mm lowering.
Good to know...thanks!
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      05-04-2017, 05:16 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by vtknight View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZigmundUK View Post
Not together.
Interesting...in Canada you can combine all of them with either the 540 or 550.
Well you can't in uk and Usa and pretty much all other countries ("2VH cannot be ordered with ZDH.") Not sure why Canada would...

The reasons were something about the batteries and power wrt both being active together....
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      05-04-2017, 05:28 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vtknight View Post
I thought the M suspension for the 540i - for example - is the same? I recognize the active steering and anti-roll bar is an option - but they are also options for the 540i here...
What suspension have you got on your M550i? The full works Adaptive M suspension Professional?

The reason I ask, are the comments on the degree of roll?
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      05-04-2017, 05:50 PM   #15
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540 Sport Mode

I test drove a 540 with the MSport Package. It was remarkably quiet in all modes. It was "sneaky fast" as it was smooth enough to get to 80+ mph without really noticing.
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      05-04-2017, 07:10 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dbbude View Post
I test drove a 540 with the MSport Package. It was remarkably quiet in all modes. It was "sneaky fast" as it was smooth enough to get to 80+ mph without really noticing.
That is awesome. I was afraid they made Sport mode noisy on the 540i as well.

The 540i has a considerable weight and weight balance advantage when compared to the M550i. Also, no fake noise in Sport mode, much lower fuel consumption, lower cost, and likely a much more reliable engine. Seems like the way to go, particularly considering that the extra power of the M550i over the 540i doesn't really translate to much that you can actually use/enjoy on public roads.
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      05-04-2017, 08:29 PM   #17
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I agree with what you are saying.

My current car is an 2008 A6 with 350 HP and a 4.2 L engine. When I drove the 540, it was very very nice but seemed a bit sedate. This helped me decide to go with the 550. However, I had to decide between all the items you very accurately mentioned!
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      05-04-2017, 09:57 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by visualguy View Post
That is awesome. I was afraid they made Sport mode noisy on the 540i as well.

The 540i has a considerable weight and weight balance advantage when compared to the M550i. Also, no fake noise in Sport mode, much lower fuel consumption, lower cost, and likely a much more reliable engine. Seems like the way to go, particularly considering that the extra power of the M550i over the 540i doesn't really translate to much that you can actually use/enjoy on public roads.
I do believe the 540 is the sweet spot for G30 as I believed the same for 535 on F'10. I mean who doesn't love a silky smooth I6, thats been refined to the point these motors have been?

But man, I've been blessed to own 3 BMW's with V8's over the years and you just can't replicate the more visceral experience those extra 2 cylinders bring.

I say if you can afford one, get a 550 now cause I think the day of the V8 is going to quickly come to an end.
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      05-04-2017, 10:22 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZigmundUK View Post
Well you can't in uk and Usa and pretty much all other countries ("2VH cannot be ordered with ZDH.") Not sure why Canada would...

The reasons were something about the batteries and power wrt both being active together....
Standard in Canada is DDC, M Sport package, and Adaptive M Suspension in the M550ix. As a $3500 package is the 2VW Adaptive M Suspension with active roll stabilization and rear steering - as per the Canadian Order Guide. I would link it but it is from another BMW site and I don't know if that is cricket.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HighlandPete View Post
What suspension have you got on your M550i? The full works Adaptive M suspension Professional?

The reason I ask, are the comments on the degree of roll?
I do not have the roll stabilization/rear steering - but I feel the corners flat up to more intensive turns where there is some body roll. Overall - for what the car is - it is highly impressive even without the Adaptive M Suspension+.
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      05-04-2017, 10:27 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Midwest 535i View Post
I do believe the 540 is the sweet spot for G30 as I believed the same for 535 on F'10. I mean who doesn't love a silky smooth I6, thats been refined to the point these motors have been?

But man, I've been blessed to own 3 BMW's with V8's over the years and you just can't replicate the more visceral experience those extra 2 cylinders bring.

I say if you can afford one, get a 550 now cause I think the day of the V8 is going to quickly come to an end.
I agree and I own both 6 and 8 cylinder cars - both have their strengths - but from a sound point of view/visceral experience - the V8 TT is hard to beat here. That said - the 540 is extremely quick from the reports (magazine and Owners) and the I6 is known for its smoothness.
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      05-05-2017, 01:29 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vtknight View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZigmundUK View Post
Well you can't in uk and Usa and pretty much all other countries ("2VH cannot be ordered with ZDH.") Not sure why Canada would...

The reasons were something about the batteries and power wrt both being active together....
Standard in Canada is DDC, M Sport package, and Adaptive M Suspension in the M550ix. As a $3500 package is the 2VW Adaptive M Suspension with active roll stabilization and rear steering - as per the Canadian Order Guide. I would link it but it is from another BMW site and I don't know if that is cricket.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HighlandPete View Post
What suspension have you got on your M550i? The full works Adaptive M suspension Professional?

The reason I ask, are the comments on the degree of roll?
I do not have the roll stabilization/rear steering - but I feel the corners flat up to more intensive turns where there is some body roll. Overall - for what the car is - it is highly impressive even without the Adaptive M Suspension+.
Your car is sweet sir.
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      05-05-2017, 07:28 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vtknight View Post
I do not have the roll stabilization/rear steering - but I feel the corners flat up to more intensive turns where there is some body roll. Overall - for what the car is - it is highly impressive even without the Adaptive M Suspension+.
Did you try the optional suspension, to assess the differences, or go straight for the suspension you have?

Simply interested in why users opt for the systems they run. I'm aware many don't actually choose their suspension through comparisons, often not aware of which setup would really suit them better.

I'm assuming the professional system, (like Adaptive Drive in the F10/F11), takes the G30 chassis to another level, something many will never experience.
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