[GSMCCASH]

Originally Posted by M550iMare

Hey guys, I own a 2020 M550i, Ever since I purchased the car I knew it wouldn’t be the most efficient car ever but in my case it seems horrendous. The other day I let the car idle for 15 minutes and lost 6 miles of gas. Another day I was driving and had 293 miles of gas and the next minute I’m at 285 miles. This morning before I start my car I’m at 224 miles of gas and it has dropped down to 206 within 5 minutes. Is this normal??

I would not worry about that. The reading seems to be in “real time” as my guess. At start up, warm up, idle etc…….It seems the car is reading the mileage at that time. Go drive at 65-70 mph on the interstate and the mileage will “jump up” based on your fuel efficiency at highway speeds at that time.

[AP]

Perfectly normal
Constantly reevaluated based on your recent driving style
I saw a range of 567 miles onineoccassion after some very economical driving and filling up straight afterwards but 400+ is the norm for me based on my driving style

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by AP

Perfectly normal
Constantly reevaluated based on your recent driving style
I saw a range of 567 miles onineoccassion after some very economical driving and filling up straight afterwards but 400+ is the norm for me based on my driving style

Same experience here

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by AP

Perfectly normal
Constantly reevaluated based on your recent driving style
I saw a range of 567 miles onineoccassion after some very economical driving and filling up straight afterwards but 400+ is the norm for me based on my driving style

IIRC, it recalculates every 10 miles or so.

[Joe-BMW33]

This thread made me look down after a fill up today, which I never do and was curious how many miles a tank got me. 365, guess I have a heavy foot😂

[br2wdc]

I am coming from an E90 M3, and I wasn't quite ready to go the X3/X5 route just yet, and did some research and thought the M550i might do the trick.

Then I went on a test drive ... game over

The search began immediately after that, and your summary below is exactly what I decided to do, not worry about year, engine, and options but look at the total car in whole to make a decision and jump on the right deal.

I opened my search up nationally because I wanted a highly optioned car and found mine in ABQ, located a local BMW specialty shop for the PPI, and next thing I know I'm on a plane

The versatility you mentioned is the key for me, and it's NOT ridiculous to talk about gas mileage because it's the biggest hidden "feature" ... I have taken two long trips, averaging 75-80 mph, and saw an average of 25mpg

The last piece of the puzzle for me was getting rid of the RFT and replacing them with Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06+ ... I have many posts on this "transformation" and it's hard to describe the difference that alone did.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by luthers4

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm actively searching for the right car. I plan to target a 2020 given the upgrades and my budget. However, if an 18 or 19 has the right options and color combo, with low miles, I'm definitely not opposed to jumping on the right deal. Prefer cognac interior though appears that will be hard to find. Luckily I'm in no hurry.

[AP]

Mind elaborating on the change to normal tyres?

What is different exactly

My expectations would be a smoother ride , perhaps not being aware of every single imperfection on the road (although not uncomfortable)

Is that the case?

Do you find the steering different in anyway, more feed back? Or same?

Presumably quieter aswell?

[Oldie1]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

This thread made me look down after a fill up today, which I never do and was curious how many miles a tank got me. 365, guess I have a heavy foot😂

Joe, it’s because you drive in MA with the Masshole traffic. You’ll easily get over 400 miles/tank in NH

[br2wdc]

Elaborate? How much time do you have?

In summary: Every single aspect you mentioned is better

In detail, when the PPI came back with "Road test results: noise, vibration, pulling, drivability, car has RFT" I thought they were exaggerating that the main cause was the RFT, especially given they were relatively new Pirelli PZero.

I was wrong

Driving the car back from ABQ to DC, I noticed everything mentioned: noise, vibration, pulling and while not horrible, it certainly wasn't "normal" to me.

Note: None of my previous BMW's had RFT's, so this was my 1st experience

Once I found out that the RFT were summer only, they had to go, and the crazy thing is NOBODY wanted them, they were unsellable!

I am normally a Michelin guy, but my E90 M3 had two sets of wheel and tires, and the winter set had the Conti's and while the summer Michelins were outstanding, the DWS 06+ were amazing, and the difference in my estimation wasn't worth it plus I was trying to simplify my whole setup with just one set of tires.

The DWS 06+ completely transformed the car, all the issues mentioned went away, better ride and handling, less noise, everything improved. it took the car up another level for me, as hard as that is to imagine since the car was already at a bonkers level

Emergency Solution for Flat Tire: I was recommended a good option and found it on Amazon for around $200: BMW Genuine Flat Tire Repair Mobility Kit

Originally Posted by AP

Mind elaborating on the change to normal tyres?

What is different exactly

My expectations would be a smoother ride , perhaps not being aware of every single imperfection on the road (although not uncomfortable)

Is that the case?

Do you find the steering different in anyway, more feed back? Or same?

Presumably quieter aswell?

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Oldie1

Joe, it’s because you drive in MA with the Masshole traffic. You’ll easily get over 400 miles/tank in NH

Trust me, I am going to be your neighbor in a few years. I can't wait to get out of both my town and my state.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

This thread made me look down after a fill up today, which I never do and was curious how many miles a tank got me. 365, guess I have a heavy foot😂

Yeah I’m usually around 360 when I fill up. I get around 13 mpg in town. I didn’t buy this car to be efficient on fuel. 😂

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Yeah I’m usually around 360 when I fill up. I get around 13 mpg in town. I didn’t buy this car to be efficient on fuel. 😂

13 mpg…that’s excellent, it proves you’re driving it correctly
I get 15-17 with the G31

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Yeah I’m usually around 360 when I fill up. I get around 13 mpg in town. I didn’t buy this car to be efficient on fuel. ��

I've never reset the counter. I average 20 mpg with 4 years worth of data. Makes sense - 20 x 17 = 340. Think our tanks hold more than the stated 17.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I've never reset the counter. I average 20 mpg with 4 years worth of data. Makes sense - 20 x 17 = 340. Think our tanks hold more than the stated 17.

I think it does, too. Based on my fill ups.

The lifetime on mine was something reasonable when I got it. Makes me think it wasn’t driven too hard.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I've never reset the counter. I average 20 mpg with 4 years worth of data. Makes sense - 20 x 17 = 340. Think our tanks hold more than the stated 17.

My average is anywhere from 20-23 mpg with an occasional month at 25 mpg (usually due to a long road trip or two). Looks like some of us have quite similar driving styles

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by adhrp

My average is anywhere from 20-23 mpg with an occasional month at 25 mpg (usually due to a long road trip or two). Looks like some of us have quite similar driving styles

Yup, I just drive the sucker. I never thought twice about MPG, I didn't buy it for that. I do think if I were to ever take something like a 1,000 road trip with long stretches of cruising, I would try ECO mode just for fun. I have put the car in ECO mode once in 4 years and it was for less than 5 minutes because I couldn't take the weak AC. I know you can customize ECO, but again, I didn't buy a Prius.

[DMVCK2]

Originally Posted by luthers4

Hey Guys, just sold my F80 M3 and I'm beginning my search for 2018-2020 M550.

It was painful parting with my M3 but I need a car that checks more boxes for travelling. An M550 should provide the creature comforts, with fun, I'm looking for. Driver's assistance plus is a must. I'll likely target one that's fully optioned (or at least has most options).

Questions- I know the engine difference that was introduced in 2020. Is it worth the additional $$ when compared to 2018-2019? I have no plans for mods. I may consider a software upgrade if I go with less expensive 2018, to match 2020 HP rating. Will this impact mpg? I know worrying about gas mileage while searching for an 8 cylinder sounds ridiculous.. I'll primarily be using the car to run my daughter around the Country for junior sports and I understand an M550 can get decent highway mpg in ECO mode.

I don't beat on cars now that I'm on the north side of 50, but I still really enjoy power and like to know it's available when I want it. My M3 comp was perfect.. very tame/ drivable in comfort and transformed into absolute beast when I hit the M2 button (all sport plus). Based on reviews I think I can get close to same in bigger more comfortable package with M550. I've never owned an 8 cylinder.. really look forward the roar!

Thanks

I had a 2017 F80 M3 Competition --> 2020 G20 M340i --> 2023 G30 M550i. All cars were optioned with everything except for the driver assistance packages.

And for the same reasons as you, I gave up the M3 since I wanted something a bit more comfortable, but didn't want to give up on the power aspect.

Factor 1: <2020 or >2020 (TU2 vs. TU3)
- consider the mileage and any associated maintenance required for any older BMW. With the power bump and seemingly more reliability based on forums, I decided to go with the LCI. I was also bias towards the LCI design (headlights, taillights) as well as updated interior bits. The newer car also meant less concerns over maintenance. I still haven't had any major repairs or maintenance needs on the M550i.

Factor 2: Option availability
- as others have mentioned, the pandemic and resulting chip shortage meant that 2020+ M550i had less options. For example, no Bower and Wilkins audio upgrade. Mine is optioned with the Harmon Kardon and it's okay and gets the job done. I've also heard that some 2020-2021 didn't come with the comfort access on the rear door handles. I was fortunate enough to have comfort access on the rear door handles. Make sure to run the VIN for any model and validate all of the options.

Factor 3: to DHP or not to DHP
- I have the DHP optioned and I really enjoy it. It's really noticeable in slow turns (<25MPH if memory serves) where the rear wheels counter steer. This helps a ton if you're often in tight spaces. Where I live, there are small parking garages and we often go into the city, so DHP comes in handy and helps the car navigate through tight spaces. DHP option does make the car low, but nothing you should be concerned about coming from a F80.

Parting Thoughts:
- While the 5-series absolutely has road presence and I appreciate the extra space given the growing family, I miss the nimbleness and lighter weight of the 3 series (against partially bias since the last 4 cars prior to the M550i were a format of a 3 series). The weight of the car can really be felt in on ramps, tight turns, etc.

Where the M550i shines is the powerplant on the highway. Going from 60-90 mph in a blink of an eye without any drama is really impressive. Also the bigger engine masks any noticeable turbo lag (especially compared to my G20 M340i). Compared to the F80 and G20, I feel that the G30 does a much better job of duality based on the engine/throttle, suspension, and steering. Said another way - in comfort/eco pro mode, really good at feeling like a luxury cruiser and in sport/sport+ mode really tightens everything up. The interior feels more substantial with better quality materials and much more comfort oriented seats. I found that I get similar MPG from F80 M3 compared to G30 M550i.

Good luck on your search!

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by DMVCK2

I had a 2017 F80 M3 Competition --> 2020 G20 M340i --> 2023 G30 M550i. All cars were optioned with everything except for the driver assistance packages.

And for the same reasons as you, I gave up the M3 since I wanted something a bit more comfortable, but didn't want to give up on the power aspect.

Factor 1: <2020 or >2020 (TU2 vs. TU3)
- consider the mileage and any associated maintenance required for any older BMW. With the power bump and seemingly more reliability based on forums, I decided to go with the LCI. I was also bias towards the LCI design (headlights, taillights) as well as updated interior bits. The newer car also meant less concerns over maintenance. I still haven't had any major repairs or maintenance needs on the M550i.

Factor 2: Option availability
- as others have mentioned, the pandemic and resulting chip shortage meant that 2020+ M550i had less options. For example, no Bower and Wilkins audio upgrade. Mine is optioned with the Harmon Kardon and it's okay and gets the job done. I've also heard that some 2020-2021 didn't come with the comfort access on the rear door handles. I was fortunate enough to have comfort access on the rear door handles. Make sure to run the VIN for any model and validate all of the options.

Factor 3: to DHP or not to DHP
- I have the DHP optioned and I really enjoy it. It's really noticeable in slow turns (<25MPH if memory serves) where the rear wheels counter steer. This helps a ton if you're often in tight spaces. Where I live, there are small parking garages and we often go into the city, so DHP comes in handy and helps the car navigate through tight spaces. DHP option does make the car low, but nothing you should be concerned about coming from a F80.

Parting Thoughts:
- While the 5-series absolutely has road presence and I appreciate the extra space given the growing family, I miss the nimbleness and lighter weight of the 3 series (against partially bias since the last 4 cars prior to the M550i were a format of a 3 series). The weight of the car can really be felt in on ramps, tight turns, etc.

Where the M550i shines is the powerplant on the highway. Going from 60-90 mph in a blink of an eye without any drama is really impressive. Also the bigger engine masks any noticeable turbo lag (especially compared to my G20 M340i). Compared to the F80 and G20, I feel that the G30 does a much better job of duality based on the engine/throttle, suspension, and steering. Said another way - in comfort/eco pro mode, really good at feeling like a luxury cruiser and in sport/sport+ mode really tightens everything up. The interior feels more substantial with better quality materials and much more comfort oriented seats. I found that I get similar MPG from F80 M3 compared to G30 M550i.

Good luck on your search!

I recently did a search for M550i on the BMW CPO website and noticed that MY22, but not MY21 or MY23, were missing features due to the chip shortage. They showed up with the word "deleted" in the feature list. The 2020 has the TU3 and the LCI dash along with iDrive 7 lite and is not missing any features.

[HerkHealer]

Maybe it's just me, but I know I'm driving a performance car that makes well over 500HP stock as verified by dyno. I'm not owning this to be picky on gas mileage, i'm owning it to make me Smile and enjoy Life a little more.
Especially when I put the right foot down.....just my 2 pennies.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Maybe it's just me, but I know I'm driving a performance car that makes well over 500HP stock as verified by dyno. I'm not owning this to be picky on gas mileage, i'm owning it to make me Smile and enjoy Life a little more.
Especially when I put the right foot down.....just my 2 pennies.

It’s not just you😊