[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I can't believe this thread and debate is still going on. I can't even remember what I wrote. It really depends on what you want, what you care about and what kind of driver you are. The 540 is a solid car with good power and yes you can dress it up and tune it to be more aggressive looking and performing, but the M550 is just in a different class in both those areas, which it should be as it's a different model that costs significantly more.

I think it is still going because the cars are similar in many ways, but ultimately different in ways that are crucial, depending on user needs.

One is somewhat light for the segment, has one of the best inline 6ers ever made and provides a higher level of driving enjoyment in the corners. The other is more of an Autobahn bruiser.

Different strokes and all ...

[Graaf_Autowerks]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I can't believe this thread and debate is still going on. I can't even remember what I wrote. It really depends on what you want, what you care about and what kind of driver you are. The 540 is a solid car with good power and yes you can dress it up and tune it to be more aggressive looking and performing, but the M550 is just in a different class in both those areas, which it should be as it's a different model that costs significantly more.

M550i is a German muscle-car version of the 540i. If you would never be interested in a muscle car feel, go with the 540i. It feels like you’re part of an exclusive club with the M550i, whereas the 540i feels like you’re just another BMW driver.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Neusser

I think it is still going because the cars are similar in many ways, but ultimately different in ways that are crucial, depending on user needs.

One is somewhat light for the segment, has one of the best inline 6ers ever made and provides a higher level of driving enjoyment in the corners. The other is more of an Autobahn bruiser.

Different strokes and all ...

Exactly, totally subjective, I’ve always been the BMW guy that goes for their V8 of which many came with things you chase. I’ve always been well aware that the I6 is the staple of BMW balance of performance, reliability and smooth reasonable power.

I’m the Autobahn guy.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Graaf_Autowerks

M550i is a German muscle-car version of the 540i. If you would never be interested in a muscle car feel, go with the 540i. It feels like you’re part of an exclusive club with the M550i, whereas the 540i feels like you’re just another BMW driver.

Well said. I mean this with no disrespect, but to me the 540 and 530 are like Camrys and Accords on the road. I must see 10-15 on my 10 mile drive home. On the other hand, I see an M550 once a month. Makes you feel like you are not driving one of the zillion BMWs on the road. It just a bit more exclusive in addition to the raw power and aggressive styling it brings. It’s definitely a guys car where as the 530/540’s are kind of unisex. I know that sounds terrible, but it’s a bit more vanilla.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Well said. I mean this with no disrespect, but to me the 540 and 530 are like Camrys and Accords on the road. I must see 10-15 on my 10 mile drive home. On the other hand, I see an M550 once a month. Makes you feel like you are not driving one of the zillion BMWs on the road. It just a bit more exclusive in addition to the raw power and aggressive styling it brings. It’s definitely a guys car where as the 530/540’s are kind of unisex. I know that sounds terrible, but it’s a bit more vanilla.

Just saying…this tends to be how certain m5 owners look at m550’s (or anything non m)

[Graaf_Autowerks]

Originally Posted by Gautam

Just saying…this tends to be how certain m5 owners look at m550’s (or anything non m)

I actually think I see more M5’s than M550i’s on the road, but I get what you’re saying and do understand the “M” vs “M-lite” vs “M Sport” conversation.

[NGT2]

I love this thread. Because I’ve owned both cars, both pre-LCI but the M550 is a 2020 and has the updated engine and different iDrive system and instrument panel.

Anyway, I love this thread because I really loved the 540 and really love the M550 and frankly don’t think you can go “wrong” it’s just a matter of what’s best for the individual.

If you set up an actual debate and put me at either podium, I’d have no problem arguing for either.

The only thing I’d do different is get an M Sport 540 instead of the Luxury Line model I got, but it was my first BMW and I didn’t know that level of detail yet.

[Graaf_Autowerks]

I’d be the ass arguing against you a bit, but that’s just because I think the best B58 is the M340i platform and I don’t see why you’d get a 540i over that.

Some might suggest larger more comfortable car, but having owned both the M340i and M550i I don’t really notice a significantly larger car other than throwing it around corners, and I wouldn’t say it’s a big improvement in comfort either.

[23109VC]

I own a 2018 M5250 and my mother has a G30 540i Msport. I’ve driven her car countless times. They are both GREAT cars. I think the 540i has plenty of power but it is different. The 540i, compared to my car, feels like it has “turbo lag”. It gets up and goes but you have to rev it up into the upper rpms to feel the power. The m550 just hauls ass from a dead stop. When I drive, my mother’s car it’s fun and it feels like it has plenty of power but then I get back into my car and I say oh yeah, there’s the real power.

If I had to trade my m550 for a 540i I’d be depressed. It’s enough of a difference that I woudl not wnat a 540i.

If you don’t really care about power and wnat a nice luxury car, nothing wrong with a 540. If you want instant torque and loads of power.. get the M550.

When you hit the gas in the M550 it pushes you into the seat at any rpm…. And as soon as the car shifts gears, you get an instant wave of torque that hits you and propels you forward. At WOT, as you shift from 2nd to 3rd..the car just keeps pulling with an endless wave of torque. If you keep going to 4th… it just keeps going and going.

If you can afford either, get the M550. Period.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Gautam

Just saying…this tends to be how certain m5 owners look at m550’s (or anything non m)

Yeah, I’m not so sure I agree with that. I hang out in the F90 forum here and I honestly don’t think the members there think like that about the M550. They certainly don’t put it in the vanilla unisex category or claim they are a dime a dozen. A lot of them respect it for what it is, some switched to it. A lot came from it. I don’t see that snobbery, hopefully I wasn’t coming across that way.

I get what you are saying though. When/If I get my M5C, I’m certainly not going to think that way about the M550, especially since I’ll probably still have it.

EDIT - I re-read and see you used "certain". Agreed, just more the minority. The M550 just is such a different car than the 530/540, closer to the M5 than the 530/540, and no, I would never make the mistake of insinuating "the M550 is basically an M5", but the profile of the buyer/driver is very similar.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Yeah, I’m not so sure I agree with that. I hang out in the F90 forum here and I honestly don’t think the members there think like that about the M550. They certainly don’t put it in the vanilla unisex category or claim they are a dime a dozen. A lot of them respect it for what it is, some switched to it. A lot came from it. I don’t see that snobbery, hopefully I wasn’t coming across that way.

I get what you are saying though. When/If I get my M5C, I’m certainly not going to think that way about the M550, especially since I’ll probably still have it.

EDIT - I re-read and see you used "certain". Agreed, just more the minority. The M550 just is such a different car than the 530/540, closer to the M5 than the 530/540, and no, I would never make the mistake of insinuating "the M550 is basically an M5", but the profile of the buyer/driver is very similar.

Actually, I should amend it to say “certain enthusiasts “ (many who don’t even own BMW’s, or usually ones who have beat up old m cars)

There was a thread in the general section of bimmer post itself I came across a couple of weeks ago where there were posts to that effect. I doubt from anyone actually owning an m5/m8 etc.

When I was shopping for mine, indeed, an m5 was barely within reach. But not my cup of tea.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Gautam

Actually, I should amend it to say “certain enthusiasts “ (many who don’t even own BMW’s, or usually ones who have beat up old m cars)

There was a thread in the general section of bimmer post itself I came across a couple of weeks ago where there were posts to that effect. I doubt from anyone actually owning an m5/m8 etc.

When I was shopping for mine, indeed, an m5 was barely within reach. But not my cup of tea.

I'm still tempted to acquire one of these. No matter how much I say I have moved on, something like this shows up.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-bmw-m5-270/

[iamcc88]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I'm still tempted to acquire one of these. No matter how much I say I have moved on, something like this shows up.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-bmw-m5-270/

My buddy has one with the 6spd and I honestly don’t know which car I’d rather have…. My m550 or his m5 lol

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I'm still tempted to acquire one of these. No matter how much I say I have moved on, something like this shows up.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-bmw-m5-270/

You couldn’t lose with one of those, keep it for a year or ten years. It’d be great fun to drive, an analogue M car truly is a different experience.
If I were in your situation that’s what I’d do, except it’d be an e34 3.8 M5…obviously

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

You couldn’t lose with one of those, keep it for a year or ten years. It’d be great fun to drive, an analogue M car truly is a different experience.
If I were in your situation that’s what I’d do, except it’d be an e34 3.8 M5…obviously

I know, I know!!!.....I like the E34 too, we will agree to disagree on which is more of a treasure. The E39 M5 is universally thought of as one of the best BMW driver cars ever made.

I had an E32 740i (shorty), I know what you mean about the E34. Very similar cars.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Graaf_Autowerks

I’d be the ass arguing against you a bit, but that’s just because I think the best B58 is the M340i platform and I don’t see why you’d get a 540i over that.

Some might suggest larger more comfortable car, but having owned both the M340i and M550i I don’t really notice a significantly larger car other than throwing it around corners, and I wouldn’t say it’s a big improvement in comfort either.

I took my G31 M-Sport 540i over an M340i. The current 3er is as heavy as a 5. Wheelbase is a bit shorter, but the chassis difference is not night and day.

The 5er is a much nicer car--particularly from underneath. Check out the Savagegeese review on Youtube, where they discuss the use of aluminum in the CLAR architecture and the overall sophistication of the 5er suspension. It is truly a different level.

A set of Bilstein B6 shocks on the 5er will give it handling more or less on par with the M340.

Don't forget that these M-lites have the same suspensions as the equivalent series M-Sport-pack cars. The only real difference is engine tuning.

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by Neusser

I took my G31 M-Sport 540i over an M340i. The current 3er is as heavy as a 5. Wheelbase is a bit shorter, but the chassis difference is not night and day.

The 5er is a much nicer car--particularly from underneath. Check out the Savagegeese review on Youtube, where they discuss the use of aluminum in the CLAR architecture and the overall sophistication of the 5er suspension. It is truly a different level.

A set of Bilstein B6 shocks on the 5er will give it handling more or less on par with the M340.

Don't forget that these M-lites have the same suspensions as the equivalent series M-Sport-pack cars. The only real difference is engine tuning.

You gotta love a G31

[Graaf_Autowerks]

Originally Posted by Neusser

I took my G31 M-Sport 540i over an M340i. The current 3er is as heavy as a 5. Wheelbase is a bit shorter, but the chassis difference is not night and day.

The 5er is a much nicer car—particularly from underneath. Check out the Savagegeese review on Youtube, where they discuss the use of aluminum in the CLAR architecture and the overall sophistication of the 5er suspension. It is truly a different level.

A set of Bilstein B6 shocks on the 5er will give it handling more or less on par with the M340.

Don't forget that these M-lites have the same suspensions as the equivalent series M-Sport-pack cars. The only real difference is engine tuning.

I guess all good points that I was ignorant to. I still feel the M340i is a very fun and agile car, and my perception is dependability will be higher for that line, but those are all just my opinion and not worth much more than 2c.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Graaf_Autowerks

I guess all good points that I was ignorant to. I still feel the M340i is a very fun and agile car, and my perception is dependability will be higher for that line, but those are all just my opinion and not worth much more than 2c.

The 3 is a bit more agile. Weight is similar but it does have a dimensional advantage. I really like the facelift M340 Touring.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Well said. I mean this with no disrespect, but to me the 540 and 530 are like Camrys and Accords on the road. I must see 10-15 on my 10 mile drive home. On the other hand, I see an M550 once a month. Makes you feel like you are not driving one of the zillion BMWs on the road. It just a bit more exclusive in addition to the raw power and aggressive styling it brings. It’s definitely a guys car where as the 530/540’s are kind of unisex. I know that sounds terrible, but it’s a bit more vanilla.

Must be the area. I see boatloads of 320/328/330's around here. The 5's I see most are the 528/530's. I see very few 535/540/M550's here. The drivers of the 528/530's seem to be mostly 35ish females. The 3-Series drivers seem to be youngish males that rice-out their cars. As bad as the tri-colour grille inserts are, nothing is worse than a fart-can on a BMW!

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Must be the area. I see boatloads of 320/328/330's around here. The 5's I see most are the 528/530's. I see very few 535/540/M550's here. The drivers of the 528/530's seem to be mostly 35ish females. The 3-Series drivers seem to be youngish males that rice-out their cars. As bad as the tri-colour grille inserts are, nothing is worse than a fart-can on a BMW!

Same here in Germany. A 540 is quite desirable over here.

Also, a perk of living here is having the abilty to fully understand/exploit how fast even a stock B58 is.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I'm still tempted to acquire one of these. No matter how much I say I have moved on, something like this shows up.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-bmw-m5-270/

Always a treat to see a clean e39 in the wild, and boy have they held their value, rightfully so.

Originally Posted by Neusser

I took my G31 M-Sport 540i over an M340i. The current 3er is as heavy as a 5. Wheelbase is a bit shorter, but the chassis difference is not night and day.

The 5er is a much nicer car--particularly from underneath. Check out the Savagegeese review on Youtube, where they discuss the use of aluminum in the CLAR architecture and the overall sophistication of the 5er suspension. It is truly a different level.

I also would take a 540 over an m340 any day. Much more luxurious, especially if it’s optioned out. You can’t get multicontour seats in a 3er as far as I’m aware. I have not driven an m340 but I’ve had several 330’s as loaners (they’re what I get every time), and they’re inferior in the ways you’d expect but vs my dhp m550 don’t even feel nearly as nimble. The g30 literally feels smaller. Granted, that’s the rear axle steering and suspension.

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Must be the area. I see boatloads of 320/328/330's around here. The 5's I see most are the 528/530's. I see very few 535/540/M550's here. The drivers of the 528/530's seem to be mostly 35ish females. The 3-Series drivers seem to be youngish males that rice-out their cars. As bad as the tri-colour grille inserts are, nothing is worse than a fart-can on a BMW!

I’ve lived in neighborhoods on both coasts where 3’s are extremely common. Where I live low, m3/4 and x3/4m’s are more common than 5ers, but 15-20 miles away, it’s the reverse. Generally the bigger the family, the bigger the car…