A dream realized

Das BMW · 08-05-2023, 12:04 PM

Growing up, my parents owned a silver e39 530i. I caught the BMW bug ever since. My first car at 16 was a $700 gunmetal gray e30 318i, followed by a royal blue e30 325e (I still miss that car). Once I graduated college and into a salary, I upgraded to a turbocharged red e30 325is, then really upgraded to an e30 with an S52 swap. Those last two were headaches, but such a thrill.

Fast forward a decade, a Honda and 4Runner later, and the M550i really caught my eye starting in 2018. I loved the idea of a fast V8 5-series that’s still comfortable, in the spirit of the e39 540i M sport or M5. I got distracted and bought an e38 740i M sport thinking I’d save money, but the continual repairs made it very hard to enjoy (“what was that noise??”).

I made the tough choice to sell the 7 at a loss after repairs and go for what I’ve always wanted: a brand new M550i, spec’d exactly how I’d envisioned it. I collected mine July 2023, one of the last from Dingolfing.

I worked with Chris at Insight Auto to find a good deal. 8.4% off MSRP, $3k loyalty rebate, and 5.25% lender tax credits (helps big time with TX sales tax). I did a OnePay lease which dropped down interest rate to 3.72%. BMW CCA rebate as well. I fully plan to purchase the car after the lease is expired and baby it for a long time. I see M550i’s being collectors one day (V8 no hybrid, good looks, functional tech), or at least have an enthusiast fanbase.

Build is below, every box was ticked. Everything was too tantalizing.

I am enjoying all options, including the ventilated and massaging seats. The Alcantara headliner is extra nice. I’m disappointed the B&W sound wasn’t available due to covid supply chain, but HK does the job. Maybe an upgrade for later. I love the ivory seats (and for some reason the black backs of remaining color choices really irked me). Spec'd Ridgeline trim, which was always the choice from day 1 - very elegant. Thanks to DHP and the non run-flats, the car handles extremely well for its mid size (I had plenty of e30s as barometers).

The car is PPF’d up to the fenders, full ceramic including wheels, 25% tint all around with 75% windshield + UV protection. Interior protection from the dealer. Very minor accessories / mods below:

- Dinan spacers 12 & 15mm
- Painted front reflectors (IND)
- Cerium grille and fender inlets. I wasn’t sure this would look good with the Shadowline headlights, but I took the dive and bought some via the forum. I like it. I always felt the Shadowline grille took away the personality of actually seeing your BMW grille. I think it works best with the 668M wheels, and the cerium fender inlets to balance it out. FYI I went with the Shadowline package for the painted red calipers + painted mirrors, and would’ve been ok if the cerium mods didn’t work out.
- X-Drive de-badge (I prefer old school look of Roundel + model badge only)
- Front license plate delete (never drilled)
- Bimmercode, of course.

Saving the best for last, the paint. I’ve always felt Phytonic Blue is a highly underrated color because it’s so widely available across BMW’s lineup. Frankly I think it looks cheap on base X3’s, 3 series, etc, but on a M550i or X5 M50i it looks stunning. It’s a more natural (akin to nature) blue, vs what I call “Hot Wheels blue” on many other cars which looks too bright/neon/intense. Just my preference though. In shade, Phytonic is a deep sea blue, not navy blue, which is what turned me off from Tanzanite. Phytonic in direct sunlight, clean, coupled with Shadowline and/or cerium (no chrome), looks incredible (I’ll shut up and let pictures do the rest).

A big thank you to this forum and everyone on here, I had random trepidations around buying new vs used, DHP (100% worth it), and much more. This car is perfect to me thanks to you.

Cheers!

Apex Missing Ape · 08-05-2023, 12:10 PM

Beautiful! Congratulations

Chappers 71 · 08-05-2023, 02:43 PM

Very nice

Gautam · 08-05-2023, 03:47 PM

Fantastic spec, congrats

pperc · 08-05-2023, 05:31 PM

Cool build. Well done.

AP · 08-06-2023, 12:00 AM

Very classy. It’s a great car as I’m sure you already know!
At least where I am, that’s quite a rare colour , I think I’ve only ever seen one that I recall.

maDjzo · 08-06-2023, 08:54 AM

Lovely spec, congrats!!

Das BMW · 08-06-2023, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AP

Very classy. It’s a great car as I’m sure you already know!
At least where I am, that’s quite a rare colour , I think I’ve only ever seen one that I recall.

Same down here in Austin. Phytonic is rare, I’ve only ever seen one other.

Rocket455 · 08-06-2023, 01:13 PM

Home run!! And phytonic blue is my favorite BMW blue!

tuzii · 08-07-2023, 07:46 AM

i had to stop and tell you, that's damn sexy mate

Das BMW · 08-07-2023, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuzii

i had to stop and tell you, that's damn sexy mate

Thanks for stopping by

MAM550 · 08-07-2023, 12:58 PM

superb! that's a nice blue for a sunny place like TX. I hear you about the cerium v black grill. I decided to go with a black grill for the summer with black wheels then switch back to the cerium grill and wheels for the winter setup for more of a brighter style during the shorter days here in the northeast (i.e. easier to see).

Bsm550 · 08-07-2023, 04:06 PM

Dope congrats enjoy it

Z4_M · 08-10-2023, 08:02 AM

Thanks for intro story and for pictures. I like the colour, althought it is not my favourite choice. Everything else is amazing, almost full option.

Have a good ownership experience during following years!

Alscoob · 08-11-2023, 02:30 AM

Looks amazing, enjoy

dEvilJin · 08-12-2023, 02:33 AM

I'm actually going to go look at a 2021 CPO of this nearly EXACT same spec tomorrow. After seeing your post I think i've made my mind on whether to buy or not...

Das BMW · 08-12-2023, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dEvilJin

I'm actually going to go look at a 2021 CPO of this nearly EXACT same spec tomorrow. After seeing your post I think i've made my mind on whether to buy or not...

Link? Just curious, and might be able to help

dEvilJin · 08-13-2023, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Das BMW

Link? Just curious, and might be able to help

Too late, I already got it!!

First thing I wanna do is tint those windows but other than that I think I’m good. I would consider new wheels but these honestly look good as is with the cerilium gray and the blue calipers.

Das BMW · 08-13-2023, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dEvilJin

Too late, I already got it!!

First thing I wanna do is tint those windows but other than that I think I’m good. I would consider new wheels but these honestly look good as is with the cerilium gray and the blue calipers.

Congratulations!

dEvilJin · 08-14-2023, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Das BMW

Congratulations!

Thank you! And since you asked, I'll share some specs/info about it.

Its a 2021 CPO with 12,500ish miles with pretty much all the options including driving assistance plus, parking assistance package, Dynamic Handling Package, Executive Package, B&W sound, white Napa leather massaging and ventilated seats. One thing I kind of wish it had was the shadowline package just so I could have the blacked out headlights but I'm just nitpicking at this point.

It was listed for 64k and I managed to get it for about 66k out the door after negotiating so I'm pleased. I didn't find any other M550is in California with the DHP let alone with such low miles so I figured why not. Plus seeing your post literally the day before I was going out to see the car didn't help my self control haha.

Das BMW · 08-14-2023, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dEvilJin

Thank you! And since you asked, I'll share some specs/info about it.

Its a 2021 CPO with 12,500ish miles with pretty much all the options including driving assistance plus, parking assistance package, Dynamic Handling Package, Executive Package, B&W sound, white Napa leather massaging and ventilated seats. One thing I kind of wish it had was the shadowline package just so I could have the blacked out headlights but I'm just nitpicking at this point.

It was listed for 64k and I managed to get it for about 66k out the door after negotiating so I'm pleased. I didn't find any other M550is in California with the DHP let alone with such low miles so I figured why not. Plus seeing your post literally the day before I was going out to see the car didn't help my self control haha.

The B&W is super clutch, they stopped including after 2021. Much congrats, enjoy!

dEvilJin · 08-14-2023, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Das BMW

The B&W is super clutch, they stopped including after 2021. Much congrats, enjoy!

You can no longer option it? That’s a shame. But yeah it’s been great. My x3 didn’t even have the HK speakers so this is a big step up for me haha.

08-05-2023, 12:04 PM	#1
Das BMW Private First Class 68 Rep 105 Posts Drives: - Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	A dream realized - 2023 M550i Phytonic blue Growing up, my parents owned a silver e39 530i. I caught the BMW bug ever since. My first car at 16 was a $700 gunmetal gray e30 318i, followed by a royal blue e30 325e (I still miss that car). Once I graduated college and into a salary, I upgraded to a turbocharged red e30 325is, then really upgraded to an e30 with an S52 swap. Those last two were headaches, but such a thrill. Fast forward a decade, a Honda and 4Runner later, and the M550i really caught my eye starting in 2018. I loved the idea of a fast V8 5-series that’s still comfortable, in the spirit of the e39 540i M sport or M5. I got distracted and bought an e38 740i M sport thinking I’d save money, but the continual repairs made it very hard to enjoy (“what was that noise??”). I made the tough choice to sell the 7 at a loss after repairs and go for what I’ve always wanted: a brand new M550i, spec’d exactly how I’d envisioned it. I collected mine July 2023, one of the last from Dingolfing. I worked with Chris at Insight Auto to find a good deal. 8.4% off MSRP, $3k loyalty rebate, and 5.25% lender tax credits (helps big time with TX sales tax). I did a OnePay lease which dropped down interest rate to 3.72%. BMW CCA rebate as well. I fully plan to purchase the car after the lease is expired and baby it for a long time. I see M550i’s being collectors one day (V8 no hybrid, good looks, functional tech), or at least have an enthusiast fanbase. Build is below, every box was ticked. Everything was too tantalizing. I am enjoying all options, including the ventilated and massaging seats. The Alcantara headliner is extra nice. I’m disappointed the B&W sound wasn’t available due to covid supply chain, but HK does the job. Maybe an upgrade for later. I love the ivory seats (and for some reason the black backs of remaining color choices really irked me). Spec'd Ridgeline trim, which was always the choice from day 1 - very elegant. Thanks to DHP and the non run-flats, the car handles extremely well for its mid size (I had plenty of e30s as barometers). The car is PPF’d up to the fenders, full ceramic including wheels, 25% tint all around with 75% windshield + UV protection. Interior protection from the dealer. Very minor accessories / mods below: - Dinan spacers 12 & 15mm - Painted front reflectors (IND) - Cerium grille and fender inlets. I wasn’t sure this would look good with the Shadowline headlights, but I took the dive and bought some via the forum. I like it. I always felt the Shadowline grille took away the personality of actually seeing your BMW grille. I think it works best with the 668M wheels, and the cerium fender inlets to balance it out. FYI I went with the Shadowline package for the painted red calipers + painted mirrors, and would’ve been ok if the cerium mods didn’t work out. - X-Drive de-badge (I prefer old school look of Roundel + model badge only) - Front license plate delete (never drilled) - Bimmercode, of course. Saving the best for last, the paint. I’ve always felt Phytonic Blue is a highly underrated color because it’s so widely available across BMW’s lineup. Frankly I think it looks cheap on base X3’s, 3 series, etc, but on a M550i or X5 M50i it looks stunning. It’s a more natural (akin to nature) blue, vs what I call “Hot Wheels blue” on many other cars which looks too bright/neon/intense. Just my preference though. In shade, Phytonic is a deep sea blue, not navy blue, which is what turned me off from Tanzanite. Phytonic in direct sunlight, clean, coupled with Shadowline and/or cerium (no chrome), looks incredible (I’ll shut up and let pictures do the rest). A big thank you to this forum and everyone on here, I had random trepidations around buying new vs used, DHP (100% worth it), and much more. This car is perfect to me thanks to you. Cheers!
	Appreciate 15 ezaircon4jc4483.50 Chappers 715483.00 AP2781.50 BMW0121007.50 Drifttime85100.50 Mosaud19983940.50 Rocket455484.00 Bsm55048.00 lanlilan56.50 Alscoob2119.00 dEvilJin116.00 BklynNYBMW393.00 Lancelot567.50 ashmostro1254.00 MRDILLONS138.00 Tweet Quote

08-05-2023, 12:10 PM	#2
Apex Missing Ape Private 104 Rep 76 Posts Drives: 2023 X5 45e; 2019 M550i Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Birmingham, AL iTrader: (0)	Beautiful! Congratulations
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-05-2023, 02:43 PM	#3
Chappers 71 Major General 5483 Rep 5,422 Posts Drives: Beige G31 40ix m sport Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Kent, The Garden of England iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 G31 xdrive 40i ... [4.00] 2006 E92 335i SE [9.50]	Very nice __________________ G31 40ix M Sport E92 335i. E36 328is coupe E39 540i V8 6SP manual E34 3.6 M5. E34 525i sport. VW Jetta Mk2 GTI 16v. 1679cc 1967 resto-cal beetle
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-05-2023, 03:47 PM	#4
Gautam Lieutenant 617 Rep 522 Posts Drives: M550 Join Date: May 2021 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M550i [0.00]	Fantastic spec, congrats
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-05-2023, 05:31 PM	#5
pperc Private First Class 116 Rep 171 Posts Drives: G Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	Cool build. Well done.
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-06-2023, 12:00 AM	#6
AP Major General 2782 Rep 5,095 Posts Drives: G30 M550 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Very classy. It’s a great car as I’m sure you already know! At least where I am, that’s quite a rare colour , I think I’ve only ever seen one that I recall.
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-06-2023, 08:54 AM	#7
maDjzo Captain 862 Rep 885 Posts Drives: G30 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M550i [0.00]	Lovely spec, congrats!!
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-06-2023, 01:13 PM	#9
Rocket455 Grumpysaurus Rex 484 Rep 423 Posts Drives: 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1972 Firechicken [0.00] 1969 Toronado [0.00] 1970 Camaro [0.00]	Home run!! And phytonic blue is my favorite BMW blue! __________________ “Science has made us gods even before we are worthy of being men.”
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-07-2023, 07:46 AM	#10
tuzii aussie member 45 Rep 66 Posts Drives: G30 530D Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: SYD iTrader: (0)	i had to stop and tell you, that's damn sexy mate
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-07-2023, 12:58 PM	#12
MAM550 New Member 15 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2018 M550ix Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: MA/FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M550 [9.25] 2018 G30 [0.00]	superb! that's a nice blue for a sunny place like TX. I hear you about the cerium v black grill. I decided to go with a black grill for the summer with black wheels then switch back to the cerium grill and wheels for the winter setup for more of a brighter style during the shorter days here in the northeast (i.e. easier to see).
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-07-2023, 04:06 PM	#13
Bsm550 Private 48 Rep 97 Posts Drives: M550xi Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: New york iTrader: (1)	Dope congrats enjoy it
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-10-2023, 08:02 AM	#14
Z4_M New Member 30 Rep 18 Posts Drives: E38 740i \| E46 M3 Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Croatia iTrader: (0)	Thanks for intro story and for pictures. I like the colour, althought it is not my favourite choice. Everything else is amazing, almost full option. Have a good ownership experience during following years!
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-11-2023, 02:30 AM	#15
Alscoob Brigadier General 2119 Rep 3,066 Posts Drives: G31 540i M Sport Edition Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Looks amazing, enjoy
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote

08-12-2023, 02:33 AM	#16
dEvilJin Private 116 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 2021 M550i Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I'm actually going to go look at a 2021 CPO of this nearly EXACT same spec tomorrow. After seeing your post I think i've made my mind on whether to buy or not...
	Appreciate 1 Das BMW67.50 Quote