[Mattl0806]

Hi Everyone,

I know there's been a thread or two on this one but after my test drive today I had to say how surprised I was on the 540. Now they didn't have a m550 to drive, but I actually left thinking would that car be too fast… the 540 still can throw you back and is faster to 60 than me 2012 S4 was.

Did anyone else feel this way? Maybe it's worth saving the 260/mon difference in lease payment…

For context, I made the mistake of leasing an x3 30, paying a bmw premium for a car I wasn't happy with. I do not want to do that again, so I am soo hesitant to get the 540 but I'm saying to myself, this time is different. Decisions!

[ppointer]

I think you need to drive the m550 before making that decision. Also, when comparing costs, the base m550 comes with standard features that are options on lesser G30's. For example, the m-sport is an option on the 540, while I believe it is standard on the m550. I recommend you play around with the configurator at bmwusa.com to make that assessment.

I took delivery of a 540i in June and am very happy with it. With 335hp it is plenty quick. Also seeing 32mpg+ on longer trips. No regrets here for not jumping up to the m550.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by ppointer

I think you need to drive the m550 before making that decision. Also, when comparing costs, the base m550 comes with standard features that are options on lesser G30's. For example, the m-sport is an option on the 540, while I believe it is standard on the m550. I recommend you play around with the configurator at bmwusa.com to make that assessment.

I took delivery of a 540i in June and am very happy with it. With 335hp it is plenty quick. Also seeing 32mpg+ on longer trips. No regrets here for not jumping up to the m550.

Thanks! I Would love to drive one. Just don't have one around to do so.

I've done my hw tho. I've made configurations already and have the lease incentives by 550 and 540, plus my broker discounts on the two cars (8.25% 540 and 4.25% 550). My 540 build is around 74.5 and the 550 is 84.5. This is about 840 lease and 1100 using the above discounts and my bmw lease incentives (loyalty and the 540 has additional lease cash).
These programs can easily change when I take delivery. I'd suspect the lease delta is prob at the widest it will ever be. (Good program for the 540 and not the 550 plus the difference in broker discount. )

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Thanks! I Would love to drive one. Just don't have one around to do so.

I've done my hw tho. I've made configurations already and have the lease incentives by 550 and 540, plus my broker discounts on the two cars (8.25% 540 and 4.25% 550). My 540 build is around 74.5 and the 550 is 84.5. This is about 840 lease and 1100 using the above discounts and my bmw lease incentives (loyalty and the 540 has additional lease cash).
These programs can easily change when I take delivery. I'd suspect the lease delta is prob at the widest it will ever be. (Good program for the 540 and not the 550 plus the difference in broker discount. )

How different is the insurance rate on both? Obviously, gas will run you higher. The 540 is better to toss around, the 550 is heavier but the torque is fantastic. It basically comes down to your driving style and which you prefer. Can't go wrong with both.

[adhrp]

I remember being very impressed when I tested the M550i and 540i back to back (I drove the M550i first). I bought the M550i though because I wanted to go big (V8) before I go electric.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by BMW012

How different is the insurance rate on both? Obviously, gas will run you higher. The 540 is better to toss around, the 550 is heavier but the torque is fantastic. It basically comes down to your driving style and which you prefer. Can't go wrong with both.

I think insurance will be a rounding error at this point .

Would an average spirited driver notice the difference in the 540 nimbleness?

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by adhrp

I remember being very impressed when I tested the M550i and 540i back to back (I drove the M550i first). I bought the M550i though because I wanted to go big (V8) before I go electric.

From what I'm gathering, I think the 540 is something you will get used to and over time won't really feel as fast. The 550 will always put a smile on your face.

That's why I'm leaning 550. I think I have a much bigger chance of regretting my 840 payment bc I should have gotten the 550 then the regretting that my payment is unnecessarily higher than it could have been….

I just won't be able to drive a 550. So I still fear the buyers remorse. But as long as people say it's better than a 540, I can't really go wrong. But thinking it might not be as nimble starts to worry me as then the driving dynamics are changing and maybe it won't be better…

[GTFISH]

I have had both '17 540i and a '20 M550i (still own). Both are great cars and faster/quicker than most cars out there. No bad decision between the two. Make sure you get xdrive on whichever model you get. My 540i was rear wheel drive and that was often one wheel drive with the open diff. The extra grip (especially off the line) with Xdrive is a beautiful thing

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by GTFISH

I have had both '17 540i and a '20 M550i (still own). Both are great cars and faster/quicker than most cars out there. No bad decision between the two. Make sure you get xdrive on whichever model you get. My 540i was rear wheel drive and that was often one wheel drive with the open diff. The extra grip (especially off the line) with Xdrive is a beautiful thing

Thanks, Definitely x drive! Live in the north east and needs to be a daily.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by ppointer

... Also seeing 32mpg+ on longer trips. No regrets here for not jumping up to the m550.

Between Tucson & El Paso I got a hand calculated 37.4 with the cruise set at 76.

[BklynNYBMW]

Hi there. I recommend driving both and then make your decision. You don't want it to be later down the line when you see the M550 and you go " Damn I should have gotten that". You are already experiencing similar feeling with the X3. Don't repeat that. just my 2 cents.
__________________________________________________ _______________________________
2017 X6 5.0 MSport, Carbon Black Metallic w/ black leather. All options except vented seats and B/O sound system. AKA the Tumbler
2021 M340i xdrive. Tanzanite Blue with W/Oyster with Red Calipers. All options except Adaptive M suspension, Driver Assistance Professional Package, Cooling and High Performance Tire package. AKA Blue Angel
*Retired 04/30/21: 2018 340i MSport Xdrive sedan. Glacier Silver w/Oyster. All options except active cruise control and window shades. AKA Airstream

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by BklynNYBMW

Hi there. I recommend driving both and then make your decision. You don't want it to be later down the line when you see the M550 and you go " Damn I should have gotten that". You are already experiencing similar feeling with the X3. Don't repeat that. just my 2 cents.
__________________________________________________ _______________________________
2017 X6 5.0 MSport, Carbon Black Metallic w/ black leather. All options except vented seats and B/O sound system. AKA the Tumbler
2021 M340i xdrive. Tanzanite Blue with W/Oyster with Red Calipers. All options except Adaptive M suspension, Driver Assistance Professional Package, Cooling and High Performance Tire package. AKA Blue Angel
*Retired 04/30/21: 2018 340i MSport Xdrive sedan. Glacier Silver w/Oyster. All options except active cruise control and window shades. AKA Airstream

Agree with you so much on the x3 point that I think I'm doing 550 without even driving it. (None around for me to drive). Finalizing build spec on it.

Probably not the popular opinion but going to keep DHP off. At some point, I've gotta draw the line on cost.

I'm at 86k with destination:
skyscraper grey with shadowline
Ivory Nappa leather
massage,
ventilating seats,
heated steering wheel and rear seats,
rear sun shades,
parking assistance

[NateM15]

To add another thing here. I did the 550 because of the option packages not available on the 540. Surround view cameras and parking assistant are not available on the 540 now. Being that this is the last year for the g30, I would bet good money last year for a true v8 before it goes all hybrid electric etc...

Call me crazy but I ordered the 550 not having driven anything. I didn't want the display coming on the g60 either. It looks like someone left a big fish tank on the dash... 😂

So if your in doubt this could be the last chance to get what you really want. My 2 cents anyways..

[NGT2]

I have a 540 and love it but it sounds like you need to go 550.

I don't have any regrets. The 540 is perfect for me right now. It's my first BMW of my own (have family experience with BMW) and I think it's been a great introduction to the brand ownership. It's super smooth, quick, faster than anything I've ever driven. Good mileage, should be pretty reliable. And it was not stressful on my wallet.

All that said, I'll probably get a V8 in my next BMW. I'm just too intrigued not to. I'm not so worried about "last chances" to do it, because I have no issue buying a lightly used CPO. Also, BMW is putting new V8's in other models. It might be a mild hybrid, but I would be surprised if there is no V8 across the G60 lineup, once fully introduced.

Last thing - The 540 can still put a smile on my face. Especially in sport mode on a more open road or open two lane with some turns. But there is some truth to getting used to it, as mentioned above. I think the instant torque of the 550 would make that satisfaction more accessible in quick bursts.

[AP]

I'm in this "dilemma" now. Have a 2017 540 which I am perfectly happy with but looking to test drive a m550 as this will be the last chance to buy a v8 5 series in the U.K.

A little delay in getting a test drive as they are rare in the U.K. , I looked at a website which states there are just 62 g30 550s in the U.K.!

Also not interested in the g60, not liking where bmw are going at the moment .(curved dash, no buttons, no gear knob and non round steering wheel to name a few things)

So the test drive will be to establish 2 main things, the engine (obvious) as to how quiet and refund it is and the suspension , as to how m adaptive compares to my current VDC. If the ride is too firm that may turn me off although reviews seem to suggest in comfort mode it is good.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Agree with you so much on the x3 point that I think I'm doing 550 without even driving it. (None around for me to drive). Finalizing build spec on it.

Probably not the popular opinion but going to keep DHP off. At some point, I've gotta draw the line on cost.

I'm at 86k with destination:
skyscraper grey with shadowline
Ivory Nappa leather
massage,
ventilating seats,
heated steering wheel and rear seats,
rear sun shades,
parking assistance

FYI, my car is fully loaded and I would take the DHP any day and skip the luxury seating package (massage + ventilated seats) to make up the cost. The massage is nice, but a little gimmicky...I used it infrequently. The ventilated seats are not to be confused with "cooled" seats. They only ventilate the seat, not blow cool air on your back.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by adhrp

FYI, my car is fully loaded and I would take the DHP any day and skip the luxury seating package (massage + ventilated seats) to make up the cost. The massage is nice, but a little gimmicky...I used it infrequently. The ventilated seats are not to be confused with "cooled" seats. They only ventilate the seat, not blow cool air on your back.

Yea I was just thinking as I was going to sleep.
The 10 years ago me would never pick luxury seats over performance!!
The only reason I'm putting a premium on these things is my back. I've got a bad back and wanted everything I can think of to help it.
But, thinking about it more. Cooled seats do nothing for that. I've heard the massage seats are not great either.

Maybe I'll stick to just nappa to get the quilted seats? Then swap the massage and ventilating for the dhp?

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I have a 540 and love it but it sounds like you need to go 550.

I don't have any regrets. The 540 is perfect for me right now. It's my first BMW of my own (have family experience with BMW) and I think it's been a great introduction to the brand ownership. It's super smooth, quick, faster than anything I've ever driven. Good mileage, should be pretty reliable. And it was not stressful on my wallet.

All that said, I'll probably get a V8 in my next BMW. I'm just too intrigued not to. I'm not so worried about "last chances" to do it, because I have no issue buying a lightly used CPO. Also, BMW is putting new V8's in other models. It might be a mild hybrid, but I would be surprised if there is no V8 across the G60 lineup, once fully introduced.

Last thing - The 540 can still put a smile on my face. Especially in sport mode on a more open road or open two lane with some turns. But there is some truth to getting used to it, as mentioned above. I think the instant torque of the 550 would make that satisfaction more accessible in quick bursts.

Thanks for the post.
I agree with you on the 540. If it was the only option I would still be extremely happy. It's an awesome car!

[Mattl0806]

Does DHP and specifically the adaptive suspension, provide better range from softness to firmness? Having greater range and I'd be sold on it, more flexibility..

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by NateM15

To add another thing here. I did the 550 because of the option packages not available on the 540. Surround view cameras and parking assistant are not available on the 540 now. Being that this is the last year for the g30, I would bet good money last year for a true v8 before it goes all hybrid electric etc...

Call me crazy but I ordered the 550 not having driven anything. I didn't want the display coming on the g60 either. It looks like someone left a big fish tank on the dash... 😂

So if your in doubt this could be the last chance to get what you really want. My 2 cents anyways..

Spot on. I can't deal with that LCI. I can't believe they went away from hard buttons, who on this earth did they ask about that? Everyone I see on here and in-person has felts the same…

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Maybe I'll stick to just nappa to get the quilted seats? Then swap the massage and ventilating for the dhp?

Sounds like a good plan to me. I haven't driven an M550i w/o DHP for extended periods of time, but man my car is butter smooth yet handles solidly, with harshness pretty much non-existent on decent roads.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by adhrp

Sounds like a good plan to me. I haven't driven an M550i w/o DHP for extended periods of time, but man my car is butter smooth yet handles solidly, with harshness pretty much non-existent on decent roads.

Man I cannot wait for this car!

If i put it all on there.

Do the massage or ventilating mechanics make the seat less soft? Absolutely do not want a firm seat. Coming from x3 sport vernasca seat. Really don't like it.