[BMW012]

lol also make sure not to go with 20's if you are in NYC.

[G30 B58]

We spec'd and purchased a fully loaded 540. I am a track junky and briefly considered an M550 there just no real need for all hp/tq on a street driven car.

Add in the consumables of the larger motor and it just didn't make sense.

We're fine with the 540. 80mph and 34 mpg works just fine.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

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.

Not sure, because I have not sat for extended periods on Nappa seats w/o the lux seating package, but my car's seats do not feel uncomfortable at all. I took a 9h road trip a few weeks ago and it was a very comfortable place to be...no aches or discomfort.

[Greywall]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

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

I had the same issue in the DC area, but I was able to find a few low mileage M550i's at various dealers and do some pretend shopping to get a good feel for how they drive.

As others have said, the biggest reason for going with the M550i is that V8. That torque feels amazing! For reference, I too drove the 540i and it was pretty quick. But it was very close to my Audi A6, they're around the same power wise.

I also went through the options indecision, but at the end a couple of K here and there when spending close to $100k... I ended up saying fuck it and got them all!

Have you secured an allocation yet?

[ArchieV]

It's a fun dilemma to have and one I may seemingly be in as well down the line when prices hopefully come back to "normal" and there are actually 550's in my area to test drive.

I really am only looking at a couple factors here and they would be price, and if the difference in the 550 premium puts any strain on your finances. Gas. You'll probably get about 8-10/mpgs less with the 550 so if that's no bother thats another box checked. And straight line power. The additional torque you will for sure notice on acceleration but I wouldn't say it's mind blowingly different between the 540 in sport. Once you hit cruising speed there's really no diff. And the handling on the 540 is absolutely superb for any "racecar" situations you put yourself in on the street.

I'm just about a year in and can't say I have any buyers remorse on my 540. Like many above said that extra power never hurt anyone but for daily driving situations I wouldn't say your conceding much going with the 540 v 550.

Good luck!

[NVRfollo]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

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.

The premium seats are comfortable. I would compare the massage function to farting into a balloon. It's pretty useless and you dont feel much at all. It might help on long trips to help with circulation in your butt and hammies. It does nothin for your back the way the bladders inflate. Haven't had this option across several brands, BMW is the worst I have had.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Greywall

I had the same issue in the DC area, but I was able to find a few low mileage M550i's at various dealers and do some pretend shopping to get a good feel for how they drive.

As others have said, the biggest reason for going with the M550i is that V8. That torque feels amazing! For reference, I too drove the 540i and it was pretty quick. But it was very close to my Audi A6, they're around the same power wise.

I also went through the options indecision, but at the end a couple of K here and there when spending close to $100k... I ended up saying fuck it and got them all!

Have you secured an allocation yet?

I got through a broker on lease hacker. He's saying 10-14 weeks out. So like feb. But yea with the new model coming up I should act soon, these allocations could dry up right?


I think your right. I'll just get them all.

I'd only not have the extra seat functions if they caused worse comfort.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by NVRfollo

The premium seats are comfortable. I would compare the massage function to farting into a balloon. It's pretty useless and you dont feel much at all. It might help on long trips to help with circulation in your butt and hammies. It does nothin for your back the way the bladders inflate. Haven't had this option across several brands, BMW is the worst I have had.

Have you compared seats with and without the massage mechanics? Part me says an 85k car needs to have massage, but if they sick and make the car less comfy , I'll gladly leave off

[NVRfollo]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Have you compared seats with and without the massage mechanics? Part me says an 85k car needs to have massage, but if they sick and make the car less comfy , I'll gladly leave off

I have had two X7's, each with a different seat. I would say comfort/premium seats are more comfortable

[Mosaud1998]

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. )

plus my broker discounts on the two cars (8.25% 540 and 4.25% 550)

That much off MSRP?

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

plus my broker discounts on the two cars (8.25% 540 and 4.25% 550)

That much off MSRP?

Yup.
You in NY? I can plug you into who I've dealt with. Great guy. Also someone else I used for my x3 - also great. But only has 2.25 off on the m550 right now

[2022M550i]

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.

I did the same exact thing. Drove the M550i first, then the 540. I was definitely impressed with the power from the 540. Both felt great. The M550i doesn't really feel fast, but I know it is as I personally turned out 11.6 and 11.5 second quarter-mile times.

To the OP, Get the V8…you won't be able to get them anymore. As far as price difference and insurance cost, I pay more for my Lexus RX 350 than I do on the M550i… Probably because of all the safety features built-in.

At the end of the day, i'm assuming you're going to continue to get raises at work and continue to grow in your career, spend the money. I don't know any M550i owners that thought, "I should've bought the 540". However I do know M550i owners that thought, "I should've bought the M5"

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Yup.
You in NY? I can plug you into who I've dealt with. Great guy. Also someone else I used for my x3 - also great. But only has 2.25 off on the m550 right now

Nope Chicago. If I was looking for a car, I'd hop on the boat to NY

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

I did the same exact thing. Drove the M550i first, then the 540. I was definitely impressed with the power from the 540. Both felt great. The M550i doesn't really feel fast, but I know it is as I personally turned out 11.6 and 11.5 second quarter-mile times.

To the OP, Get the V8…you won't be able to get them anymore. As far as price difference and insurance cost, I pay more for my Lexus RX 350 than I do on the M550i… Probably because of all the safety features built-in.

At the end of the day, i'm assuming you're going to continue to get raises at work and continue to grow in your career, spend the money. I don't know any M550i owners that thought, "I should've bought the 540". However I do know M550i owners that thought, "I should've bought the M5"

Thanks for the post. You are spot on and I'm going 550.

I'm just trying to finalize build spec now.

Trying to decide on DHP and if the massage / venting mechanics have any adverse effects on comfort.


Can anyone post some pics
I'm between skyscraper grey, dark graphite and just black sapphire. Shadowline trim on all.

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Thanks for the post. You are spot on and I'm going 550.

I'm just trying to finalize build spec now.

Trying to decide on DHP and if the massage / venting mechanics have any adverse effects on comfort.


Can anyone post some pics
I'm between skyscraper grey, dark graphite and just black sapphire. Shadowline trim on all.

I have the massage/vented seats and dont feel the mechanics at all…compared to the seats without. That was not the case in our Lexus. The vented seats were harder.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

I have the massage/vented seats and dont feel the mechanics at all…compared to the seats without. That was not the case in our Lexus. The vented seats were harder.

Very helpful to know.
Thank you!

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Thanks for the post. You are spot on and I'm going 550.

I'm just trying to finalize build spec now.

Trying to decide on DHP and if the massage / venting mechanics have any adverse effects on comfort.


Can anyone post some pics
I'm between skyscraper grey, dark graphite and just black sapphire. Shadowline trim on all.

Skyscraper is the newest color and lightest in gray compared to DGM and Black. I have DGM but wouldn't mind having the skyscraper or black lol.

Are you in NYC or NY State?

[E3_550]

Previously owned a 2017 540 msport and now have a 2022 550. The 550 puts a smile on my face every day I'm behind the wheel.

I did not get the massaging seats for the 550, had them in the 540 and not really worth the money. However, luxury seating with ventilation is a must have for me.

I would highly suggest Bowers and Wilkins if it is available, the Harman Kardon in my 2022 plain sucks compared to the HK in my 2017.

[AP]

What have bmw done with HK system then? Assumed it would be the same or is that naive of me?

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by BMW012

Skyscraper is the newest color and lightest in gray compared to DGM and Black. I have DGM but wouldn't mind having the skyscraper or black lol.

Are you in NYC or NY State?

Haha I am in NYS. I would have all 3 too!
Pulling the trigger on one is the hard part. My x3 is DGM and when I saw a 550 on that I liked it a lot. The lines don't exactly pop in the same way on the lighter cars. But I am hesitant to just repeat my color First time buyer I'm getting DGM no questions as I already did haha

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by AP

What have bmw done with HK system then? Assumed it would be the same or is that naive of me?

Different amp I think

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Thanks for the post. You are spot on and I'm going 550.

I'm just trying to finalize build spec now.

Trying to decide on DHP and if the massage / venting mechanics have any adverse effects on comfort.


Can anyone post some pics
I'm between skyscraper grey, dark graphite and just black sapphire. Shadowline trim on all.

There are threads on different colors. Also easily googled.

Skyscraper is lighter and almost silver as opposed to gray: Maybe I little boring but probably easy to maintain.

Black is black. It's got metallic flakes, so not jet black. But still going to show dirt and swirls more than others.

DGM is what I have. I love it. Very dark gray with almost a purple-ish hue to it. Changes shades in different light. Really need to see in person if you can. The configurator isn't not accurate at all for that color. At night, it's almost black.

These are all pictures of my DGM 540 in different conditions.