M550I stays, Model S goes

kopik · 12-21-2021, 08:58 PM

Hi All. I am new to this forum and to BMW community (coming from E43). In July I put an order for Model S long range and in September I decided that I wanted a V8 and ordered an M550i. Both came in early December about a week apart. Tesla came first. While Model S is much faster in straight line, the M550 is a much more enjoyable car to drive. So it stays. Will be selling the Model S.

Gautam · 12-21-2021, 09:54 PM

3 of the finest sport luxury sedans out there. What do you like the most and least about them? And what made you land on the obviously best choice?

kopik · 12-21-2021, 11:36 PM

I've had E-class cars for last 10 years, just got bored. Never liked their infotainment system (they say current MBUX is great however). Nothing can beat MB active multicontour front seats with massage though. Model S with 670 hp has super exciting acceleration. Otherwise can't get rid of a feeling that I'm driving a fast ipad. And it's yoke is just a joke

. Which brings the M550. V8 sedan is a dying breed, wanted to try it without going crazy with M5 or E63. So ordered a pretty loaded M550i (unfortunately B&W sound was not available) at a reasonable price. Love the way it drives - quite smooth in comfort mode and very sharp in sport, for my amateur driving skill of course. All digital stuff is very nice. Has some bugs though - voice control refuses to control AC for example, but my dealer is working with BMW to resolve.

Dephead2004 · 12-22-2021, 02:18 AM

Good decision. Any comments about Tesla quality and parts supply?

kopik · 12-22-2021, 03:15 AM

It came with pretty defective rear hatchback window with much distortion. I have ordered replacement. There are other minor defects that you can find only if you look carefully, like wide and unequal panel gaps etc. Overall build quality is one or two levels below BMW or Mercedes. The degree of interior comfort is maybe 10 levels below. That’s why I compare driving it to driving a fast iPad. Tesla customer service is horrible. The only way to talk to a live person is to physically drive to a dealership. There is no way to call or email them. You just have to text them on the app and hope they will get back to you. As to parts availability I’m not sure. I know that it comes with no spare tire and the tires are not run flat. So if you get a flat tire you need to tow your car to Tesla Center (towing is included in warranty) and have them repair it. If it’s not repairable they will give you a temporary wheel until your tire comes in. And that can take a few weeks.

YETIinFL · 12-22-2021, 07:43 AM

I think you made a solid choice Kopik.

I've only been in a Telsa once -- as a passenger. While the acceleration was nice, it was boring otherwise. The road noise was extremely loud, the seat was hard and uncomfortable, the ergonomics were confusing, and it was about as exciting as riding the monorail at Disney.

One drive in the M550 and I was hooked. Responsive power -- more than most people will ever need, smooth and comfortable ride, and everything seemed to be in the proper place. After the extended test drive I immediately ordered one.

dscabra · 12-22-2021, 07:56 AM

Having been a long time Mercedes driver culminating with two V8 cars (CLK 430 and SL 500), I defected to BMW. My first two BMWs were both F30 328i cars. I enjoyed them both, but they don't come anywhere close to the M550i that I am currently enjoying. It really is a fantastic blending of luxury and performance.

choppedliver · 12-24-2021, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kopik

Hi All. I am new to this forum and to BMW community (coming from E43). In July I put an order for Model S long range and in September I decided that I wanted a V8 and ordered an M550i. Both came in early December about a week apart. Tesla came first. While Model S is much faster in straight line, the M550 is a much more enjoyable car to drive. So it stays. Will be selling the Model S.

A weird question. Which is quieter? I’ve played around with a Db meter and the M550i seems very quiet when cruising.

Thanks

kopik · 12-24-2021, 11:10 PM

I haven't used db meter. They appear to be comparable outside noise wise. Of course M550i makes a nice engine rumble (I've disabled fake engine sounds - luckily you can do that). Model S makes a weird high pitch whistle while accelerating, much less pleasant...

eliphil · 12-25-2021, 10:06 AM

My M550I is now in transit. I am coming out of an RS7 that has been spectacular for the last 6 years but its starting to have a lot of relaibility issues and I feel like I am past the point of diminishing returns. The RS has spectacular acceleration, good handling and asuperb cabin inlcuding the best seats I have ever had. The M550I is quicker then the RS7 , lighter and hopefully will handle better. I am very excited to bust a move like you did.

HerkHealer · 12-25-2021, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kopik

I haven't used db meter. They appear to be comparable outside noise wise. Of course M550i makes a nice engine rumble (I've disabled fake engine sounds - luckily you can do that). Model S makes a weird high pitch whistle while accelerating, much less pleasant...

Did you bimmercode the fake engine noise or remove it via I Drive 7 ?
If you did it with I Drive only, its still being pumped in. I completely disabled the fake noise in my 2020 M550 with bimmercode and was amazed at how quiet these cars actually are.

kopik · 12-25-2021, 01:45 PM

Actually I used the lowest iDrive setting and it's really quiet and the engine sounds pretty naturally, so i am happy with it.

HerkHealer · 12-25-2021, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kopik

Actually I used the lowest iDrive setting and it's really quiet and the engine sounds pretty naturally, so i am happy with it.

Gotcha. Eventually you may want to mess around with Bimmercode to tailor the car the way you want it. You can turn off that warning in I drive every time you open the door, change the ambient lighting, disable start/stop, etc.

If you do decide to code, disable the artificial sound. You wont believe how quiet these cars are afterwards. You can just as easily turn it back on if you dont like it.

LuvMyE92 · 12-29-2021, 07:20 AM

Dude, you should get your face fixed. LOL

Hopefully you didn't take too much of a bath on the Model S. Many of the reasons that you wrote are why I never bought one. Impressive in many ways, there were just too many shortcomings for a six-figure automobile, IMHO.

Joe-BMW33 · 12-29-2021, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Gotcha. Eventually you may want to mess around with Bimmercode to tailor the car the way you want it. You can turn off that warning in I drive every time you open the door, change the ambient lighting, disable start/stop, etc.

If you do decide to code, disable the artificial sound. You wont believe how quiet these cars are afterwards. You can just as easily turn it back on if you dont like it.

I kind of like the artificial sound. I know it's not real and how a purist might take offense, but it does sound pretty realistic for piped in music! The question is, once I do my exhaust upgrade, will I want to kill it to hear the real thing? I still may not hear shit though as these cars are very well insulated, which is a good thing.

kopik · 12-29-2021, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

Dude, you should get your face fixed. LOL

Hopefully you didn't take too much of a bath on the Model S. Many of the reasons that you wrote are why I never bought one. Impressive in many ways, there were just too many shortcomings for a six-figure automobile, IMHO.

The head is gone forever

I’ve never liked model s much. I ordered it in July at $84k. Now its price is $99k. So for me it was either to cancel order and lose 100 bucks or get the car, resell it and make some $$.

hlothery · 12-29-2021, 01:51 PM

Very interesting discussion, as i am currently considering an EV. Trouble is, it will be so hard to part with my M550. I call it my luxury stealth rocketship. It is the best car I have ever owned. Too bad you couldn't get the B&W.....it is awesome.

Joe-BMW33 · 12-29-2021, 01:54 PM

I'll be the last person in the USA to get an EV. I won't even consider it until I am forced to. They just have no soul, but someday I will have to be soul-less. I am holding out hopes for hydrogen engine technology to be my savior.

ezaircon4jc · 12-29-2021, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I'll be the last person in the USA to get an EV. I won't even consider it until I am forced to. They just have no soul, but someday I will have to be soul-less. I am holding out hopes for hydrogen engine technology to be my savior.

Charge your car now...

Gautam · 12-29-2021, 02:05 PM

Most of the conversations around Teslas tend to be pretty polarized, but after spending a weekend with a P100D, they overall seem “pretty good” to me- okay at everything other than straight line acceleration, overall quality, comfort and agility not at the level of the competition from MB, BMW and Audi. Seats especially are way behind the multi contours from these 3. Not bad, just not quite good enough for the pricetag they command, unless quarter mile times are the priority.

kopik · 12-30-2021, 09:54 AM

Model S is definitely a cool car tech-wise but that doesn’t mean it’s tech is very friendly. Tesla doesn’t support Apple CarPlay for example which is a big minus. M550 is just a joy to drive, much more complete package imho.

eliphil · 12-30-2021, 04:08 PM

I agree that the Tesla's are soulless its like going vegan.............. I cant wait to get my M550!!

12-21-2021, 08:58 PM	#1
kopik New Member 20 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2022 m550i Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	M550I stays, Model S goes Hi All. I am new to this forum and to BMW community (coming from E43). In July I put an order for Model S long range and in September I decided that I wanted a V8 and ordered an M550i. Both came in early December about a week apart. Tesla came first. While Model S is much faster in straight line, the M550 is a much more enjoyable car to drive. So it stays. Will be selling the Model S. Attached Images
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12-21-2021, 09:54 PM	#2
Gautam Lieutenant 614 Rep 521 Posts Drives: M550 Join Date: May 2021 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M550i [0.00]	3 of the finest sport luxury sedans out there. What do you like the most and least about them? And what made you land on the obviously best choice? __________________ 2018 M550 with all the goodies
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12-21-2021, 11:36 PM	#3
kopik New Member 20 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2022 m550i Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I've had E-class cars for last 10 years, just got bored. Never liked their infotainment system (they say current MBUX is great however). Nothing can beat MB active multicontour front seats with massage though. Model S with 670 hp has super exciting acceleration. Otherwise can't get rid of a feeling that I'm driving a fast ipad. And it's yoke is just a joke. Which brings the M550. V8 sedan is a dying breed, wanted to try it without going crazy with M5 or E63. So ordered a pretty loaded M550i (unfortunately B&W sound was not available) at a reasonable price. Love the way it drives - quite smooth in comfort mode and very sharp in sport, for my amateur driving skill of course. All digital stuff is very nice. Has some bugs though - voice control refuses to control AC for example, but my dealer is working with BMW to resolve.
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12-22-2021, 02:18 AM	#4
Dephead2004 Lieutenant 180 Rep 548 Posts Drives: G30 520i Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Good decision. Any comments about Tesla quality and parts supply?
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12-22-2021, 03:15 AM	#5
kopik New Member 20 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2022 m550i Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	It came with pretty defective rear hatchback window with much distortion. I have ordered replacement. There are other minor defects that you can find only if you look carefully, like wide and unequal panel gaps etc. Overall build quality is one or two levels below BMW or Mercedes. The degree of interior comfort is maybe 10 levels below. That’s why I compare driving it to driving a fast iPad. Tesla customer service is horrible. The only way to talk to a live person is to physically drive to a dealership. There is no way to call or email them. You just have to text them on the app and hope they will get back to you. As to parts availability I’m not sure. I know that it comes with no spare tire and the tires are not run flat. So if you get a flat tire you need to tow your car to Tesla Center (towing is included in warranty) and have them repair it. If it’s not repairable they will give you a temporary wheel until your tire comes in. And that can take a few weeks.
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12-22-2021, 07:43 AM	#6
YETIinFL Private First Class 95 Rep 160 Posts Drives: 2022 M550i Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I think you made a solid choice Kopik. I've only been in a Telsa once -- as a passenger. While the acceleration was nice, it was boring otherwise. The road noise was extremely loud, the seat was hard and uncomfortable, the ergonomics were confusing, and it was about as exciting as riding the monorail at Disney. One drive in the M550 and I was hooked. Responsive power -- more than most people will ever need, smooth and comfortable ride, and everything seemed to be in the proper place. After the extended test drive I immediately ordered one.
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12-22-2021, 07:56 AM	#7
dscabra First Lieutenant 4960 Rep 378 Posts Drives: GMC Denali Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Missouri iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 Shelby Cobra ( ... [10.00] 2023 GMC Sierra 150 ... [9.00]	Having been a long time Mercedes driver culminating with two V8 cars (CLK 430 and SL 500), I defected to BMW. My first two BMWs were both F30 328i cars. I enjoyed them both, but they don't come anywhere close to the M550i that I am currently enjoying. It really is a fantastic blending of luxury and performance.
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12-24-2021, 11:10 PM	#9
kopik New Member 20 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2022 m550i Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I haven't used db meter. They appear to be comparable outside noise wise. Of course M550i makes a nice engine rumble (I've disabled fake engine sounds - luckily you can do that). Model S makes a weird high pitch whistle while accelerating, much less pleasant...
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12-25-2021, 10:06 AM	#10
eliphil Lieutenant 1836 Rep 552 Posts Drives: M550I Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	My M550I is now in transit. I am coming out of an RS7 that has been spectacular for the last 6 years but its starting to have a lot of relaibility issues and I feel like I am past the point of diminishing returns. The RS has spectacular acceleration, good handling and asuperb cabin inlcuding the best seats I have ever had. The M550I is quicker then the RS7 , lighter and hopefully will handle better. I am very excited to bust a move like you did.
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12-25-2021, 01:45 PM	#12
kopik New Member 20 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2022 m550i Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Actually I used the lowest iDrive setting and it's really quiet and the engine sounds pretty naturally, so i am happy with it.
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12-29-2021, 07:20 AM	#14
LuvMyE92 Occasionally frequent poster 3000 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: CT5V-Blackwing Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: RTP NC, USA iTrader: (0)	Dude, you should get your face fixed. LOL Hopefully you didn't take too much of a bath on the Model S. Many of the reasons that you wrote are why I never bought one. Impressive in many ways, there were just too many shortcomings for a six-figure automobile, IMHO. __________________ Current inventory: F22 & G05 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing w/3 pedals Past: E24,E28(3),E34,E36,E37,E38(2),E39(4),E46,E89,E92 (obviously),F01,F06,F10,F30,F87,G12,G30(2),G82(2)
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12-29-2021, 01:51 PM	#17
hlothery Seeking mental floss 482 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Join Date: May 2016 Location: San Antonio, Tx iTrader: (0)	Very interesting discussion, as i am currently considering an EV. Trouble is, it will be so hard to part with my M550. I call it my luxury stealth rocketship. It is the best car I have ever owned. Too bad you couldn't get the B&W.....it is awesome.
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12-29-2021, 01:54 PM	#18
Joe-BMW33 Major General 7327 Rep 6,747 Posts Drives: '18 M550i\|'21 X5\|'03 540i Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 VW Tiguan [0.00] 2015 Infiniti QX60 [0.00] 2021 BMW X5 [0.00] 2003 BMW 540i [0.00] 2018 BMW M550 [10.00]	I'll be the last person in the USA to get an EV. I won't even consider it until I am forced to. They just have no soul, but someday I will have to be soul-less. I am holding out hopes for hydrogen engine technology to be my savior. __________________ 2018 M550ix\|Carbon Black\|Dinan Modifications\|2003 540i\|Jet Black\|M-Sport\|2021 X5 Mineral White Prior BMW's: 1987 325e\|1993 740i\|1998 740il\|2001 530i\|2002 745li\|2007 750li\|2006 750li\|2001 530i\|2012 535xi\|
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12-29-2021, 02:05 PM	#20
Gautam Lieutenant 614 Rep 521 Posts Drives: M550 Join Date: May 2021 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M550i [0.00]	Most of the conversations around Teslas tend to be pretty polarized, but after spending a weekend with a P100D, they overall seem “pretty good” to me- okay at everything other than straight line acceleration, overall quality, comfort and agility not at the level of the competition from MB, BMW and Audi. Seats especially are way behind the multi contours from these 3. Not bad, just not quite good enough for the pricetag they command, unless quarter mile times are the priority.
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12-30-2021, 09:54 AM	#21
kopik New Member 20 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2022 m550i Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Model S is definitely a cool car tech-wise but that doesn’t mean it’s tech is very friendly. Tesla doesn’t support Apple CarPlay for example which is a big minus. M550 is just a joy to drive, much more complete package imho.
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12-30-2021, 04:08 PM	#22
eliphil Lieutenant 1836 Rep 552 Posts Drives: M550I Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	I agree that the Tesla's are soulless its like going vegan.............. I cant wait to get my M550!!
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