BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum 2017+ BMW 5 Series (G30) General Discussions Could anyone share their experience changing from a 4 to a 5 series?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-19-2020, 06:44 PM   #1
JayFar
Private First Class
JayFar's Avatar
United_States
101
Rep
115
Posts

Drives: BMW 440i Convertible
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Connecticut

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Could anyone share their experience changing from a 4 to a 5 series?

Hi everyone. I currently have a 2020 440i convertible, and while I do love it, it may as well be a 2 seater because of how difficult and awkward it is getting adults in the back when the top is up. A friend of mine has a 540i and it's extremely comfortable in the front and back. I was wondering if any of you have made a change from a 4 series to the 5 and if you have any regrets?
Appreciate 0
      11-19-2020, 07:35 PM   #2
hoyas490
First Lieutenant
132
Rep
363
Posts

Drives: '21 M550i
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: NYC / Long Island

iTrader: (1)

So, I can give some preemptive info. I have a 2021 M550i on order, and it should be here in a month.

I currently have a 2018 440xi 6MT coupe. And I love it. But it's impractical as fuck. Having driven the new M340 as a service loaner, and test drove the M550i and they're both super fast and comfortable and much more practical. But 2 doors or a drop top will look cooler.

If you don't need more space, but just want 2 more seats that are usable, I'd say check out an M340xi. About 100hp more than a old gem 440, but still light snd nimble. But if you need more trunk space or legroom overall, you'll want a G30 5 series. Also on trunk space, just remember that you have like none because of the hardtop. Anything with a fixed roof would be a lot more space, though the 5 series only has like 15% more volume in the trunk (without the spare tire)

Take all of that with a grain of salt as I don't own my 5 series yet, it's sitting at the port waiting to come to the US. But I've driven a manual 2 door 4 series daily for 3 years and managed to do loads with it, including a 3 person ski trip with equipment, to VT and had no issues. So, I made my 4 work well, but I'm pumped for the extra space!
Appreciate 2
JayFar101.00
clee1982796.00
      11-19-2020, 08:50 PM   #3
JayFar
Private First Class
JayFar's Avatar
United_States
101
Rep
115
Posts

Drives: BMW 440i Convertible
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Connecticut

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I have driven the M340 as well and it's great, but not what I'd consider leaving the hard top for. If I change to a sedan I definitely want the exec sedan and not the sport. With that said the M550 is in my price range and sounds like the perfect blend of everything. Massaging seats can't hurt either
Appreciate 0
      11-19-2020, 11:41 PM   #4
hoyas490
First Lieutenant
132
Rep
363
Posts

Drives: '21 M550i
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: NYC / Long Island

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JayFar View Post
I have driven the M340 as well and it's great, but not what I'd consider leaving the hard top for. If I change to a sedan I definitely want the exec sedan and not the sport. With that said the M550 is in my price range and sounds like the perfect blend of everything. Massaging seats can't hurt either
I can't recommend the M550i enough. Brutal power and sound, but cushy luxurious interior and all kinds of tech and comfort features. My wife is thrilled about going to an automatic with massaging seats and radar cruise control compared to my loud, stiff manual haha.

If you can find a 2020-2021 near you to test drive, do it. The 2020 model year for sure, and maybe the 2019, have the updated engine with 525hp instead of 455hp. Only difference inside the cabin on 2021's is the standard better gauge cluster (like the m340i) and the big dash screen. The rest is body panel changes, so you'll get a good approximation.

Come to the dark side, we have an obsessive group of threads for folks who've ordered M550's in the ordering section haha.
Appreciate 1
JayFar101.00
      11-20-2020, 12:36 AM   #5
Scotty B
Private
64
Rep
90
Posts

Drives: 18 M550
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: TN

iTrader: (0)

Think you would be happy with a 540 or 550. The 4.4 v8 is a beast though and will make you giggle like a girl.
Appreciate 1
hoyas490131.50
      11-20-2020, 05:30 AM   #6
f30modern
Private First Class
United_States
56
Rep
151
Posts

Drives: 2017 540i M sport
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 BMW 328i  [0.00]
I user to have a f30 3 series and I upgraded to the G30. I say the word upgraded because it took what I loved from my 328i and amplified the experience. The sound system is amazing, the ride is so smooth. The heads up display is better. The car is just so much more refined and makes you love BMW even more. If you go for a M550i or M540i with the dynamic handling package you won't regret it. I find my M sport suspension suitable for everyday driving and comfort.
Appreciate 1
JayFar101.00
      11-20-2020, 11:57 AM   #7
hlothery
Seeking mental floss
482
Rep
806
Posts

Drives: 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+
Join Date: May 2016
Location: San Antonio, Tx

iTrader: (0)

I had a 2016 F83 M4 convertible. Loved the drop top, but had the same issues with getting anyone in the backseat, and with the general smallness of the car. Also hated the constant wheelspin I got (M4 did not have xdrive). I was looking for more room, more luxury, with the performance of an Mcar. Found my answer in the M550i. I call it my stealth luxury rocketship. Best car I have ever owned. All the performance of the M4, without the wheelspin, and room for backseat passengers....all wrapped in a luxury blanket and serenaded by Bowers and Wilkens. Go for it, you won't regret it.
Appreciate 1
JayFar101.00
      11-20-2020, 05:40 PM   #8
JayFar
Private First Class
JayFar's Avatar
United_States
101
Rep
115
Posts

Drives: BMW 440i Convertible
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Connecticut

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Thank you for the replies. Does anyone know if the G30 will have 2 more model years; 2021 and 2022?
Appreciate 0
      11-20-2020, 05:56 PM   #9
SteveinArizona
Brigadier General
United_States
3086
Rep
4,210
Posts

Drives: BMW 530e
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Greater Phoenix

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JayFar View Post
Thank you for the replies. Does anyone know if the G30 will have 2 more model years; 2021 and 2022?
I don't know but it should. 2017 was the first year which would make 2023 the 7th year and BMW normally runs at least 7 years on a model.
Appreciate 1
JayFar101.00
      11-20-2020, 07:25 PM   #10
440xiGCMSport2
Second Lieutenant
283
Rep
292
Posts

Drives: EB440xiGC
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

In my driveway right now is a 2018 440i gran coupe and a 540i. Totally different cars. The 440 is a sports sedan and the 540 is really a luxury sedan. The 440 is like best for country roads and I would say city driving. 540 is good for hwy cruising and and maybe the suburbs.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2020, 06:20 PM   #11
paquet
Lieutenant
United_States
630
Rep
433
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport etc
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

I have an older 3. So at first, I wanted a coupe (hence the 430/440) - got to test drive a 430i (or was it a 440?) - it just didn't feel the way the 540 does (different tuning?)
though i must admit i didn't really put the 4 through its paces either.
The 540 is a luxury sedan as the poster above said, but it's also this stealth car that can lay the smack down on punks and it's unexpected each time - now imagine how much an M5 can do - go buy an M5
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2020, 11:27 AM   #12
JayFar
Private First Class
JayFar's Avatar
United_States
101
Rep
115
Posts

Drives: BMW 440i Convertible
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Connecticut

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I'm sure I'd absolutely love driving an M5, but I'm after a daily driver that's built for comfort, a soft ride, and raw acceleration. The M550 is one of my favorites, but I'm also looking into Tesla, and perhaps even the i4 when more details are released.
Appreciate 0
      11-28-2020, 08:17 PM   #13
Scotty B
Private
64
Rep
90
Posts

Drives: 18 M550
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: TN

iTrader: (0)

I picked up an M550 about a month ago now. Best daily I have ever had. Great combo of luxury and sport and makes great noises. If you aren't partial to BMW could check out it's equivalents as well, S6 and E43.
Appreciate 1
JayFar101.00
      11-29-2020, 06:47 PM   #14
JayFar
Private First Class
JayFar's Avatar
United_States
101
Rep
115
Posts

Drives: BMW 440i Convertible
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Connecticut

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty B View Post
I picked up an M550 about a month ago now. Best daily I have ever had. Great combo of luxury and sport and makes great noises. If you aren't partial to BMW could check out it's equivalents as well, S6 and E43.
I'm not a fan of Audi because of the ascetics (that grill is like planet sized) and the Merc is on my top 5 list. One thing I keep running into when I research the M550 is the N63 and it's spotty reliability. Does anyone have first hand experience with N63 issues?
Appreciate 0
      12-02-2020, 04:01 AM   #15
bummedic
Enlisted Member
bummedic's Avatar
United_States
13
Rep
42
Posts

Drives: '18 M550i and '18 430xi GC
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Athens, GA

iTrader: (0)

Now have a 2018 M550i in the stable next to my 430i xDrive gran coupe. Even compared to the GC form, the M550i is night and day different in interior space and luxury/comfort (not to mention the beast under the hood and driving dynamics, which I honestly haven't been able to really experience having only taken delivery two days ago and driven it home in decent traffic). My wife thinks it's beautiful, and even though it's not my long-been-a-dream-car M5 (which I had full she's-the-boss approval to bring home), I'm confident I made the right decision. It's a 2018, so 456hp vs 530hp in the 2020+ models, but given the 2-yr CPO and options/specs, I don't think I'll be disappointed in the least and anticipate driving this sleeping beast executive lounge for many years.

I have a more detailed post here: https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...0&postcount=10
Appreciate 1
JayFar101.00
      12-02-2020, 06:27 AM   #16
JayFar
Private First Class
JayFar's Avatar
United_States
101
Rep
115
Posts

Drives: BMW 440i Convertible
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Connecticut

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by bummedic View Post
Now have a 2018 M550i in the stable next to my 430i xDrive gran coupe. Even compared to the GC form, the M550i is night and day different in interior space and luxury/comfort (not to mention the beast under the hood and driving dynamics, which I honestly haven't been able to really experience having only taken delivery two days ago and driven it home in decent traffic). My wife thinks it's beautiful, and even though it's not my long-been-a-dream-car M5 (which I had full she's-the-boss approval to bring home), I'm confident I made the right decision. It's a 2018, so 456hp vs 530hp in the 2020+ models, but given the 2-yr CPO and options/specs, I don't think I'll be disappointed in the least and anticipate driving this sleeping beast executive lounge for many years.

I have a more detailed post here: https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8;postcount=10
Good to see someone else that has a live in financial approval system. If it weren't for that process I'd be in a C8, but my approver detests 2 seaters LOL
Appreciate 0
      12-04-2020, 06:42 AM   #17
bummedic
Enlisted Member
bummedic's Avatar
United_States
13
Rep
42
Posts

Drives: '18 M550i and '18 430xi GC
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Athens, GA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JayFar View Post
Good to see someone else that has a live in financial approval system. If it weren't for that process I'd be in a C8, but my approver detests 2 seaters LOL
Ha... absolutely. I don't think she appreciates being called, "The Boss" all the time, but reality is what it is. We have a bigger family and have always driven bigger vehicles (she's in an Expy Max Platinum and we've had experience with other large three-row SUVs - Yukon XL, Escalade ESV, etc. - as well as the "dreaded" minivans). She always described the 4 as "claustrophobic" and it was nice that she felt the M550i was "much more spacious." As far as approval, she has experience with having a long (both time and distance) commute with having to drive kids to multiple schools, so she definitely understood my concern/desire to have certain elements to my daily driver (I commute 2hrs/80+mi/day 5-6 days/week) and was supportive of going out and finding what I wanted. That was huge.

That being said, I'm driving the 4 today due to anticipated weather and it's still a fun, nimble drive.
Appreciate 1
JayFar101.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:43 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST