[richard in NC]

So, I currently have a 2015 M5, Alpine White over Black. The lease ends late this year so I have time to decide. The G30 M550i looks quite tempting as a replacement. I am thinking Carbon Black over Mocha. Would I be disappointed? Looking for opinions. Note I've tracked and auto-crossed the M5 a few times a year but that is far from the primary need....

Here are all of my thoughts, including the current M5 Pros & Cons. Note I also have a 2016 X4 M40i Long Beach Blue over Ivory/Black that I love as a daily driver and winter/errand runner so I don't need a second 4 door.

M5 Pros: Astounding performance, surprising handling in full sport modes, all the opts including full leather, relative value compared to top sports cars.
Cons: Too soft in default mode, hard to use/justify full performance around town. Although I do find myself 90+ on interstate on ramps when I can....

M550i pro: Less cost than M5, should match performance to 60, newer better styling and features...
Cons: No full leather option, would it feel more like the even softer current 550i or the M5 around town, or even better? Is Xdrive a pro or con?

Just turn in the M5 and wait for the next one: Should be even better than current M5
Con: Will likely cost $5K-$10K more, no second car for 1+ years.

Other thoughts...
M4 LCI Comp pack pros: Great styling, lower cost, track handling.
Cons: Hate the exhaust sound, far from the luxury of the 5 series.

M2 pros: Even more fun to drive and less cost, somewhat a limited edition vehicle.
Cons: Basic interior, less ultimate performance.

Just looking for thoughts and opinions so far but I really need to wait and drive an M550i....

[Mbbrewer]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

So, I currently have a 2015 M5, Alpine White over Black. The lease ends late this year so I have time to decide. The G30 M550i looks quite tempting as a replacement. I am thinking Carbon Black over Mocha. Would I be disappointed? Looking for opinions. Note I've tracked and auto-crossed the M5 a few times a year but that is far from the primary need....

Here are all of my thoughts, including the current M5 Pros & Cons. Note I also have a 2016 X4 M40i Long Beach Blue over Ivory/Black that I love as a daily driver and winter/errand runner so I don't need a second 4 door.

M5 Pros: Astounding performance, surprising handling in full sport modes, all the opts including full leather, relative value compared to top sports cars.
Cons: Too soft in default mode, hard to use/justify full performance around town. Although I do find myself 90+ on interstate on ramps when I can....

M550i pro: Less cost than M5, should match performance to 60, newer better styling and features...
Cons: No full leather option, would it feel more like the even softer current 550i or the M5 around town, or even better? Is Xdrive a pro or con?

Just turn in the M5 and wait for the next one: Should be even better than current M5
Con: Will likely cost $5K-$10K more, no second car for 1+ years.

Other thoughts...
M4 LCI Comp pack pros: Great styling, lower cost, track handling.
Cons: Hate the exhaust sound, far from the luxury of the 5 series.

M2 pros: Even more fun to drive and less cost, somewhat a limited edition vehicle.
Cons: Basic interior, less ultimate performance.

Just looking for thoughts and opinions so far but I really need to wait and drive an M550i....

M4 doesn't really compare since it's 2 door. I'd wait for the next M5 and do a short term lease assumption on a M3.

[hinckley]

By the end of the year, you'll be able to get full leather Individual interiors. Take a look at the BMW's international or German websites, and you'll see them. They should be available in the US for fall production.

As far as xDrive is concerned, for us in the northeast, it's a pro, but if I was in NC with a ~450hp car, it'd be a con. I think 450 can adequately get power down to two wheels without spin and without the added weight of AWD.

[BMWMB]

Wait for the M5. The M550i is not a real M. Ok, from 0-60 there is no difference, but in handling, traction, fun to drive, the M cars are a higher class.

[phoenixbmwlife]

Take a 2 year lease of the M550xi then get the M5 after. I doubt you will be disappointed in the new M550xi.

[NewM3driver]

Get into a fully loaded M3. You will NEVER go back to an M5 again.

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

Get into a fully loaded M3. You will NEVER go back to an M5 again.

Thanks for the replies, all. If stepping down to an M3, I'd get the M4. I just prefer it over the M3 and don't need a second 4 door. I'd get Sakhir Orange over Black and fully optioned with comp pack. I'd shop around for a sport exhaust that sounds better but not too loud.

But a 2 year lease on the M550i is a thought.

[zer0cool]

Although I have been generally fascinated with high powered sedans, I am beginning to feel there's no reason to get them... Instead of getting a M5, why not just lease a 530 in the 500's and buy a CPO Porsche (some form of 911 or Boxster)? The 530 will get you around town or on the highway in comfort, and should be good to drive. Then drive the Porsche when you want to have fun. No matter how fast or whatever the M5 is, a Porsche will handle much much better and be more fun to drive.

[DocWeatherington]

I would wait until the M550i comes out and drive it. If BMW positions it like they did the M240xi it maybe a ton of car for the money. BMW has so far done a good job with the MXXX versions.

[NewM3driver]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Thanks for the replies, all. If stepping down to an M3, I'd get the M4. I just prefer it over the M3 and don't need a second 4 door. I'd get Sakhir Orange over Black and fully optioned with comp pack. I'd shop around for a sport exhaust that sounds better but not too loud.

But a 2 year lease on the M550i is a thought.

Funny but I don't find moving from an M5 to an M3 stepping 'down' at all. If you want a high performance sedan, lighter and more nimble is better. What's the point of having all that performance in such a cumbersome package? I own a '15 535, and there is as much leg room in my M3 as there is in the 535.

If you want comfort, the 6 in the 535 is plenty of power. If you want a performance sedan, go M3. If you are going to give up the two rear doors and usable back seat.... go get a Porsche 991.2

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

Funny but I don't find moving from an M5 to an M3 stepping 'down' at all. If you want a high performance sedan, lighter and more nimble is better. What's the point of having all that performance in such a cumbersome package? I own a '15 535, and there is as much leg room in my M3 as there is in the 535.

If you want comfort, the 6 in the 535 is plenty of power. If you want a performance sedan, go M3. If you are going to give up the two rear doors and usable back seat.... go get a Porsche 991.2

Sorry but you are nuts if you think the M3 is on par with the M5. Totally different ballgame. It's a totally different demographic, too.

Good advice on the 2 year lease. I am contemplating going with the M550 or waiting for the new M5 since my M6 lease just ended. I think the M550 is a better car than the current M5....but it makes me want to wait for the new M5 as I'm sure it will be awesome based on how good the M550 is already looking. It does get to the point of comparing whether the extra $10k-20k for the M5 is worth it over the M550 when there won't be much difference.......they both are going to be fast as heck.

[phoenixbmwlife]

Originally Posted by mjr24

Sorry but you are nuts if you think the M3 is on par with the M5. Totally different ballgame. It's a totally different demographic, too.

Good advice on the 2 year lease. I am contemplating going with the M550 or waiting for the new M5 since my M6 lease just ended. I think the M550 is a better car than the current M5....but it makes me want to wait for the new M5 as I'm sure it will be awesome based on how good the M550 is already looking. It does get to the point of comparing whether the extra $10k-20k for the M5 is worth it over the M550 when there won't be much difference.......they both are going to be fast as heck.

I was thinking the same thing but I didn't want to say anything. To believe the 3 series is on par with the new 5 series is funny. After looking in person at a 530i with M-Sport, just the interior of a 530i with multi contour seating and Nappa leather, together with the newly designed dash, the M3 looks dated and cheap next to it. Add the performance of the M550i engine it is definitely a step down going to the M3. To believe it's not a step down is delusional.

[MpowerMike]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

Get into a fully loaded M3. You will NEVER go back to an M5 again.

It's actually the other way around , you will never go back when your in an M5. It's a better car in every way can't compare .

[c63er]

With the general trend of softening the edges (not the performance) of the m cars, it's not a bad thought about trying the m550. The actual performance differences most likely will not be realized on the street.

If bmw goes back towards making m cars have responsive steering and better overall engine and chassis feedback then it would be m5 all the way.

But with the current trend the difference might realistically only be that the m5 has a stiffer ride and a few (a lot) more logos. Who wants that.

So it's a gamble depending on which way you see bmw going. But worth giving the m550 a good hard look and objective test drive ignoring what might be coming around the bend.

[richard in NC]

Thanks for more replies. I drove a G30 540i yesterday. I did a brief write up in another thread. The M550i should be a very good handling and performing car. There was a big improvement in sporty feel between the F10 M5 and 550i but the G30 seems noticeably better handling while still being competitive to most buyers in the luxury segment. The G30 540i reminded me much of the E39 540i feel.

Some thoughts on the above comments.
Between the M3/M4, I'd choose the M4. I like its styling and I don't need a second 4 door.

The M4 is obviously more a sports car than the M5 and more at home on the track. So if that's the only factor, then M4. However the big performance, surprising track capability, room, comfort, luxury, full leather, and engine/exhaust note of the M5 are more to my liking than an M4. Why I chose the M5 over the M4 the last time. But that's not to say I don't like the M4 and wouldn't own one...

So, once I drive an M550i, I'll report back again...

[Greer]

Hi Richard,

I went from F10 M5 to a short term lease in a 2017 M3 and it is not a step down. Please test drive the M4 before you make your decision. Best,

[NewM3driver]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

So, I currently have a 2015 M5, Alpine White over Black. The lease ends late this year so I have time to decide. The G30 M550i looks quite tempting as a replacement. I am thinking Carbon Black over Mocha. Would I be disappointed? Looking for opinions. Note I've tracked and auto-crossed the M5 a few times a year but that is far from the primary need....

Here are all of my thoughts, including the current M5 Pros & Cons. Note I also have a 2016 X4 M40i Long Beach Blue over Ivory/Black that I love as a daily driver and winter/errand runner so I don't need a second 4 door.

M5 Pros: Astounding performance, surprising handling in full sport modes, all the opts including full leather, relative value compared to top sports cars.
Cons: Too soft in default mode, hard to use/justify full performance around town. Although I do find myself 90+ on interstate on ramps when I can....

M550i pro: Less cost than M5, should match performance to 60, newer better styling and features...
Cons: No full leather option, would it feel more like the even softer current 550i or the M5 around town, or even better? Is Xdrive a pro or con?

Just turn in the M5 and wait for the next one: Should be even better than current M5
Con: Will likely cost $5K-$10K more, no second car for 1+ years.

Other thoughts...
M4 LCI Comp pack pros: Great styling, lower cost, track handling.
Cons: Hate the exhaust sound, far from the luxury of the 5 series.

M2 pros: Even more fun to drive and less cost, somewhat a limited edition vehicle.
Cons: Basic interior, less ultimate performance.

Just looking for thoughts and opinions so far but I really need to wait and drive an M550i....

Give an M3 a try. You'll never go back to an m5