[Johndani]

Hi everyone. My m550 goes back on lease this week. I completely love the car and the dealer has a new one coming in for me.. I'm getting some second thoughts because this will be like my 5th 5 series lease in a row. I don't need a sedan but I can find anything else like this car. I have a nice f150 for bad weather etc. my wife has an x3. So again I done need a sedan. I test drove a few cars and don't like them. The latest was the Mercedes e 450 coupe. I'm not sure if I should look into the m850 as it's so much money and not crazy about the coupe or grand coupe. I mentioned the 4 series and the dealer looked at me like I'm nuts. I'm 6.1 230lbs and it seemed a little tight but not terrible. My latest thought is to test drive a new Vette but I had a 2013 at one point as a fun car and it was a stick but fun to drive but hardly used it because of its size scraping everything because it's so low etc. so what I'm looking for is some ideas? I get it, this is a great position to be in but I don't want to just be wasting money on leases to always stay with this 5 series. I do think in the end the m550 is the best fun comfortable car. But yes it's a sedan.

[SteveinArizona]

A few thoughts for something completely different:

Porsche Cayman or Boxster (depending upon whether you want a convertible)
Toyota Supra
Porsche Macan

[stein_325i]

The M850 is essentially your M550i with a huge markup, not really worth it in my opinion, you're better off with a 5 over an 8 even though its a sedan.

Do you fit in a 911 or Cayman/Boxster? Seems like thats the best way to go (new or CPO) for 2-doors, new C8 Vette is nice but the waitlist is long. F-Type or AMG GT could be interesting choices if you are willing to stretch your budget, otherwise maybe just lease/buy another M550.

[Johndani]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

A few thoughts for something completely different:

Porsche Cayman or Boxster (depending upon whether you want a convertible)
Toyota Supra
Porsche Macan

Good options...I don't want a convertible

[Scotty B]

I would just get the new m550 if you liked the last one. It has more way power for 2021.

[TheUtahX5M]

I'd get a Ford Raptor or a X5 M

[S4CH]

Originally Posted by Johndani

Hi everyone. My m550 goes back on lease this week. I completely love the car and the dealer has a new one coming in for me.. I'm getting some second thoughts because this will be like my 5th 5 series lease in a row. I don't need a sedan but I can find anything else like this car. I have a nice f150 for bad weather etc. my wife has an x3. So again I done need a sedan. I test drove a few cars and don't like them. The latest was the Mercedes e 450 coupe. I'm not sure if I should look into the m850 as it's so much money and not crazy about the coupe or grand coupe. I mentioned the 4 series and the dealer looked at me like I'm nuts. I'm 6.1 230lbs and it seemed a little tight but not terrible. My latest thought is to test drive a new Vette but I had a 2013 at one point as a fun car and it was a stick but fun to drive but hardly used it because of its size scraping everything because it's so low etc. so what I'm looking for is some ideas? I get it, this is a great position to be in but I don't want to just be wasting money on leases to always stay with this 5 series. I do think in the end the m550 is the best fun comfortable car. But yes it's a sedan.

I am thinking the same thing. Seems 'boring' to keep leasing a 5 series but the M550i is really compelling! Mine is due back in March and it's my third 5 series.

I am driving so much less on the highways now I am thinking I might go for the M340i.

In your case, the M440i could be interesting or since you already have a practical car and a winter car, I would go all out with a Vette or 911.

[COBodom]

Johndani I am in a similar predicament. Kinda sorta bored with yet another 5 series in my life, but no matter which car I look at I keep coming back to the 5. The 5 series is not only a great car, but also and maybe most importantly, best bang for the buck. I have a MY21 540xi on order.

I test drove both flavors of the 8 series. This car suffers from utterly underwhelming interior. Unless you get some awesome year-end deal, the 8 series is not worth the premium over the 5 series. Sure, the exterior will turn heads unlike the 5.

Check the new M440. I think its a great car. I like the grill too

Quote from the thread below where a former M850 owner talks about M440. The M440 compared to M850 - M440 "is 4/5 of the car for half the price". I agree with this 100%.

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1769400

[MauiSteve]

Something with a stick shift... Mustang GT or Shelby. Porsche 911.

[F82Tazmanian]

My father has the 456hp m550i and I will say I was impressed with the E53 in handling over it. Audi s6 could be interesting, but like someone mentioned, the new 550i is 523hp so definitely a power difference.

[Jagu]

If you go less than a V8, you will really miss it unless you get a much lighter car like a Supra or Cayman.
I struggled with the idea of getting another 5 series after my M550 lease ended and I ended up with a loaded 750i and I love the luxury and better interior craftsmanship of it.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by F82Tazmanian

My father has the 456hp m550i and I will say I was impressed with the E53 in handling over it. Audi s6 could be interesting, but like someone mentioned, the new 550i is 523hp so definitely a power difference.

That was one of the reasons I got the CLS 53. I had a G30 540i I inherited and when looking for replacements (totaled), I checked out the M550i. I found the power impressive but the handling left me wanting more. I looked at the E53 since the E43 (which the 53 replaced) had just won a C/D comparison and wanted to see what the hype was about. I've been incredibly happy with the car being my first non-BMW in 20+ years (other than my Boxster), the electrified I6 engine is awesome and feels very linear/natural, and while not as powerful as the V8 I found the handling to be more composed and the steering to be more natural. A completely different car from the E450 loaners I have driven. Plus the new facelifted models look really cool and use the AMG 63's rear drift mode.

[F82Tazmanian]

Originally Posted by jstein55

That was one of the reasons I got the CLS 53. I had a G30 540i I inherited and when looking for replacements (totaled), I checked out the M550i. I found the power impressive but the handling left me wanting more. I looked at the E53 since the E43 (which the 53 replaced) had just won a C/D comparison and wanted to see what the hype was about. I've been incredibly happy with the car being my first non-BMW in 20+ years (other than my Boxster), the electrified I6 engine is awesome and feels very linear/natural, and while not as powerful as the V8 I found the handling to be more composed and the steering to be more natural. A completely different car from the E450 loaners I have driven. Plus the new facelifted models look really cool and use the AMG 63's rear drift mode.

Completely agree with this sentiment. These current AMGs remind me of the sport/comfort balance of my family's e39 540i and e60 535i. Just the right amount for a daily.

A good friend raves about his E43 so I imagine your E53 is that much sweeter engine wise. If I wasn't looking for another M (just ordered an X4M), I think I'd give Mercedes a very serious look in the M performance vs 43/53 AMG level.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by F82Tazmanian

Completely agree with this sentiment. These current AMGs remind me of the sport/comfort balance of my family's e39 540i and e60 535i. Just the right amount for a daily.

A good friend raves about his E43 so I imagine your E53 is that much sweeter engine wise. If I wasn't looking for another M (just ordered an X4M), I think I'd give Mercedes a very serious look in the M performance vs 43/53 AMG level.

Yes the E53 is a huge upgrade compared to the E43 surprisingly for a subtle refresh. The engine in the 43 is awesome, but the 53 takes it up another notch. Its interestingly a Single-Turbocharged 3.0L Inline-6 (43 uses a Biturbo V6) paired to a 48-Volt Mild-Hybrid system which powers an Electric Supercharger. Very new technology only seen in the NSX and P1, and something that I really hope more companies adopt and use as its awesome. It feels incredibly smooth and linear as the supercharger helps fill in boost down low when the turbo is spooling up, and the mild-hybrid system allows for seamless stop start, I don't even have to turn it off. Sometimes I even catch it using just the hybrid system when reversing, its very cool. Probably not the most reliable in the long run, but that will be the next owners problem It may not have the power of BMW's V8, but honestly it is one of the best engine's I've experienced in a long time, hopefully it will have a future despite the EV revolution.

[SteveinArizona]

Given the ugly new grills, a Mercedes could be in my future.

[LuvMyE92]

Do you have a budget? Maybe the Porsche Panamera?

I looked at the 8 series, and yes it's a fabulous car but it's just stupid expensive, and as others noted, it's all based on the same platform.

Why a sedan? Kids? Take people out to lunch? A 440 does not really have a back seat that's easy to get in and out of (unless I suppose you get the GC).

Someone mentioned Mustang GT. I bought one this past Spring. It's cheap, lousy component quality and has a bad image (google "Mustang crash cars & coffee") but I'll tell you what - it's fun to drive and sounds great!

[Johndani]

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

Do you have a budget? Maybe the Porsche Panamera?

I looked at the 8 series, and yes it's a fabulous car but it's just stupid expensive, and as others noted, it's all based on the same platform.

Why a sedan? Kids? Take people out to lunch? A 440 does not really have a back seat that's easy to get in and out of (unless I suppose you get the GC).

Someone mentioned Mustang GT. I bought one this past Spring. It's cheap, lousy component quality and has a bad image (google "Mustang crash cars & coffee") but I'll tell you what - it's fun to drive and sounds great!

I don't need a sedan. What's your thoughts on the Vette? I just put the $1000 down to get in the list. I have a late model F150 that I will be using for now i returned my M 550 yesterday

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Johndani

I don't need a sedan. What's your thoughts on the Vette? I just put the $1000 down to get in the list. I have a late model F150 that I will be using for now i returned my M 550 yesterday

The new Vette is awesome. It does have some downsides compared to its previous generation (C7) such as understeer, no manual, gained weight and less communicative steering, but coming from an M550 it will be great and is a true sports car. Only thing is, you might be waiting for a while on that list... I say test drive a C7 and see if you like that. Its not as luxurious or show-stopping as a C8, but dynamically its superior and its available to buy today.

[Johndani]

Originally Posted by jstein55

The new Vette is awesome. It does have some downsides compared to its previous generation (C7) such as understeer, no manual, gained weight and less communicative steering, but coming from an M550 it will be great and is a true sports car. Only thing is, you might be waiting for a while on that list... I say test drive a C7 and see if you like that. Its not as luxurious or show-stopping as a C8, but dynamically its superior and its available to buy today.

Great info... I agree with the no manual tranny ring a negative. I have a 1968 camaro convertible resto mod with ls3 and six speed manual tremic to het the manual tranny fix when I need it. Thanks again for all the info. I think I'll try drinking the pick up through the winter and see how this pans out with waiting for the Vette

[Johndani]

Originally Posted by jstein55

The new Vette is awesome. It does have some downsides compared to its previous generation (C7) such as understeer, no manual, gained weight and less communicative steering, but coming from an M550 it will be great and is a true sports car. Only thing is, you might be waiting for a while on that list... I say test drive a C7 and see if you like that. Its not as luxurious or show-stopping as a C8, but dynamically its superior and its available to buy today.

Oh and the wife has a 2020 x3 M sport so I still have the Beamer I'm the family

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by Johndani

I don't need a sedan. What's your thoughts on the Vette?

Oh, I see. You wrote "I done need a sedan" in your original post, and since I live in the South I assumed that you were typing literally like some people talk. I see now from your other post that you just don't proof-read and autocorrect strikes again. LOL

Originally Posted by Johndani

I think I'll try drinking the pick up through the winter and see how this pans out with waiting for the Vette

I've had a bunch of Corvettes. Great bang for the buck. But it's still a plastic Chevy.

I won't even consider a C8 because I like that third pedal.

[Warp Ten]

Originally Posted by Johndani

I don't need a sedan. What's your thoughts on the Vette? I just put the $1000 down to get in the list. I have a late model F150 that I will be using for now i returned my M 550 yesterday

Glad to hear you have an interest in the new C8 Corvette. I am sure they are great cars. Along with my BMWs, I have owned Vettes steadily since the mid '90s and even had a '67 in the early '70s. I love my current C7 Z06 coupe and don't plan to get a C8 at this point because I like the luggage room and cockpit design better in the C7. I also like the way it looks but all these things are personal--there is much to like about the C8. Below is a nice article from Sports Car Market magazine about owning a C8 by Bill Warner (the organizer of the Amelia Island Concours). As he did (and I did on my C7) I recommend ordering Body Colored Vents to tone down the "Boy Racer" look of the C7/C8 Vettes, but again that is personal taste. Get one and enjoy the heck out of it. --Bob