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      01-15-2021, 04:04 PM   #1
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Carwow M5 Review

Interesting thoughts on M5 vs 550
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      01-16-2021, 05:46 AM   #2
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Makes some good points in the video... when you look at it objectively to the 550i is probably the better daily driver - more comfortable, less edgy etc, but then when you want to push you want the M5... As an alternative what about the Alpina version? More exclusive, has the extra power? There are some good Alpina vs M5 videos on youtube too.
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      01-16-2021, 12:46 PM   #3
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First, I think this is a fantastic design. Having said that, M550 for sure. The power in the M550 is already largely unusable and the M5 even more so.
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      01-16-2021, 01:12 PM   #4
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Agree, at least here in the UK. Too much power to use safely and legally.
Doesn't stop me from wanting one though!

If I were to buy a m5, personally prefer the pre lci non competition
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      01-16-2021, 05:01 PM   #5
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Agreed agreed. The M5 looks amazing. I do prefer the relaxed suspension in my M550, specifically here in the NY/NJ area. I don't need a car that is ready for the track. For what I use my car for (daily driver) it's exactly what I need. There's always a tune to bring her up to M5 territory as far as power and torque if and when I feel the need. Couldn't' be happier with my choice of my M550 over the M5. With that said, the new M5 looks amazing, did I mention that?
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      01-16-2021, 10:18 PM   #6
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I was on the market for a new car some three months ago and test drove a plethora of cars, attended a few M Track Days, etc. In the end I again got 540xi msport. The difference in lease payments between my 540xi and m550 was $120. Not a lot.

So why did I take the 540xi and what does that have to do with the topic of this thread being M550 vs M5?

540xi will never leave you longing for power, ever! I drive in tristate area NY\NJ\CT and some areas of PA and for my daily driving and my driving style 540xi has more power than I will ever need or be able to legally use. Now, the ONLY two factors which made me at some point consider M550 were the exhaust note and active steering. In short, is the m550 faster than 540xi? Absolutely. Will most of us ever need that or be able to use it? No.

Why M5 over M550 then? Because it's M5. Yes, its that simple of an answer. I would rather get the real deal and don't try to talk myself into believing M550 is some M5 lite but way more comfortable and usable as a daily, its not. Suspension on M5 is perfectly fine for daily driving (no RFT by default either). Now, you obviously wont ever need that M5 power unless you're on the track, but your M5 will turn heads, albeit only enthusiast' heads cause its still a sedan. I would take unusable M5 power over unusable M550 power any day. M5 gets you more than just horsepower though. You will drive a car which has been historically, undeniably and unequivocally recognized as a proper sports sedan. The exterior styling will also further differentiate the M5 from the otherwise identical herd of peasant 5 series.

Bottom line, M550 is just another vanilla 5 series (just faster), no greater road presence than a 530. Why then spend extra money on unusable power and otherwise no extra flare?

M550 is my dream car...said no one ever. I am pretty sure its been said many times about the M5.

Yeah...call it badge snobbery, just mind the forum you're a part of. Its BMW after all

Flame suit on.
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Last edited by COBodom; 01-17-2021 at 01:41 AM..
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      01-17-2021, 07:18 AM   #7
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I'm not sure why everyone feels the need to justify why they got one car over another. It's some how especially prevalent with the M550i vs M5. I don't see it as much between the M550i and 540i or 530e etc. The whole thing is nuts. They're all great cars and if they fit your needs then that's all that matters. They very well could be someone's dream car if they dream in practicality or are aiming for specific results.

I rarely see anyone reply about it but on the internet no one gets into budget much. They either make it sound like if they can't afford the next car up that it's embarrassing or something. It's not. Even if you can afford it maybe it's just not the money you want to be spending as well. There's literally no shame in that and this is what BMW (and all car manufacturers really) count on. That's why it's a slippery slope. You can always pay just a little more for the next best thing. You can start looking at a used 1990 Honda Civic and end up with a brand new 2021 Aventador SVJ if you try hard enough. 🤣

Even with a budget if some how all I cared about was having an M5, I could easily go buy a used low mileage M5 from 2019 for the same price or cheaper. However, turns out I really don't feel the need for or want to get an M5. If I really felt the need I would have just ordered a new one. However, I already talked myself into getting an M550i, I am happy with that. The M5 might be a good bit faster and corner a lot better.. but guess what? The M550i is going to corner much better and drive way faster than my F150 and I have no trouble hustling around in that thing lol.

Anyway to each their own but just get what makes you happy and doesn't break the bank or prevent you from spending that little extra on things that are more important or bring happiness in other ways.
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      01-17-2021, 08:19 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by COBodom View Post

M550 is my dream car...said no one ever.

Flame suit on.
Don't have a flame thrower. Drove the M5 at COTA, it is absolutely awesome. However, the M550 is my dream car. More power than I can use most of the time on the road, comfort, luxury, smooth ride....and a screaming machine in Sport or Sport +. It is my stealth luxury rocket ship, and the best car I have ever owned. There. I said it.
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      01-17-2021, 12:43 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crypto View Post
Even if you can afford it maybe it's just not the money you want to be spending as well. There's literally no shame in that and this is what BMW (and all car manufacturers really) count on. That's why it's a slippery slope. You can always pay just a little more for the next best thing. You can start looking at a used 1990 Honda Civic and end up with a brand new 2021 Aventador SVJ if you try hard enough.
People often say; Its not that I cannot afford it, It's that I don't want to spend that kinda money on whatever the car. Some use the phrase "I couldn't justify...".

Not trying to get too philosophical here, but doesn't it still simply mean you cant afford the car? Its just a different way to say it.

Being a car enthusiast If I want a certain car, lets say M5 or Aventador, but instead of simply pulling the trigger and getting it right there when I want it, I instead embark on convincing myself M550 or Huracan will be just as awesome then it is entirely about my purchasing power. Otherwise, I would've already been driving my exact dream car not a cheaper alternative that I talked myself into.

Now, obviously that logic doesn't apply if you truly don't want to drive M5 or, in this example Aventador, but if you start talking about mods down the road or used car market, then it is about money.

I also don't think you can always pay just a little more for the next best thing. I think its completely the opposite, most of us are in fact limited by our budgets and there is always a cap or something else other than a car we need to spend money on.

Its not about shame, its about being real with yourself. Perhaps a more accurate phrase would be "I cannot comfortably afford it", but that implies insufficient funds for all wants and needs, so people won't say it

Yes, to each their own
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      01-17-2021, 12:58 PM   #10
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How about just being happy with what you purchased and that’s it. A M5 is not really considered a daily driver for most whether you can afford it or not. I’m thankful that I am able to drive what I want to drive and the M5 is not my dream car. There are currently food lines all over this first world country. Whatever BMW you choose it’s your choice and there should be no comparison. That is why there are so many different models to choose from. it’s simple!
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      01-17-2021, 09:07 PM   #11
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Interesting thread. All I know is that I purchased my preowned M550 in Nov 2020 for $40k, sticker was $84 - 42,000 miles later it's sitting in my garage. A 2 year old car! You know what, I LOVE LOVE a good deal and I'm pretty sure I got one. There's a lid for every pot!
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      01-21-2021, 10:38 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hlothery View Post
Don't have a flame thrower. Drove the M5 at COTA, it is absolutely awesome. However, the M550 is my dream car. More power than I can use most of the time on the road, comfort, luxury, smooth ride....and a screaming machine in Sport or Sport +. It is my stealth luxury rocket ship, and the best car I have ever owned. There. I said it.
The M550 is a machine that I fell in love with on so
Many levels. I was between an M5 / M550 and once I dove deeper into the functionality... it was no contest.

While rolling home from Wisconsin last weekend at considerable confidence in rain, ice, snow nothing stops this car.

And in the dry, I have run it in burst... but unless you are on a track or autobahn, the cars potential cannot be fully appreciated.

Such is this... the ability to drive a car beyond ones need, is a gift. Each commute like a present unwrapped. I cannot wait to goto work tomorrow! )
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      01-21-2021, 10:49 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hlothery View Post
Don't have a flame thrower. Drove the M5 at COTA, it is absolutely awesome. However, the M550 is my dream car. More power than I can use most of the time on the road, comfort, luxury, smooth ride....and a screaming machine in Sport or Sport +. It is my stealth luxury rocket ship, and the best car I have ever owned. There. I said it.
Well stated... and similar admiration.

The M550 is a machine that I fell in love with on so
Many levels. I was between an M5 / M550 and once I dove deeper into the functionality... it was no contest.

While rolling home from Wisconsin last weekend at considerable confidence in rain, ice, snow nothing stops this car.

And in the dry, I have run it in burst... but unless you are on a track or autobahn, the cars potential cannot be fully appreciated.

Such is this... the ability to drive a car beyond ones need, is a gift. Each commute like a present unwrapped. I cannot wait to goto work tomorrow! )
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      01-22-2021, 11:53 PM   #14
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I'll come out and say it... dream car was an M5. I've never driven one, so maybe I don't know what I'm missing.

Something I will miss... driving on a nice day with the windows AND sunroof open. Seriously, it came down to some things like this. Is the M5 a beast? Absolutely. Is my M550i a beast also? Absolutely. It's also a beast that I took home with just a hair under 30K miles, three new rims, a new set of rubber and an alignment, and all service done as part of a 2 year CPO inspection/certification for more than $30K off sticker even after taxes and fees. It's also a beast that I will probably put 20-25K miles per year on while taking in all those miles in absolute comfort, knowing that I can still rocket when I want.

True story: A couple days ago a current gen M3 was behind me, then he suddenly rocked his exhaust as he passed me to jump the car in front of me while getting in line to get onto the highway (kind of a d*** move, if you ask me). As we make the turn, he guns it down the on-ramp and by the time I hit the highway and can merge over, he's a good 5-6 car lengths in front of me and still accelerating. Me, anticipating a stupid move and simultaneously hoping it wouldn't be a stupid mistake (I hit the sport button as I was turning onto the on-ramp), floor it as I merge into the fast lane behind Mr. White Rocket. I came up behind him faster than I even thought I would and caught him with what seemed like very little effort (mind you, I didn't shift over into M/S mode or do any manual downshifting... just hit the gas). I think I got his attention because he merged into the slow lane (I thought he was going to get off at one of the usual exits), but he stayed there and after I moved over, just followed me for about 5 miles. Had plenty of opportunities to pass me, but cruised behind me, got off at the same exit, and went the opposite direction.

The M550i is plenty enough that I'll never be able to fully appreciate, was a good deal, is often mistaken for something much more benign, and will allow me to soak up the commuting miles with my sunroof open.
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      01-24-2021, 03:50 PM   #15
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Drove the M5 and M5C at the track at Montecello and the M550 at the road show at city field. (I daily drive a 540 M sport.)

The reason to get the M5 or M5C is because I am a car guy and appreciate the finer points of handling and acceleration. I’m approaching the age that if I don’t do it now I may never and it’s an iconic apex alpha predator of the 4 door sports sedan segment.

I’d love one but at $ 13x,000.00 for how I’d want it I might just go M550 next time.

I’ve got a high HP 2 door Sports car for when I need to do zero to 60 sub 3 seconds. Sadly it’s a bit small for taking vacation with my wife. Just been doing road trips with my son. We travel much lighter.

Decisions decisions

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