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      02-03-2021, 08:18 AM   #1
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So, 540 vs 550.

My lease runs out in a year, but I like to plan ahead. Especially since BMW often lets you out a little early if you buy another one. And if I buy another one, I'll likely order it, so that's another few months that I have to allow for.

I love the Adventurine (Burgundy) color that you can order ($2000 US) on the 550i but appears to be unavailable on the 540i. I might spend 2K on it, but I'm not spending 5K for the individual custom order required.

I find the power and performance of the 540i to be adequate. It's not a screaming barn burner like the 550i, but I don't need it. I've had 750s and M5s and I know how much fun those big V8s are (my other/toy/track car has one) but for the daily commute, it's totally unnecessary and of course, the gas mileage is a bit worse. And it's a lot more expensive.

That said, it's a heck of a lot of fun, it sounds great, I do love me some torque, and hey, it's only money, you can't take it with you.

And are there any other standard features that come on the 550i besides the bigger engine and bigger wheels and bigger brakes that I'm paying this nearly $20K premium for?

I'd love to hear from folks currently driving the 550i, or folks that have moved down from the 550i, as to your thoughts on the differences.

TIA.
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      02-03-2021, 10:24 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LuvMyE92 View Post
My lease runs out in a year, but I like to plan ahead. Especially since BMW often lets you out a little early if you buy another one. And if I buy another one, I'll likely order it, so that's another few months that I have to allow for.

I love the Adventurine (Burgundy) color that you can order ($2000 US) on the 550i but appears to be unavailable on the 540i. I might spend 2K on it, but I'm not spending 5K for the individual custom order required.

I find the power and performance of the 540i to be adequate. It's not a screaming barn burner like the 550i, but I don't need it. I've had 750s and M5s and I know how much fun those big V8s are (my other/toy/track car has one) but for the daily commute, it's totally unnecessary and of course, the gas mileage is a bit worse. And it's a lot more expensive.

That said, it's a heck of a lot of fun, it sounds great, I do love me some torque, and hey, it's only money, you can't take it with you.

And are there any other standard features that come on the 550i besides the bigger engine and bigger wheels and bigger brakes that I'm paying this nearly $20K premium for?

I'd love to hear from folks currently driving the 550i, or folks that have moved down from the 550i, as to your thoughts on the differences.

TIA.

I went through the same decision process when I ordered my 2019 540xi. I am a big fan of big V8s, having owned many from a '68 HEMI to a 74 Pantera to C4 ZR-1s to my current 2016 Z06. I owned a 535xi for nine years before the 540. My conclusion in my process was that the 550 was only a bit faster than the 540, was essentially otherwise the same or a very similar car, and was considerably more expensive. The 540xi is really is quite quick at 0-60 4.9 secs (vs 550 at 3.8) which is about as quick as the HEMI Roadrunner and the stock C4 ZR-1. Besides, I still have a much faster, pleasantly noiser car in the Z06 at 2.95 secs for a 0-60 run. So I decided to save the extra money and ordered a well equipped car that I really like. But I do admit that there are a few days that I wish I had gotten the 550. If the weather is nice I resolve that feeling by hopping in the Corvette. Overall I am very pleased with my decision. Except on those odd days....--Bob
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      02-03-2021, 10:52 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LuvMyE92 View Post
My lease runs out in a year, but I like to plan ahead. Especially since BMW often lets you out a little early if you buy another one. And if I buy another one, I'll likely order it, so that's another few months that I have to allow for.

I love the Adventurine (Burgundy) color that you can order ($2000 US) on the 550i but appears to be unavailable on the 540i. I might spend 2K on it, but I'm not spending 5K for the individual custom order required.

I find the power and performance of the 540i to be adequate. It's not a screaming barn burner like the 550i, but I don't need it. I've had 750s and M5s and I know how much fun those big V8s are (my other/toy/track car has one) but for the daily commute, it's totally unnecessary and of course, the gas mileage is a bit worse. And it's a lot more expensive.

That said, it's a heck of a lot of fun, it sounds great, I do love me some torque, and hey, it's only money, you can't take it with you.

And are there any other standard features that come on the 550i besides the bigger engine and bigger wheels and bigger brakes that I'm paying this nearly $20K premium for?

I'd love to hear from folks currently driving the 550i, or folks that have moved down from the 550i, as to your thoughts on the differences.

TIA.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LuvMyE92 View Post
My lease runs out in a year, but I like to plan ahead. Especially since BMW often lets you out a little early if you buy another one. And if I buy another one, I'll likely order it, so that's another few months that I have to allow for.

I love the Adventurine (Burgundy) color that you can order ($2000 US) on the 550i but appears to be unavailable on the 540i. I might spend 2K on it, but I'm not spending 5K for the individual custom order required.

I find the power and performance of the 540i to be adequate. It's not a screaming barn burner like the 550i, but I don't need it. I've had 750s and M5s and I know how much fun those big V8s are (my other/toy/track car has one) but for the daily commute, it's totally unnecessary and of course, the gas mileage is a bit worse. And it's a lot more expensive.

That said, it's a heck of a lot of fun, it sounds great, I do love me some torque, and hey, it's only money, you can't take it with you.

And are there any other standard features that come on the 550i besides the bigger engine and bigger wheels and bigger brakes that I'm paying this nearly $20K premium for?

I'd love to hear from folks currently driving the 550i, or folks that have moved down from the 550i, as to your thoughts on the differences.

TIA.

I see you mentioned 20k premium. I have a 2021 540 xi. I think many people that get the 540 get it pretty much fully loaded. A fully loaded 540 is about 8k difference then comparable loaded 550. (not adding 2k premium paint or bowers and wilkins audio)
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      02-03-2021, 01:07 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by DNYC1919 View Post
I see you mentioned 20k premium. I have a 2021 540 xi. I think many people that get the 540 get it pretty much fully loaded. A fully loaded 540 is about 8k difference then comparable loaded 550. (not adding 2k premium paint or bowers and wilkins audio)
OK, my math was off, it's about a 16K difference, but since (apparently) the 550 is now only in xDrive configuration, it's 14K, base, x-apples to x-apples. That was part of my question, I suppose poorly worded, what else do you get for that 14K?
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      02-03-2021, 03:47 PM   #5
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Never driven a 540. Have a friend who had one for several years, and he raves about the amenities of my M550, that his 540 apparently didn't have. Napa leather, Bowers and Wilkens sound, luxury seat package, etc. He also raves about the acceleration of my M550. All I can tell you is that the M550 is an absolutely wonderful vehicle, total luxury and astounding performance. Maybe you can get all that in the 540 and save a few thousand bucks, don't know, and luckily for me that is not the issue. All I know is I drove it, loved it, and after 38k miles still love it. So much better than the M4 I traded in, it's almost indescribable. If you have a chance to get one, do it. Just my $.02.
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      02-03-2021, 04:16 PM   #6
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My first G30 was a 2017 540i and I loved it, MSRP was about $74k. When my lease was up I test drove a M550i and it was a done deal. My M550i has fewer options and MSRP was $83k. Occasionally I do miss the massaging seats and the automatic cruise control but having the grip and power difference was worth the trade and the extra money.
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      02-03-2021, 04:34 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GTFISH View Post
My first G30 was a 2017 540i and I loved it, MSRP was about $74k. When my lease was up I test drove a M550i and it was a done deal. My M550i has fewer options and MSRP was $83k. Occasionally I do miss the massaging seats and the automatic cruise control but having the grip and power difference was worth the trade and the extra money.
I'm the same way, I have a 2017 540i with massaging seats and I test drove the 2021 340i and now I can't stop thinking about the power. I wish I bought a 340i instead
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      02-03-2021, 06:07 PM   #8
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If you have multiple cars, then it makes sense to just get the 540. You obviously can get the V8 fun somewhere else...

If you can't have multiple cars, getting the 550 makes more sense. Certainly one doesn't "need" it, but it's nice to have. On a lease payment it's not more than $150-200/month, so it's not a huge difference overall.

With all this said, I do get buyer's remorse a lot of times when I go for the "value" buy. I've just learned to "buy once/cry once" vs. getting something which I'm not 100% sold on... hence I got the 550.

Also, I see cars shifting more towards electrics, so I figured I'd enjoy the big V8s while I still can.

Regardless of which you go for, enjoy it.
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      02-03-2021, 06:44 PM   #9
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Quote:
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.
Also, I see cars shifting more towards electrics, so I figured I'd enjoy the big V8s while I still can.

Regardless of which you go for, enjoy it.
100%. I feel this same clock ticking too. It's like I know this era is slowly coming to an end and don't want to miss out or be too late.
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      02-03-2021, 06:55 PM   #10
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I convinced myself I wanted a 340I once my 7 series was sold. Leaving the dealership one day servicing my wife's convertible, I saw a M5 leave in front of me and considered getting one. I really wanted new but I have always bought CPO. I don't want the payment of a new 5 whether it's a M5 or M550i and I will never track a car so the M5 is out the question. currently looking at CPO M550i and can't wait to find the right one.
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      02-03-2021, 08:18 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f30modern View Post
I'm the same way, I have a 2017 540i with massaging seats and I test drove the 2021 340i and now I can't stop thinking about the power. I wish I bought a 340i instead
I still have my JB+ that I used on my 540i if you are interested. It did wake up the motor and made a nice difference.
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      02-04-2021, 01:51 AM   #12
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Had a 2018 540xi and again got 2021 540xi. Sticker was 76k. No regrets at all. Lease on an identically equipped M550 was 120 bucks more. Engine was the delta.

There aren't a lot of exclusive options reserved only for M550; B&W Sound is one then there's a difference in Dynamic Handling Package, on M550 DHP includes Integral Active Steering, Msport Active Suspension and Active Roll Stabilization. DHP on 540 is different, no 704 with active suspension and no IAS, 704 comes with msport package. That's pretty much it in terms of available optional equipment; 540 vs M550. In terms of luxury and amenities there is borderline no difference between properly equipped 540 and M550. The engine and the exhaust note are the main items.

Sitting in traffic with a V8 under the hood made zero sense to me.

If only infrastructure for electric cars was just as readily available as gas stations...
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      02-04-2021, 04:53 AM   #13
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I ordered the 540ix MSport and could not be happier. Car is plenty quick for a daily driver. I was happy to save the 179/month and don’t miss the V8 on my daily traffic filled commute. I’m in the car 18k miles a year without Covid. This will be the first time I don’t blow over mileage.

The 550 is no doubt awesome, however I extremely happy with the 540.
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      02-04-2021, 08:03 AM   #14
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This topic has been debated since the M550 came out in 2018. I have a '18 M550 and I love it. I have had 540 loaners over the years and they are REALLY nice. But the m550 is a different beast. After 3 years it still feels crazy fast every time I drive it. My lease was up last November and I looked at several other cars to replace it, even the 2021 LCI. Nothing I looked at came close to what I have, and with the deletion of soft closing doors for 2021, I decided to buy mine off the lease. The only other car I am interested in is the m850 conv. For the price nothing compares to the m550, NOTHING!!! Go for it you will be thrilled.
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      02-04-2021, 08:24 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsf721 View Post
I ordered the 540ix MSport and could not be happier. Car is plenty quick for a daily driver. I was happy to save the 179/month and don’t miss the V8 on my daily traffic filled commute. I’m in the car 18k miles a year without Covid. This will be the first time I don’t blow over mileage.

The 550 is no doubt awesome, however I extremely happy with the 540.
The 540I is definitely a capable car and I agree for a daily commute, the V8 is wasting gas. I have other cars and coming from a 7 series, I miss the V8 already.
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      02-04-2021, 09:35 AM   #16
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If leasing, then yea I'd consider the V8 as there's not going to be much time left to enjoy them. If buying, or buying after end of the lease, the answer is always inline 6
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      02-04-2021, 12:37 PM   #17
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In considering a choice between the 540 vs the 550 I think you need to evaluate what are the most important options to you that are available to select on the vehicle other than engine size.

For me the most important option was the B&W stereo. If that option does not come back to the 540 for MY2022 or later I don't think I could be happy in an LCI 540. Some others might prioritize the difference in the implementation of dynamic handling packages on these 2 vehicles.
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      02-04-2021, 12:41 PM   #18
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In considering a choice between the 540 vs the 550 I think you need to evaluate what are the most important options to you that are available to select on the vehicle other than engine size.
Good point Steve. Since I typically select very few options, there doesn't seem to be a lot of incentive for me.

And now I see (from reading above) that they're dropping soft-close doors? That was always one of my favorite options on my 6 and 7 cars, but really the G30 is so freakin' solid that the doors close exceptionally easy, and I don't see the need for SCD any more.
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      02-05-2021, 09:53 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LuvMyE92 View Post
Good point Steve. Since I typically select very few options, there doesn't seem to be a lot of incentive for me.

And now I see (from reading above) that they're dropping soft-close doors? That was always one of my favorite options on my 6 and 7 cars, but really the G30 is so freakin' solid that the doors close exceptionally easy, and I don't see the need for SCD any more.
SCD are a subtle but nice feature on a luxury car. In my case, my teenage child's room is above the garage. This may sound hypocritical with the V-8 but I leave early in the morning and the SCD are quiet. To get SCD in the 2021 you have to get the M5. They also have them on the m850 which is nice with 2 heavy doors.
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      02-05-2021, 10:28 AM   #20
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SCD are a subtle but nice feature on a luxury car. In my case, my teenage child's room is above the garage
Agree that they are a nice feature. But when I had teenagers, OMG, you could honk the horn, rev the engine and peel out and it wouldn't wake them.
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      02-20-2021, 02:16 AM   #21
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I've had same issues and decided to go for 550i (V8 is V8 ) as a daily car. Still searching for special one.
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      02-20-2021, 06:57 AM   #22
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Are you leasing...?

I would weigh the expense of the car vs price. Will the M550 be more desirable at the end of your lease/buy. The stickler is depreciation.

I wanted all rounder... DD and landshark. That’s the M550. The M sport 540 is quick. But not close in performance. Reliability of the 4.4 with smaller turbo boost, Xdrive, ZF tranny were my swing factor... it’s really strong car.

In the end... it’s personal decision.
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