[Dutt1113]

So I currently have a 2018 m550i loaded with all options including ACC, leather dash, Alcantara headliner, Bowers Wilkins, night vision, and all other packages. The night vision I could care less about.

So I've been looking at upgrading to a 2021-22 M550. I'd be gaining a better looking front end and new headlights, better taillights, new instrument cluster and larger idrive screen, newer tech, remote start which I love, and the main part bring the new 523hp engine vs the 456hp version in mine.

However, I'd be losing soft close doors because apparently they've done away with that option as of 2021 in 5 series in the US. I'd also be losing Bowers Wilkins because it's really rare in those years because of shortages and I'd also be losing potentially Alcantara headliner and leather dash unless I can find one with those rare options.

Do you think the Pros outweigh what options I'd be losing? I don't want to feel like I'm downgrading.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

So I currently have a 2018 m550i loaded with all options including ACC, leather dash, Alcantara headliner, Bowers Wilkins, night vision, and all other packages. The night vision I could care less about.

So I've been looking at upgrading to a 2021-22 M550. I'd be gaining a better looking front end and new headlights, better taillights, new instrument cluster and larger idrive screen, newer tech, remote start which I love, and the main part bring the new 523hp engine vs the 456hp version in mine.

However, I'd be losing soft close doors because apparently they've done away with that option as of 2021 in 5 series in the US. I'd also be losing Bowers Wilkins because it's really rare in those years because of shortages and I'd also be losing potentially Alcantara headliner and leather dash unless I can find one with those rare options.

Do you think the Pros outweigh what options I'd be losing? I don't want to feel like I'm downgrading.

Look at the 2020's.
You get about 80% of the LCI, but the big one is the improved engine and HP.

[Dutt1113]

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Look at the 2020's.
You get about 80% of the LCI, but the big one is the improved engine and HP.

I get your point, but I don't think that would be enough updates for me to justify selling my car for.

[xander_g]

Any particular reason for wanting to stick with the G30 and not going in a different direction like F90 or a different brand altogether?

Reason I'm asking is because I was considering doing the same thing earlier this year but ended up keeping the '18 G30 and modding it a bit.

[Joe-BMW33]

2018 owner here. Here is my two cents and it has nothing to do with being a homer from what I have and don’t have. I have every option you mention and more. The LCI and the tweaked engine have never tempted me. The LCI tails did, so I did them. The 523 hp vs the 462 hp is misleading. The TU3 and TU2 are actually very close when Dino’d stock. Like 30hp, not 60hp. So slap a piggy back on the TU2 and your beyond the tune challenged locked ECU of the TU3. Supposedly I’m running 580 ish with the Dinan tune.

The headlights are a matter of taste. Most people prefer the pre LCI, but honestly, they are not enough different to make me say “I want those” like I did with the tails.

If your gonna “upgrade”, go for an LCI M5C, otherwise, it’s not much of an upgrade, especially since you have what you want right now and would likely have to forgo features you like/want like soft close doors and B&W, the latter of which can be had with patience on an LCI.

I’ve been through MANY Lifecycle Impulses (LCI) over the years. Some made me drool, some didn’t. With the G30, the LCI lost as much as it gained IMO. If I were a first time buyer and didn’t have a Pre LCI, sure, I’d want the newest car because that makes the most sense, but I’ve had zero urge to “upgrade “.

I have idrive 7 in my X5. It ain’t nothing to write home about. When I’m in that car, the only thing that makes me want ID7 is the song preview on Sirius before you change the station and Apple Maps in HUD. I just cancelled Sirius in the M550 because it sounds like shit and streaming it via Apple CarPlay sounds better. The HUD Maps is nice, but not enough to make me trade it in.

Yeah, so if you really want to “upgrade”, really upgrade to a 2021-23 M5C. It’s not really a worthy upgrade from Pre LCI to LCI in my opinion.

I couldn’t imagine going to an LCI with HK coming from B&W. That would be a huge downgrade.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

I get your point, but I don't think that would be enough updates for me to justify selling my car for.

I actually prefer the pre LCI headlights, but LOVE the LCI tails.
You can get all the toys you want with a 2020 to include B/W, soft close, etc.
I'd shop around for that versus a LCI, or as Joe mentioned, just go for it and get a used M5.

[Dick_Lexus]

It's a good plan. I like the overall more aggressive look of the LCI and you get remote start. The final iteration of a classic. Bought mine back in June and missed out on some options for a LCI to fit the budget.

[eliphil]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

So I currently have a 2018 m550i loaded with all options including ACC, leather dash, Alcantara headliner, Bowers Wilkins, night vision, and all other packages. The night vision I could care less about.

So I've been looking at upgrading to a 2021-22 M550. I'd be gaining a better looking front end and new headlights, better taillights, new instrument cluster and larger idrive screen, newer tech, remote start which I love, and the main part bring the new 523hp engine vs the 456hp version in mine.

However, I'd be losing soft close doors because apparently they've done away with that option as of 2021 in 5 series in the US. I'd also be losing Bowers Wilkins because it's really rare in those years because of shortages and I'd also be losing potentially Alcantara headliner and leather dash unless I can find one with those rare options.



Do you think the Pros outweigh what options I'd be losing? I don't want to feel like I'm downgrading.

Like Joe said giving up the BW sound system isn’t good but if it were me it would all depend how many miles you have on your current car. Sooner or later u should trade up to a 23 or 22 to lengthen how long you can hold onto this epic last of its kind model. That is why I grabbed my latest and have my 22 up for sale bernina grey 32k miles.

[Dutt1113]

I've got about 54k miles on my 2018 now. What I really want is a 2021 M850, but a little out of my price range, so I may wait a few months for them to come down a bit. The only option 99% of the the 2021 m850s are missing is BW audio which I'm assuming was the chip shortage issue. The way the HK audio is integrated in the doors looks ok to me. There would be little sacrifices with a 2021 m850 besides the audio and locked ecu, but a jb4 to get 600hp would be fine until an affordable US based ecu unlock is available.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

I've got about 54k miles on my 2018 now. What I really want is a 2021 M850, but a little out of my price range, so I may wait a few months for them to come down a bit. The only option 99% of the the 2021 m850s are missing is BW audio which I'm assuming was the chip shortage issue. The way the HK audio is integrated in the doors looks ok to me. There would be little sacrifices with a 2021 m850 besides the audio and locked ecu, but a jb4 to get 600hp would be fine until an affordable US based ecu unlock is available.

Are you aware that all of the OTA BMW updatable cars, LCI 2021 and up, are sending 'abnormal' diagnostics to the BMW cloud?
Such as higher than normal boost and timing levels?
Or, in other words, a tune ?

[Dutt1113]

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Are you aware that all of the OTA BMW updatable cars, LCI 2021 and up, are sending 'abnormal' diagnostics to the BMW cloud?
Such as higher than normal boost and timing levels?
Or, in other words, a tune ?

Even with a JB4? If so, I guess you have to pay to play.

[adhrp]

Sounds like you have an exceptionally well equipped M550i. Do you currently drive fast/hard enough to use even the 456 hp your car has? If not, would it be a worthwhile exercise to try to find a car with even more power?

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

Even with a JB4? If so, I guess you have to pay to play.

Essentially what a JB4 "tune" does is just add more boost and timing.
So, yes.
If you can afford to swap out a $30,000 M550 engine when BWM declines, then go for it.

[Dutt1113]

Has anyone here moved from a pre-lci m550 to an lci m550?

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by eliphil

Like Joe said giving up the BW sound system isn’t good but if it were me it would all depend how many miles you have on your current car. Sooner or later u should trade up to a 23 or 22 to lengthen how long you can hold onto this epic last of its kind model. That is why I grabbed my latest and have my 22 up for sale bernina grey 32k miles.

Good point I overlooked. If you are nostalgic and wanting the last 100% LCI V8 5-Series and are looking to buy and hold, I totally get that. Get a 2023 and keep the miles low.

[Dutt1113]

Originally Posted by eliphil

Like Joe said giving up the BW sound system isn’t good but if it were me it would all depend how many miles you have on your current car. Sooner or later u should trade up to a 23 or 22 to lengthen how long you can hold onto this epic last of its kind model. That is why I grabbed my latest and have my 22 up for sale bernina grey 32k miles.

The BW audio isn't a big deal sound wise for me, it's the look that I want. I saw some aftermarket kits online that adds the BW grilles and integrates with the lighting and everything for under $300 so not finding a car with BW audio isn't a problem anymore.

Missing out on the now deleted soft close doors is odd, but I can live without it. You don't need much force at all to close the doors. The Alcantara headliner can be had still but not a deal breaker.

So in summary, the BW look and feel can be solved and then all the new tech, screens, front end, taillights, and engine comes with the LCI. I can't really think of any other options out there that offer the features, looks, and power besides going with a another m550 that now as an LCI offers the updates mentioned. Almost as if it ain't broke why fix it with something else when the new version of what you have is even better yet

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

The BW audio isn't a big deal sound wise for me, it's the look that I want. I saw some aftermarket kits online that adds the BW grilles and integrates with the lighting and everything for under $300 so not finding a car with BW audio isn't a problem anymore.

Missing out on the now deleted soft close doors is odd, but I can live without it. You don't need much force at all to close the doors. The Alcantara headliner can be had still but not a deal breaker.

So in summary, the BW look and feel can be solved and then all the new tech, screens, front end, taillights, and engine comes with the LCI. I can't really think of any other options out there that offer the features, looks, and power besides going with a another m550 that now as an LCI offers the updates mentioned. Almost as if it ain't broke why fix it with something else when the new version of what you have is even better yet

You asked to weigh the pros and cons, so we did. I think you may be downgrading. You seem to have the LCI look at the top of your list and can rationalize everything else away you won't be getting but have now. You should do what is best for you, but make no mistake, those Chinese B&W knockoffs are not the same thing. You will have HK with backlit speakers, which may be more important to you than the high fidelity of B&W. It's about the amp and subs, not the door speakers. If you have been rolling around with HK, I think you're going to miss B&W more than you realize, but that will take about 5 minutes to realize.

[Dutt1113]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

You asked to weigh the pros and cons, so we did. I think you may be downgrading. You seem to have the LCI look at the top of your list and can rationalize everything else away you won't be getting but have now. You should do what is best for you, but make no mistake, those Chinese B&W knockoffs are not the same thing. You will have HK with backlit speakers, which may be more important to you than the high fidelity of B&W. It's about the amp and subs, not the door speakers. If you have been rolling around with HK, I think you're going to miss B&W more than you realize, but that will take about 5 minutes to realize.

Yeah, I know the aftermarket is is just lighted metal BW looking covers. I'm not an audiophile so I HK would most likely be OK. I'm sure I could maybe tell a small difference in fidelity, but not much to write home about. I would sure as heck love an LCI with BW but they are rare and could spend months waiting for one to pop up with the spec and color I want.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

Yeah, I know the aftermarket is is just lighted metal BW looking covers. I'm not an audiophile so I HK would most likely be OK. I'm sure I could maybe tell a small difference in fidelity, but not much to write home about. I would sure as heck love an LCI with BW but they are rare and could spend months waiting for one to pop up with the spec and color I want.

Don't rule out finding one with B&W, they can be found, but you are right, the supply chain shortage thing really impacted this. You have a better chance finding B&W in a 2023 than a '21-'22.

IDK, $84,000 for a 15k mile '21 M5C?? Now that would be a go for me!

[Dutt1113]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Don't rule out finding one with B&W, they can be found, but you are right, the supply chain shortage thing really impacted this. You have a better chance finding B&W in a 2023 than a '21-'22.

IDK, $84,000 for a 15k mile '21 M5C?? Now that would be a go for me!

If I had an unlimited budget, all options could be considered, but I've set a max budget of $60k.

[xander_g]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

2018 owner here. Here is my two cents and it has nothing to do with being a homer from what I have and don’t have. I have every option you mention and more. The LCI and the tweaked engine have never tempted me. The LCI tails did, so I did them. The 523 hp vs the 462 hp is misleading. The TU3 and TU2 are actually very close when Dino’d stock. Like 30hp, not 60hp. So slap a piggy back on the TU2 and your beyond the tune challenged locked ECU of the TU3. Supposedly I’m running 580 ish with the Dinan tune.

The headlights are a matter of taste. Most people prefer the pre LCI, but honestly, they are not enough different to make me say “I want those” like I did with the tails.

If your gonna “upgrade”, go for an LCI M5C, otherwise, it’s not much of an upgrade, especially since you have what you want right now and would likely have to forgo features you like/want like soft close doors and B&W, the latter of which can be had with patience on an LCI.

I’ve been through MANY Lifecycle Impulses (LCI) over the years. Some made me drool, some didn’t. With the G30, the LCI lost as much as it gained IMO. If I were a first time buyer and didn’t have a Pre LCI, sure, I’d want the newest car because that makes the most sense, but I’ve had zero urge to “upgrade “.

I have idrive 7 in my X5. It ain’t nothing to write home about. When I’m in that car, the only thing that makes me want ID7 is the song preview on Sirius before you change the station and Apple Maps in HUD. I just cancelled Sirius in the M550 because it sounds like shit and streaming it via Apple CarPlay sounds better. The HUD Maps is nice, but not enough to make me trade it in.

Yeah, so if you really want to “upgrade”, really upgrade to a 2021-23 M5C. It’s not really a worthy upgrade from Pre LCI to LCI in my opinion.

I couldn’t imagine going to an LCI with HK coming from B&W. That would be a huge downgrade.

Pretty much my reasoning for not switching to an LCI G30.

[eliphil]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

If I had an unlimited budget, all options could be considered, but I've set a max budget of $60k.

My 22 bernina grey is below your budget if your interested 33.5 k miles ceramic coated pff and a built in radar detector/jammer