[Gautam]

Originally Posted by HeatJoey

Thanks. I just finally drove the x3m on my way home and it too was awesome. Still on fence.

As for options , I really prefer not to have things like driver assist and hud, I actually hate those type options. I deleted premium on my m40 and I live in florida so heated seats are worthless. Hud annoys me and I want zero assistance driving lol. Can’t go wrong I guess if it has this stuff great if not great too. For me, year price and mileage means more. I daily and use it for business , about 25/30k a year worth.

Now that I drove both, they are very different and while I loved the x3m, it did not sound or feel like that 550. Still a hard decision, I will sleep on it some more and hopefully something will help me decide lol

Can’t go wrong with either, I’d follow your heart. Most x3m owners seem very happy, one of the primary complaints is the ride but that’s highly subjective.

The x3 was too small in terms of legroom for my use case. The x5 (xdrive50 at that time) was very nice, very fast, but too floaty and disconnected from the road. Im also dead opposite from you when it comes to features, I want everything and more, and there were certain things that the m550 could get that even the x3m couldn’t like massaging seats and bowers and Wilkins.

But if none of that is important, the x3m is a monster of a vehicle too. I have a neighbor with one and it sounds fantastic when it starts up.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by iamcc88

… so the non M550 cars generally don’t have leather dash...

From what I've read and seen (on an Merc), I wouldn't have the leather dash. Seems it's prone to delaminating and wrinkling. I really wanted one, even thought about having one installed, but after seeing the above issue. I'm happy with what I have.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

From what I've read and seen (on an Merc), I wouldn't have the leather dash. Seems it's prone to delaminating and wrinkling. I really wanted one, even thought about having one installed, but after seeing the above issue. I'm happy with what I have.

It's an option on the M550, I don't think it is on the other G30's. I have it along with the alcantara headliner. Leather dash option also incorporates "extended leather" where the door cards and arm rests are leather. It's really a nice option. No wrinkling on mine.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

From what I've read and seen (on an Merc), I wouldn't have the leather dash. Seems it's prone to delaminating and wrinkling. I really wanted one, even thought about having one installed, but after seeing the above issue. I'm happy with what I have.

Yeah I was watching a video of an older German car (15 yrs, so not very old) and the leather in the door cards and dash was all loose and wrinkled...that's when I thought: Good thing I didn't get that option! As someone who keeps cars long term, I don't want another major trim item to deal with in addition to a seat refresh and probably a sagging headliner.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I don't think he is saying that 540's can't be equipped with the same upgrades, M550's tend to ship with better leather (Nappa/Merino) where as 540's tend to be more conservative to support the $20k discount. I don't even think for a while sensatec was a choice on the M550 (Dakota was the free "included" material) when sensa was the free option on the 530/540. Same for the audio system. HK is the base system on the M550 where "HiFi" is the entry system on the 530/540.

You have been shopping at dealers. As the model numbers increase, so does the wow factor. It's how they configure and ship. Not many people are looking for a 540 tricked out to $90,000+, the dealer would have trouble moving that.

My G31 540 is mid-level on options and stickered for EUR 91,000.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Neusser

My G31 540 is mid-level on options and stickered for EUR 91,000.

Yep, but you are outside the US in a different market using different currency. But relatively speaking, I'm guessing an M550 in Germany stickers for 110,000+ Euros, so Apples to Apples, same thing.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Yep, but you are outside the US in a different market using different currency. But relatively speaking, I'm guessing an M550 in Germany stickers for 110,000+ Euros, so Apples to Apples, same thing.

List price for an LCI 550 was about EUR 94k here, bit less for pre-LCI.

No one pays it anyways, as you'd be nuts to plonk down that kind of money for a 5 series. They are virutally all leases.


90k+ 530s are pretty common, too. Particularly the diesel, as many prefer it here for long distance work.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Neusser

List price for an LCI 550 was about EUR 94k here, bit less for pre-LCI.

No one pays it anyways, as you'd be nuts to plonk down that kind of money for a 5 series. They are virutally all leases.


90k+ 530s are pretty common, too. Particularly the diesel, as many prefer it here for long distance work.

Interesting, I was commenting from a US perspective. 530/540 are somewhere in the USD 70's and maybe touch $80k, M550's pretty much enter at $86k stripped and are nicely equipped in the mid 90's.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Interesting, I was commenting from a US perspective. 530/540 are somewhere in the USD 70's and maybe touch $80k, M550's pretty much enter at $86k stripped and are nicely equipped in the mid 90's.

Yes. I understand.

[HeatJoey]

Still looking around . Saw a nice white 21 today that was really clean. Was hopeful that I’d find a 22 in my price range and mileage but no go so far. I’m thinking a 21 is fine as it still has some warranty plus whatever the cpo gives. It had the 20’s which look amazing, I prefer that over the 19’s even if it rides stiffer.. I didn’t drive it but might do that next week.

Also interest rates are very high right now which pisses me off lol. Such a bad time to finance anything and I really don’t want to pay for another car cash if I can help it lol. I have 3 cars at home

Going to take another test drive as I know that’ll get me closer to making a deal lol.

[GSMCCASH]

Originally Posted by HeatJoey

Still looking around . Saw a nice white 21 today that was really clean. Was hopeful that I’d find a 22 in my price range and mileage but no go so far. I’m thinking a 21 is fine as it still has some warranty plus whatever the cpo gives. It had the 20’s which look amazing, I prefer that over the 19’s even if it rides stiffer.. I didn’t drive it but might do that next week.

Also interest rates are very high right now which pisses me off lol. Such a bad time to finance anything and I really don’t want to pay for another car cash if I can help it lol. I have 3 cars at home

Going to take another test drive as I know that’ll get me closer to making a deal lol.

I came out of a 2012 GT500 (750rwhp). That car was a blast to drive, in your face brute force….a beast.
I went into a 2023 M550i wondering if I would regret getting rid of the Shelby. Answer…..no, not at all. The M550 is surprisingly faster than my Shelby (rwd traction on a 5 speed manual). The engine is a wonderful smooth V8 with a nice rumble. The creature comforts makes the M550i a pleasure to drive all day long. Power and luxury in one….truly the ultimate sleeper car you don’t see very often. Get the M550i, you won’t regret it at all.

[HeatJoey]

other questions...

do these have a spare or a spare option or are we dealing with the hated, run flat only?

also, do we know if the 23's are the same as the 22's and 21's when it comes to brake pads? I would want to install powerstops or something similar day 1 as I will not tolerate the dust lol... I installed them on m40 at 400 miles and I'm at 15k, the wheels actually stay gloss black instead of matte brake dust black, for weeks at a time. the oems after day 1 they are gross and need to be cleaned. but as usual, powerstop only lists the 21 and 22 which are the same so I'm wondering if anyone can confirm the 23 is the same. I'm looking at a 23 right now and it's expensive, but it's mint and the colors in and out are perfect, with a clean history ..

one of the 21's I was looking at had some strange services that scare me, suspension part replacements among other things..

also do we have the auto start stop BS issue? can it be coded off or coded to start in sport indy or some workaround? can't deal with that feature if it can't be shut off.

wish I could find a 22 with 10-15k but I have yet to see any locally anwhere near this and the one I found was at some shady dealer in miami... I'd rather wait and at least get it from bmw not that it really matters but at least if theres a real problem, it's a lot easier to get it taken care of....

[iamcc88]

[QUOTE]other questions...

do these have a spare or a spare option or are we dealing with the hated, run flat only?

also, do we know if the 23's are the same as the 22's and 21's when it comes to brake pads? I would want to install powerstops or something similar day 1 as I will not tolerate the dust lol... I installed them on m40 at 400 miles and I'm at 15k, the wheels actually stay gloss black instead of matte brake dust black, for weeks at a time. the oems after day 1 they are gross and need to be cleaned. but as usual, powerstop only lists the 21 and 22 which are the same so I'm wondering if anyone can confirm the 23 is the same. I'm looking at a 23 right now and it's expensive, but it's mint and the colors in and out are perfect, with a clean history ..

one of the 21's I was looking at had some strange services that scare me, suspension part replacements among other things..

also do we have the auto start stop BS issue? can it be coded off or coded to start in sport indy or some workaround? can't deal with that feature if it can't be shut off.

wish I could find a 22 with 10-15k but I have yet to see any locally anwhere near this and the one I found was at some shady dealer in miami... I'd rather wait and at least get it from bmw not that it really matters but at least if theres a real problem, it's a lot easier to get it taken care of....


No spare. Run flat or be ready for a tow. Personally I just run the risk of needing to be towed, no way I am buying a car like this and driving it with run flats.

I did a lot of reading when I bought my 2021 and I do not believe there are any differences between 2021 and 2022 in terms of brakes. I don’t actually think there’s any differences at all except for maybe lack of parts for certain features due to COVID stuff.

The car has auto start stop but it’s as “easy” as putting the car into sport mode, or using BimmerCode to program the car to AUTO start sport mode and/or disable auto start/stop.

In my car I have it set to start in sport individual on start up which automatically cancels out auto start/stop, but I also programmed it that if I go into eco or comfort the auto start/stop stays off.

I’ll tell you that I finally decided to buy mine from a non-BMW dealer only because it was so incredibly hard to find a Bernina Grey Amber car with the full driving assists that I wanted. Don’t rule out buying non-BMW but find a good dealer, definitely not a shady Miami one lol. I bought mine from a place that only deals in speciality BMWs and it was pretty cool to even be there. You could just tell they know the ins and outs of every car and are true enthusiasts.

[HeatJoey]

[QUOTE=iamcc88;30755362]

other questions...

do these have a spare or a spare option or are we dealing with the hated, run flat only?

also, do we know if the 23's are the same as the 22's and 21's when it comes to brake pads? I would want to install powerstops or something similar day 1 as I will not tolerate the dust lol... I installed them on m40 at 400 miles and I'm at 15k, the wheels actually stay gloss black instead of matte brake dust black, for weeks at a time. the oems after day 1 they are gross and need to be cleaned. but as usual, powerstop only lists the 21 and 22 which are the same so I'm wondering if anyone can confirm the 23 is the same. I'm looking at a 23 right now and it's expensive, but it's mint and the colors in and out are perfect, with a clean history ..

one of the 21's I was looking at had some strange services that scare me, suspension part replacements among other things..

also do we have the auto start stop BS issue? can it be coded off or coded to start in sport indy or some workaround? can't deal with that feature if it can't be shut off.

wish I could find a 22 with 10-15k but I have yet to see any locally anwhere near this and the one I found was at some shady dealer in miami... I'd rather wait and at least get it from bmw not that it really matters but at least if theres a real problem, it's a lot easier to get it taken care of....


No spare. Run flat or be ready for a tow. Personally I just run the risk of needing to be towed, no way I am buying a car like this and driving it with run flats.

I did a lot of reading when I bought my 2021 and I do not believe there are any differences between 2021 and 2022 in terms of brakes. I don’t actually think there’s any differences at all except for maybe lack of parts for certain features due to COVID stuff.

The car has auto start stop but it’s as “easy” as putting the car into sport mode, or using BimmerCode to program the car to AUTO start sport mode and/or disable auto start/stop.

In my car I have it set to start in sport individual on start up which automatically cancels out auto start/stop, but I also programmed it that if I go into eco or comfort the auto start/stop stays off.

I’ll tell you that I finally decided to buy mine from a non-BMW dealer only because it was so incredibly hard to find a Bernina Grey Amber car with the full driving assists that I wanted. Don’t rule out buying non-BMW but find a good dealer, definitely not a shady Miami one lol. I bought mine from a place that only deals in speciality BMWs and it was pretty cool to even be there. You could just tell they know the ins and outs of every car and are true enthusiasts.

cool and thanks. yea, thats what I had to do on the m40, just coded it to start in sport indi with comfort settings basically as it won't let you turn off ASS in this particular car.. this way i don't have to hit a button each time. will do the same on the m550, if/when I get one... just have to find the right one now lol.

[MelbourneFinn]

Originally Posted by HeatJoey

cool and thanks. yea, thats what I had to do on the m40, just coded it to start in sport indi with comfort settings basically as it won't let you turn off ASS in this particular car.. this way i don't have to hit a button each time. will do the same on the m550, if/when I get one... just have to find the right one now lol.

Sounds like you have made up your mind between X3M and 550… Good call - unless you like SUVs (I don’t , except the X2 M35i I bought my wife is pretty incredible for a little car - I call it a “little monster”)…

There are no differences between ‘21, ‘22 and ‘23, as far as I’m aware. The biggest one probably being, as someone already mentioned, available options in the “Covid years” available options. I believe for ‘23 this has returned more to “normal”, so more up to how each car was specced up. Both ‘21 and ‘22 (especially if built in ‘21 or early ‘22) are n the same boat.

I’ve had my ‘21 since April and it’s just an amazing car. Bought it privately - absolutely no mechanical issues. Had to do some work on the cosmetics as most people don’t maintain their cars to the same standards as I do. But that was easy to fix - a day with my detailed and all sorted. Currently 30k kms (or just under 20k mls), and with the level of maintenance my car sees, it looks practically like new.

I came from an F06 M6 and thought I would never drive as good car as that was. I think I was wrong… The 550 is up there… The real difference is that a proper M car is just that little bit more special, but also “edgier” especially as a daily driver. The 550 is so butter smooth that there is not even a comparison. Even things like auto stop/start - I don’t have any need to even code it off as per default unlike in almost all other cars I’ve had and driven.

If there is one thing that I absolutely dislike… That’s the BMW gage cluster. Considering it’s all digital, why didn’t they give as even an option of a traditional looking round dials!!? But the HUD is so good (if you are used to any other car/brand HUD, not the same) that I don’t really have a need to even look at it - and good that way as it just gives me headaches when I see it. But that’s it. And whoever made a comment about leather dash, if you maintain it properly, it’ll last as long as the car. However you maintain your fine leather seats (nappa/merino), the same applies to the leather dash. When you see a 15-year old car with all cracked and wrinkled leather seats, well, that’s largely due to lack of maintenance, the same would happen to your leather dash. But have a look at the early leather dash optioned M6s or 7ers from early 2010’s, if the car (interior) has been looked after, the leather dash looks almost like new. I wouldn’t have my luxury car without it.

Good luck hunting, the 550 is an amazing car and you won’t be disappointed! Merry Christmas!

[HeatJoey]

Originally Posted by MelbourneFinn

Sounds like you have made up your mind between X3M and 550… Good call - unless you like SUVs (I don’t , except the X2 M35i I bought my wife is pretty incredible for a little car - I call it a “little monster”)…

There are no differences between ‘21, ‘22 and ‘23, as far as I’m aware. The biggest one probably being, as someone already mentioned, available options in the “Covid years” available options. I believe for ‘23 this has returned more to “normal”, so more up to how each car was specced up. Both ‘21 and ‘22 (especially if built in ‘21 or early ‘22) are n the same boat.

I’ve had my ‘21 since April and it’s just an amazing car. Bought it privately - absolutely no mechanical issues. Had to do some work on the cosmetics as most people don’t maintain their cars to the same standards as I do. But that was easy to fix - a day with my detailed and all sorted. Currently 30k kms (or just under 20k mls), and with the level of maintenance my car sees, it looks practically like new.

I came from an F06 M6 and thought I would never drive as good car as that was. I think I was wrong… The 550 is up there… The real difference is that a proper M car is just that little bit more special, but also “edgier” especially as a daily driver. The 550 is so butter smooth that there is not even a comparison. Even things like auto stop/start - I don’t have any need to even code it off as per default unlike in almost all other cars I’ve had and driven.

If there is one thing that I absolutely dislike… That’s the BMW gage cluster. Considering it’s all digital, why didn’t they give as even an option of a traditional looking round dials!!? But the HUD is so good (if you are used to any other car/brand HUD, not the same) that I don’t really have a need to even look at it - and good that way as it just gives me headaches when I see it. But that’s it. And whoever made a comment about leather dash, if you maintain it properly, it’ll last as long as the car. However you maintain your fine leather seats (nappa/merino), the same applies to the leather dash. When you see a 15-year old car with all cracked and wrinkled leather seats, well, that’s largely due to lack of maintenance, the same would happen to your leather dash. But have a look at the early leather dash optioned M6s or 7ers from early 2010’s, if the car (interior) has been looked after, the leather dash looks almost like new. I wouldn’t have my luxury car without it.

Good luck hunting, the 550 is an amazing car and you won’t be disappointed! Merry Christmas!

thank you and likewise on the holidays! I will not rush this time as I'm in no rush and my m40 is only 6 months old... so the longer I wait the easier it will be to explain to the wife hahah...jk she doesn't care anymore lol

My biggest complaint about the m40 is just the seats. they are horrible after about 1 or 1.5 hours, they just drive me crazy. I've never had this problem in any car I've ever owned actually, until this one. everything else is pretty good. I ordered it to spec the way I wanted... but I'm just a v8 guy at heart and I miss my hellcat power LOL... so this might be more in line with what I'm looking for...

[iamcc88]

Originally Posted by MelbourneFinn

Sounds like you have made up your mind between X3M and 550… Good call - unless you like SUVs (I don’t , except the X2 M35i I bought my wife is pretty incredible for a little car - I call it a “little monster”)…

There are no differences between ‘21, ‘22 and ‘23, as far as I’m aware. The biggest one probably being, as someone already mentioned, available options in the “Covid years” available options. I believe for ‘23 this has returned more to “normal”, so more up to how each car was specced up. Both ‘21 and ‘22 (especially if built in ‘21 or early ‘22) are n the same boat.

I’ve had my ‘21 since April and it’s just an amazing car. Bought it privately - absolutely no mechanical issues. Had to do some work on the cosmetics as most people don’t maintain their cars to the same standards as I do. But that was easy to fix - a day with my detailed and all sorted. Currently 30k kms (or just under 20k mls), and with the level of maintenance my car sees, it looks practically like new.

I came from an F06 M6 and thought I would never drive as good car as that was. I think I was wrong… The 550 is up there… The real difference is that a proper M car is just that little bit more special, but also “edgier” especially as a daily driver. The 550 is so butter smooth that there is not even a comparison. Even things like auto stop/start - I don’t have any need to even code it off as per default unlike in almost all other cars I’ve had and driven.

If there is one thing that I absolutely dislike… That’s the BMW gage cluster. Considering it’s all digital, why didn’t they give as even an [...]

Hey you should try “reduced mode” for the gauge cluster! Just hit the mic button and say “turn on reduced mode” and if for some reason you need the regular dash you just hit the BC button on the left stalk.

[oilandgas]

It takes me a year of research to buy a car. I went from a 2017 Cayenne S to a 2020 M550 that I custom ordered. I was tired of an SUV & and didn't need the hauling capacity as the kids got their own cars. I was comparing the M550 against the E63 and the S6. For me, the M550 was easily the better car. As the car is getting close to 4 yrs old now, Im starting to look for its replacement but I honestly cant find anything new that I like as much as my current car. Sure, I'd like a better iDrive system but not at the expense of losing rhe rest of the car

[HeatJoey]

Originally Posted by oilandgas

It takes me a year of research to buy a car. I went from a 2017 Cayenne S to a 2020 M550 that I custom ordered. I was tired of an SUV & and didn't need the hauling capacity as the kids got their own cars. I was comparing the M550 against the E63 and the S6. For me, the M550 was easily the better car. As the car is getting close to 4 yrs old now, Im starting to look for its replacement but I honestly cant find anything new that I like as much as my current car. Sure, I'd like a better iDrive system but not at the expense of losing rhe rest of the car

Good to hear and thank you. Yes my son now has an m340 lol and the dog fits in any back seat, or we take the wife’s suv… so I’m free to go this route if I want lol… still haven’t seen the perfect one yet but I’m looking . It takes me a while too as I keep finding something I don’t like or I flip flop like I’m still doing with the x3m lol. I do enjoy being up higher for where I drive for work and having extra room is nice sometimes… but they are hard to find and still don’t have that twin turbo v8 lol… not sure what I’m going to do. Might go drive the 550 again

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by HeatJoey

Good to hear and thank you. Yes my son now has an m340 lol and the dog fits in any back seat, or we take the wife’s suv… so I’m free to go this route if I want lol… still haven’t seen the perfect one yet but I’m looking . It takes me a while too as I keep finding something I don’t like or I flip flop like I’m still doing with the x3m lol. I do enjoy being up higher for where I drive for work and having extra room is nice sometimes… but they are hard to find and still don’t have that twin turbo v8 lol… not sure what I’m going to do. Might go drive the 550 again

To play devils advocate, have you considered the x5 m50i? Ttv8, high ground clearance, usually easier to find better equipped than the m550i, significantly more comfortable than an x3m…

Edit: for the record, I'm squarely in the camp where with the first test drive of the M550, it was "over"... the X5 was originally the frontrunner in my hunt, but it couldn't hold a candle to the driving experience of the 5er. That said, it is a compelling vehicle in its own right.

[HeatJoey]

Originally Posted by Gautam

To play devils advocate, have you considered the x5 m50i? Ttv8, high ground clearance, usually easier to find better equipped than the m550i, significantly more comfortable than an x3m…

Edit: for the record, I'm squarely in the camp where with the first test drive of the M550, it was "over"... the X5 was originally the frontrunner in my hunt, but it couldn't hold a candle to the driving experience of the 5er. That said, it is a compelling vehicle in its own right.

Actually yes that was the only other choice I was considering…and it’s still in the back of my mind. Don’t remember why I moved it to third for some reason I remember thinking if I want an suv why not get the x3m, better handling etc and probably less expensive… but maybe I’ll look again. I also really want something low mileage and the m50 and m550 and both still above what I want to spend with the mileage I want. I drive a lot and want to be under warranty so I was hoping to be 15k or under… some of the m550s in my range were either too high mileage or too old . Gotta re think this whole endeavor lol… or be patient I guess

[HeatJoey]

to further the answer to this about the x5 50i... it too is still a bit more than I wanted to spend as I'd have to go back to a 21 with more mileage than I want to get in my price range. Also I went to see what tires would look like, since I drive a lot and get a lot of nails etc., my tires based on my mileage and life of these run flats, probably last about 3-4 months tops and with those 315 , 22" run flats, it's ugly lol. Yes I know I shouldn't be deciding on a car based on future tires and/or maintenance but if I have to buy 2-3 sets a year at 2k/set, it must be factored in. they are double of a non run flat on the x3m or even the 20" on the m550i. Plus i really prefer to own it while under the original factory warranty... I know some have CPO for another year/unlimited mileage but I've also heard that it doesn't cover everything like the factory Bumper to Bumper.

similar problem as the m550i. there is a nice 21 with 14k miles on it, but it's not the color I want although I can deal with that, but it also doesn't have the wheels I want (I like the 20" in the pic above or the newer 19's black, this has the silver 19's that are still nice but I really prefer the look of those 20's.

I probably should have bought that x3m I was looking at, it was the right year and mileage it kept getting reduced until it hit 66.9 asking, then it sold. it was mint with 8k miles and it was as 22. I just really wanted to be in the low 60's if possible, not the high 60's but I should have gone and made an offer probably. haven't seen a similar one based on age/mileage etc in a bit now.

There is a gorgeous 23 m550 too on the lot, it's the one I test drove, but it's still listed at 71.9K... which is hard for me to swallow on a pre owned anything lol....

this is my dilema lol. I also want to find one locally as I will trade in my m40, preferably at a bmw dealer and a few I saw had accidents and waited service done, I’ll stay away from that. One had all kinds of suspension parts replaced which scares me.