[Bch53211]

Ha me too - they are getting one at my local dealer I’m going to take a look and test drive it - I’m friends with the manager there he said he also ordered a new G82 as their first allocation which is the other car I’m considering- it’s an all wheel comp pack which I had heard may not be available right away. I’m leaning towards the M550i as I’ve had a F80 and an F82. Time for something different, I’ve never owned a car with a V8. More interested in comfort and luxury along with the power.

[stein_325i]

If your looking for a luxury missile pretty much look no further than the M550i. I don't think a G82 would satisfy your need for comfort, and every recent M car except for the M5 seems to be getting slammed for being overly stiff so I doubt it will ride significantly better than your current F80, not to mention its looks are very questionable, M550i still has the classic BMW looks and proportions.

Only other cars I can think of worth testing with a V8 are the Panny and E63, but of course those command a much higher price tag, I think an M550i will probably suit your needs well, just make sure to really drive it on your test drive, M550i is a completely different beast than your F80, I've seen some people make the move from 3 to 5 or 5 to 3 and then regret it and go back to the former.

[Bch53211]

That is just what I’m looking for, thanks for your input. I’m not as adverse to the look of the new M3/4 as some, waiting to see it in person. Regardless, I’m definitely leaning towards the M550i.

[Scotty B]

Just picked a 2018 up two weeks ago. Here is my high level review.

-Super luxurious ride in comfort mode (I changed tires to Continental DWS06 from Pzero runflats for the winter).

-Violent (in a good way) in sport plus mode with transmission in sport too. Transmission shifts so quickly if you want it to, almost DCT level.

-Got my first real pops and crackles today doing a mountain run, otherwise the exhaust is not too loud, and has a nice burble. You do get some small grunts on downshift and farts at upshift. Gotta roll the windows down or sunroof open to hear it. I don't think I'm going to change out the exhaust just yet.

-Rocket sled on rails? Yes.

-You can feel the weight but it still feels composed at triple digit speeds through curvy mountain roads.

-Getting massaged while letting the car drive itself on the interstate is fantastically underrated

-Bluestone metallic might be my new favorite color. Multiple shades of silver - blue - gray in different lighting conditions.

[spuntyb]

Right there with you. Wanted SS for my F80, but it was already EOP by the time I was looking and couldn't find one I liked on the dealer lot. Now I'm going back and forth between a M550 and F90 to replace it, and I absolutely love Bluestone for it. If not BS, I'll likely get Aventurine Red with Ivory/Smoke White.

As for ride, I've only done one quick drive in a friend's M550, but definitely was softer/smoother and more comfy than my F80. But that's what has me leaning towards the F90...

Good luck!

[Scotty B]

Here is a quick launch control for you. No tire chirp, all power. Pumped in noise isn't bad. Burbles at the end. My sunroof is open. 3.8 to 60 measured.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpxvVSCTg_s

[Oldgixxer]

Originally Posted by CranfordBimmer

I love my 2021 M550i. Haven't broken it in yet but the power is absurd. Haven't floored it nor revved over 4500 rpm yet. Mine is the Bernina Gray. Looks like a flat gray but has the cool pearl effect. I've received a ton of compliments on it. The $3400 stereo is worth the money by the way. Mine stickered for $91,250. Other than the 20" wheels I wanted it was equipped just how I would have ordered it.

Brought my 550 in for scheduled service yesterday and they gave me a 2021 740i in Bernina Grey Amber w the same white interior (Nappa Ivory?). I'm in love with that color!!!!

[Rotherd31]

Originally Posted by CranfordBimmer

Just missing the "0". There isn't a M55i. Some of the SUVs can be a M50i

Corrected....just for you! But then you knew what I meant.

[CHECKERED]

Originally Posted by Bch53211

I currently have a 18 M3 comp, lease is up in 6 months. I’m considering the M550i. I like the idea of a softer ride, a little more room and all wheel drive. Not to mention I really like the sound of a V8 with 528hp Am I right to assume the ride is more comfortable than my M3? Even in comfort mode the M3 is still pretty hard. I’m also wondering about the color Bluestone. It looks like a silver , does it have blue components? Last, how long has this current generation been out? Is there a new model coming in the next couple years?

you can't compare the two, other than they are both 4 door BMWs

sound
if you are looking for a V8 sound, this is not it; turbos, cats/mufflers resonator and X pipe resonator, silencer on the intake pipes makes this car very quite so they pump artificial engine noise into the car, it's louder in sport mode and with a B&W system it feels very real and doesn't take away from the experience

you can hear a very faint turbo spool sound and the V8 rumble is noticeable but just barely you really have to listen to it.

handling
my car has the dynamic handling which stiffens up the sway bars, I feel like this is a must

with 20" RFT the ride is jarring and and not at all sharp which is insane, you normally trade comfort for handling but in this case BMW really missed the mark, so the ride is neither smooth nor sharp, thank the electric steering

with 19" tires the ride is more supple in comfort mode, if you are looking for a handling queen this is not it.

G30 is a luxury cruiser first, no amount of suspension mods (unless you are looking to drop 10K to M5 conversion or a total revamp)
optional suspension will fix some issues

rear steering is very cool on tight turns, the car is very long for a mid-size and it makes the car feel smaller and more nibble in slower speeds

bluestone:
its similar to a space grey but with a tint of blue, the blue tint is only obvious in certain light and angles, you need to see it in person pictures enhance and highlight the blue hue.

I went with this color because in 2018 the only ones available were 3 shades of back, flat white and a 'loud look at me Mediterranean blue', bluestone this it was the best choice out of all that were offered

[oilandgas]

I absolutely LOVE my 2020 M550. I think it's the best all-around car I have ever owned (and I recently traded a Porsche 991.1 C4S cab for an Aston Martin DB11 V8). Sure, I have a few nit-picks about the M550 (like the virtually unusable wireless charge pad or the 20" 668M rims that bend like silly putty), but taken as a whole the car has great technology & safety features; AWD; great performance & ride; decent gas mileage; and reasonable price

[bmwterp]

I'm thinking of swapping my 2019 M550 from a lease (its up in Feb 2022). Driving way more than I planned, and I probably need a SUV. Not in a huge rush or anything like that...So, I would only want to discuss with a win-win situation-as it's very easy to do lease transfers with BMW. Let me know if you want to connect online via email.

[bummedic]

Originally Posted by 5SeriesPup

M550 is an awesome car. I just got a 2018 w/27k miles!

Just picked up a '18 with 30K miles (well, I went over 30 driving it home). Loving it!

[Stonehauler]

Not an owner of a G30 M550, but I own a 2013 550i.

Honestly, it's the best...and worst car I have ever driven. When it works, it's the best. When it has one of the infamous N63 (original) issues, it's the worst.

First, the multi-contour seats are the best seats I have ever had the pleasure of sitting in, with the exception of a corvette seat (and the 'vette was standing still)

I've never had a car that balanced sportiness and comfort so seamlessly. Since 2004, I've been making regular 2000+ mile round trips from where I live to the Chicagoland area, tooling around there, and driving back. It's a one day out with wife and dogs, spend time with all the family spread between Milwaukee and SW suburbs, and then another day back. When I took my Lexus GS400, it's was ok, when I take my F350 truck, I am exhausted after each major leg, even with switching out with the wife. When I take my 550i, I am exhilarated at the end of the trip (during any part of the year but winter), even if I have driven the entire distance by myself.

I've made a trip of about half that distance in an older 330i (2006) and both me and the wife (her car) could barely walk upright after that trip. Now she has a 16 340 and just running around today looking at cars had by back messed up while in sport mode (she has the adaptive suspension). I've never had that problem with my 550i.

When I press the accelerator down in my 550, it's an instant good day. I don't track my car, I don't take it to the strip. The closest I get is driving on 294 in Chicago (those who live there know what I mean), or when I am lucky enough to get an open on-ramp. These moments are enough for me. They brighten the day, and make all the frustrations of work disappear.

Going to be driving the new M550 in the next few days as I decide on if I want to spend the money on a new motor for mine or not. Honestly, I was not going to even look at it, or any other BMW due to my experience with the N63 motor, but my wife convinced me to look at it again. I suspect all that excitement is till going to be there, and I am going to end up getting it if I drive it.

I would not buy an M5, the M550 is where I want to be.

[1newbmwowner]

After 6 Audi A6s, the last 2 being the S6, I switched to BMW with the purchase of my first BMW, the 2021 M550i in bluestone metallic, shadow line trim, kappa leather interior and every option except for the Bowers & Wilkins stereo and rear window shades. After I took delivery, I had a 30% ceramic window tint installed on all glass except for the front windshield and applied 2 coats of graphene coating myself.

After driving an 2020 M550i in March 2020, I could not justify paying $20k more for an M5 as my car will never see a race track. I ordered a 2020 M550i, but my order was canceled because of the factory Covid shutdown. When I was able to order my car in July, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was ordering the mid-cycle refreshed 2021 M550i. I prefer the look of the 2021 over the 2020 even though the differences are slight. The big screen iDrive upgrade is great.

I'm loving the improved smoothness, tech, handling and power of the M550i over my 2017 Audi S6. In particular, the bi-turbo V8 and 8-speed transmission is smooth as silk and sounds great. The V8 Audis I have owned all have clunky transmissions off the line and when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. My wife loves the massaging front seats too!

Here are a few photos taken at the Mercer Museum in Doylestown, PA across the street from my office.

Regards,
Bud James

[Moopai]

The LCI looks a lot like the M5 not much different accept a better ride on the M550!

Originally Posted by 1newbmwowner

After 6 Audi A6s, the last 2 being the S6, I switched to BMW with the purchase of my first BMW, the 2021 M550i in bluestone metallic, shadow line trim, kappa leather interior and every option except for the Bowers & Wilkins stereo and rear window shades. After I took delivery, I had a 30% ceramic window tint installed on all glass except for the front windshield and applied 2 coats of graphene coating myself.

After driving an 2020 M550i in March 2020, I could not justify paying $20k more for an M5 as my car will never see a race track. I ordered a 2020 M550i, but my order was canceled because of the factory Covid shutdown. When I was able to order my car in July, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was ordering the mid-cycle refreshed 2021 M550i. I prefer the look of the 2021 over the 2020 even though the differences are slight. The big screen iDrive upgrade is great.

I'm loving the improved smoothness, tech, handling and power of the M550i over my 2017 Audi S6. In particular, the bi-turbo V8 and 8-speed transmission is smooth as silk and sounds great. The V8 Audis I have owned all have clunky transmissions off the line and when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. My wife loves the massaging front seats too!

Here are a few photos taken at the Mercer Museum in Doylestown, PA across the street from my office.

Regards,
Bud James

[1newbmwowner]

A new car deserves a new plate. The WeatherTech frame adds a nice touch and matches the shadow-line trim.

For the record, I'm a Master 5th degree black belt and certified instructor.

Cheers,
Bud

[Bch53211]

I plan on ordering one in April any idea if any other factory colors will be available?

[jmhildreth]

I got an M550 last October and have been extremely happy with it. I compared it to an M340i and I found the M550 ride to be much better and the performance better as well, of course. A win-win.

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by jmhildreth

I got an M550 last October and have been extremely happy with it. I compared it to an M340i and I found the M550 ride to be much better and the performance better as well, of course. A win-win.

The M340i is a great car, but without adaptive suspension it tends be be a bit on the harsh side for ride quality. I test drove an M550I today and yesterday I test drove an M5 Comp. Ride quality on both was very good I thought.

However, residual values are quite low which makes leasing very unattractive compared to financing.

Rob

[Resjudicata]

do it.

[Hoiser]

Originally Posted by hlothery

I went from an M4 to the M550i. No comparison. The M550 is comfortable, luxurious, and stable, with no wheelspin (a constant nagging problem with the M4) and incredible acceleration (probably because of not having wheelspin). I love it so much, it is the best car I have ever owned. Highway driving in cruise control nets 30+ mpg. Sport or Sport+ nets a truly thrilling experience, totally equal to the M4, except no wheelspin. Hooks up and rockets out of corners via Xdrive. You cannot go wrong with the M550i. Get one now!

I too went from an M4 comp to M550i. I could not agree more with this assessment. It is a rocket couch.

My biggest loss in the move was the dual clutch in the M4. The automatic in the m550i is just lazy and limiting compared to the DCT.

Oh, one other thing. The m550i should rev to 8k. That would be icing.

[Bostoncarconcierge]

Originally Posted by Rob_G77

The M340i is a great car, but without adaptive suspension it tends be be a bit on the harsh side for ride quality. I test drove an M550I today and yesterday I test drove an M5 Comp. Ride quality on both was very good I thought.

However, residual values are quite low which makes leasing very unattractive compared to financing.

Rob

The 5 series has the highest residual in the BMW lineup.