[possib1edoc]

Looking to buy a new car within the week. Currently have a BMW X5 and Audi Q5.

BMW 540i xdrive, BMW M550, vs. Audi A7

The A7 MSRP is 84k
Positives: Getting 14k off, love the rear styling of the car, newly redesigned so won't be updated for 6-7 years, super quiet/comfy and feels more luxurious, outside/driving noise is minimal
Negatives: higher APR, more expensive than other two cars, less reliable (our Audi has given way more problems than BMW)

540/M550 MSRP 75/80k respectively with 12-13k off
Positives: More reliable, 540 is 10k cheaper, M550 is 5k cheaper, lower APR
Negatives: Outdated looks (in my opinion), 2020 models coming out soon but won't offer as high discounts - higher HP engines?

Any recommendations?
Also, is the M550 reliable?

[jwong77]

A Mercedes CLS comes to mind. Didn't they just get a redesign too?

[possib1edoc]

Originally Posted by jwong77

A Mercedes CLS comes to mind. Didn't they just get a redesign too?

Test drove the CLS but, the road noise was so bad

[dlf750]

I had an A8L until recently. MUCH more reliable then a Bimmer. Always has been. Audis are never in the shop unless you do something wrong honestly. But I was also looking at the A7 when I got my 540 M package. The 540 is much sportier in terms of driving but that’s obvious. The main problem with the A7 is that it’s just an A6 with a different body. Drive both and you’ll see it’s clear as day. I love my 540. Might go back to Audi after my lease, no idea. Audi is a great car though. Can’t go wrong with either.

[jwong77]

Originally Posted by possib1edoc

Test drove the CLS but, the road noise was so bad

That's pretty surprising. I honestly know nothing about them, just came to mind.

Another possibility could be something like a CT6-V. But I imagine it's less refined.

[saporitj]

I agree that Audi are suppose to be reliable with better electric display and semi autonomous system. There headlight are incredible too. That said you left driving a Audi. I think the BMW is more fun and performance oriented. Don't think you can even begin to compare the raw power of a M550 to a Audi A7.

I also think you need to recheck those MSRP numbers. My 540ix M sport had a MSRP of $80k and I know a lot of the M550i builds here are more then that.

The one thing you had right is the reliability of the BMW inline 6 cylinder engine. Been around for a long time.

[possib1edoc]

Originally Posted by saporitj

I agree that Audi are suppose to be reliable with better electric display and semi autonomous system. There headlight are incredible too. That said you left driving a Audi. I think the BMW is more fun and performance oriented. Don't think you can even begin to compare the raw power of a M550 to a Audi A7.

I also think you need to recheck those MSRP numbers. My 540ix M sport had a MSRP of $80k and I know a lot of the M550i builds here are more then that.

The one thing you had right is the reliability of the BMW inline 6 cylinder engine. Been around for a long time.

MSRP's are correct based on how I optioned, for example on the M550i

Dark Graphite Metallic
19" M Double-spoke wheels - style 664M Cerium Gray w/all-season run-flat tires Cognac Dakota Leather w/contrast stitching/piping
Fineline Ridge Wood Trim

Executive Package$1,100
Parking Assistance Package$700
Premium Package$1,250
Heated front seats$500
Heated Steering Wheel$190
Space-saver spare$150

DESTINATION + HANDLING$995

TOTAL MSRP as Built $79,335 - with current discount from dealer 12-13k off this price

[saporitj]

Originally Posted by possib1edoc

MSRP's are correct based on how I optioned, for example on the M550i

Dark Graphite Metallic
19" M Double-spoke wheels - style 664M Cerium Gray w/all-season run-flat tires Cognac Dakota Leather w/contrast stitching/piping
Fineline Ridge Wood Trim

Executive Package$1,100
Parking Assistance Package$700
Premium Package$1,250
Heated front seats$500
Heated Steering Wheel$190
Space-saver spare$150

DESTINATION + HANDLING$995

TOTAL MSRP as Built $79,335 - with current discount from dealer 12-13k off this price

That's great but are these models configured comparably for a fair comparison. That seams high for a A7 but I only looked at A6 or kinda. A6 were all pulled from dealerships to address a recall at the time I ordered my 540.

I would add that BMW has incredible paints. I mean some of these colors with there changing in sunlight are very nice. The paint work is average. I'm a paint fanatic and I can see orange peak but most production cars are similar. Need a good wet sand to get to Rolls/Bentley quality.

[stein_325i]

540i would be more reliable than the M550i, BMW V8's tend to have more problems (in a shorter amount of time as well). I'd also check out the A6, should be cheaper than the A7 and compares directly with the 5, more than the A7. Also take some time to test out the new touch screens, my sister was going to upgrade to the new A6 but found that the touch screen climate control was impossible to use safely while driving and went and bought an S4 instead.

Also, what are you looking for in your next car? are you looking for a sporty car? a luxurious car? a mix of both? To perfectly recommend a car its best to decide what you want in a car, and give some more info so we can all give you better recommendations. Oh and how about a 6-series gran coupe, the 640i's are very nice and stylish, and likely can be found discounted.

[possib1edoc]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

540i would be more reliable than the M550i, BMW V8's tend to have more problems (in a shorter amount of time as well). I'd also check out the A6, should be cheaper than the A7 and compares directly with the 5, more than the A7. Also take some time to test out the new touch screens, my sister was going to upgrade to the new A6 but found that the touch screen climate control was impossible to use safely while driving and went and bought an S4 instead.

Also, what are you looking for in your next car? are you looking for a sporty car? a luxurious car? a mix of both? To perfectly recommend a car its best to decide what you want in a car, and give some more info so we can all give you better recommendations. Oh and how about a 6-series gran coupe, the 640i's are very nice and stylish, and likely can be found discounted.

Thanks for the input... I am looking for a mix of sporty and luxury. The X5 was super reliable for us but, Q5 has always created some problems. 5 series vs A7... each have its pros and cons, so will have to decide which works better for us.

Can you comment more about the 550 reliability? We usually keep our cars 6-10 years.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by possib1edoc

Thanks for the input... I am looking for a mix of sporty and luxury. The X5 was super reliable for us but, Q5 has always created some problems. 5 series vs A7... each have its pros and cons, so will have to decide which works better for us.

Can you comment more about the 550 reliability? We usually keep our cars 6-10 years.

I can't comment from ownership, I've only owned BMW inline 6's and have never had engine related problems, except a head gasket failure on a 14 year old 330i w/ 200k, but overall the inline 6 is BMW's bread and butter, they've built these for a long time, and seems to have mastered them more than their V8's. The M550i uses the N63 engine which while I haven't owned, the N63 has more documented issues, recalls, and long term reliability is more questionable than the B58. If you plan to lease the N63 is fine, but out of warranty the engine is a risk in my opinion. Plus, the B58 makes plenty of power and should serve you well.

If you want a mix of sporty and luxury, the 5 will fit the bill better than the A7. The audi will be likely more muted in its handling with lighter overboosted steering, and more nose heavy handling due to the FWD nature, which is more typical of Audi. Although I owned a 540i and while it was a great car, it just didn't feel to engaging as I would have hoped, but my priorities/opinions may differ from you, so as I say, always test drive for an extended period of times and on multiple different speed and types of roads, don't feel afraid to push the car, otherwise you won't find out about how it feels/handles when pushed until you've bought it. Its a great luxury car, but not the sportiest in its class.

Some other cars I'd recommend driving is a 640i Gran Coupe, essentially should handle similar to the 5, but be much more luxurious. Another test drive I'd recommend is a E450 or E53 sedan if you like the newest crop of Mercedes' cars.

Whatever you choose, good luck!

[dlf750]

Originally Posted by saporitj

I agree that Audi are suppose to be reliable with better electric display and semi autonomous system. There headlight are incredible too. That said you left driving a Audi. I think the BMW is more fun and performance oriented. Don't think you can even begin to compare the raw power of a M550 to a Audi A7.

I also think you need to recheck those MSRP numbers. My 540ix M sport had a MSRP of $80k and I know a lot of the M550i builds here are more then that.

The one thing you had right is the reliability of the BMW inline 6 cylinder engine. Been around for a long time.

I seem to vacilate between Audi and BMW, every other car. I love them both but the BMW is definitely seeing the service dude more often than my Audis. And I don't think comparing the M550 to the A7 is a fair comparison, maybe the S7 possibly. The RS7 would be comparable to an M5 I would think but I haven't driven ANY of those. Regardless, nothing drives like a BMW for me, much tighter handling and less road noise since I think Audis are aluminum bodied (?). Again, could be wrong on that one but my A8 was louder than my current 540. And my 2011 750 was silent inside.

[possib1edoc]

Thanks all for the input!

If I order the 540...should I wait for the 2020? idrive 7, new digital dash and higher output engine?

But, when the 2020 gets released, would I get similar discount as I do now with the 2019? Close to 12-13k off MSRP now.

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by possib1edoc

Thanks all for the input!

If I order the 540...should I wait for the 2020? idrive 7, new digital dash and higher output engine?

But, when the 2020 gets released, would I get similar discount as I do now with the 2019? Close to 12-13k off MSRP now.

iDrive 7 is a step back in ergonomics from iDrive 6 and the new digital dash simply sucks.

[gooselee]

I compared S6 (I think) to M550 when I was buying. Was looking for a weekend car that could still be practical but was solid fun to drive just for the hell of it. M550 won easily based on my priorities. Audi felt good but just a little more dull - as if I was piloting a really fast video game rather than an actual car. The 5 has lots of tech but the S6 tech felt overdone.

Both great cars but in the end I got a loaded M550 and love it every day. It was also cheaper than a similarly optioned S6 if I remember right. The more "stable" look of the 5 was also appealing to me - I keep my cars for a while so am usually not looking for the edgiest design.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by possib1edoc

Thanks all for the input!

If I order the 540...should I wait for the 2020? idrive 7, new digital dash and higher output engine?

But, when the 2020 gets released, would I get similar discount as I do now with the 2019? Close to 12-13k off MSRP now.

iDrive 6.0 is much better than 7.0 in not just ergonomics and ease of use, but the new system seems to be really buggy/glitchy at the moment. Just check out the X5 forums for proof. Also the new gauges don't fit the look of the classic interior design that the 5 has, and the current gauges in the 5 have a nice classic analogue look.

[hlothery]

Audi is a great car, as is the inline six BMW. I have the M550i Xdrive. Traded my M4 for it. It is a fantastic car, but no way could I find one for $80k....more like $89k. That being said, it is the finest car I have owned to date. Smooth, comfortable, luxurious......and an absolute beast when you want it to be. You cannot go wrong with the M550i. BTW, just returned from a trip in the car from Texas to NC and back. Got 31MPG out of that big V8 on the trip, except of course in the NC mountains, when I got substantially less!

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by possib1edoc

Thanks all for the input!

If I order the 540...should I wait for the 2020? idrive 7, new digital dash and higher output engine?

But, when the 2020 gets released, would I get similar discount as I do now with the 2019? Close to 12-13k off MSRP now.

Also make sure you test drive the vehicle before ordering. Its always best to see if you like the vehicle. We can recommend all we want on this forum, but at the end of the day its all about the buyer and their opinion. I'd test the car out, and likely you can probably find one in stock at a dealer with the options you want, and not have to order and wait.

[Pictor]

If you're seriously considering the M550i why not include the S7 in that mix?

I don't think you'll run into problems negotiating a deal on a 2020. If you buy off the lot then you'll get better prices on the 2019 around the Aug-October time frame. 2020's start production in July. But if you're going to order with the options/colors you want then you're likely going to get a similar deal on a 2019 or a 2020.

[possib1edoc]

Thanks everyone for the input! Also looking at consumer reports, 5 series got 2/5 in reliability? Very surprising

[paul223]

I have had 2 535i, current one is fully modified with pure stage 2 and transmission flash, has 40K miles and I redline the engine often during daily commute once warmed up since after break in mileage (1K-1500). Also have X6 with 30K miles, same driving style. None of the car EVER had any issues.

[possib1edoc]

Originally Posted by paul223

I have had 2 535i, current one is fully modified with pure stage 2 and transmission flash, has 40K miles and I redline the engine often during daily commute once warmed up since after break in mileage (1K-1500). Also have X6 with 30K miles, same driving style. None of the car EVER had any issues.

Thanks! I have a 2015 X5 with 0 problems and hitting close to 90k miles soon. Second most reliable car I owned after Honda. Just surprised about the 5 series rating. When I compared their ratings to my previous cars I owned, their ratings were very accurate (MDX, X5, Q5, Lexus IS)