[Scott in Houston]

I've tried to find these answers the best I could via google and YouTube, but I'm minutes away from going to buy it potentially and want to confirm some things...

1). It has the spare tire in the trunk. It looks removable, but when I do that, will I need to buy a "floor" or something? It appears like it would be bare under there.

2). I've connected my phone via Bluetooth to CarPlay and it appears to work fine. But is that because the previous owner is still paying for it? I suspect I'll have to subscribe myself for WiFi hotspot and/or CarPlay, etc?
... add to that, is the carrier in USA T-Mobile if I get wifi and hotspot?

3). What mechanical things to look for? Doing a PPI as I type with a mechanic, but curious from those in the know... it's only 19,500 miles on a 2019, so I suspect it should be as good as any specimen out there, but I've heard there could be issues with these cars related to the hot V turbos

4). The impossible to answer question: worth an extended warranty? I'm thinking yes, but on the fence.

For reference it is equipped with:

Driving Assistance Plus
Dynamic Handling
Executive Package
Premium Package 2
20" M Sport Wheels
Leather Dash
Heated Front Seats

Things it's missing I wish I had:
360 camera
massage seats.


Thanks in advance. Excited to get back into the BMW fold. My last was an e60 M5 that I loved.

[2022M550i]

I'll do my best

1) Yes, I believe the floor is different spare vs non spare.
2) in my 2022, I don't have to pay with carplay...that may be a thing of the past.
3) I would look for any leaks. Since it only has 19k on it, I would be more concerned about looking for repainted panels/accidents.
4) I would definitely get an extended warranty. These cars are expensive to repair. You don't need to buy one today....research this forum about the aftermarket warranties. There are some good informative posts.

Nicely optioned car. If you don't have a bad back, the massage seats aren't a deal breaker.

[MauiSteve]

1) if it is the BMW spare kit then it is indeed removable and the top of the kit becomes the trunk floor if the kit is removed.
2) I believe CarPlay is tied to the vehicle, not an individual subscriber so you should be fine on that. Not sure on your T-Mobile hotspot question.
3) White residue is indicative of coolant leaks which is perhaps the most common issue. Those 20" wheels are easily bent, be sure to check them well.
4) There are threads on the BMW Platinum Extended Service Contract vs 3rd party warranties. One forum member with a 550 recently paid $4500 for 7yr/100,000 miles Platinum ESC.

Too bad about the parking package (360 camera). Without the massaging seats you're not missing anything. Bowers & Wilkins stereo would have been the sweetest option.

[Scott in Houston]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

I'll do my best

1) Yes, I believe the floor is different spare vs non spare.
2) in my 2022, I don't have to pay with carplay...that may be a thing of the past.
3) I would look for any leaks. Since it only has 19k on it, I would be more concerned about looking for repainted panels/accidents.
4) I would definitely get an extended warranty. These cars are expensive to repair. You don't need to buy one today....research this forum about the aftermarket warranties. There are some good informative posts.

Nicely optioned car. If you don't have a bad back, the massage seats aren't a deal breaker.

Thank you!!

Originally Posted by MauiSteve

1) if it is the BMW spare kit then it is indeed removable and the top of the kit becomes the trunk floor if the kit is removed.
2) I believe CarPlay is tied to the vehicle, not an individual subscriber so you should be fine on that. Not sure on your T-Mobile hotspot question.
3) White residue is indicative of coolant leaks which is perhaps the most common issue. Those 20" wheels are easily bent, be sure to check them well.
4) There are threads on the BMW Platinum Extended Service Contract vs 3rd party warranties. One forum member with a 550 recently paid $4500 for 7yr/100,000 miles Platinum ESC.

Too bad about the parking package (360 camera). Without the massaging seats you're not missing anything. Bowers & Wilkins stereo would have been the sweetest option.

Great to know about the spare. I like it generally, but it takes a lot of space, so great to have the option.
I had a PPI done at a local shop that gave it an all thumbs up, so looks like good to go there!
Appreciate the info on the warranties. I was reading about the Route66 option and others. I use PenFed a lot, so good to know that there are good options including that one which PenFed also sells.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by Scott in Houston

Thank you!!



Great to know about the spare. I like it generally, but it takes a lot of space, so great to have the option.
I had a PPI done at a local shop that gave it an all thumbs up, so looks like good to go there!
Appreciate the info on the warranties. I was reading about the Route66 option and others. I use PenFed a lot, so good to know that there are good options including that one which PenFed also sells.

Newer M5 and M550 engines are prone to coolant leaks. It's very common.
In 2020, there were significant engine upgrades to include swapping the turbo coolant lines underneath the engine cover from rubber to metal.
Take a peak underneath. If your lines are rubber, there is a TSB to replace them.

The first thing I would try to get is a service history, if you havent done that already.

I have Parking Assist Pro on my car. The 360 cameras are very helpful when backing up and you can also remotely view your car and its surroundings from anywhere. But your car is nicely equipped. If the price seems right and everything checks out, I'd say go for it.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by Scott in Houston

Thank you!!



Great to know about the spare. I like it generally, but it takes a lot of space, so great to have the option.
I had a PPI done at a local shop that gave it an all thumbs up, so looks like good to go there!
Appreciate the info on the warranties. I was reading about the Route66 option and others. I use PenFed a lot, so good to know that there are good options including that one which PenFed also sells.

I've been with PenFed for over 20 years. Check with them on the length of coverage. This past Winter they told me they go 5yr/60k miles at the maximum. There are other Credit Unions that will do 7ry/120k mile coverage.
A popular one is Hanscom Federal Credit Union. I will be purchasing from them this summer. I think the quote was $2900 and it essentially covers everything except wear/tear items.

[Mach550]

Started with about 5 miles and now have about 76k. Have only had one concern with coolant but it was for the smaller tank that I believe is for the intercoolers. Other than that I have had no problems with the engine. Carplay should stay with the car. Surprised the car doesnt have the cameras since they were part of the driving assistance packages.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by Mach550

Started with about 5 miles and now have about 76k. Have only had one concern with coolant but it was for the smaller tank that I believe is for the intercoolers. Other than that I have had no problems with the engine. Carplay should stay with the car. Surprised the car doesnt have the cameras since they were part of the driving assistance packages.

The 360 cameras are part of the Parking Asst Package.

OP, the massage seats are bit of a gimmick/nice to have, unless you have back problems in which case it has been actually useful to some members here. I barely ever use it.

Post pictures once you purchase it!

[BMW012]

just in case you didnt know, the 2020 engine has 523 hp vs 456 hp in the 2019

[Scott in Houston]

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Newer M5 and M550 engines are prone to coolant leaks. It's very common.
In 2020, there were significant engine upgrades to include swapping the turbo coolant lines underneath the engine cover from rubber to metal.
Take a peak underneath. If your lines are rubber, there is a TSB to replace them.

The first thing I would try to get is a service history, if you havent done that already.

I have Parking Assist Pro on my car. The 360 cameras are very helpful when backing up and you can also remotely view your car and its surroundings from anywhere. But your car is nicely equipped. If the price seems right and everything checks out, I'd say go for it.

Yeah, no leaks at this point according to the PPI. I need to check on TSBs regarding the rubber lines. Thank you for the tip!

Originally Posted by adhrp

The 360 cameras are part of the Parking Asst Package.

OP, the massage seats are bit of a gimmick/nice to have, unless you have back problems in which case it has been actually useful to some members here. I barely ever use it.

Post pictures once you purchase it!

The massage was more for my wife TBH. Helps her be ok with my purchase.

[Scott in Houston]

Originally Posted by BMW012

just in case you didnt know, the 2020 engine has 523 hp vs 456 hp in the 2019

I did know. That kinda sucks but to be honest, not enough to sway if I find the right car that's a 2019. In fact, I am more concerned about an older iDrive 6 vs. 7.
I can tune if I ever want to, but this is a daily driver and the 2019 power is plenty enough. Not sure I'll drive hard enough to ever feel a difference.

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

I've been with PenFed for over 20 years. Check with them on the length of coverage. This past Winter they told me they go 5yr/60k miles at the maximum. There are other Credit Unions that will do 7ry/120k mile coverage.
A popular one is Hanscom Federal Credit Union. I will be purchasing from them this summer. I think the quote was $2900 and it essentially covers everything except wear/tear items.

I saw that thread and will call Hanscom. Great to know!

[Scott in Houston]

Deal is done. She's mine. (and partially the bank's)

Pics to come when I can. This group made the back office at the dealer so easy.
Their extended warranty options weren't close to what this forum has shared.

Thanks again all, and I'll post pics when I get her home and detail her myself. (I'm a hobbyist DIY detail guy, so a good polish and sealant is coming!)

[Zwmack]

Pics of the car? 😁

[NGT2]

Let’s see it, bro

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Let’s see it, bro

Looks as though he bought a white one, is a pic of it on OP’s profile