[redblaze]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

The M550 in comfort mode is incredibly smooth from a power, transmission and suspension point of view. This is one of the reasons people prefer it over the M5, which is always in jump out of your pants mode. The M550 in sport plus is definitely a little too much everything, but if that's your thing, you have the best of both worlds.

Agree that comfort mode is super smooth, but doesn't 540i have same level of smooth? I never drove 540i so I don't know.

Sport plus mode is not my favorite, one complaint is the fake engine sound from stereo, so fake that it made me laugh every time.

[Gautam]

I coded out the fake engine noise the day I got mine. It’s very quiet. Enough to upset some, but perfect for me. I do use sport+ fairly frequently for the speed and handling.

It might come as a surprise, but the MB E43/53 are much sportier. Better throttle response, louder, peppier overall. They’re much closer to true amg/m cars, despite the stereotypes around BMW and MB. The M550 is much comfier and luxury oriented.

You can’t go wrong with either. What pushed me over the edge were BMW’s seats and the MB infotainment system being a pain to use.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by L1FHR

Yes that what’s I’ve been reading online. They said the M550i is a tone down car and that it’s more for business and comfy with little power. While M5 is truly a magnificent power and go go go type of car. I want comfort, yet powerful car but not $90K budget.
Another I was considering was GS350 Fsport or E53 AMG.
But since I’m bmw user and enthusiast, the I drive is what sold me. Just very easy and nice to use.

People enjoy these forums for many reasons - car comparisons being one of them. It's easy to compare a BMW to an Audi. But they really gotta dig a little deeper to understand what it is they are comparing when staying in brand. They go down too many rabbit holes by saying: "I don't like the 530 because it's not a 540." "Well, I don't like the 540 because it's not an M550." "I don't like the M550 because it's not a True M car." (Usually said by someone who has neither.) "I don't like the M5 because it's not an M5CS." "I don't like an M5CS because it's not a Porche 911 Turbo S." "I don't like the Turbo S because it's not a McLaren." And so on. Good greif.

The M550 is what it is. It's between the 540 and the M5. So is the cost. You mentioned it's more for business (not necessarily) and comfy (yes it is) with little power (I'm assuming that's a typo, since the 2020 version has 523hp and just screams.) But not like a true M Car, as "they" say. Absolutely - but so what? You want that speed and power, then pay up. If you don't want it, don't need it, can't use it or can't afford it or don't want to afford it, then so be it. Get the M550. Who cares if there's an M in the badge? (Even if it's not a true M car) Just find the slot that matches your budget, your family requirements and your need for speed. I'm betting there is a great car for you. Since you said you are an enthusiast, I can probably guess where you will land after your test drives. Having had both the M550 and M5, I absolutely love where the M550 fits into the BMW line-up. Oh, the thrill of the hunt.........

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by L1FHR

Yes I think you’re correct. I think this is why I should tone down my expectations. And come in open minded. I already know is not a tru M car and I don’t mind it not being an M car but the M made non enthusiast think otherwise and people who driven actual M car like myself know is not the same.
But will see, great deals on the car, the right specs and I might just pull the trigger.
I’ve always wanted a bigger sedan anyway so I don’t think I can go wrong with splurge a little bit on M550i.

I think you are reading into the M markings a little too much.

1) who cares what people think and non enthusiasts actually don't know what an M car is anyway, because……they are non enthusiasts. The markings on the car mean nothing to me. I buy it because of its engineering and driving experience.

2) Enthusiasts (me) know what an M550 is and what an M5 is. We know the difference. We appreciate both. It not like a poser who puts an M5 badge on a 530.

3) based on your M perspective, there's a lot of BMW models your going to be embarrassed to own. The M is friggin on all models… M240, M340, M440, X5M, X7M, M850….there are a lot of posers on the roads these days.

[L1FHR]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I think you are reading into the M markings a little too much.

1) who cares what people think and non enthusiasts actually don't know what an M car is anyway, because……they are non enthusiasts. The markings on the car mean nothing to me. I buy it because of its engineering and driving experience.

2) Enthusiasts (me) know what an M550 is and what an M5 is. We know the difference. We appreciate both. It not like a poser who puts an M5 badge on a 530.

3) based on your M perspective, there's a lot of BMW models your going to be embarrassed to own. The M is friggin on all models… M240, M340, M440, X5M, X7M, M850….there are a lot of posers on the roads these days.

Funny that you said that I was reading stuff online and some people said to debadge the car, never thought about it till now. I love showing off my “M” badges before but now is so diluted. Can’t fault the people who put the old fake “M” in front of 330i anymore lol

Yeah the “M” and “AMG” is so diluted lol
I just have to wait and see once I get the chance to test drive the car.
For one the car have all the specs that I want and some more.
Did the M decoder and the two M550i I was looking at is so nice on the paper and specs are what I want, without spending it on a brand new car.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

2) Enthusiasts (me) know what an M550 is and what an M5 is. We know the difference. We appreciate both. It not like a poser who puts an M5 badge on a 530.

3) based on your M perspective, there's a lot of BMW models your going to be embarrassed to own. The M is friggin on all models… M240, M340, M440, X5M, X7M, M850….there are a lot of posers on the roads these days.

You left out the M550.

Did you just call yourself a poser?

[L1FHR]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

You left out the M550.

Did you just call yourself a poser?

Be nice now, kids. Joe actually have been helpful on being a bad influence on me possibly getting M550i lol

He’s so convincing. Hahah

[dscabra]

I have a friend that owns a 540i, which I've had the opportunity to drive. I own an M550i. Our cars are both heavily optioned, and I can say that they both feel great to sit in. Had I never driven the M550i, I'd likely have been very happy with the 540i. The 540i is a very capable car with more than adequate power for a four-door sedan. The M550i is a beast by comparison. There is just something about the instant torque and the aggressive exhaust note of the V8. So, I'd normally advise you to drive both and decide based on your own experience. I will just say that if you don't want to buy an M550i, don't drive one, because if you do, you'll be disappointed in the 540i.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by L1FHR

Be nice now, kids. Joe actually have been helpful on being a bad influence on me possibly getting M550i lol

He's so convincing. Hahah

He's not wrong

Neither is dscabra

[L1FHR]

Originally Posted by dscabra

I have a friend that owns a 540i, which I've had the opportunity to drive. I own an M550i. Our cars are both heavily optioned, and I can say that they both feel great to sit in. Had I never driven the M550i, I'd likely have been very happy with the 540i. The 540i is a very capable car with more than adequate power for a four-door sedan. The M550i is a beast by comparison. There is just something about the instant torque and the aggressive exhaust note of the V8. So, I'd normally advise you to drive both and decide based on your own experience. I will just say that if you don't want to buy an M550i, don't drive one, because if you do, you'll be disappointed in the 540i.

Yeah I’m pretty much 70% on m550i.
I’m not even contemplating on 540i or trying to find one anymore.
The specs on M550i just seems right for what I’m looking for in DD need and for family.
Also it’s nice that it’s AWD so I don’t have to drive the RX everytime we go camping or to snow.
I’m really looking forward to test drive it and hopefully the dealer will give me a good deal on it.

[L1FHR]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

He's not wrong

Neither is dscabra

Yes they both right and it’s nice to get people comments and input on it.
I’ve always wanted the E92 M3 now that Ive own it for a while and my family grew, I need another car with 4 door.
Also trying to keep my M3 low milage (46K miles currently).
Driving the Accord for DD was horrible. I just can’t do it anymore, the 3 series was nice but it’s not fun.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by L1FHR

Be nice now, kids. Joe actually have been helpful on being a bad influence on me possibly getting M550i lol

He's so convincing. Hahah

All good here! He is agreeing with me and adding some funny sarcasm.

Originally Posted by dscabra

I have a friend that owns a 540i, which I've had the opportunity to drive. I own an M550i. Our cars are both heavily optioned, and I can say that they both feel great to sit in. Had I never driven the M550i, I'd likely have been very happy with the 540i. The 540i is a very capable car with more than adequate power for a four-door sedan. The M550i is a beast by comparison. There is just something about the instant torque and the aggressive exhaust note of the V8. So, I'd normally advise you to drive both and decide based on your own experience. I will just say that if you don't want to buy an M550i, don't drive one, because if you do, you'll be disappointed in the 540i.

Well said. You don't know what you don't know, and if you don't want to know for fear of strong temptation, don't go there. As much as the M550 is a beast and having had many 5's, the separation between the V8 model and the I6 is greater than ever. But make no mistake, I had an E39 530i I6 which was no slouch, but I now have an E39 540i and there is still a major difference, not so much in HP, but as you said, just smooth pull and torque from zero.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by L1FHR

I love the fact that it's a V8 turbo. I wonder how the reliability of this new engines. Since m550i only produce beginning of 2018

Originally Posted by dscabra

I have a friend that owns a 540i, which I've had the opportunity to drive. I own an M550i. Our cars are both heavily optioned, and I can say that they both feel great to sit in. Had I never driven the M550i, I'd likely have been very happy with the 540i. The 540i is a very capable car with more than adequate power for a four-door sedan. The M550i is a beast by comparison. There is just something about the instant torque and the aggressive exhaust note of the V8. So, I'd normally advise you to drive both and decide based on your own experience. I will just say that if you don't want to buy an M550i, don't drive one, because if you do, you'll be disappointed in the 540i.

Just to add a little more perspective to what snowbimmer said, which is spot on. The N63 has been around for a while and has been tweaked and adjusted along the way. Some tweaks for power, some for bad engineering. It probably in the best place reliability wise it's ever going to be.

So, back to an I6 vs V8. I can go back 30 years to E32's and E34's and I can tell you then that the life of the BMW V8 in those cars on average would be ~130k miles before something major went wrong that could not or someone did not want to fix. The I6 in contrast usually could go over 200k miles with some maintenance. There always been something with the V8's. Engine block corrosion from US gas, cheap timing chain guides and disastrous failures, etc. Point being, like everything else BMW, engineering is 90% outstanding and then 10% scratch your head how did they miss that?

A long way of saying, if you are looking to go 200k miles in the M550, probably ain't gonna happen. They make great and powerful V8's, but the sure bet is the I6. Dependable, smooth but not nearly as exciting.

[L1FHR]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Just to add a little more perspective to what snowbimmer said, which is spot on. The N63 has been around for a while and has been tweaked and adjusted along the way. Some tweaks for power, some for bad engineering. It probably in the best place reliability wise it's ever going to be.

So, back to an I6 vs V8. I can go back 30 years to E32's and E34's and I can tell you then that the life of the BMW V8 in those cars on average would be ~130k miles before something major went wrong that could not or someone did not want to fix. The I6 in contrast usually could go over 200k miles with some maintenance. There always been something with the V8's. Engine block corrosion from US gas, cheap timing chain guides and disastrous failures, etc. Point being, like everything else BMW, engineering is 90% outstanding and then 10% scratch your head how did they miss that?

A long way of saying, if you are looking to go 200k miles in the M550, probably ain't gonna happen. They make great and powerful V8's, but the sure bet is the I6. Dependable, smooth but not nearly as exciting.

Hmm… interesting. Yes I’m planning to make this DD and since I just bought a house (little farther now then when I was renting and closed by to work), I will
Put a lot more milage. 7miles vs 40 miles one way.

Also good point and good info on the V6 vs V8. I do have the E92 and the V8 just so fun but you made me rethink on what do I really need the car for.
It’s for DD, baby and if I can still have little bit fun in it then why not.

So I think, as a car guy, it’s tempting to start driving this fun car and blowing up the budget because he’ll bmw is fun to drive but I do have the V8 as a fun car and 340i or 540i is just what I really need vs what my right foot want.

Excellent point man. Excellent.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by L1FHR

Hmm… interesting. Yes I’m planning to make this DD and since I just bought a house (little farther now then when I was renting and closed by to work), I will
Put a lot more milage. 7miles vs 40 miles one way.

Also good point and good info on the V6 vs V8. I do have the E92 and the V8 just so fun but you made me rethink on what do I really need the car for.
It’s for DD, baby and if I can still have little bit fun in it then why not.

So I think, as a car guy, it’s tempting to start driving this fun car and blowing up the budget because he’ll bmw is fun to drive but I do have the V8 as a fun car and 340i or 540i is just what I really need vs what my right foot want.

Excellent point man. Excellent.

Yeah, you have a lot to think about and factors to consider. I personally only keep my newer BMW's 3 years or so and then I get the itch for the latest and greatest. Every time I used to get a current MY BMW I would say, I am going to keep this a long time. Never happens so I just own my car habits and addictions. Of course if I didn't have this problem I would be retired, but that's no fun. Now, I do have a classic E39 with 130k miles and it is a money pit, but I made the decision to invest in it and do some stuff myself. Can't really do much DIY on the newer ones and the problems are more technical and take more than a socket set to fix, for me anyway.

I hate to be the voice of reason, but I would be a hypocrite. I took a 10 year break from BMW's to start a family and buy my first house. I drove a Ford Escort for those 10 years and then got back in the game. Career was going well and I could yet again afford to fund my vices. Work hard and good things will happen, that's my pitch to all younger than me professionals.

[L1FHR]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Yeah, you have a lot to think about and factors to consider. I personally only keep my newer BMW's 3 years or so and then I get the itch for the latest and greatest. Every time I used to get a current MY BMW I would say, I am going to keep this a long time. Never happens so I just own my car habits and addictions. Of course if I didn't have this problem I would be retired, but that's no fun. Now, I do have a classic E39 with 130k miles and it is a money pit, but I made the decision to invest in it and do some stuff myself. Can't really do much DIY on the newer ones and the problems are more technical and take more than a socket set to fix, for me anyway.

I hate to be the voice of reason, but I would be a hypocrite. I took a 10 year break from BMW's to start a family and buy my first house. I drove a Ford Escort for those 10 years and then got back in the game. Career was going well and I could yet again afford to fund my vices. Work hard and good things will happen, that's my pitch to all younger than me professionals.

Hahahah the addictions of bmw and cars lol. You’re me but I’m the future lol
Yes, I kept telling myself that I’ll keep this car but after 3 yrs, I have this itch to buy a new car. Well other than my E92.

This is why I usually only buy CPO for my daily until I got to my Accord even then, I’m like meh time for a new car now lol

I guess I’ll go back to the original plan and use my head and not my heavy right foot to buy this DD car.

Yeah bought a nice house and priority change. Can’t be spending crazy money for now, the house upkeep is priority.

[Joe-BMW33]

But I will close with, even if the decision between the two is all about money, don't forget what we said, sometimes the price difference between a used 540 and M550 isn't that material. There's my bad influence again. I just know if you drive a M550, you will regret not getting one.

[cna90]

Originally Posted by L1FHR

Hmm… interesting. Yes I’m planning to make this DD and since I just bought a house (little farther now then when I was renting and closed by to work), I will
Put a lot more milage. 7miles vs 40 miles one way.

Also good point and good info on the V6 vs V8. I do have the E92 and the V8 just so fun but you made me rethink on what do I really need the car for.
It’s for DD, baby and if I can still have little bit fun in it then why not.

So I think, as a car guy, it’s tempting to start driving this fun car and blowing up the budget because he’ll bmw is fun to drive but I do have the V8 as a fun car and 340i or 540i is just what I really need vs what my right foot want.

Excellent point man. Excellent.

Not sure if this helps at all now.
I just got my CPO 540i with all the options available.
Amazing car. Liked the idea of M550i but the I6 and the maintenance just drove me away.
Most times I drive my car in sport mode and fun is sport+. Doesn't sound as good as a M550i which I'm gonna be fixing it with MPPSK soon.
Upfront cost for a CPO wasn't that big of difference but for a car enthusiast we know it doesn't end there.
It starts with rims and coating then you get this and that M performance exterior parts or a knock off Chinese to make your car look the way you want it.
Look for one with black shadow trim though.
Just my 2 cents.

[L1FHR]

Originally Posted by cna90

Not sure if this helps at all now.
I just got my CPO 540i with all the options available.
Amazing car. Liked the idea of M550i but the I6 and the maintenance just drove me away.
Most times I drive my car in sport mode and fun is sport+. Doesn't sound as good as a M550i which I'm gonna be fixing it with MPPSK soon.
Upfront cost for a CPO wasn't that big of difference but for a car enthusiast we know it doesn't end there.
It starts with rims and coating then you get this and that M performance exterior parts or a knock off Chinese to make your car look the way you want it.
Look for one with black shadow trim though.
Just my 2 cents.

Yes I’m not rushing to buy one so I have time to decide which one to buy.
Thank for the input.

Yeah, the 540i and the 340i both Msport and have all the upgrade audio and etc.
I think it’s good enough for DD for me. If I want to get an actual M car and spend money on it, I rather wait and just outright get an M car rather than half ass it.

Two things for sure is that I don’t need and can’t splurge on an M and AMG car right now so I should just wait few years.
Plus my E92 M3 is still there.

I can qualify for the 0.9% but forcing it just so I cna get an M or AMG is not a smart financial decision especially after buying a house.

[L1FHR]

Test drive the 540i and I was disappointed. It was lack luster. The drive the IS 350 and it was more enjoyable.
Well I’ll drive the 340i tomorrow and M550i saturday

[akuwes710]

Originally Posted by L1FHR

Test drive the 540i and I was disappointed. It was lack luster. The drive the IS 350 and it was more enjoyable.
Well I'll drive the 340i tomorrow and M550i saturday

Coming from E92 M3 to G30 non M is a big jump because its more subdued and heavier, plus longer wheelbase… 540i must have felt underwhelming to you, and even if 550i has more power, its still not as nimble and light as E92.

340i is much more fun than 550i (to me personally)… i think 3 & 5 series are just two fundamentally different cars.

IS350 is in the same class as 3 series. IS is naturally aspirated and has much less HP… let alone handling… it just doesnt feel the same.

My other half drives IS, that car is so well built that it never breaks down. and whatever little and straightforward maintenance it needs can be done by most mechanics…

[L1FHR]

Originally Posted by akuwes710

Coming from E92 M3 to G30 non M is a big jump because its more subdued and heavier, plus longer wheelbase… 540i must have felt underwhelming to you, and even if 550i has more power, its still not as nimble and light as E92.

340i is much more fun than 550i (to me personally)… i think 3 & 5 series are just two fundamentally different cars.

IS350 is in the same class as 3 series. IS is naturally aspirated and has much less HP… let alone handling… it just doesnt feel the same.

My other half drives IS, that car is so well built that it never breaks down. and whatever little and straightforward maintenance it needs can be done by most mechanics…

Yes this is so true!!
I drive my wife RX a lot too and so I know how different the car will be but that 540i it just felt such a let down even on sports+. I feel like I can’t get back fast enough to return the car to the dealership. That’s how bad it is. Idk maybe this one is a bad batch?

I had a 3 series before and it was fun, idk maybe this time the 340i at least will give that fun for DD.

About the IS350 (2018 and 2021) oh man I like the 2018 better it was more comfy, tight and nimble. Yes, less power than what I’m use to with the M3.

The only thing that I hate about older Lexus IS the infotainment system. They’re horrible. I can deal with my side RX because it’s has the new touch screen and Apple CarPlay.

I can’t wait to drive the 340i and M550i to see. But as of right now I’m leaning toward IS350 and that’s crazy!! Coming from driving M3 a lot.