[bimmer568]

Long time lurker, first real post. Special thanks to this community for all the knowledge and opinions that helped me make an informed decision on my new build.

Background: In Feb '22 I put several deposits down at CT-based dealers praying for delivery before Summer (Haha, wishful thinking). In April I was fortunate enough to receive a PN for a Week 25 fully loaded 2022 550 in CBM w/ Black Nappa. Given production of the 23's was just a few weeks away from the estimated start of my build, and the fact I didn't "need" it right away, I released my PN back to the dealer who then spec'd it for another customer...3 days before going into production as scheduled in week 25. That 550 is at port awaiting for a ship. (I still tracked it up to today out of curiosity).

2023 Build: I transferred my $1k Feb'22 deposit to a 2023 build. I was first on the list for an allocation. Heard from my CA today I have a PN and to "expect production very soon" so get any changes in ASAP. After much thought went with the following 550 spec:

Skyscraper Grey...new for 2023 (see M3/M4 for pics)
Black Nappa
Smoke Aluminum Rhombicle...debated the trim for 3 weeks
20" 846M Wheel w perf rfts (will likely replace w/ non rft's)
ZDH (Dynamic Handling)
ZDY (Driving Assistance)...really debated this so we'll see if worth the $
ZHO (Shadowline)
ZPX (Executive)...only wanted HUD and ceramic but this was only way
33B (M Sport Plus)..."new for 2023" but no mention of this package including 4GQ (M seat belts)...hope it includes in the US spec'd builds
All the other bells and whistles (leather dash, alcantara headliner, spare, heated steering wheel, vent seats, 50yr emblems, etc.

Worth noting wireless charging is apparently back as standard as I read some 2022 builds had it deleted due to chip shortages. And the rear spoiler is indeed black....which looks sharp with the shadowline features.

Now the long wait begins...hoping some pf the shipping issues (well documented) have been resolved. You'd figure that for the extra premium of the '23 vs '22s BMW could get back to a normalized build-to- delivery schedule.

Any options/packages I've missed? The US configurator hasn't been updated to '23 yet.

[ppointer]

Took delivery of our 540i a few weeks back. It did show up with wireless charging. I don't see heated wheel above, which I did get. I believe m-sport brake calipers were an option, which I elected in blue. I also added automated trunk lid.

hope that helps

[ppointer]

Just remembered I also opted for the spare. I believe that was $180 or so? Turns out the separate parts for that feature run $600, so in retrospect that was good I did it. Going forward, I intend to put all of that into the basement as it robs quite a bit of trunk space. Still, I am glad I opted for it.

[bimmer568]

Called Genius for build week. Scheduled for week 31 (Aug 1st-6th)…presumably before they go on Summer shut down. Fingers crossed no delays like many have experienced.

[bimmer568]

Originally Posted by ppointer

Just remembered I also opted for the spare. I believe that was $180 or so? Turns out the separate parts for that feature run $600, so in retrospect that was good I did it. Going forward, I intend to put all of that into the basement as it robs quite a bit of trunk space. Still, I am glad I opted for it.

Thanks. I ordered the spare and heated wheel…all must haves in the northeast. Now turning attention to what tires to replace the rf's with.

[BMW012]

i believe they have non rfts you can order from, but those might be summer only? are you looking for a all season non rft?

[bimmer568]

Originally Posted by BMW012

i believe they have non rfts you can order from, but those might be summer only? are you looking for a all season non rft?

Yes good all season…although also searching for 19" oem black rims and to put dedicated winters on.

[ppointer]

Originally Posted by bimmer568

Thanks. I ordered the spare and heated wheel…all must haves in the northeast. Now turning attention to what tires to replace the rf's with.

I could not get go flats on the wheels I wanted, and the dealer would not give me any credit for the RFTs that came on it. This car will live in Ohio, so I could not go with summer tires.

Only have less than 300 miles on it so far, but that is enough to verify I will be replacing them with Mich A/S 4's soon. The RFTs on there are not the worst, but I know we can get a better ride!

[smacky]

Nice. You ordered one year from the date that I did last year. Order was placed just after The Fourth and production started around the 14th and was completed within 10 days, or so. It sat at port for another 10 days and then 2 weeks at sea. Took delivery on 8/24. Hopefully your time frame is just as fast. 7 weeks was incredible based on what others were dealing with.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by bimmer568

2023 Build:
Skyscraper Grey...new for 2023 (see M3/M4 for pics)
Black Nappa
Smoke Aluminum Rhombicle...debated the trim for 3 weeks
20" 846M Wheel w perf rfts (will likely replace w/ non rft's)
ZDH (Dynamic Handling)
ZDY (Driving Assistance)...really debated this so we'll see if worth the $
ZHO (Shadowline)
ZPX (Executive)...only wanted HUD and ceramic but this was only way
33B (M Sport Plus)..."new for 2023" but no mention of this package including 4GQ (M seat belts)...hope it includes in the US spec'd builds
All the other bells and whistles (leather dash, alcantara headliner, spare, heated steering wheel, vent seats, 50yr emblems, etc.

Worth noting wireless charging is apparently back as standard as I read some 2022 builds had it deleted due to chip shortages. And the rear spoiler is indeed black....which looks sharp with the shadowline features.

Now the long wait begins...hoping some pf the shipping issues (well documented) have been resolved. You'd figure that for the extra premium of the '23 vs '22s BMW could get back to a normalized build-to- delivery schedule.

Any options/packages I've missed? The US configurator hasn't been updated to '23 yet.

Very Nice ! Cant wait to see the new spoiler with that updated M package option.
As far as the wireless charging goes, hopefully they've updated it because I would not use it unless I wanted a nice hot Poptart for breakfast.
It literally "cooks" your phone to insane hot levels. I used it ONE time. Never again.
USB charge/connect all the way.

Congrats on the new beast ! Hold on to it, this will be the Last M550 not to have EV tech built into it. Probably a nice collector vehicle.

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by bimmer568

Long time lurker, first real post. Special thanks to this community for all the knowledge and opinions that helped me make an informed decision on my new build.

Background: In Feb '22 I put several deposits down at CT-based dealers praying for delivery before Summer (Haha, wishful thinking). In April I was fortunate enough to receive a PN for a Week 25 fully loaded 2022 550 in CBM w/ Black Nappa. Given production of the 23's was just a few weeks away from the estimated start of my build, and the fact I didn't "need" it right away, I released my PN back to the dealer who then spec'd it for another customer...3 days before going into production as scheduled in week 25. That 550 is at port awaiting for a ship. (I still tracked it up to today out of curiosity).

2023 Build: I transferred my $1k Feb'22 deposit to a 2023 build. I was first on the list for an allocation. Heard from my CA today I have a PN and to "expect production very soon" so get any changes in ASAP. After much thought went with the following 550 spec:

Skyscraper Grey...new for 2023 (see M3/M4 for pics)
Black Nappa
Smoke Aluminum Rhombicle...debated the trim for 3 weeks
20" 846M Wheel w perf rfts (will likely replace w/ non rft's)
ZDH (Dynamic Handling)
ZDY (Driving Assistance)...really debated this so we'll see if worth the $
ZHO (Shadowline)
ZPX (Executive)...only wanted HUD and ceramic but this was only way
33B (M Sport Plus)..."new for 2023" but no mention of this package including 4GQ (M seat belts)...hope it includes in the US spec'd builds
All the other bells and whistles (leather dash, alcantara headliner, spare, heated steering wheel, vent seats, 50yr emblems, etc.

Worth noting wireless charging is apparently back as standard as I read some 2022 builds had it deleted due to chip shortages. And the rear spoiler is indeed black....which looks sharp with the shadowline features.

Now the long wait begins...hoping some pf the shipping issues (well documented) have been resolved. You'd figure that for the extra premium of the '23 vs '22s BMW could get back to a normalized build-to- delivery schedule.

Any options/packages I've missed? The US configurator hasn't been updated to '23 yet.

Yes, the best change you could make for your car is to delete the 20" Performance Run Flat tires. ! I have Pirelli P Zero RFTs on my car. I can't wait to get rid of them and swap to 19" Michelin Pilot Sport 5 on 19" Style 845M alloys.

Since your car has the Dynamic Handling package with Adaptive Suspension, it might ride slightly better than my 2021 540ix, which doesn't have AS. In any case, dumping the RFTs will improve your car's handling and ride, reduce unsprung weight and likely increase fuel efficiency.

[eliphil]

Nice choice, I didn't have the time to build so I missed out on a few things but I have the dynamic handling pkge and Bernina Grey. if u ever are cruising down the Jersey shore PM me and you can drive mine, I love it

[Nai1ZuTe]

Congrats! Is B&W available per your dealer?

[bimmer568]

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Very Nice ! Cant wait to see the new spoiler with that updated M package option.
As far as the wireless charging goes, hopefully they've updated it because I would not use it unless I wanted a nice hot Poptart for breakfast.
It literally "cooks" your phone to insane hot levels. I used it ONE time. Never again.
USB charge/connect all the way.

Congrats on the new beast ! Hold on to it, this will be the Last M550 not to have EV tech built into it. Probably a nice collector vehicle.

Thanks. Very excited about the build and it being one of the last true ICE engines. Had heard the same about the charger about it cooking phones…stay tuned on whether they fixed the issue.

[bimmer568]

Originally Posted by Nai1ZuTe

Congrats! Is B&W available per your dealer?

No B&W wasn't available unfortunately. CA indicated production had stopped and any excess units were all installed.

[bimmer568]

Originally Posted by DerekS

Yes, the best change you could make for your car is to delete the 20" Performance Run Flat tires. ! I have Pirelli P Zero RFTs on my car. I can't wait to get rid of them and swap to 19" Michelin Pilot Sport 5 on 19" Style 845M alloys.

Since your car has the Dynamic Handling package with Adaptive Suspension, it might ride slightly better than my 2021 540ix, which doesn't have AS. In any case, dumping the RFTs will improve your car's handling and ride, reduce unsprung weight and likely increase fuel efficiency.

Great advice thanks. Ditching the RF's was top of mind hence me opting for the spare tire. Leaning towards 19s for "winter" and 20's for all else. I'm doing some research in the wheels tire subform.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by bimmer568

Great advice thanks. Ditching the RF's was top of mind hence me opting for the spare tire. Leaning towards 19s for "winter" and 20's for all else. I'm doing some research in the wheels tire subform.

I'm pretty sure if you dont go with the 20" wheels, BMW limits speed to 135mph.

[Nai1ZuTe]

Originally Posted by bimmer568

No B&W wasn't available unfortunately. CA indicated production had stopped and any excess units were all installed.

I see. Did they mention it's due to chip/supply shortage or it's no longer available to the m550i?

[bimmer568]

Originally Posted by Nai1ZuTe

I see. Did they mention it's due to chip/supply shortage or it's no longer available to the m550i?

He didn't say and not sure the CA would even know. I surmise it was likely a chip shortage at first then BMWNA took a look at how often the option was selected and may have made an economic call with the option...but that's only a guess.

[G30M550i]

Can you provide more info in the 33B package? My dealer sent me the 2023 order sheet but I don’t see any mention of that option. Is it offered in the US or is it a Canadian / Euro option only?

[bimmer568]

Originally Posted by G30M550i

Can you provide more info in the 33B package? My dealer sent me the 2023 order sheet but I don’t see any mention of that option. Is it offered in the US or is it a Canadian / Euro option only?

The 33B option was in my CAs build configurator here in the US. The "package" consists of stuff already available from prior years:
3M2 M Sport brakes with red calipers
3MF M Shadowline Lights
7M9 Extended Shadolwine Trim

The downside as I found out is the US spec of that "package" appears to exclude option 4GQ (M seat belts)….something I really wanted with the black napa. I believe Canada and Europe get that added though. I couldn't add it as a stand alone either.

[bimmer568]

More pics of my build from the german configurator for 2023.