[JCtx]

Originally Posted by BMW012

btw, which 850 we going for? coupe, gran coupe, vert?

The coupe. Wish there was a lighter RWD 850 version, but only the 840 can be had with RWD. But seems like buying that car with a 6 would be like buying a Corvette with a V6, no? Ha ha. But it can be equipped just like a fully-loaded 850 I'd buy (all options, except any C/F) for $103,050 (vs $116,650). The 840 X-Drive would be 3 grand more, so 10 grand below the V8, equally equipped. The good news is apparently there's not a big fuel economy penalty with the X-Drive. Finally, since they're at the end of their life, and they depreciate like crazy, maybe I should consider buying a pristine used one ('21+) for the first time in my life... But I'm so anal, that doubt I could get myself to do that. Ha ha. But just want to drive them first, and once I'm dead set on which car, then decide what to do.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by JCtx

The coupe. Wish there was a lighter RWD 850 version, but only the 840 can be had with RWD. But seems like buying that car with a 6 would be like buying a Corvette with a V6, no? Ha ha. But it can be equipped just like a fully-loaded 850 I'd buy (all options, except any C/F) for $103,050 (vs $116,650). The 840 X-Drive would be 3 grand more, so 10 grand below the V8, equally equipped. The good news is apparently there's not a big fuel economy penalty with the X-Drive. Finally, since they're at the end of their life, and they depreciate like crazy, maybe I should consider buying a pristine used one ('21+) for the first time in my life... But I'm so anal, that doubt I could get myself to do that. Ha ha. But just want to drive them first, and once I'm dead set on which car, then decide what to do.

i think you should test drive the cars first. they don't need to have all the options you want.

i can tell you the 550 is already very boat-like, not sure what the 8 series is like.

just to warn you so you don't get a fright when you get in one of these things.

unfortunately as i mentioned somewhere else the 3 series though it's more like a race car the way it rides and handles there's hardly any luxury in it.

[JCtx]

Ha ha. Thank you for the heads up. Unfortunately, most GT cars are going to be on the heavier/larger side. I personally like firm rides, but as long as that translates to good handling. The problem could be my wife, but I know more or less what is her threshold, so will pay attention to that for sure. Some GT cars have soft springs and hard shocks, making them the worst of both worlds. I bet the BMW will at least handle accordingly, but not sure about the Lexus. As far as the M550 vs M850, the latter is 191.2 (vs 195.8), and 4,478 lbs (vs 4,383), so it's shorter and heavier. Therefore, my guess is it should handle similarly... but not sure what's the difference in suspension tuning. Reportedly, the 850 has the DHP standard, but didn't see that mentioned anywhere on the awful BMW site. But I believe that to be the case. The 850 should also have soft-close doors, which I don't think is the case with the M550, right? Seats also look a bit sportier on the 850, which I liked, since they look very flat on the M550. I'm on the skinny side at 160 (5'10), so the 850 seats should be ample enough, I'd guess. Will let you know how the test drives went when I'm done, probably in about 2 weeks.

[G30M]

my 550 has soft close doors not sure if it's an option over there

thinking about it, you would think BMW spent more time tuning the 850 suspension to work better than the 550. be interesting to see what you find.

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by JCtx

The coupe. Wish there was a lighter RWD 850 version, but only the 840 can be had with RWD. But seems like buying that car with a 6 would be like buying a Corvette with a V6, no? Ha ha. But it can be equipped just like a fully-loaded 850 I'd buy (all options, except any C/F) for $103,050 (vs $116,650). The 840 X-Drive would be 3 grand more, so 10 grand below the V8, equally equipped. The good news is apparently there's not a big fuel economy penalty with the X-Drive. Finally, since they're at the end of their life, and they depreciate like crazy, maybe I should consider buying a pristine used one ('21+) for the first time in my life... But I'm so anal, that doubt I could get myself to do that. Ha ha. But just want to drive them first, and once I'm dead set on which car, then decide what to do.

drove an 850 convertible twice. the interior space 850 vs 550 is much smaller. 850 definitely sounds better due to having less resonators in sports+ mode.

[jphcbpa]

Our 2018 m550i had soft close doors but our 2022 does not and both with executive package

[G30M]

Originally Posted by BMW012

drove an 850 convertible twice. the interior space 850 vs 550 is much smaller. 850 definitely sounds better due to having less resonators in sports+ mode.

Interesting... Might be something to consider for me. I can't hear the exhaust even with the windows down.

[G30M]

so i did another 6 hr drive (3 in M550i to and then back in the M340i for 3 hrs)

they both drive very well

in the low speed the M340i was very good, instant steering response, throttle response very fast, M550i is GT car that drives smaller than it should thanks to rear wheel steering but can be bouncy if you throw it around and the road is not perfect.

in the high speed is where they are very similar in performance but different. the M550i with DHP - high speed is where it comes alive, keeps the car flat and turns very well. a big luxury cruiser on rails. the M340i - the throttle response is fast, little weight to overcome, just flies through, but without DHP the springs limit how well it can corner as it leans a bit.

both were not tiring. if i could pick one without having driven the other, I'd get the M550i just coz it's so much luxury. but if you want to flick it around the place then the M340i is not bad inside, without having sat in the 5 series you'd say it's a very nice place to be.