[NGT2]

M550 engine seems to be holding up very well. There’s a thread in it. Cooling lines and system are the main thing people have had replaced, and maybe less of an issue in 2020+, someone else can verify that.

But still, if low maintenance reliability is your goal then I’d think the I6 engine is probably going to beat the monster V8. Both maybe reliable but I’d think the maintenance part would give a nod to the I6 over time.

[adhrp]

At 45k miles on my 2020 M550i and I have had the coolant expansion tank and low pressure fuel pump fail and replaced under warranty. Pretty expensive repairs outside of warranty. On pre-2020 engines, the rubber coolant hoses are prone to leaking and they are being replaced by the newer braided/steel tubing by BMW if the issue arises.

I think the cooling system is a weak spot on this engine. Other than that, just routine maintenance so far.

My MPG is 20-21 with a mix of highway/city driving. On mostly highway trips I have consistently achieved 28-30 mpg driving in comfort mode.

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by mlitebimmers

Yeah I drive a fuck ton for work. About 80 miles round trip 5 days a week. So although I want a nice fun car if the N63 comes with a bunch of extra expected maintenance I’d probably stay away. Not sure if that’s actually the case tho.

Also I would consider myself an enthusiast who up until recently didn’t have the funds to put it into action lol I drove an F10 for about 3 years. During that time it needed about $5k in service aside from regular maintenance. It was the timing chain that finally made me trade it in instead of repairing. Got about $8k for it so I’m happy with that! Then I got the g30 about a month ago.

I’ve always preferred the 5 series tho. 3 is nice too but I’d have to get the M lite to have the same power that is standard in the 5 series. It’s the perfect balance of size, weight, and power. 4 has always looked great, but I hated that they don’t have proper window frames..

yea i hear ya. for a 2018 looks like you should get warranty as well.

[Warp Ten]

When new the M550 was about $10k more than the comparable 540xi, so if the cars had the same mileage and were the same year this price differential would seem about right. To me, the M550 you are looking at seems overpriced compared to the 540. It has higher mileage and most importantly is one year older. When you get into five year old BMWs, the extra options should add a bit but not a great deal. The model year is always the most important factor along with mileage. I would think you should have some negotiating room with the 2018 M550. The two should be much closer in price I would think. But both are great cars. I am quite happy with my 2019 540xi but I do occasionally wish I had gotten the M550.--Bob

[G30M]

Originally Posted by mlitebimmers

I drive a lot for work, but I love driving so I want a car that is fun and has the features. But since I’m putting so many miles I have to consider those hidden costs too… obviously no matter what these cars need expensive maintenance. That being that I know the B58 is one of the most reliable BMW engines. Can the same be said for the N63 tho? If the V8 comes with double the expected maintenance then I can’t say it’s for me..

well i have an answer for you

for reliability and maintenance you want to get the lower mileage 540

[mlitebimmers]

Originally Posted by g21

well i have an answer for you

for reliability and maintenance you want to get the lower mileage 540

Yeah this is what I’m thinking. B58 has plenty power, and will take mods in stride. Plus the Better fuel efficiency and reliability, that’s a win for me.

Im only 27 man I think I got time to get an M car in the future! I’ll just keep searching for a 540 that has some more packages.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by mlitebimmers

Yeah this is what I’m thinking. B58 has plenty power, and will take mods in stride. Plus the Better fuel efficiency and reliability, that’s a win for me.

Im only 27 man I think I got time to get an M car in the future! I’ll just keep searching for a 540 that has some more packages.

Unless you’re itching to get a V8 while they’re still pretty new, find a loaded 540 M Sport and tear up that commute.

I would rather have a stock V8 than a tuned I6 for maintenance but that’s probably because I don’t know shit about tuning and it makes me nervous for long run reliability.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by mlitebimmers

Yeah this is what I’m thinking. B58 has plenty power, and will take mods in stride. Plus the Better fuel efficiency and reliability, that’s a win for me.

Im only 27 man I think I got time to get an M car in the future! I’ll just keep searching for a 540 that has some more packages.

You should consider M440i GC

It will drive a lot better than the 5, comes with 40hp more, and better than 3 series in terms of comfort

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

You should consider M440i GC

It will drive a lot better than the 5, comes with 40hp more, and better than 3 series in terms of comfort

Have you got any drive time in a M440 GC? Is it really more comfortable than the M340?

I enjoy reading your posts and comparisons because the M340 really intrigued me. A lot. I’m not totally sure I could step down the luxury in my daily driver but I would enjoy the different flavor in driving style. The M440 intrigues me too. Dad has a 2016 428i and he loves how it drives. He could buy himself any car but he just likes that one. I always thought I’d go M340 over M440 GC because I think the 3 is a tad faster and is actually roomier in the rear and trunk but I could be wrong. Even if I were right on that, increased comfort might nudge me to the 4 GC over the 3, if I were looking for an I6 powered BMW.

Also, I don’t believe the M340 is available for ordering via BMW Individual in the US but I believe the 4 is. I’ve wondered what custom finishes one could order through that route, aside from just paint.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Have you got any drive time in a M440 GC? Is it really more comfortable than the M340?

I enjoy reading your posts and comparisons because the M340 really intrigued me. A lot. I’m not totally sure I could step down the luxury in my daily driver but I would enjoy the different flavor in driving style. The M440 intrigues me too. Dad has a 2016 428i and he loves how it drives. He could buy himself any car but he just likes that one. I always thought I’d go M340 over M440 GC because I think the 3 is a tad faster and is actually roomier in the rear and trunk but I could be wrong. Even if I were right on that, increased comfort might nudge me to the 4 GC over the 3, if I were looking for an I6 powered BMW.

Also, I don’t believe the M340 is available for ordering via BMW Individual in the US but I believe the 4 is. I’ve wondered what custom finishes one could order through that route, aside from just paint.

no sorry i have not tested it, it's just what everybody on the 3/4 forum who decided on buying the M440i GC says, that they bought it because it is more comfortable, quieter less bumpy, than the M340i. but no i have not driven it myself.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Have you got any drive time in a M440 GC? Is it really more comfortable than the M340?

I enjoy reading your posts and comparisons because the M340 really intrigued me. A lot. I’m not totally sure I could step down the luxury in my daily driver but I would enjoy the different flavor in driving style. The M440 intrigues me too. Dad has a 2016 428i and he loves how it drives. He could buy himself any car but he just likes that one. I always thought I’d go M340 over M440 GC because I think the 3 is a tad faster and is actually roomier in the rear and trunk but I could be wrong. Even if I were right on that, increased comfort might nudge me to the 4 GC over the 3, if I were looking for an I6 powered BMW.

Also, I don’t believe the M340 is available for ordering via BMW Individual in the US but I believe the 4 is. I’ve wondered what custom finishes one could order through that route, aside from just paint.

in terms of wildness of the 3/4, there is one issue, i can't get the car past its limits. for one, the car is unresponsive under 2500rpm, barely feel it move between 2500-3500 rpm, shoves you at 4000-5500rpm, eases up beyond that.
to add to that there is some turbo lag, not much, but you notice it's there (about the same as 550).

what that means is, if you want to play, you are playing at high speeds. to be at 4000rpm in 1st or 2nd gear. and just when you want to get it past the limit (eg powerslide) the X Drive kills the fun. either that or the rev limiter kills it in 1st. 2nd is too fast, way too fast on public roads. finally, the 340 comes with 225 fronts, imagine trying to brake at 120mph on the 225, there is no brakes! 440 comes with 245 so the front corners should work better.

so it's twitchy, wild, but not able to be taken advantage of at public roads. i'm keen to get a Tesla Model 3 Performance. that one you can play at any speed. no turbo lag. no need to keep rpm between 4000-5000rpm.

if i can sell the 3 i would (for a X5 or M3) but over here 2nd hand market is non existent, people only buy from dealers. so i'm keeping it for as long as i can. esp since it's a fuel miser.

[jsf721]

I have gesture control and it is something that can be skipped. I’m totally happy with the power in my 540 x drive but more is always funner! It’s my daily and since I do a lot of driving 30k per year I chose not to go V8.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

in terms of wildness of the 3/4, there is one issue, i can't get the car past its limits. for one, the car is unresponsive under 2500rpm, barely feel it move between 2500-3500 rpm, shoves you at 4000-5500rpm, eases up beyond that.
to add to that there is some turbo lag, not much, but you notice it's there (about the same as 550).

what that means is, if you want to play, you are playing at high speeds. to be at 4000rpm in 1st or 2nd gear. and just when you want to get it past the limit (eg powerslide) the X Drive kills the fun. either that or the rev limiter kills it in 1st. 2nd is too fast, way too fast on public roads. finally, the 340 comes with 225 fronts, imagine trying to brake at 120mph on the 225, there is no brakes! 440 comes with 245 so the front corners should work better.

so it's twitchy, wild, but not able to be taken advantage of at public roads. i'm keen to get a Tesla Model 3 Performance. that one you can play at any speed. no turbo lag. no need to keep rpm between 4000-5000rpm.

if i can sell the 3 i would (for a X5 or M3) but over here 2nd hand market is non existent, people only buy from dealers. so i'm keeping it for as long as i can. esp since it's a fuel miser.

Hmm. Well maybe it’s better to just go all the way and get an M3 or M4.

This is all hypothetical. I wouldn’t trade my M550 for either. The M550 is a perfect car for me.

[AnthonyVincent]

I have a 2021 540i M Sport that I purchased in June of 2021. Love the car. Has ample power and is a joy to drive. I don't drive that much and currently have 11,800 miles on it. Also have another car which is a 2020 Lexus GS F with the 8 cyl. If I did not already have the GS F with the 8 cyl, I would have went for the M550 or even the M5.

My vote for you would be the M550 but either choice is great. Good luck.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Hmm. Well maybe it’s better to just go all the way and get an M3 or M4.

This is all hypothetical. I wouldn’t trade my M550 for either. The M550 is a perfect car for me.

G80/82 has even more turbo lag, but at least you can turn off X drive, and the entire car is tuned to be a wild animal from the start .but the car is very heavy

my dream wild animal car is a F82 lol, but that's also hypothetical. my last car was a Audi S4 supercharged DSG (aka dct) - that thing was insane - no turbo lag, almost destroyed it when i touched the gas pedal with TC off, in a gravel carpark. i just touched the gas and the thing did a 180.

i think best to get a Model 3 Performance for hooliganism, it's cheap, and the cops won't hear you. i took a RWD skoda enyaq EV on a test drive and it drifts on full traction control on. silently. nobody could hear me drifting in the carpark on a rainy day.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by AnthonyVincent

I have a 2021 540i M Sport that I purchased in June of 2021. Love the car. Has ample power and is a joy to drive. I don't drive that much and currently have 11,800 miles on it. Also have another car which is a 2020 Lexus GS F with the 8 cyl. If I did not already have the GS F with the 8 cyl, I would have went for the M550 or even the M5.

My vote for you would be the M550 but either choice is great. Good luck.

Interesting combo. How does the gs-f compare with the 540?

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

G80/82 has even more turbo lag, but at least you can turn off X drive, and the entire car is tuned to be a wild animal from the start .but the car is very heavy

my dream wild animal car is a F82 lol, but that's also hypothetical. my last car was a Audi S4 supercharged DSG (aka dct) - that thing was insane - no turbo lag, almost destroyed it when i touched the gas pedal with TC off, in a gravel carpark. i just touched the gas and the thing did a 180.

i think best to get a Model 3 Performance for hooliganism, it's cheap, and the cops won't hear you. i took a RWD skoda enyaq EV on a test drive and it drifts on full traction control on. silently. nobody could hear me drifting in the carpark on a rainy day.

I just like all the noise. The Tesla wouldn’t do it for me, I don’t think.

I’d like to drive an Audi RS5 to see what that’s like. I’m pretty new to all this. I drove big truck/SUV GM’s for 20 years.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I just like all the noise. The Tesla wouldn’t do it for me, I don’t think.

I’d like to drive an Audi RS5 to see what that’s like. I’m pretty new to all this. I drove big truck/SUV GM’s for 20 years.

Audi = more theatrical, possibly better interior, less about handling at or past the limit. Make sure it has Bang and Olufsen and Sport Diff to not get Audisteer.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

Audi = more theatrical, possibly better interior, less about handling at or past the limit. Make sure it has Bang and Olufsen and Sport Diff to not get Audisteer.

What I don’t like about their current lineup is no brown interiors. Even though I ended up with black on the M550, I’d still build one with brown or white. Well probably, the black has grown on me. Holds up well to the kid and my sweaty/dirty shirt after golf.

[MelbourneFinn]

Originally Posted by NGT2

What I don’t like about their current lineup is no brown interiors. Even though I ended up with black on the M550, I’d still build one with brown or white. Well probably, the black has grown on me. Holds up well to the kid and my sweaty/dirty shirt after golf.

I speak the same language :-) White/light gray or brown (Tartufo) interiors any day - in Napa or Merino.

Unless you mean B8 RS5 I don’t think you would like the (fake) noises in the Audi… But B8 is heaven with the NA V8 with red line at 8400…

[G30M]

Originally Posted by MelbourneFinn

I speak the same language :-) White/light gray or brown (Tartufo) interiors any day - in Napa or Merino.

Unless you mean B8 RS5 I don’t think you would like the (fake) noises in the Audi… But B8 is heaven with the NA V8 with red line at 8400…

umm ... do not get a B8 RS5 in 2023 lol, it's like going back in time to 1970

my last car was a B8.5 and it's like a relic from the past compared to current gen BMWs. but ooh the throttle response of that SC + DSG

[NRoyalone]

I have a 21 M550i for my daily driver and an X5 M50i for backup. Both fully loaded, both with that V8 power because lets be honest, it’s intoxicating.

It honestly will come down to what you want from the car. If power is not your priority then save your money and go with what you know; however, if the packages of the of M550i are what you are looking for it may be wise to look around for the 540 with similar accents.

My must haves were heated steering, B+W, heated seats, driving assistance plus, parking package, luxury and executive packages, M sport. Somethings you just get used to having.