[av0789]

Hello all,

I have a F80 coming off lease this April and since the G80 won't be available yet, I was thinking of going for F90 as an upgrade. But these lease residuals and money factors don't seem to be improving, so
I'm thinking of M550i as I'm seeing people getting pretty decent deals. I've driven the F10 550i once and it seemed pretty fast but obviously not as raw as the M3. Does anyone have any comment and feedback on going from the M3/4 to the M550i as far as pros and cons go?

[High Flier]

I can't speak for the M3, but I do like the M550i. I'd take a V-8 any day, 480 lb-ft of torque at 1800 RPM, no hesitation at all, and AWD traction. The M550i may not be as raw as the M3, it's more of a luxury muscle car.

[hlothery]

Last month I traded my 2016 M4 (F83) for my M550iX. I needed more room, something less raw, but still wanted performance. The M550i certainly delivers. The V8 is awesome, definitely quicker off the line than the M4. Wheelspin, a constant issue with the M4, has been virtually eliminated by the X drive. I love the feel of cornering now, although it is definitely not as raw. The M550 feels more refined, has excellent luxury, and the B&W stereo is awesome. Even in Sport Plus, not as edgy as the M4, but very capable. The Steptronic in Sport mode is very similar to the DCT I had in Drivelogic 2 setting, except smoother. The ride is quieter and smoother. The tradeoff is much less feedback, so some may not like that. It was the answer for me, certainly no regrets. I'd recommend you drive one. It's the only way to know for sure.

[LetsrollM550]

Last 2 cars were 2017 Corvette and 2018 ZL1, I needed a vehicle that was more than a "one trick pony" looked hard at the M3, but once I drove the M550ix I was hooked. Extreme comfort and extremely fun to drive in sport mode, the launch control in this car is insane! You need to drive one, I think it will sell itself. Good luck!

[sitcom323]

i'm in exact same boat. M4 coming off lease in April. Thinking either X3M or M550xi, but really want the 530hp engine.... but that won't be till fall. Might do a lease extension.

[mk1-fan]

Originally Posted by LetsrollM550

Last 2 cars were 2017 Corvette and 2018 ZL1, I needed a vehicle that was more than a "one trick pony" looked hard at the M3, but once I drove the M550ix I was hooked. Extreme comfort and extremely fun to drive in sport mode, the launch control in this car is insane! You need to drive one, I think it will sell itself. Good luck!

That's quite an upgrade!

[hlothery]

Man! The more I play with the M550iX, the more I like it. Definitely does not corner as well as the M4 I had, but actually exits the corner with so much force (due, I assume to torque and X drive) that it almost makes up for the mass of the big 5 in the corners. So much smoother than the M4. A fair amount less road feedback, but that just doesn't seem to matter. And to do this with the B&W stereo providing such pristine music, and that V8 exhaust. I definitely love this car! Don't get me wrong.....I loved the M4. Would love to drive one on the track again, as I did at COTA in Austin. However, I love the M550i on the street. You cannot go wrong with this car.

[NTTY]

We don't drive the same way on the same roads, so it's difficult to compare individuals' experiences.
I sold my F80 ZCP to go M550i. The M3 was too complicated to drive fast, especially the active rear LSD which I never really understood (the active cornering function). The rear active steering is more natural on the M550i, I like it.
The F8x is indeed "raw" gives plenty of feelings, but when you want to drive really fast, it is not easy. The electronic did not obey my requests and went rapidly "Sport+" even if I selected Comfort.
The M550i is a very different car and if I was able to truly enjoy the M3/4 only on a track, the M550i provides me with plenty of satisfaction on a daily basis.

[Rotherd31]

I'm another former M4 (2015) owner that switched to the M550i. I have no regrets whatsoever. Wanted a little more lux and a touch less raw. The M550i fits the bill perfectly for me. Love a little softer ride, love the tranny, love the additional interior room, but still love MPH in the curves and the car gives me that too. Overall a much better DD for me than the M4 was. I'd like to give you some cons, but for me, I have none. Like others have said, go drive one.....the car will sell itself for most people.

[KnightedBMW]

I'm in the same boat. M3 lease is up in June. Looking hard at the M550 (but haven't yet driven it).

[Mach550]

biggest thing that bothers me is I can't see the auto start-stop button behind the meaty steering wheel without moving from the prime massage position. sometimes I can't remember if I turned it off. Oh and I hate the grey rear diffuser and the weird shaped exhaust tips...

[drjolokia]

Originally Posted by Mach550

biggest thing that bothers me is I can't see the auto start-stop button behind the meaty steering wheel without moving from the prime massage position. sometimes I can't remember if I turned it off. Oh and I hate the grey rear diffuser and the weird shaped exhaust tips...

This can be coded with bimmercode also.

It has a couple different options, my favorite being "Auto Start Stop Function off by default".

The other setting is "Auto Start Stop Function Remember Last Setting".

[Rapp]

I had an M3. I was heart broken when I parted from it. I thought the X4/M40 was the one I wanted but it lacked of speed and it did not corner as well as the M3. Once you have that speed you have been bitten. I still miss "walking" that raw angry bulldog with a mind of it own!
M550 will surprise you! plus your passengers won't complain all the time about their necks.