340iX 6MT to M550iX 8AT

High Flier · 05-10-2018, 11:48 AM

Prior 3-series owners, how do you guys like your M550s? I'm thinking of upgrading from a 340iX with the 6-speed manual to the M550iX. My 340 handles great, I just want more power and a V-8. Specifically,

1. Anyone made the transition from a manual to 8-speed auto? How are the paddle shifters?

2. How does the extra weight and length affect driveability as compared to the 340? Is it even noticeable?

ksoze · 05-10-2018, 11:57 AM

They are two different class cars - the G30 5 series while tight, is no 3 series and will feel huge for a while. The 8AT is an excellent automatic and not a DCT, but does a nice job. It is good enough to skip the paddle shifters.

Canuck99 · 05-10-2018, 12:01 PM

The M550 definitely does NOT drive like a 3 series with a V8. You should try one before ordering...

bimmer_335 · 05-10-2018, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by High Flier

Prior 3-series owners, how do you guys like your M550s? I'm thinking of upgrading from a 340iX with the 6-speed manual to the M550iX. My 340 handles great, I just want more power and a V-8. Specifically,

1. Anyone made the transition from a manual to 8-speed auto? How are the paddle shifters?

2. How does the extra weight and length affect driveability as compared to the 340? Is it even noticeable?

I transitioned from E92 335 to F10 535 as needed a larger car with rear doors... it was a rude awakening and i miss e92 to this day. That said, when i drove G30 (540 with passive sport) it reminded me of my e92. It comes close ... G30 has dropped a few pounds as compared to F10 which was fabulous in a straight line. G30 has a number of suspension choices so make sure you find one that works best for you. I went with passive sport due to linear response and not a huge fan of active drive. Even with small kids in the back its not harsh in any way.

BMW transmissions are great and you won't miss manual a whole lot.

TreyWaters · 05-11-2018, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuck99

The M550 definitely does NOT drive like a 3 series with a V8. You should try one before ordering...

Agreed. The 3-series is going to be much more nimble. Given the G30 is a bigger car, it's going to be heavier than your 3-series. As such, even going with the V8, your power:weight ratio doesn't change much.

I would have preferred a 3- or 4-series as they are a bit smaller, but wanted a bigger back seat for my daughter. If you don't have anyone that will be routinely riding in the back seat, I'd say stick with your 3. NOT that I think the M550i is a bad car - I love mine, and even for the boat that it is, it handles great. It just sounds like you like a fun car, and the 3-series would probably be a bit more fun. For me, the M550i is a great compromise:

M5 is my dream car...but out of price range for now
Wanted more room than 3-series; nice a comfy for road trips with the family
Done with SUVs - great for a baby; overkill past that
Still have a lot of room for luggage

Again, that's just for me. Just my 2 cents...but it's all up to you!

kwstandard · 05-11-2018, 10:18 AM

I currently have both an F30 328 and an f30 M550. The 3 is obvoiusly lighter and smaller, and as a result is more "nimble". When you get in to a 5 after getting out of a 3, it does feel big. However, if I'm on a twisty, hilly back road driving driving at the limit for public roads, the M550i is, without question, the more stable, confidence inspiring car. It wants to be pushed harder. Maybe it's the DHP/4-wheel-steering/active suspension - maybe even the heft - I don't know... It is solid. If I push the 3 that hard, it just does not feel as confident. If I were on a track and needed to change direction very quickly, a 3-series (with a capable engine) would be the proper choice.

Add this to the fact that the M550i is dramatically more comfortable, and faster than any 3-series (including the M3/M4) and you get quite a package. I like my 3, I love my 5. Too bad we can't get a 6-speed in the G30. The last two 5-series I had were manual transmissions. I've never been a fan of paddles, but these work pretty well. Really, like ksoze mentioned earlier, in Sport or Sport+ mode, this ZF8 is really good on it's own.

Just go drive an M550i (with DHP) and you'll get it...

05-10-2018, 11:48 AM	#1
High Flier Second Lieutenant 103 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 2019 M550iX Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	340iX 6MT to M550iX 8AT Prior 3-series owners, how do you guys like your M550s? I'm thinking of upgrading from a 340iX with the 6-speed manual to the M550iX. My 340 handles great, I just want more power and a V-8. Specifically, 1. Anyone made the transition from a manual to 8-speed auto? How are the paddle shifters? 2. How does the extra weight and length affect driveability as compared to the 340? Is it even noticeable?
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05-10-2018, 11:57 AM	#2
ksoze Major 376 Rep 1,223 Posts Drives: 2018 M550iX Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	They are two different class cars - the G30 5 series while tight, is no 3 series and will feel huge for a while. The 8AT is an excellent automatic and not a DCT, but does a nice job. It is good enough to skip the paddle shifters. __________________ 2018 M550iX-Dinan Stage 1 \| 2011 E93 M3 Convertible \| 2002 E46 M3 Convertible \| 2002 E53 X5 3.0 \| 2000 E39 540i \| 1998 E36 M3 \| 1988 E28 M5 \| 1987 E28 528i
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05-10-2018, 12:01 PM	#3
Canuck99 Private First Class 113 Rep 193 Posts Drives: '18 M550i, '15 Jaguar F-Type R Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada iTrader: (0)	The M550 definitely does NOT drive like a 3 series with a V8. You should try one before ordering...
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05-11-2018, 10:18 AM	#6
kwstandard AutoPilot 97 Rep 87 Posts Drives: 19 X1,18 M550i,15 X5,14 328d Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Mercedes GL550 [0.00] 2019 BMW X128i [0.00] 2015 X5 XDrive35i [0.00] 2018 M550i [0.00] 2014 328d [0.00]	I currently have both an F30 328 and an f30 M550. The 3 is obvoiusly lighter and smaller, and as a result is more "nimble". When you get in to a 5 after getting out of a 3, it does feel big. However, if I'm on a twisty, hilly back road driving driving at the limit for public roads, the M550i is, without question, the more stable, confidence inspiring car. It wants to be pushed harder. Maybe it's the DHP/4-wheel-steering/active suspension - maybe even the heft - I don't know... It is solid. If I push the 3 that hard, it just does not feel as confident. If I were on a track and needed to change direction very quickly, a 3-series (with a capable engine) would be the proper choice. Add this to the fact that the M550i is dramatically more comfortable, and faster than any 3-series (including the M3/M4) and you get quite a package. I like my 3, I love my 5. Too bad we can't get a 6-speed in the G30. The last two 5-series I had were manual transmissions. I've never been a fan of paddles, but these work pretty well. Really, like ksoze mentioned earlier, in Sport or Sport+ mode, this ZF8 is really good on it's own. Just go drive an M550i (with DHP) and you'll get it...
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