[dawozbj]

The power of the 850i is the look. And in fact, this is the reason for my pain, because the M3 G80 what to say - draws attention to itself when the M550i is "just" 5er.

[dawozbj]

As for the M850, this car is just NICE and looks SPORTSY. The M550i is a nice car, but it's not too different from the "regular" 5-series. Yes, I'm vain, and in the M3, I like how people react to this car .

[AP]

The understated nature of the m550 may be a positive if that’s what you like
The fact that it doesn’t attract attention is a big plus for me personally
Unless you have a bright individual cooo look ur on it of course!

[LuvMyE92]

I have a G82 and an M550.

I am surprised constantly by how good the G82 is (it's just like the G80 but with two fewer doors). The M550 has a fabulous drivetrain, and it is quieter, but I don't find the ride to be much better than the M4 quite honestly. The seats are a bit softer. On some roads in some circumstances, the M4 damping is better and the car rides better. However, the 5 has those stupid runflat tires and I suspect they need balancing.

I am not a fan of the DHP - I had that on my Alpina and it made me sick. The handling was awesome, but that four wheel steering is just not for me.

[Macias]

Originally Posted by dawozbj

The power of the 850i is the look. And in fact, this is the reason for my pain, because the M3 G80 what to say - draws attention to itself when the M550i is "just" 5er.

M3 draws attention? If you say so For me it's a big advantage that M550i is "just" 5er, but only for those who don't know much about cars.

[dawozbj]

Originally Posted by Macias

M3 draws attention? If you say so For me it's a big advantage that M550i is "just" 5er, but only for those who don't know much about cars.

Definitely more than 5 series .

[jnotrom711]

OP, i've driven all 3, and own an f90 comp....

They're all great in their own right.

I will tell you, no hate on the 550i as I think it's a great car... truly.

But if you're coming from a g80 comp, I think the obvious choice is an f90 m5. I think a 550i will disappoint, based on handling, acceleration, braking and sportiness.

It is much more comfortable and refined than the g80. No, not as soft, and comfy as a 550I, but it is definitely more comfortable than a g80.

No the f90 will not handle as well as g80, but it'll be night and day vs the 550i.

The m5 can be stiff especially in 2018-2020 models. If you went to 2021, it's quite a bit softer in comfort setting. My 2019 I don't mind the stiffness and regularly put into sport plus.

Many f90 folks with 2018 or 2019 opt for HR 550i springs (I think) and apparently the ride is much better, but you still get all the M5 goodies. I never have, because I dont mind the m5 stiffness. Just my 2 Cents from owning 1, and driving all 3 many times.

[dawozbj]

In the end, I decided not to buy the M550i. I'm curious to see how the new 5 series will look like, and maybe then I'll change the car, buy another one, or swap the G80 for an F90 .

[GSMCCASH]

I came out of a 2012 Shelby GT500 with performance package…black with red racing stripes. Owned it since 2011 and really struggled for 6 months to either keep or sell. Don’t get wrong, it was a great car to drive (manual tranny, 760hp). Decided to trade for the M550i and never looked back. Seeing other Shelbyson the road still gets my attention!

That Shelby was a big attention grabber wherever I drove it. Brute force, in your face power. Always worrisome when parked elsewhere than my garage because people gauking at it…..wanting to race….car show and tracking…..fun at first and for awhile.

Fast forward to the 2023 M550i….icognito power, sleeper. Such a pleasure to drive an automatic with power, luxury, technology and great looks. Feels like a big monkey lifted of my back. It really satisfies my need for speed with luxury…..and my wife can now drive it

[JCtx]

Hey guys, a related question: Where can I find precise info on the DHP for a 540i? BMW's site is crap; doesn't even list features of each package. Or at least I couldn't find anything.

I'm considering a 540i (RWD) because I don't need the power of the V8, a lighter I6 should handle better than the 550i (especially without X-drive and DHP), and more importantly, I need good fuel range, and with the same fuel tank size (18 gallons, I believe), the I6 should have much better range than the 550. I'd buy it fully optioned ($81K), so that would add a bit of weight, I'm sure, but want the wife comfortable when traveling. Used to own an E92 M3 V8, and it was loud as hell on trips.

Finally, does anybody know if DHP includes rear-wheel steering on the 540i? Hope not. The option is listed at $3,500, and want to know exactly what it includes. Even the sales manager was clueless. By the way, when choosing DHP, the configurator deleted M sport suspension, so does that mean the dampers are different with DHP? And if so, are they softer? I wouldn't mind if they're softer, as long as there's less (or equal) body-roll. But ZERO info on that. Also curious if there are airbags to control body-roll, or just beefier sway bars with active mounts? Hopefully somebody can help with detailed info.
EDIT: Forgot to ask how much of a discount you can get on a '23... if I find one. I don't really want the issues of a brand new model (G60). Thank you.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by dawozbj

In the end, I decided not to buy the M550i. I'm curious to see how the new 5 series will look like, and maybe then I'll change the car, buy another one, or swap the G80 for an F90 .

you will not like the 550i - it's lazy and bouncy and doesn't attract attention, good decision for you

[G30M]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

Hey guys, a related question: Where can I find precise info on the DHP for a 540i? BMW's site is crap; doesn't even list features of each package. Or at least I couldn't find anything.

I'm considering a 540i (RWD) because I don't need the power of the V8, a lighter I6 should handle better than the 550i (especially without X-drive and DHP), and more importantly, I need good fuel range, and with the same fuel tank size (18 gallons, I believe), the I6 should have much better range than the 550. I'd buy it fully optioned ($81K), so that would add a bit of weight, I'm sure, but want the wife comfortable when traveling. Used to own an E92 M3 V8, and it was loud as hell on trips.

Finally, does anybody know if DHP includes rear-wheel steering on the 540i? Hope not. The option is listed at $3,500, and want to know exactly what it includes. Even the sales manager was clueless. By the way, when choosing DHP, the configurator deleted M sport suspension, so does that mean the dampers are different with DHP? And if so, are they softer? I wouldn't mind if they're softer, as long as there's less (or equal) body-roll.

not sure but the words M Suspension professional = rear wheel steering, if it doesn't have those words then no rear wheel steering

maybe ...

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by JCtx

Hey guys, a related question: Where can I find precise info on the DHP for a 540i? BMW's site is crap; doesn't even list features of each package. Or at least I couldn't find anything.

I'm considering a 540i (RWD) because I don't need the power of the V8, a lighter I6 should handle better than the 550i (especially without X-drive and DHP), and more importantly, I need good fuel range, and with the same fuel tank size (18 gallons, I believe), the I6 should have much better range than the 550. I'd buy it fully optioned ($81K), so that would add a bit of weight, I'm sure, but want the wife comfortable when traveling. Used to own an E92 M3 V8, and it was loud as hell on trips.

Finally, does anybody know if DHP includes rear-wheel steering on the 540i? Hope not. The option is listed at $3,500, and want to know exactly what it includes. Even the sales manager was clueless. By the way, when choosing DHP, the configurator deleted M sport suspension, so does that mean the dampers are different with DHP? And if so, are they softer? I wouldn't mind if they're softer, as long as there's less (or equal) body-roll. But ZERO info on that. Also curious if there are airbags to control body-roll, or just beefier sway bars with active mounts? Hopefully somebody can help with detailed info.
EDIT: Forgot to ask how much of a discount you can get on a '23... if I find one. I don't really want the issues of a brand new model (G60). Thank you.

dhp on the 540 vs 550 is different. not sure if either has rear wheel steering. on the 540 i believe the car will sit higher than not having dhp and on the 550 dhp lowers the vehicle.

search within the general thread, you should be able to get better answers.

[JCtx]

Thank you. I was able to find the 3 'components' of the $3,500 package: Dynamic damper control, Active roll stabilization, and Adaptive drive (which says the same things as the other 2. Ha ha). So guess no rear-wheel steering, right? Hope so. The build I did says 2023, but is BMW still building the 'old' 540i? Apparently no discounts from MSRP, so might have to pass on it, if that's the case. Several other dealers are discounting them 4 grand. Will search to see if I can find how that 540i with DHP (with 245/275 tires) handles compared to a 440i (with 225/255 tires). Thanks guys. Will leave you alone now.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by JCtx

Will search to see if I can find how that 540i with DHP (with 245/275 tires) handles compared to a 440i (with 225/255 tires). Thanks guys. Will leave you alone now.

i have a 550 with DHP and a 340 with staggered

340 - very direct steering, the car will change direction at your fingertips
550 - like a boat but the DHP makes it turn at a faster rate, but only once. you can't change direction twice.

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by BMW012

on the 540 i believe the car will sit higher than not having dhp

Oh man; I'd NOT like that. Need to look for more info on that option then. Thank you very much for the heads up. And also thanks to G21 for his excellent feedback.