[dawozbj]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently considering switching my BMW M3 Competition G80 xDrive for an M550i. The reason behind this is that I'm in need of more comfort, but I'm having doubts about whether this is a good idea.

I have the option to purchase the car with a 20% discount, but I'm still uncertain about the tradeoff between comfort and performance.

On one hand, the M550i is a great car, but it will soon be replaced by a new model. I also briefly considered the M5, but I believe it may have a similarly firm suspension. What are your thoughts on this?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with either of these cars.

[AP]

I recently just got a m550. I have no experience if a m3 so can’t comment on that although they are obviously quite different cars

Yes the g30 is about to replaced, the u official rumours are that the only v8 will be in the m5.
So if it’s a v8 you are after then it’s either the m550 now or a m5 or wait for a g60

The m550 is very much a comfortable car, very refined. Although I’ve not driven a m5 reports are that it suspension is softer as would probably expect
I would assume it’s softer than a m3 aswell

Performance wise it’s certainly no slouch but the m3 will run circles around it on any twisty no doubt

Have you driven one? That will tell you if it’s for you

It’s certainly a great car

[dawozbj]

Nah, my dealer only has 540i for test drive :/.

[jphcbpa]

The m560i next generation SOP is July of 2024 and will not have a v8

The m550i with dhp is excellent. We had a 2018 and now a 2022. Great car

[HerkHealer]

Look for a 2020+ model M550.
Big engine upgrades and more HP and Torque.
Also get the DHP package. It has rear wheel steering and handles better, but nothing like a M3.

[AP]

Plus idrive 7 and what that gives you

[Rocket455]

Apples to oranges, since one's a track monster that may be tough to live with as a daily, the other is a near-perfect daily without the tracking credentials. Depends on what you value more. The M550i is all I need and then some (heck, I loved my 2016 535i and would've easily settled for a 540i), but then again, I never track and certainly don't live my life a quarter mile at a time, so I never cross-shopped a full-on M car =P

[Cabo]

I'm about a week from moving into a 2023 M550i (it's on a ship about to dock in Galveston) from a 2018 M3 Competition. The M3 was my dream car and I've loved every minute in it, since purchasing it new in early 2019. That being said, it is a rough, loud ride for a daily driver. Personally, I was not ready to sacrifice the power/speed, but wanted a softer, more versatile ride with a sporty look and sound. The M550i is the perfect compromise for me, but it's very much a personal preference decision. I'm sure there will be moments when I miss my M3 and I'm grateful to have owned one, but I have no doubt I'll love my M550i. It will also make my wife happier, since she was never a big fan of my M3.

Good luck with your decision and I hope that helps!

[G30M]

Originally Posted by dawozbj

Hi everyone,

I'm currently considering switching my BMW M3 Competition G80 xDrive for an M550i. The reason behind this is that I'm in need of more comfort, but I'm having doubts about whether this is a good idea.

I have the option to purchase the car with a 20% discount, but I'm still uncertain about the tradeoff between comfort and performance.

On one hand, the M550i is a great car, but it will soon be replaced by a new model. I also briefly considered the M5, but I believe it may have a similarly firm suspension. What are your thoughts on this?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with either of these cars.

If you get the 550 with DHP it will be like driving a rolls Royce on a magic carpet on rails. Pure luxury yet corners better than my 340 on public roads. Seriously does.

Won't work very well on the track probably but I've never taken it there

[maDjzo]

Originally Posted by g21

If you get the 550 with DHP it will be like driving a rolls Royce on a magic carpet on rails. Pure luxury yet corners better than my 340 on public roads. Seriously does.

Won't work very well on the track probably but I've never taken it there

Totally agree. I find the DHP hides the weight of the car very well. It's still a boat, but it's super comfy when. needed, but you can seriously push it in corners as it sticks incredibly well.

[dawozbj]

I will probably decide to make this swap. The V8 tempts me . I am currently at the stage of M550i vs. M850i .

[AP]

Ah that’s an interesting conundrum!

I see the 850 , well gran coupe as an upmarket 550
I must admit it does seem a lot more money for what seems to be a nicer interior.
It’s the same platform isn’t it?

[dawozbj]

The 850i is a much heavier car but will still be on the market for some time. The current 550i will still be a great car in a few months, but it's already the previous generation since G60 is coming.

[AP]

At least the v8 in the 850 remains where as in the g60 you’ll have to have a m5 to have one
Looks like the 550 equivalent will be the m560e with a i6 and a battery

[dawozbj]

It looks like I am very close to buying a 550i.

[BMW012]

if you are not planning on doing any exhaust mods, then the 850 sounds much better stock.

[DNYC1919]

850 gran coupe is a beautiful car. I don’t see many gran coupes by me. Also nice to have a car that many people don’t have

[dawozbj]

It looks like I am very close to buying a 850i, haha

[bavarianboar]

Both great cars. If you don’t track M550 would be an excellent DD.

Is your M3 a lease and BMWFS offering 20% discount to purchase?

[dawozbj]

Nooo, the 20% discount is due to the fact that the G30 will be replaced by the G60 in a couple of months and they have to get rid of the produced cars.

[DNYC1919]

Not to be a hater but the M3 / 4 or whatever has that front end I just can’t do. I would take the 550 just for the front end looking nice plus all the other positives of the car.

[Macias]

Both cars are great in some ways, but quiet different. I've tested M8 Competition Gran Coupe, because my dealer didn't have M850i.

I was considering the M850i Gran Coupe or the M550i. In the end, I chose the M550i.

Why? Because the M850i compared to the M550i:
- has a smaller trunk
- there is no massage option for the front seats (wtf?)
- there is no auxiliary/parking heating option (Webasto)
- there is no Ambient Air
- there is no additional 12V socket in the trunk (e.g. for a travel fridge)
- the rear center seat is practically non-existent, so you have a car for 4 people
- there is no height adjustment of the headrests on the back seats
- it's heavier and you really feel it's heavy
- the Bowers&Wilkins sound system sounds worse
- costs 40k EUR more (with similar specs)

The M550i seems to be more versatile and can be better equipped. In the M850i, the driver sits a little lower, and the overall impression of the car is sportier. The M850i has better soundproofing (acoustic glasses), and the rear side blinds in the doors are electrically operated.

The rest is very comparable, so it's a matter of taste or priorities.