[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by BMWGUYinCO

I have watched this video at least 25 times...it provides a better perspective of the car from different angles in that color. And that is one of those colors that changes so much depending on lighting and viewing angle:

Hmm yes but notice who is driving this car.
Don't forget that scarf! J/K.

[BMWGUYinCO]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Hmm yes but notice who is driving this car.
Don't forget that scarf! J/K.

LOL! But then again, Scott Smith has a BMW Genius hottie driving all the cars he features. Look - Lauren drives the M8 too...this one is in dravit grey:

And this one is in carbon black

I guess the biggest factor in my decision to get this particular car is whether I can find the right kind of scarf (Kidding - I'm not the scarf wearing kind of guy)

[dlf750]

that car you're looking at is gorgeous, just plain gorgeous. Jump on/in it!

[BMWGUYinCO]

Originally Posted by dlf750

that car you're looking at is gorgeous, just plain gorgeous. Jump on/in it!

Thanks man!
Interior:

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by BMWGUYinCO

LOL! But then again, Scott Smith has a BMW Genius hottie driving all the cars he features. Look - Lauren drives the M8 too...this one is in dravit grey:

I guess the biggest factor in my decision to get this particular car is whether I can find the right kind of scarf (Kidding - I'm not the scarf wearing kind of guy)

I know, I'm just messing with you. It's a nice looking car. I notice by the photos it also has a nice Bowers & Wilkins audio system, sweet. Decisions decisions....

[BMWGUYinCO]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

I know, I'm just messing with you. It's a nice looking car. I notice by the photos it also has a nice Bowers & Wilkins audio system, sweet. Decisions decisions....

Yeah, I am appreciating the sense of humor of this thread, and appreciate your input.

I'll tell you an honest opinion of the B&W system, since I have it in my M550 but also have the Harman Kardon system in my wife's X3 M40:

Yes, the B&W system sounds amazing. But is it worth the $$premium over the Harman Kardon system? In other words, does it sound almost $2,500 better than the HK? No. But you do get the cool lighting of the speakers at night!

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by BMWGUYinCO

Yeah, I am appreciating the sense of humor of this thread, and appreciate your input.

I'll tell you an honest opinion of the B&W system, since I have it in my M550 but also have the Harman Kardon system in my wife's X3 M40:

Yes, the B&W system sounds amazing. But is it worth the $$premium over the Harman Kardon system? In other words, does it sound almost $2,500 better than the HK? No. But you do get the cool lighting of the speakers at night!

Good, that's what makes this place fun.

I can't speak on the B&W system other than knowing they have a great reputation, obviously including home systems, but I've never had one in any of my cars. I was looking at a Volvo XC60 Polestar and it's equipped with a B&W system as standard. Normally it would have cost a few thousand bucks more than their HK system which is good enough. I probably wouldn't opt for it (B&W) in a model that didn't already have it as standard. I have to say, one of my biggest concerns about my M340i(G20) was whether the HK system was going to be any good but I've been pleasantly surprised. That system is well worth the relatively small amount BMW charges for it in that car. I come from Audis that have pretty decent B&O systems which I have always liked. Anyway, this is going OT a bit, lol.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[dnsyy]

As long as you are aware of the depreciation an 8 series would go through, and you’re okay with it - get it. It is a beast.
On the other side, $52k residual sounds pretty high for a 550...owning it for another 3-4 years is also costly (warranty, wear-tear, depreciation)

[ksoze]

Originally Posted by dnsyy

On the other side, $52k residual sounds pretty high for a 550...owning it for another 3-4 years is also costly...

Actually, I had the same dilemma, same rough buyout. I kept the car. $52K sounds high, but what can you replace it with for that amount on top of you knowing owner? Very few cars are as all around well balanced and powerful as the M550 and a low mileage one leaves very few similar options, aside from leasing new.

[Karnidge]

I would definitely pick the new M850 over a used M550 if money wasn't a factor. Even in flamboyant blue (just kidding). I really like the stance of the M850, very aggressive looking. A much sexier-looking car in my opinion.

[BMWGUYinCO]

Originally Posted by ksoze

Actually, I had the same dilemma, same rough buyout. I kept the car. $52K sounds high, but what can you replace it with for that amount on top of you knowing owner? Very few cars are as all around well balanced and powerful as the M550 and a low mileage one leaves very few similar options, aside from leasing new.

Thanks for the input - my car was so heavily optioned it retailed for $98K! I only have 26K miles on it now. I mean, it has everything...

[85Shark]

Originally Posted by BMWGUYinCO

Thanks for the input - my car was so heavily optioned it retailed for $98K! I only have 26K miles on it now. I mean, it has everything...

I'd strongly consider keeping your current M550. Instead of the Barcelona Blue M850, why not extend your lease and build a new M850 exactly the way you want it? BMW Financial will extend your current lease 2-3 months with no questions asked. If you have a new vehicle on order they will extend it up to six months total. Plenty of time to take delivery on the new M850.

[dnsyy]

Originally Posted by BMWGUYinCO

Thanks for the input - my car was so heavily optioned it retailed for $98K! I only have 26K miles on it now. I mean, it has everything...

You mentioned you have the 2018 model, that means 52/98K = 53% residual in a 36/39 months lease?

It is incredible. In Canada, 2021 M550i 39-months lease residual is only 42%, 37% for 48 months.

I'd be struggled buying it out if the residual exceeds market value, because that means instant depreciation.

[Joe-BMW33]

Not sure where you ended up, I just scanned this three page thread, but a few things to add. If you end up leasing the 8 series, make sure you really examine the residual value. 8-Series sales are dismal and most likely because of the price point. There are a lot of other options at that price point which is probably why sales are dismal. They know this so in addition to the residual value, really work the cost basis down. The residual value should be high given low sales which makes the lease payment more attractive, BUT if it's really high (good for payments), the buyout at the end is going to be higher than market value. This shouldn't matter and should be favorable IF you have no plans to buy it.

On the M550, my 2018 is similarly equipped. A few differences such as I have the alcantara headliner and leather dash. $52,000 is a really good number. You should be able to buy it and drive off with equity.

I say buy the M550 and maybe get a Dinan tune so it "feels" like there is something new to it.

[BMWGUYinCO]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

If you end up leasing the 8 series, make sure you really examine the residual value.

On the M550, my 2018 is similarly equipped. A few differences such as I have the alcantara headliner and leather dash. $52,000 is a really good number. You should be able to buy it and drive off with equity.

I say buy the M550 and maybe get a Dinan tune so it "feels" like there is something new to it.

Residual on the M850 at 7,500 m/p/y = 54%. Drops 1% for each additional 2,500 m/p/y...

I swear, one minute I'm on my way to pick up the convertible, the next I'm gazing at my pristine M550 saying "F it - I'm keeping you".

Never been this torn on a car decision. Have you all seen the "2021 M550i Underperforming" thread? Owners are saying BMW might have dialed back launch control, because they're not getting the 0-60 times like earlier model years...man, mine pulls like a beast.

So yesterday, my dealer told me to wait until Monday to see what, if any, new sales program BMW might be offering...they're giving me the entire month of May to decide when to pick up the car.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by 85Shark

I'd strongly consider keeping your current M550. Instead of the Barcelona Blue M850, why not extend your lease and build a new M850 exactly the way you want it? BMW Financial will extend your current lease 2-3 months with no questions asked. If you have a new vehicle on order they will extend it up to six months total. Plenty of time to take delivery on the new M850.

They will actually extend it at least 6 months even if you aren't buying or ordering another BMW. I think I kept my F10 almost a year. I just kept calling and getting another three months. I was in the same position as OP and couldn't decide what to do.

[Ashg]

$52k is not bad for the buyout considering you have low mileage and it's fully loaded. Go for fidelity platinum warranty, I have had good experience with them and covers more than cpo and cheaper

[saw1]

OK, i'll throw in my 2 cents. I have an '18 M550, bought it off the lease Last November. Love the car, glad I bought it, no regrets. Ironically I was looking into the M850 convertible to replace the 550. Next spring I will likely get the M850 or the M4 convertible. I have had drop tops for the last 21 years. Currently have a Miata to fill the void. This is just my opinion, but the Barcelona Blue is by far my least favorite color in the M850. It does look better with the cognac interior but still, would never consider that color. From your posts it feels like you are only interested in that color because it is available now. If you were ordering the same car as a custom build, would you pick Barcelona Blue? If yes then go for it! Otherwise skip it, wait until August and see what is available. If you buy the M550 off the lease, no worries, the car and color are awesome! It will also have less depreciation in the next few years than the last few years, and way less than a new M850 if that is a concern. Good luck!

[BMWGUYinCO]

I want to thank everyone again for your collective input; as of this morning I'm leaning more towards waiting for my dealer to get a custom build slot so I can order the car exactly the way I would want it.
As of now, he doesn't have one and even if it means missing the upcoming top down season, it's worth waiting until Sept or so.

[BeeMdblU]

Enjoy life while you're living, if the 850 makes you happy go for it. Try to build your own if you can and if I'm not mistaken all individual colors are no charge on the 850( at least in canada)

[IDBGOD]

Apples and oranges. Luxury sport convertible or luxury sport executive sedan. If you want a change from the 4 door and want a sporty convertible go with leasing the M850i. I personally would never buyout a leased 3 year old BMW (unless it was an m2) as you actually have a chance to have equity. Non M BMW’s with V8’s aren’t the most reliable nor cost effective to own long term. That coupled with rapid depreciation and poor market valuation makes it a pretty poor choice unless you plan to keep that car forever or you have some special build sentimental connection then who cares do what you like.

Though for less or around the same $ still, I would probably opt for an M5 comp over the 850 but hey it’s still a good looking car. Saw one in carbon black/cognac with bowers and it was beautiful. 2022 model years got a price reduction on the 8 so it should be a little easier on the wallet. Best of luck on your order!

[ksoze]

Originally Posted by IDBGOD

Non M BMW’s with V8’s aren’t the most reliable nor cost effective to own long term. That coupled with rapid depreciation and poor market valuation makes it a pretty poor choice unless you plan to keep that car forever or you have some special build sentimental connection then who cares do what you like.

Not sure of the reliability comment in the current G30, but that statement could apply to ANY luxury marquee. Not so sure the M cars hold that well either.

The car market is very different today post-pandemic - the old rules may not apply anymore. I never bought my lease out until this year - nothing better for the price.