[binmerman]

Hey guys,

My lease is going to end on 440i, I loved the car especially in sport mode that adrenaline from 6 cylinders put a smile on my face when i send it. Now, I am looking for a sporty sedan preferably a V8, which gets me to 2 options used 2018 M5 or M550i. M550i's are ranged from $50k - $60k and 2018 M5 is ranged from $70k - $80k.

I am wondering if the extra ~$20k or so is worth it, choosing 2018 M5 over 2018 M550i. I know M5 would hold the value over time compared to M550i. I mean the M550i montly payment would be around $1k and M5 would be ~$1.3k.

Is M5 worth extra money ? or should i get M550i and tune it (Dinan or so, which would bring it to 600hp ).

appreciate your feedback,

#M5 #M550i #M5Worth

[nick707]

Originally Posted by binmerman

Hey guys,

My lease is going to end on 440i, I loved the car especially in sport mode that adrenaline from 6 cylinders put a smile on my face when i send it. Now, I am looking for a sporty sedan preferably a V8, which gets me to 2 options used 2018 M5 or M550i. M550i's are ranged from $50k - $60k and 2018 M5 is ranged from $70k - $80k.

I am wondering if the extra ~$20k or so is worth it, choosing 2018 M5 over 2018 M550i. I know M5 would hold the value over time compared to M550i. I mean the M550i montly payment would be around $1k and M5 would be ~$1.3k.

Is M5 worth extra money ? or should i get M550i and tune it (Dinan or so, which would bring it to 600hp ).

appreciate your feedback,

#M5 #M550i #M5Worth

Depending on when your lease is up, if the 2021 LCI is not of interest to you, I'd try and score a new 2020 M550i in stock, and maximize bmw incentives and dealer discount. If you can find a new M550i, you should be able to score around 12k to 15k off MSRP when you combine loyalty, purchase credit, and dealer discount. The 2020 M550i received a HP bump to 523 and 553 torque that brings it more in line with the M5, you'll have full factory warranty, and maintenance included. I know this is right in between the middle of the 2018 M550i price and the 2018 M5 price, but the 2020 power bump on the M550i might make it a good middle ground.

[Nate1616]

Originally Posted by nick707

Depending on when your lease is up, if the 2021 LCI is not of interest to you, I'd try and score a new 2020 M550i in stock, and maximize bmw incentives and dealer discount. If you can find a new M550i, you should be able to score around 12k to 15k off MSRP when you combine loyalty, purchase credit, and dealer discount. The 2020 M550i received a HP bump to 523 and 553 torque that brings it more in line with the M5, you'll have full factory warranty, and maintenance included. I know this is right in between the middle of the 2018 M550i price and the 2018 M5 price, but the 2020 power bump on the M550i might make it a good middle ground.

You're not gonna find a 2020 M550 that any dealer is willing to give 15k off right now. Very few In Stock throughout the country which leads to dealers not wanting to deal that much (I have experience I got my 2020 M550 a month ago and I had to work hard to get them to agree to 10% off). Covid ruined deals like that. But doesn't sound like OP wants that option. Depending on your financial situation I'd say go with the M5 it is worth the extra 20k in my opinion.

[Superjackson]

The m5 is worth the extra money. The engine hardware and LSD and seats and suspension and wider front fenders are worth more than 20k imo. The only thing worse about the m5 is the sound.

[LuvMyE92]

The problem with either car is that V8. In the 550, BMW has still not worked out the issues with excessive oil burning and you face reduced resale values and potential repair bills because of it. In the M5 you have fewer engine concerns, but if something does go bad out of warranty, prepare to get a second mortgage or sell a kidney. And there's a lot more stuff to go bad on the M5. All the cool gadgets.

It depends too on how long you plan to keep the car. M cars do typically depreciate more (as a percentage and in dollar terms) so aside from the more expensive maintenance and repairs, it's going to hurt more at resale time too. And insurance. And gas mileage. And tires.

Worth it? To me, no. The 550 has gotten so much closer to the M5 in performance, it's more a matter of styling and numbers at the track. If you're going to track it, then yes, go M. Otherwise, no.

And for that matter, with these V8 issues, nothing wrong with sticking to the 540i, which has the best evolution of the best engine (inline-6) that BMW is famous for.

[Rotherd31]

Not sure what oil use issues you're talking about with the 550. I'm on my second one, first was a 2018 and now a 2020. Never used a drop between my annual oil changes in my 2018. Current 2020 is at 8000 miles at the max line.

[stein_325i]

I personally don't trust the V8 in any BMW unless you're leasing. I'm also not a fan of the new M5 (or the last one), doesn't really feel special for an M car or even that fun to be honest its just too capable, there's no drama or feedback and the exhaust is pretty meh for a V8, its only redeeming factor is that its just extremely fast, but you could just tune a M550 and get it to M5 power levels. Personally I'd get an E63S for more drama, fun and a better exhaust, but if your looking at M5 vs M550, I'd get the M550.

Do be advised to test drive each car, you are switching into a much bigger and heavier car that will ultimately be faster, but not handle as well or be as light as your 440.

Good luck

[binmerman]

Originally Posted by nick707

Depending on when your lease is up, if the 2021 LCI is not of interest to you, I'd try and score a new 2020 M550i in stock, and maximize bmw incentives and dealer discount. If you can find a new M550i, you should be able to score around 12k to 15k off MSRP when you combine loyalty, purchase credit, and dealer discount. The 2020 M550i received a HP bump to 523 and 553 torque that brings it more in line with the M5, you'll have full factory warranty, and maintenance included. I know this is right in between the middle of the 2018 M550i price and the 2018 M5 price, but the 2020 power bump on the M550i might make it a good middle ground.

2020 M550i cost would be so close to 2018M5 and I will be in same confusion again, Also new cars will depreciate bad as soon as i get it out of showroom. I realised that with lease 440i, msrp was 60k and just a year later its cost for trade in is 38k,, i mean like what!! ..

[binmerman]

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

The problem with either car is that V8. In the 550, BMW has still not worked out the issues with excessive oil burning and you face reduced resale values and potential repair bills because of it. In the M5 you have fewer engine concerns, but if something does go bad out of warranty, prepare to get a second mortgage or sell a kidney. And there's a lot more stuff to go bad on the M5. All the cool gadgets.

It depends too on how long you plan to keep the car. M cars do typically depreciate more (as a percentage and in dollar terms) so aside from the more expensive maintenance and repairs, it's going to hurt more at resale time too. And insurance. And gas mileage. And tires.

Worth it? To me, no. The 550 has gotten so much closer to the M5 in performance, it's more a matter of styling and numbers at the track. If you're going to track it, then yes, go M. Otherwise, no.

And for that matter, with these V8 issues, nothing wrong with sticking to the 540i, which has the best evolution of the best engine (inline-6) that BMW is famous for.

are M cars really that bad over time? i see many posts regarding, more money to be spent on repairs or so.. if thats the case I would go with M550i now bez its kinda cheaper (compared with M5 and comparable performance), I really don't want to be in a situation to put 80k now and spend 20k on repairs later... its better to get 2020M5 worth 100k now(really not my budget)

My budget is upto 80k, but i definetly wont go for 2020 M550i for 80k, i would rather choose 2019/2018 M5 cpo.

540i, same engine as 440i no big difference apart from interiors. looking for V8.

[binmerman]

Originally Posted by jstein55

I personally don't trust the V8 in any BMW unless you're leasing. I'm also not a fan of the new M5 (or the last one), doesn't really feel special for an M car or even that fun to be honest its just too capable, there's no drama or feedback and the exhaust is pretty meh for a V8, its only redeeming factor is that its just extremely fast, but you could just tune a M550 and get it to M5 power levels. Personally I'd get an E63S for more drama, fun and a better exhaust, but if your looking at M5 vs M550, I'd get the M550.

Do be advised to test drive each car, you are switching into a much bigger and heavier car that will ultimately be faster, but not handle as well or be as light as your 440.

Good luck

Yeah, I have decided to visit dealership for a test drive on M550i and M5.. lets see which one I would like to keep for good time.

[Jagu]

If you are looking for a sporty sedan, at the least get the M5 Base. The M550 is simply a fast 5 series. The suspension is sloppy and the brakes are not powerful enough for its size and speed. I just terminated my lease of the 2018 M550 and did not renew it. Instead, I got a 2019 750 I xdrive which is actually more enoyable to drive and more luxurious than the 550.

[440xiGCMSport2]

How about getting a M3? Fast handles well and fun to drive. M5 or 550 still neither fun or handles well, just very fast.

[Mach550]

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

The problem with either car is that V8. In the 550, BMW has still not worked out the issues with excessive oil burning and you face reduced resale values and potential repair bills because of it. In the M5 you have fewer engine concerns, but if something does go bad out of warranty, prepare to get a second mortgage or sell a kidney. And there's a lot more stuff to go bad on the M5. All the cool gadgets.

It depends too on how long you plan to keep the car. M cars do typically depreciate more (as a percentage and in dollar terms) so aside from the more expensive maintenance and repairs, it's going to hurt more at resale time too. And insurance. And gas mileage. And tires.

Worth it? To me, no. The 550 has gotten so much closer to the M5 in performance, it's more a matter of styling and numbers at the track. If you're going to track it, then yes, go M. Otherwise, no.

And for that matter, with these V8 issues, nothing wrong with sticking to the 540i, which has the best evolution of the best engine (inline-6) that BMW is famous for.

I've had my car for almost two years, somewhere around 38k miles and the only oil it's needed is when the tech removes it.

[binmerman]

So, just had a test drive on cpo M550i, it’s pretty much loaded with everything.

I kinda disliked the car to be honest. It’s big(bigggeer than 440i). It’s very fast but I feel like im not connected to the road/car, I felt like my 440i is way better in that aspect. It’s more luxurious for sure, but I can get same luxury in 540i/530. I considered 550 for its engine and power, which I don’t feel while driving it. I think 540i is the right vehicle on 5 series.

At least I know now that 5 series is not for me. I guess my other options are 2018 m3 cpo or 2020 M340i new, Li test drive them both and check out what’s good.

One question .. is 2018 m3 reliable? For like 100k miles (I plan to have my next car for long time). Btw I don’t do any mods on engine..

[binmerman]

Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2

How about getting a M3? Fast handles well and fun to drive. M5 or 550 still neither fun or handles well, just very fast.

Yep that’s my first thought after M550i test drive,,, is 2018 M3 reliable for long run?

[440xiGCMSport2]

Originally Posted by binmerman

Yep that's my first thought after M550i test drive,,, is 2018 M3 reliable for long run?

More reliable than a 550 and M5 that's for sure.
A cpo M3 someone already took depreciation hit instead of you taking it on the M340 so money saved you can use it on repairs if it needs any.

[binmerman]

Was shopping around for 2018 M3 CPO, its ranged from $50k-60k on an average of 15k to 20k miles. I am shopping for a 2018 M3 cpo that priced at $60k, 17k miles, let say dealer gives me a $4k discount . fair deal ?

[richard in NC]

I love my 2018 M550i and just did a 460 mile round trip in it. 3 1/2 hours straight each way. Top luxury, impressive performance, good handling, and phenomenal MPG. I got 29+ on that trip with mostly highway driving. It's just not a track car.

What the M5 gives you above that is mind blowing performance (beyond what you can use on the highway), sharper handling, and the elevated status. The main drawback being reduced MPG but probably still low to mid 20s, and a firm suspension especially with the comp pack. I've driven the comp pack M5 on street and BMW Performance Center track. It is worth the $20K if that's your desire.

[Dseverson]

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

The problem with either car is that V8. In the 550, BMW has still not worked out the issues with excessive oil burning and you face reduced resale values and potential repair bills because of it. In the M5 you have fewer engine concerns, but if something does go bad out of warranty, prepare to get a second mortgage or sell a kidney. And there's a lot more stuff to go bad on the M5. All the cool gadgets.

It depends too on how long you plan to keep the car. M cars do typically depreciate more (as a percentage and in dollar terms) so aside from the more expensive maintenance and repairs, it's going to hurt more at resale time too. And insurance. And gas mileage. And tires.

Worth it? To me, no. The 550 has gotten so much closer to the M5 in performance, it's more a matter of styling and numbers at the track. If you're going to track it, then yes, go M. Otherwise, no.

And for that matter, with these V8 issues, nothing wrong with sticking to the 540i, which has the best evolution of the best engine (inline-6) that BMW is famous for.

I have a 2018 m550i with 36k Km on it. I drive it pretty hard and have no oil issues as of yet. I think the oil consumption issue was with earlier model years.

[Nate1616]

So no M5 test drive? Moved on to M3/M340?

IMO M5 destroys these in every way shape and form. Can't compare drive of M550 and M5. They not even close besides the size.

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by Mach550

I've had my car for almost two years, somewhere around 38k miles and the only oil it's needed is when the tech removes it.

Originally Posted by Dseverson

I have a 2018 m550i with 36k Km on it. I drive it pretty hard and have no oil issues as of yet. I think the oil consumption issue was with earlier model years.

Every time BMW has a new iteration of the engine, they claim they have solved the oil burning issues. What I've read-and it makes sense to me-is that these cars are so freakin' powerful and the transmission shift so early for economy, that the RPMs generally stay rather low and so the rings never get seated properly during break-in, and that's what causes oil burning issues.

It doesn't happen with M cars because they routinely get thrashed. @Dseverson wrote that he drives it hard and has no issues, which is a corresponding data point. My oil burning 750i was purchased used, so I have no idea how it was broken-in.

So, no, it's not a guarantee of an issue (or not), but the OP was asking so I was sharing what little I know.

Originally Posted by binmerman

I kinda disliked the car to be honest.

At least I know now that 5 series is not for me.

Hey, that's why we test drive! I can list on both hands the number of cars that I bought that I didn't test drive enough to determine that I really wouldn't like it.

On my first visit to the BMW performance center, the guy I shared the cars with was there largely to evaluate his next purchase, which he planned to make an M5. After driving it and the M3, he decided that the M3 was big enough and more fun to drive, so yes, I can see why you (OP) would go that way.

I went with an M2, which I thought was the best driving car there, but then I don't need a rear seat or four doors. It's history now, for other reasons...

[KoenG]

Reading your story, M340i would be my bet. Actually, the M340i seems the vehicle of choice in many cases lately!