[ellisina4]

Hello,
I picked up my Mediterranean Blue M550 a few days ago and wanted to share some pictures as well as first impressions.

This is my first car that I actually ordered, instead of picking from whatever was on the lot. My M550 included cold weather package, driving assistant package, executive package, parking assistant package, 668m wheels with Michelin Pilot tires and, of course, Dynamic handling package. All I can say is that this is the best looking and best handling car I have ever owned. Coming from 2015 F10 550i without DHP, this M550 does feel handle like it is on rails, despite having M5 343m wheels and sticky tires on my old 550i. As far as the power, it does feel more nimble and faster than my BMS stage1 550i. The engine is rated at very similar HP and TQ numbers as old n63tu. When Dinan dyno’ed stock G30 at a lot higher numbers than stock F10, using the same dyno equipment, I did not really believe the numbers. However, after driving G30 for a few days, I do believe them now… no offence, Dinan.

The infotainment system is light years ahead from F10, not sure if I even need to code the car as most of the stuff that I would change in F10 is available in G30 to be customized via iDrive.

Storage space in the trunk that is with a spare is awesome, despite the fact that the spare eats up some space. The interior storage space is also much better than F10.

Just got my K40 installed, Thinkware dashcam as well LLumar CTX ceramic 15% tint all around.

For people with dashcams, I used to have a battery tucked in my glove box and charging from cigarette lighter outlet under the glove box, now I pulled the wired to the trunk and there is a cigarette lighter outlet on the right side, right by the fuse box.

If you ever looking for any M car, and do not mind purchasing a car in the Chicago Northwest suburbs, drop me a note as my SA made the whole purchasing experience better than I have ever expected, not just the price… and I found this SA at Knauz BMW from a fellow BMW owner on this forum. My SA, Matt, is a true BMW enthusiast and really does care about his customers, not just making a buck. If you are skeptical, you will just have to believe me like I believed someone on this forum.

[forza1976]

Sick, gorgeous color. Enjoy

[F85Matt]

Glad I could be of help my man!

[Ahoydolphin1]

Such a lovely car in the best color and engine, enjoy it in great health.

[PARTS@STBMW]

Phenomenal color combination!

[Speedwell-Industries]

Gorgeous car!! Wonderful color!! Enjoy it!!

[ellisina4]

TRBO_N26
You sent me PM and I tried replying but your account does not accept PMs.

[ksoze]

Looks sweet and color is made for this car.

[IND-Distribution]

Stunning. Congratulations!

[j121man]

SWEEET

[saporitj]

Just ordered my 540M sport today in Mediterranean blue. Great looking color but I struggled with interior color. Ended up with Tartufo merino seats. What seats did you end up with?

Thanks for info on after purchase paint sealents. Did they help?

[jvj0123]

Very nice color

[Theyeton]

Gorgeous colour! Enjoy

[mike@x-ph.com]

Nice

[VIBE Motorsports]

Lowkey jealous, that blue has my heart.

[PhillySteve]

Originally Posted by saporitj

Just ordered my 540M sport today in Mediterranean blue. Great looking color but I struggled with interior color. Ended up with Tartufo merino seats. What seats did you end up with?

Thanks for info on after purchase paint sealents. Did they help?

Waiting on my 540M sport in Azurite Black/Tartufo Full Merino. Ordered 10/31 and just received my VIN last week. Don't have an ETA as of today. Researching paint sealants but unsure whether to go with Ceramic Pro, Modesta, etc. New to this thread and appreciate any thoughts. (Did discover that my night vision was not compatible with black grills)

Also, where do you input the VIN to download manual?

[saporitj]

Originally Posted by PhillySteve

Waiting on my 540M sport in Azurite Black/Tartufo Full Merino. Ordered 10/31 and just received my VIN last week. Don't have an ETA as of today. Researching paint sealants but unsure whether to go with Ceramic Pro, Modesta, etc. New to this thread and appreciate any thoughts. (Did discover that my night vision was not compatible with black grills)

Also, where do you input the VIN to download manual?

You can download a app for iPhone called BMW Drivers Guide or their website. My VIN didn't work until my car got to the port in Germany. So just snap a photo of dealer sticker with VIN and use that until yours works. Also use BMW website to track progress.
https://securelogin.bmwusa.com/login?returnUrl=%2F

[gooselee]

Originally Posted by PhillySteve

Waiting on my 540M sport in Azurite Black/Tartufo Full Merino. Ordered 10/31 and just received my VIN last week. Don't have an ETA as of today. Researching paint sealants but unsure whether to go with Ceramic Pro, Modesta, etc. New to this thread and appreciate any thoughts. (Did discover that my night vision was not compatible with black grills)

Also, where do you input the VIN to download manual?

On the paint sealants bit. I think I've read all the forums and watched all the youtube videos at this point. Honestly I think I'm going to skip a professional ceramic coating/clear bra and just maintain using one of the consumer-grade things like Meguiar's Fast Finish or the Hybrid Ceramic thing (once I've gotten more testing/reviews).

I'm sure lots of people will say this is cheaping out on a $90k car. But, well, I can afford a $90k car in part because I don't shell out $3k for things I don't think are necessary for my specific situation.

[saporitj]

Originally Posted by gooselee

On the paint sealants bit. I think I've read all the forums and watched all the youtube videos at this point. Honestly I think I'm going to skip a professional ceramic coating/clear bra and just maintain using one of the consumer-grade things like Meguiar's Fast Finish or the Hybrid Ceramic thing (once I've gotten more testing/reviews).

I'm sure lots of people will say this is cheaping out on a $90k car. But, well, I can afford a $90k car in part because I don't shell out $3k for things I don't think are necessary for my specific situation.

Never say cheap. I call myself frugal and then again I just bought a $80k car. No clear bra but I was and still am considering professional ceramic coating but just not now.

I've always used Maguire's professional line of products but I'm liking Wolfgang products. I recently bought a couple of their products but only tried their quick detailer recently. I loved it. My car was slick to the touch and shined. As soon as I can get the car into the garage I plan on paint correction and trying Wolfgang sealant.

[gooselee]

Originally Posted by saporitj

Never say cheap. I call myself frugal and then again I just bought a $80k car. No clear bra but I was and still am considering professional ceramic coating but just not now.

I've always used Maguire's professional line of products but I'm liking Wolfgang products. I recently bought a couple of their products but only tried their quick detailer recently. I loved it. My car was slick to the touch and shined. As soon as I can get the car into the garage I plan on paint correction and trying Wolfgang sealant.

Now I'm off to research Wolfgang!

I actually rather like taking care of our cars. It's fun for me, kind of a relaxing/focused weekend activity, and rewarding to see both the immediate and long term results. So I don't mind taking the "frugal" route and then investing my time in maintenance.

Cars are a 2009 Lexus and 2003 Toyota - both bought when they were 3 or 4 years old and kept outside until we moved into our new house last year. But as much as I could given my facilities and budget over the years, I've maintained both with just regular washes and occasional wax. Only recently got into even basic stuff like claying and spray two-bucket washing. Still, I think they look pretty damn good for being 10 and 15 years old, respectively. Just did a headlight restore (triple sanding followed by Plastix polish and sealant) on both our cars and from a distance they look like they might only be a year or two off the assembly line.

I can only imagine what a new car will look like over time now that I have a garage and am not just blindly splashing ArmorAll over everything!

[saporitj]

I had a 1980 BMW 320i, 87 Volvo 780 Bertone and a 2001 Mercedes E430 all bought new and keep 8,25,18 years respectively. All maintained with plain wax and one bucket wash but trying something new.

I got the Wolfgang products from Autogeek. They appear to have a good sale once a month. I got a very good Christmas sale at 30% off and shipping. There is a nice combo pack with polish, quick detailer and microfiber towel for $45. That's only $5 more then polish alone. Good luck