[nytfox]

As the title suggests. About to pull the trigger on a CPO 2018 M550xi. Replacing my 2016 650i GC. I really love my 650 but the CPO expired about 4 months ago. I have a few questions:

1. Is the B&W diamond surround sound worth it (over HK)?
I ask because there's a banger with the color and rims I like but doesn't have B&W. But the one with B&W has the stock multispoke wheels that I'm not the biggest fan of, though it's literally loaded with everything and is cheaper (I'm almost sold on this).

2. Anyone have any trouble with the 5 spoke 20' rims? (I bend my 19's on the 650i more often than I fill up my tank)

3. This is pointless - but's how's the highway gas mileage? . I get 27-28 on my 650i

4. Should I just stick to my 650i? I'm getting a good price for it (same price when I got it 2 years ago lol). But all these 2018's seem way overpriced.

[rschmidt624]

I haven't heard the B&O stereo but my 2018 M550i with the HK system is more than adequate. I loaded up some FLAC files to a USB stick and it sounds great. The only rim trouble I have is keeping them clean. The brake dust from this heavy beast is ridiculous. Highway mileage is closer to 25, and that's when I use eco-pro.

[Gautam]

1. After spending a week in a car with H/K (mine has B&W) yes it is worth it imho if you can swing it. It’s definitely crisper especially at low volumes.
2. Hard for me to say, I have badly damaged one of my 668’s, but the pothole in question was nasty enough that it most likely wouldn’t have gone any better with 19’s.
3. Really good actually, breaking 30 highway is possible. It’s not noticeably worse than the 328i I came from. I don’t pay much attention to it but my last fillup yielded 470 mile range translating to 26mpg with mostly highway and some city, mostly comfort but some sport+.
4. Your call but imho m550s are actually undervalued in today’s market, definitely when compared with 3er’s and their competition. 5’s haven’t increased much. The two you listed, especially the fully loaded one (which is a rare find and definitely the one I’d pick) would’ve been at similar price points throughout most of the year.

[TacticalGunnarM550]

Originally Posted by nytfox

As the title suggests. About to pull the trigger on a CPO 2018 M550xi. Replacing my 2016 650i GC. I really love my 650 but the CPO expired about 4 months ago. I have a few questions:

1. Is the B&O diamond surround sound worth it (over HK)?
I ask because there's a banger with the color and rims I like but doesn't have B&O. But the one with B&O has the stock multispoke wheels that I'm not the biggest fan of, though it's literally loaded with everything and is cheaper (I'm almost sold on this).

2. Anyone have any trouble with the 5 spoke 20' rims? (I bend my 19's on the 650i more often than I fill up my tank)

3. This is pointless - but's how's the highway gas mileage? . I get 27-28 on my 650i

4. Should I just stick to my 650i? I'm getting a good price for it (same price when I got it 2 years ago lol). But all these 2018's seem way overpriced.

I just purchased a CPO 18 M550I x drive, i paid 51k with 30k miles on it. I have the h/k system in mine..

[nytfox]

Originally Posted by rschmidt624

I haven't heard the B&O stereo but my 2018 M550i with the HK system is more than adequate. I loaded up some FLAC files to a USB stick and it sounds great. The only rim trouble I have is keeping them clean. The brake dust from this heavy beast is ridiculous. Highway mileage is closer to 25, and that's when I use eco-pro.

Yeah my 650i brakes aren't benevolent either. Thanks for the mileage!

[nytfox]

Originally Posted by Gautam

1. After spending a week in a car with H/K (mine has B&W) yes it is worth it imho if you can swing it. It’s definitely crisper especially at low volumes.
2. Hard for me to say, I have badly damaged one of my 668’s, but the pothole in question was nasty enough that it most likely wouldn’t have gone any better with 19’s.
3. Really good actually, breaking 30 highway is possible. It’s not noticeably worse than the 328i I came from. I don’t pay much attention to it but my last fillup yielded 470 mile range translating to 26mpg with mostly highway and some city, mostly comfort but some sport+.
4. Your call but imho m550s are actually undervalued in today’s market, definitely when compared with 3er’s and their competition. 5’s haven’t increased much. The two you listed, especially the fully loaded one (which is a rare find and definitely the one I’d pick) would’ve been at similar price points throughout most of the year.

OK this is great.

My 650 has the B&O and it sounds phenomenal. So I am extremely tempted to see what the B&W's sound like.

Great intel on the mileage. My old 335xi could touch 35 if I wanted it to. But I'm happy with anything over 25-26 when it really counts (highways).

Yeah I was just wondering come 2023 or whenever the chip shortage ends, if the m550 depreciates like there's no tomorrow. But I suppose I could say that about my 650 as well.

I just haven't been able to hold myself back after looking at the options on the latter. Keep coming up with excuses to justify the purchase. I think I'm that much closer to pulling the trigger now than I was this morning. Thanks bud!

[Sam_M550i]

The one with the B&W does not have a full digital cluster which in my opinion is a must have.

[nytfox]

Originally Posted by TacticalGunnarM550

I just purchased a CPO 18 M550I x drive, i paid 51k with 30k miles on it. I have the h/k system in mine..

That's helpful. So the one's I'm looking at seem to be in the same price range. Can you share what additional packages your m550 has?

Looks sick with the black rims btw. Congrats!

[nytfox]

Originally Posted by Sam_M550i

The one with the B&W does not have a full digital cluster which in my opinion is a must have.

It has the HUD which I have use for. And I usually stick to the nav on the MMI display anyway. So I think it works for me. I'd take the B&W over the Digital Instrument Cluster tbh. It does look tacky without one. But I can live with it. My 650i has it and looks sick.

[Joe-BMW33]

1. Is the B&W diamond surround sound worth it (over HK)?
I ask because there's a banger with the color and rims I like but doesn't have B&W. But the one with B&W has the stock multispoke wheels that I'm not the biggest fan of, though it's literally loaded with everything and is cheaper (I'm almost sold on this).

I have B&W in my 2018 and have driven a 2018 with HK that was upgraded with BavSound Ghost subs and the the B&W killed it on both highs and lows. The bass response of the HK system is poor. "Worth it" is subjective, but to me, not even close.

2. Anyone have any trouble with the 5 spoke 20' rims? (I bend my 19's on the 650i more often than I fill up my tank)
Purchase the Wheel and Tire Insurance. You will bend a rim.

3. This is pointless - but's how's the highway gas mileage? . I get 27-28 on my 650i
I get 19MPG overall. I didn't buy an M550 with gas mileage in mind. But you can get 30MPG if you put it in limp mode, aka, ECO Pro.

4. Should I just stick to my 650i? I'm getting a good price for it (same price when I got it 2 years ago lol). But all these 2018's seem way overpriced.
The 6-series is discontinued, replaced by the 8-series at 2X cost, but it's discontinued none-the less. The M550 is 10x the car of the 6 GC.

[nytfox]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I have B&W in my 2018 and have driven a 2018 with HK that was upgraded with BavSound Ghost subs and the the B&W killed it on both highs and lows. The bass response of the HK system is poor. "Worth it" is subjective, but to me, not even close.

I've owned a pair of B&W P7's. You can't beat them on highs and especially lows. The bass response is crucial. I have high confidence on performance. Just wondered if the HK's were that inferior. This helps.

Besides, that ambient lighting on the B&W's is murder.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by nytfox

I've owned a pair of B&W P7's. You can't beat them on highs and especially lows. The bass response is crucial. I have high confidence on performance. Just wondered if the HK's were that inferior. This helps.

Besides, that ambient lighting on the B&W's is murder.

I edited my post to answer a few other of your questions. I appreciate great sound in my cars. It make the drive better. The B&W subs kick ass. When I drove the enhanced HK system I mentioned, it was not even close. Now, if I didn't drive a car with B&W, would I notice or think the HK was inadequate, probably over time. If it's CPO, you aren't paying the premium, so find one with it if it is important to you. For me, if I had two identical cars in front of me, except one had B&W and the other DHP (same price), I would select the one with B&W.

[nytfox]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

2. Anyone have any trouble with the 5 spoke 20' rims? (I bend my 19's on the 650i more often than I fill up my tank)
Purchase the Wheel and Tire Insurance. You will bend a rim.

3. This is pointless - but's how's the highway gas mileage? . I get 27-28 on my 650i
I get 19MPG overall. I didn't buy an M550 with gas mileage in mind. But you can get 30MPG if you put it in limp mode, aka, ECO Pro.

4. Should I just stick to my 650i? I'm getting a good price for it (same price when I got it 2 years ago lol). But all these 2018's seem way overpriced.
The 6-series is discontinued, replaced by the 8-series at 2X cost, but it's discontinued none-the less. The M550 is 10x the car of the 6 GC.

I don't step foot outdoors without the Tire and Wheel insurance. Think that insurance company is down at least 10 grand for replacing my rims every 4 months. I will make sure I get one for the M550.

I'm not buying for mileage either. This purchase is my last hurrah with a gas powered car. So I wanted to make it the sweetest. But doesn't hurt to ask.

I've been a fan of the M550 ever since it came out. It was always the sweet spot. I've driven the M850, it's a monster, but like you said, hopelessly double the price of the 6. I know the 6 is discontinued, but it just looks timeless. Though if shit hit the fan, replacing parts would cost me a fortune. Which is why I want to say my goodbyes.

But thanks! This helped.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by nytfox

I don't step foot outdoors without the Tire and Wheel insurance. Think that insurance company is down at least 10 grand for replacing my rims every 4 months. I will make sure I get one for the M550.

I'm not buying for mileage either. This purchase is my last hurrah with a gas powered car. So I wanted to make it the sweetest. But doesn't hurt to ask.

I've been a fan of the M550 ever since it came out. It was always the sweet spot. I've driven the M850, it's a monster, but like you said, hopelessly double the price of the 6. I know the 6 is discontinued, but it just looks timeless. Though if shit hit the fan, replacing parts would cost me a fortune. Which is why I want to say my goodbyes.

But thanks! This helped.

You know what you are doing. You don't need any help! Good luck! If you get an M550, get a tune and you will be pushing 600hp. It will make you forget the GC real fast. I am with you on getting as much petrol power as I can before golf carts take over. I think I have one more in me, maybe another M550 for the 2024 new body style or maybe I will just maybe buy that last gas fired M5 and store it 90% of the year.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by nytfox

It has the HUD which I have use for. And I usually stick to the nav on the MMI display anyway. So I think it works for me. I'd take the B&W over the Digital Instrument Cluster tbh. It does look tacky without one. But I can live with it. My 650i has it and looks sick.

I would agree. It might annoy you to look at (I think you’ll spend more time looking at the hud anyways) but won’t affect the experience otherwise. And if you really want it, the digital cluster is one of the easier retrofits afaik. But much of the other stuff is borderline impossible to add after the fact.

I just haven't been able to hold myself back after looking at the options on the latter. Keep coming up with excuses to justify the purchase. I think I'm that much closer to pulling the trigger now than I was this morning. Thanks bud!

It’s a very hard car to say no to after experiencing it even once. You wont regret pulling that trigger

[RonronEG]

I've started to listen to lossless audio Apple Music via USB (vs BT on my Android previously) and the B&W had never sounded better. When fed with the proper high quality source material (read not BT) it's hard to beat the B&W.

[nytfox]

Just got a scare that someone might have bought it already. Doesn't appear on the bmwusa.com link but does on the dealer's website. I'm out of town until Sunday. God I hope no one steals it away from me. Have an appointment booked with them for Sunday.

If I'm able to get it, I will. If I can't, I'm not selling my 650. Pray for this poor soul lads!

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by RonronEG

I've started to listen to lossless audio Apple Music via USB (vs BT on my Android previously) and the B&W had never sounded better. When fed with the proper high quality source material (read not BT) it's hard to beat the B&W.

Talk to me! Tell me more about playing uncompressed Apple Music via USB? Are these your own rips?

[nytfox]

Originally Posted by RonronEG

I've started to listen to lossless audio Apple Music via USB (vs BT on my Android previously) and the B&W had never sounded better. When fed with the proper high quality source material (read not BT) it's hard to beat the B&W.

Is that just the stock Apple Music app? I know they've only recently launched lossless audio. Also does it require an iPhone? I have the app on my Android. Can't play the 3D audio without an iPhone. Have had Tidal in the past.

Wonder if it's possible to do so with wired Apple Carplay.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by nytfox

Is that just the stock Apple Music app? I know they've only recently launched lossless audio. Also does it require an iPhone? I have the app on my Android. Can't play the 3D audio without an iPhone. Have had Tidal in the past.

Wonder if it's possible to do so with wired Apple Carplay.

I was curious after reading this so I googled it. You can set Apple Music to both stream and download in hi resolution lossless format. I made the changes on my phone even though it barked at me several times about how much data it will use. In terms of downloading to a USB, I am pretty sure you can copy or burn the songs to a USB drive on a PC or Mac via iTunes, but they would have to be purchased music. No way is Apple going to allow you to copy song files to external devices on the monthly subscription plan. We will see how the music sounds now streamed.

Turn on lossless audio and turn the three choices under it up all the way.

[nytfox]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I was curious after reading this so I googled it. You can set Apple Music to both stream and download in hi resolution lossless format. I made the changes on my phone even though it barked at me several times about how much data it will use. In terms of downloading to a USB, I am pretty sure you can copy or burn the songs to a USB drive on a PC or Mac via iTunes, but they would have to be purchased music. No way is Apple going to allow you to copy song files to external devices on the monthly subscription plan. We will see how the music sounds now streamed.

Turn on lossless audio and turn the three choices under it up all the way.

I think you could just connect your phone directly via lightening to the usb port on the car and that should do the trick. No USB drive required. Play directly from the Apple Music app?

[EDIT] - Guess I misread your post. Yes! Let me know how it sounds with the lossless turned on! Does it also fire up Apple CarPlay? Even if the streamed music turns out to be lossless on the B&W I will make the switch from Android to Apple.

[RonronEG]

I tried every which way to get wired lossless through Apple Music on my Note20Ultra. Just doesn't work. There were some possible solutions but they required some very odd apps.

Using my other phone iphone SE 2020, there is no wired car play but it does provide lossless playback. The difference in quality versus streaming lossless through BT Android and lossless wired Apple is night and day.