[ChrisT5R]

UPDATE: It's been a couple of months since I bought my 2018 M550i and I finally got around to some basic mods:

- Blacked out grills and side mirror caps. I liked all the original Cerium trim but the PO had already blacked out the side "gills" and front aux air intake trim. The half-in/half-out look wasn't working for me.

- Replaced oem gray rear diffuser. Definitely looks more aggressive and I no longer think of Fred Flintstone's five o'clock shadow when I look at the back of the car. Can't say I'm too crazy about the fitment of the eBay diffuser but it'll do for now.

- 30% ceramic tint all around. BIG improvement in comfort when the the outside temp goes above 90. Still need to do the windshield after I get the appropriate state waiver.

Next on the list: definitely ceramic coating and maybe a moderate tune. I'm happy with the stock performance but a little extra hp never hurts 😁

[jag81]

The more i see this diffuser, the more i think i should swap mine out for one...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/njvTWH1wKmr5YxZJ7

[ChrisT5R]

Originally Posted by jag81

The more i see this diffuser, the more i think i should swap mine out for one...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/njvTWH1wKmr5YxZJ7

I like the diffuser you referred to but it would look much better with round quad tips IMO. The stock trapezoid tips look tiny in those large cutouts.

[adhrp]

Sharp looking car ChrisT5R!

[MCL_24]

Very nice ride - looks so slick especially with the tint. Did you happen to price ceramic vs regular? Trying to decide if ceramic is worth it but admittedly I haven't shopped around yet

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Other than a Lincoln with suicide-doors, are there ANY 4-door classics?

I think this will be...already a collector. 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GXP 6 speed

.

[ChrisT5R]

Originally Posted by MCL_24

Very nice ride - looks so slick especially with the tint. Did you happen to price ceramic vs regular? Trying to decide if ceramic is worth it but admittedly I haven't shopped around yet

MCL_24 Yes and yes. Both provide about the same effective UV protection (assuming quality tint) but ceramic provides noticeably better IR (heat) rejection.

This is my first ceramic tint and the interior does not get as hot now when the car is sitting out in the sun. I can also feel difference on exposed skin when driving around in direct sunlight.

I went to Tint World for this. The difference between their Premium (standard) and Supreme (ceramic) tints was only about $100. Installation was clean and I'm happy with my choice.

[ChrisT5R]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

I think this will be...already a collector. 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GXP 6 speed

.

Agree and also the GTO of the same era for coupe enthusiasts.

I have always really liked the G8 GXP (and the GTO) and probably would have gotten a GXP (I'm prefer sedans) if GM hadn't discontinued the brand completely. I see the occasional used GXP for sale and pricing is still marked up slightly if the car is in good shape.

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by ChrisT5R

Agree and also the GTO of the same era for coupe enthusiasts.

I have always really liked the G8 GXP (and the GTO) and probably would have gotten a GXP (I'm prefer sedans) if GM hadn't discontinued the brand completely. I see the occasional used GXP for sale and pricing is still marked up slightly if the car is in good shape.

I had one and that's what inspired me to get the M550i. I love sedans with some balls. It was very comfortable but a bit of a boat at high speeds. Some parts started to rust badly, like the rear k member that held the rear end together but at the same time everything else under the car was mint. One of the rear springs exploded while backing out of my driveway one day...scared the shit out of me. That was a lot of tension unloading.

All kinds of little things started to go wrong and you couldn't find parts. I had to source the rear spring from a totalled car in California. Clear coat started to peel, air conditioner worked when it wanted to, the drivers seat started to fall apart. I was pretty much all done with it and it only had 76k miles on it.

[MCL_24]

Originally Posted by ChrisT5R

MCL_24 Yes and yes. Both provide about the same effective UV protection (assuming quality tint) but ceramic provides noticeably better IR (heat) rejection.

This is my first ceramic tint and the interior does not get as hot now when the car is sitting out in the sun. I can also feel difference on exposed skin when driving around in direct sunlight.

I went to Tint World for this. The difference between their Premium (standard) and Supreme (ceramic) tints was only about $100. Installation was clean and I'm happy with my choice.

Thanks man that's helpful - appreciate the info

[papoman3]

ChrisT5R Congrats on the purchase. I'm in the same boat as you were before. I'm looking a 2018 BMW M550i with 77k miles. I got it down to 30k. All the services have been done in the same dealership. I'm just concerned about the reliability on these engines. I know it's the second technical update but I'm still worried. They're offering me a 36k/3yr powertrain warranty for $4k, but as I read it more carefully it stated "limited" on the engine. So I'm like what's the point in powertrain warranty if it doesn't cover the engine lol Anyways thanks for reading and I would appreciate any advice!

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by ChrisT5R

Thanks for the suggestion Joe, but as this will be a DD I really prefer to stay away from 20 inch wheels and the potential for damage.

20s are heavier, too.

I run the 19" 664s, but everytime I put my 18" 662s on for the winter, I am amazed at how much better the car drives.

Unsprung weight matters. No 20s for me. FWIW, I also notice no real handling differences in staggered vs. non staggered between my sets, aside from the 18s doing just about everything better. If anything, the 5er should have wider meats on the front (M5 does, ofc).

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by ChrisT5R

For context, I bought a well-sorted E39 M5 at 105k six years ago and have put about 50k trouble-free miles on it. Unfortunately aging parts on a 20-year old M5 are still pretty expensive to replace and I've received an offer on the M5 that is pretty close to what I originally paid for it, so I've decided it's time to let my beloved E39 go.

After driving a few newer model BMWs, I've decided to go with a used G30, ideally an M550i. There are not a lot of choices in my area and price range, and it's really come down to just one available that I like - a 2018 M550i with 107k miles.

The mileage concerns me but it's a one-owner car and and appears to have been meticulously serviced, and always at the original BMW dealership. There are no red flags in the service history, no major issues indicated.

The car drives great, as good as or better than some lower mileage examples I tested. The engine, transmission, and suspension felt buttery-smooth. I will of course have a trusted indy BMW shop give it a thorough PPI. Wondering what thoughts you long-term M550i owners might have on this.

If this 2018 M550i doesn't work out, "Plan B" would be 2017-8 540i M-Sports in the 60k mileage range. Super nice but I really would like to stay with a V8.

Personally, I would stay away.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by AmooManiak

Unless you know that it's something you want to keep for at least 5 years and can get some really good aftermarket warranty and you get a PPI with flying colors, I'd stay away.

I wouldn't touch a used G30 over 50k in the current market. You will probably pay $40k+ for one and with 100k miles in 3-4 years it will be worth 15k.

Why wouldn’t you get a G30 with over 50K even if the car has proof of quasi obsessive service/repair records? Care to expand on that?

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by ChrisT5R

And parts are getting harder to find. I've had the M5 sit in the shop for 5 weeks last year waiting for a lower timing cover! Currently the windshield washer isn't working - have been looking for a hose kit for 4 months, none available in the US.

The joys of owning a 20 year old BMW

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by ChrisT5R

It's a little late for that, but care to elaborate why?

What’s more important now is how it’s been treating you. Takes some guts to buy a used bmw v8 powered car with over 100k miles where is it at now? Any major issues?

Edit: I see you bought one with far fewer miles…but all the same, how’s it holding up?

[ChrisT5R]

Originally Posted by Gautam

What’s more important now is how it’s been treating you. Takes some guts to buy a used bmw v8 powered car with over 100k miles where is it at now? Any major issues?

Edit: I see you bought one with far fewer miles…but all the same, how’s it holding up?

No major issues, and I've put about 15k miles on it. So far I've only had to replace rear brakes, guibo, and battery. It's coming up on 60k soon, so I'll have to think about getting some other maintenance items done.