M5 vs 550i xdrive for NYC

[cobra1100]

I have a 550i drive with dynamic handling package right now. Considering an M5. My dealer has one allocation left. But I was curious for NYC and suburbs driving would my 550 be better?

How does the ride quality compare?
Snow/winter use?
Potholes/crappy roads?

Lastly I have a driveway that is steep in comparison to the road. Im my M3 i would bottom out no matter what angle i tried. The 550 is no problem unless i go up/down the driveway at higher speeds. how does the M5 front height compare to 550?

Thanks

Andrew

[BPMSport]

The 550 is a better move.

[apexlocator]

Having lived in the NE for 5 years, 550 xdrive is better.

You can tune a 550 to M5 performance levels.

[David 12]

The best option if you live and work in Manhattan is no car, but for a combination of the suburbs and Manhattan the smaller the better. The x drive is nice to have in your case so my vote would also be to keep the 550x drive. Interestingly, I felt like the streets in most of Manhattan were in pretty good shape.

Dave

[Oliver Queen]

I live in NY and I am switching the E63 out for the M5, so I will have that and the M3. So far the M3 has a lip and have never had a issue of scraping (I think I am lucky after reading all the stories lol) My M5 will have the zcp pack so it will be lower, maybe the non-zcp will be better since you have a steep driveway; although I am not exactly sure how much lower it is in person in a real world scenario instead of the exact measurements. I think you should go for it with the crazy residuals and especially since you have an allocation you can spec it out anyway you like

[RaTeD ///M]

Originally Posted by apexlocator

Having lived in the NE for 5 years, 550 xdrive is better.

You can tune a 550 to M5 performance levels.

But its not an M5! . The only advantage the 550 has is the xdrive.

[cobra1100]

I also should mention that I've owned 4 m3's, and m5 and an m6. I use to love wearing the M badge on my cars, loved the thrills of the ride, feeling every bump, etc But after I had my first child a few years ago something in me tamed down and I no longer crave that excitement or attention. Now to me having reliability in the winter and the smooth drive from my kids is priority one. Crazy how kids change life, but in a good way.
So that's why I went with the 550i xdrive with DHP originally because of the smooth drive, xdrive, all season tires, outstanding handling, etc. and it is very fast, but there is still a small part of me that wants the m5.
Rumors of an AWD m5 in the future so that's something to look forward to.

[apexlocator]

Originally Posted by cobra1100

I also should mention that I've owned 4 m3's, and m5 and an m6. I use to love wearing the M badge on my cars, loved the thrills of the ride, feeling every bump, etc But after I had my first child a few years ago something in me tamed down and I no longer crave that excitement or attention. Now to me having reliability in the winter and the smooth drive from my kids is priority one. Crazy how kids change life, but in a good way.
So that's why I went with the 550i xdrive with DHP originally because of the smooth drive, xdrive, all season tires, outstanding handling, etc. and it is very fast, but there is still a small part of me that wants the m5.
Rumors of an AWD m5 in the future so that's something to look forward to.

I know what you are going through. I stayed away from racing/track days and playing around with cars for 10+ years after I got married and had a couple little ones. Priorities changed BIG time

But my kids are a little older now, and in 2015 I returned to those beloved track days, and picked up an M5 too, lol.

[M5Beast_NYC]

I had a F10 535 before and also had an E46 M3 thats fully modified. Sold both and got the M5. Riding around the city is not bad. The ride quality is pretty good. The M5 transmission might not be happy with the slow stop and go. I notice that it likes to take off from second gear. for this I think the 535/550 transmission would be better. I havent had it over the winter yet but i would assume awd with all seasons would be better than rwd even with snow tires. For that, get another car that you can use in the winter. if not then stay with the xdrive.

like someone mentioned, i think the next gen M5 might ahve awd but thats a year out.

[DingolfingLove]

A 550 is no M5 and if that's the way you go, you'll feel a pang of pain when you see an M5.

As for x-drive, its only going to help with traction, not braking or steering - get yourself a decent set of winter tyres and you'll have the best of both worlds.

My M5 survives on London's potholes pretty well, although I tend to scan ahead & drive around them

[RaTeD ///M]

Originally Posted by cobra1100

I also should mention that I've owned 4 m3's, and m5 and an m6. I use to love wearing the M badge on my cars, loved the thrills of the ride, feeling every bump, etc But after I had my first child a few years ago something in me tamed down and I no longer crave that excitement or attention. Now to me having reliability in the winter and the smooth drive from my kids is priority one. Crazy how kids change life, but in a good way.
So that's why I went with the 550i xdrive with DHP originally because of the smooth drive, xdrive, all season tires, outstanding handling, etc. and it is very fast, but there is still a small part of me that wants the m5.
Rumors of an AWD m5 in the future so that's something to look forward to.

Have u considered an X5M? Plenty of room for the kids, no issues with clearance has the M badge and the handling and is quick af! x5m rules in the snow!

[BPMSport]

Wait for AWD M5 release. Best of both worlds

[momos750]

Originally Posted by apexlocator

Having lived in the NE for 5 years, 550 xdrive is better.

You can tune a 550 to M5 performance levels.

You cannot tune a 550 to M5 levels. Two totally different engines although they have the same displacement.
Stock 550 has the N63tu motor rated at 445hp. You may be able to get another 100hp with a tune but that will only get you to 550hp.
Stock M5 has the S63tu motor rated at 575hp comp pack, 560hp non comp. Both can be bumped up to 650hp no problem with a flash tune.

[supershaft]

Originally Posted by apexlocator

Having lived in the NE for 5 years, 550 xdrive is better.

You can tune a 550 to M5 performance levels.

lol

that said the 550 is going to come with RFTs which suck enormously. But if you are asking about both and you need to be convinced which is better then the M5 will be lost on you so stick with the 550.

[apexlocator]

Originally Posted by momos750

You cannot tune a 550 to M5 levels. Two totally different engines although they have the same displacement.
Stock 550 has the N63tu motor rated at 445hp. You may be able to get another 100hp with a tune but that will only get you to 550hp.
Stock M5 has the S63tu motor rated at 575hp comp pack, 560hp non comp. Both can be bumped up to 650hp no problem with a flash tune.

You are correct. The M5 as a complete package is much different; I was talking about only HP/TQ levels can be tuned on a 550 to similar levels to that of a stock M5.

[Jagu]

Get the AudiS8 plus.

[Phatcat]

Too bad the Alpina B5 isn't available in the US, otherwise you could have xDrive and M5 power (B5 has 600HP) all in one package, though expensive package.

Personally I would rather get the M5 though, don't think xDrive is that crucial in NYC/suburb runs.


Edit: Actually my bad guys, B5 is not available in xDrive, B6 GC does.

[Herofmine]

Get 650 xdrive grand coupe, lower center gravity and much better handling than your 550i, and more sporty drive.

[frisky]

I live in Manhattan and my M5 comp works just fine for me... Of course I dont have to drive to work or anything and really just drive the car on the weekends...

f.

[borys]

I had 550xi in Boston. Loved the car. Got M5! Love it even more! All the issues go away once you get the feel of the M5 drive! 2 different cars!
I am happy with M5!

[RaTeD ///M]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

Wait for AWD M5 release. Best of both worlds

The next gen M5 or F80 is confirmed to be RWD. So you'd be waiting for 7 or more years.

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by RaTeD ///M

The next gen M5 or F80 is confirmed to be RWD. So you'd be waiting for 7 or more years.

Ah, wishful thinking then... I remember seeing a rumor about AWD but I guess that's dead in the water.

That's what the M5 needs IMO.. You can barely get traction stock, and tuned you'll burn all the way through third if the tires aren't heated up.

I think you meant F90.