M550i Search - Page 13

wdc330i · 10-28-2023, 05:48 PM

The heart wants what it wants.

JST · 10-28-2023, 06:18 PM

I guess the only other thing to think about is that 80k starts to buy some interesting used Panameras.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/1...ff=share_other

Josh (PA) · 10-28-2023, 09:56 PM

Thanks FC for the write up. I took a lot of pleasure thinking this is the exact same write up I'd do on e39s. I owned a 540 wagon and an e39m5 and spent tons of time with a 530 and my review of them would be very similar to your review of the current gens. My point with that is BMW hasn't lost its way nearly as much as our crotchety opinions want to make out. It's nice to know they are still putting out good cars in their core competency. I'm looking forward to following your search and seeing where it lands. Good luck. If I see anything interesting pop up, I'll post.

FC · 10-28-2023, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JST

I guess the only other thing to think about is that 80k starts to buy some interesting used Panameras.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/1...ff=share_other

Good point bringing it up. But I will say that I think I’ll pass. I’m sure it’s great to drive but my (attached) garage will struggle to fit the M5 and the PGTS is longer still. Also, 80k gets you an older, definitely out of warranty car. Service and repairs are bound to be even more expensive. Finally, it’s not as fast but the ride does seem better. This doesn’t really matter very much but the M5 is noticeably faster.

Also: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...mparison-test/

But the real kicker is that it is even more flashy than an M5, which you can always BS your way into saying to the non-car folk that it’s just a BMW or a 5er.

I don’t want the added attention. That said, I will drive one if I find one nearby just for due diligence.

FC · 10-28-2023, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

Thanks FC for the write up. I took a lot of pleasure thinking this is the exact same write up I'd do on e39s. I owned a 530nwagon and an e39m5 and spent tons of time with a 530 and my review of them would be very similar to your review of the current gens. My point with that is BMW hasn't lost its way nearly as much as our crotchety opinions want to make out. It's nice to know they are still putting out good cars in their core competency. I'm looking forward to following your search and seeing where it lands. Good luck. If I see anything interesting pop up, I'll post.

Thanks! Interesting comment re: the E39.

Form reading reviews many people speak of the F90 as being MUCH better than the prior gen.

Alan · 10-29-2023, 12:43 AM

A 5 series is not really a car you buy for handling the curves, I went from a 540 msport with adaptive suspension to a M550 with DHP and the difference was noticeable immediately. The DHP was smoother in comfort mode and also flatter and less floaty overall and tightened up nicely when needed. I never drove an M5 and I am sure it is an incredible car but I didn’t get a 5 series to go out and handle the curves and have a sports car in a sedan body. I would think an M3 might be the pick for that.

FC · 10-29-2023, 07:49 AM

Fair point. Also, I do concede that not having driven an M550 with DHP there is a valuable data point that I am missing. But those are not easy to find, which also sucks if that is what would want to buy. Hopefully I will get a chance to try it in the near future.

FC · 10-29-2023, 09:15 AM

This M5 is perfect. Too bad it's so new.

https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-pre...83CH09PCL16269

robg · 10-29-2023, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FC

This M5 is perfect. Too bad it's so new.

https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-pre...83CH09PCL16269

Wow - yeah that’s really nice

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

FC · 10-29-2023, 11:15 AM

I'm thinking that if I get an M5 I don't want it to be black. It also can't be too loud. My wife doesn't like Marina Blue either.

Aside from interesting colors like Ermes Verde, I'd probably prefer Donington Grey, which is the closest to silver they have. I don't like the darker grays.

For the sake of not waiting for a unicorn I may have to be open to Aventurin Red and Tanzanite Blue.

The easy find would be white which is not so bad considering the dark CF roof, but we already have the white GTI and it is not easy to keep clean. I'd rather avoid it.

Also, this whole discussion assumes a Competition M5, which is by far the most common, but a base M5 may be better in many respects. They are harder to find but not impossible.

10-28-2023, 09:56 PM	#123
Josh (PA) Hello. Join Date: Mar 2004 Carmudgeonly Ride: '09 X3, '11 328xiT, '11 135i C, '17 c2, '19 X5 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 5,535	Thanks FC for the write up. I took a lot of pleasure thinking this is the exact same write up I'd do on e39s. I owned a 540 wagon and an e39m5 and spent tons of time with a 530 and my review of them would be very similar to your review of the current gens. My point with that is BMW hasn't lost its way nearly as much as our crotchety opinions want to make out. It's nice to know they are still putting out good cars in their core competency. I'm looking forward to following your search and seeing where it lands. Good luck. If I see anything interesting pop up, I'll post. __________________ Josh (PA) - '19 X5 '17 991.2 C2 Cab '11 135i Convertible '11 328xiT '09 X3 Last edited by Josh (PA); 10-29-2023 at 11:00 AM.

10-28-2023, 05:48 PM	#121
wdc330i dogged Join Date: Dec 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '22 M440 xDrive GC Posts: 13,326	The heart wants what it wants.

10-28-2023, 06:18 PM	#122
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,626	I guess the only other thing to think about is that 80k starts to buy some interesting used Panameras. https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/1...ff=share_other

10-29-2023, 12:43 AM	#126
Alan Carmudgeon Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 4,673	A 5 series is not really a car you buy for handling the curves, I went from a 540 msport with adaptive suspension to a M550 with DHP and the difference was noticeable immediately. The DHP was smoother in comfort mode and also flatter and less floaty overall and tightened up nicely when needed. I never drove an M5 and I am sure it is an incredible car but I didn’t get a 5 series to go out and handle the curves and have a sports car in a sedan body. I would think an M3 might be the pick for that.

10-29-2023, 07:49 AM	#127
FC Solving problems Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 25,274	Fair point. Also, I do concede that not having driven an M550 with DHP there is a valuable data point that I am missing. But those are not easy to find, which also sucks if that is what would want to buy. Hopefully I will get a chance to try it in the near future.

10-29-2023, 09:15 AM	#128
FC Solving problems Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 25,274	This M5 is perfect. Too bad it's so new. https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-pre...83CH09PCL16269

10-29-2023, 11:15 AM	#130
FC Solving problems Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 25,274	I'm thinking that if I get an M5 I don't want it to be black. It also can't be too loud. My wife doesn't like Marina Blue either. Aside from interesting colors like Ermes Verde, I'd probably prefer Donington Grey, which is the closest to silver they have. I don't like the darker grays. For the sake of not waiting for a unicorn I may have to be open to Aventurin Red and Tanzanite Blue. The easy find would be white which is not so bad considering the dark CF roof, but we already have the white GTI and it is not easy to keep clean. I'd rather avoid it. Also, this whole discussion assumes a Competition M5, which is by far the most common, but a base M5 may be better in many respects. They are harder to find but not impossible.