What do I get next? What replaces an m550?

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

I also have only purchased new cars but I am starting to rethink that approach. When you have a discussion on how badly a car can depreciate, the 8 series is notorious. At the the end of the day, you would not consider buying a really low mileage CPO?

My problem with buying used is that I am very particular about colors. For instance, when I casually look at used BMW ads in Roundel (the BMW CCA magazine) it seems like at least half of the cars have black interiors. I don't do black interiors. I can also be picky about options.

In the case of my current M850i order, I think it will be my last BMW. I fear that age-related macular degeneration is going to get me; I've already got it pretty bad in my right eye and a recent exam revealed that it has started in my left eye. I may only have a few years left to drive.

[macdaddy_o]

I can’t stand black interiors either, at least on a black car. My preferred is the gray I had in my old 330 convertible.

I have found a solid 2023 m550 that is CPO until end of December 2027. It has everything I want except the shadowline package.. DHP and BW are nice to haves, and I can live without.

Fingers crossed

[P1]

What's wrong with the 540i? That engine is glorious.

[pbonsalb]

It has about 40% less displacement, about 40% less power and about 40% less torque than the M550i that the OP wants. If you are happy with the power of the single turbo 3.0L I6, that is good for you, but BMW made the 550i, M550i and M5 for those who want more.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

It has about 40% less displacement, about 40% less power and about 40% less torque than the M550i that the OP wants. If you are happy with the power of the single turbo 3.0L I6, that is good for you, but BMW made the 550i, M550i and M5 for those who want more.

B58 owners always get REAL self conscious about the V8 models.

[pbonsalb]

B58 is a great motor and it has been tuned to make M550i power or close to it, but the 3.0L single turbo still won’t have the low end of off boost power of a 4.4L twin turbo. Good enough for most people, but then there are the rest of us … I drive a modded F90 M5.

[macdaddy_o]

I looked at the M850. It is a NICE car, but man, the depreciation on that is insane! I would never buy one new after seeing that. In 2-3 years it drops 60K in value. An M550 and 540 drops about 30K in the same timeframe and same mileage.

So I looked at some used ones... They have an option for these two-tone interior seats. It looks OK to decent on the front seats, but on the back seats? An absolute eye sore. I was shocked by how bad it looks. SOOOOOO bad. It seems most of the ones bought were optioned with those horrible color combinations too, which makes it harder to find a decent used one.

I am still holding on for this one M550 to finish through CPO and take a look at it, to make sure its good. In the meantime I am looking at used M850s and used M3c, just in case something pops up.

I didn't think I was that picky on colors until doing this search...

[bmwDJ440i]

Originally Posted by macdaddy_o

I looked at the M850. It is a NICE car, but man, the depreciation on that is insane! I would never buy one new after seeing that. In 2-3 years it drops 60K in value. An M550 and 540 drops about 30K in the same timeframe and same mileage.

So I looked at some used ones... They have an option for these two-tone interior seats. It looks OK to decent on the front seats, but on the back seats? An absolute eye sore. I was shocked by how bad it looks. SOOOOOO bad. It seems most of the ones bought were optioned with those horrible color combinations too, which makes it harder to find a decent used one.

I am still holding on for this one M550 to finish through CPO and take a look at it, to make sure its good. In the meantime I am looking at used M850s and used M3c, just in case something pops up.

I didn't think I was that picky on colors until doing this search...

Currently in the same situation...have a 2019 440i and am looking at possibly trading up to a used 840i or M850i (ideally loaded with all options to make the switch worth it). Love the B58 in my car but not sure if I want that again if I go up to an 8, especially since the car is much heavier. I've gone down the rabbit hole of researching the N63 engine...hard to tell whether a lot of the negative reviews are referencing the original N63 from 10+ years ago that were notorious for many problems , or the TU engines. TU3 does generally seem to be getting positive feedback. I'll likely be purchasing the BMW extended warranty again if I do end up with the M850i for peach of mind.

Which two-tone interior did you not like? Fiona red/black or another like Tartufo/black? I don't think I can do all black again, but I need to see Fiona Red/black in person sometime.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by bmwDJ440i

Currently in the same situation...have a 2019 440i and am looking at possibly trading up to a used 840i or M850i (ideally loaded with all options to make the switch worth it). Love the B58 in my car but not sure if I want that again if I go up to an 8, especially since the car is much heavier. I've gone down the rabbit hole of researching the N63 engine...hard to tell whether a lot of the negative reviews are referencing the original N63 from 10+ years ago that were notorious for many problems , or the TU engines. TU3 does generally seem to be getting positive feedback. I'll likely be purchasing the BMW extended warranty again if I do end up with the M850i for peach of mind.

Which two-tone interior did you not like? Fiona red/black or another like Tartufo/black? I don't think I can do all black again, but I need to see Fiona Red/black in person sometime.

I don't think a modern BMW is going to have engine issues as it's main problem regardless of what motor. Itl be software and electronic issues.y N63TU3 has been flawless, and we have more complaints of B58 issues on the X5 side than B58 issues, but that's purely anecdotal because they sold like 50 B58 hards for every N63TU3.

[Llarry]

I did a little vacillating on the six versus V-8 question. I suspect that if the 8er six was the 375 hp version and the 840ix could be optioned up to M850ix standards, I would've been willing to forgo the V-8, but I finally decided I had to do the M850ix. Come on, December! Or maybe January...

[snowbimmer]

Again........Llarry

You. Will. Not. Be. Sorry.

I'll be going thru 48,000 this week and the engine still feels like butter.

Really, really fast butter.

[STi from DSM]

Having had an M5 if you go that route be sure to get the LCI 2021 or higher model. I appreciate all of the new goodies that my M850i Has. You could always go that route too. My M850i is awesome! I like it way better than my M5 when I had that.

I really wanted to go with something different that I had not gotten before but everything seemed boring to me. M340i ... No, Not a fan of the 4 series unless its am M4 and a convertible, but too expensive, I thought about getting an STi again because I know those and know what im getting into, but I have had 4 of them, so no. Corvette... No, Already had an M5, and X3MC, so no on both of those. I really didn't know what to do until by accident I searched an M850i and found this absolutely brilliant Twilight Purple M850i.

If you like the 5 series and want something fast, the M850i used is a bit cheaper than an M5 and still has great power. I think it looks better too. The Xdrive Gran Coupe looks fast sitting still.

[macdaddy_o]

Originally Posted by bmwDJ440i

Which two-tone interior did you not like? Fiona red/black or another like Tartufo/black? I don't think I can do all black again, but I need to see Fiona Red/black in person sometime.

Tartufo/black looks good in the front seat... but the back bench is an EYE SORE. Same with the Red black, and black white. The blue/black doesn't look terrible though... The issue in my opinion, is the pattern on the back seat... I can't say enough about how bad it is.

I think I prefer the M550, because of the trunk opening size, but would be happy with an M850... if I can find a decent color combo. Just a waiting game there.

the M550 CPO I am targeting right now is a 2023. So it has the LCI

[STi from DSM]

People always jizz themselves over Tartufo so it is refreshing to hear that, lol. Tartufo wouldn't be my first choice but I think it looks decent owning the car now.

I like the black with the almost yellow insert in it. That is what I would have picked.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by STi from DSM

Having had an M5 if you go that route be sure to get the LCI 2021 or higher model. I appreciate all of the new goodies that my M850i Has. You could always go that route too. My M850i is awesome! I like it way better than my M5 when I had that.

I really wanted to go with something different that I had not gotten before but everything seemed boring to me. M340i ... No, Not a fan of the 4 series unless its am M4 and a convertible, but too expensive, I thought about getting an STi again because I know those and know what im getting into, but I have had 4 of them, so no. Corvette... No, Already had an M5, and X3MC, so no on both of those. I really didn't know what to do until by accident I searched an M850i and found this absolutely brilliant Twilight Purple M850i.

If you like the 5 series and want something fast, the M850i used is a bit cheaper than an M5 and still has great power. I think it looks better too. The Xdrive Gran Coupe looks fast sitting still.

I had a 2017 STI... What an underrated car. Comfortable, spacious, and FUN FUN FUN. Not fast, but super satisfying to drive. The steering was so satisfying, I loved the character of the engine. My only complaint with it was the motor was too small and had no power out of boost. It was the first car I've owned that you would literally have to downshift to 1st gear at low speeds. It needed more displacement real bad... And another 50-100hp.


RIP Subaru STI.

[Drako]

I've owned two 550s and then went to an m850 coupe ( I know you're looking for a grand coupe though). Never regretted that decision at all as that car was a rocket ship!

The grand coupe is great, but keep in mind that's it's a lot bigger and heavier than your m550.

Personally I think M5 is the way to go. You would appreciate the differences in handling and power.

[fan51]

Not sure how this is even a debate. F90 M5. Second option g80 m3. Everything else you listed is BLAHHHH. boring.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by fan51

Not sure how this is even a debate. F90 M5. Second option g80 m3. Everything else you listed is BLAHHHH. boring.

It's always a debate. I've had a 550xi, an M550, an F90, an F90 LCI Comp and currently in an M850. I have more miles on the M850 than the two F90s combined.

I've always said the F90 LCI Comp was the best car I ever had. But, the M850 is hands down my favorite car.

All depends on what you intend to use the car for. Me? 4,000 mile road trips.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by macdaddy_o

At the end of 2021, I found myself in need of new car after passing my old one onto my son as he entered graduate school. I couldn’t get an allocation for an M550, and not wanting to wait more than 3 months, I got a 540 instead and thought… I’ll definitely get that M550 next time…..

Well, the M550 is no more…. Moment of silence…

I now need to decide what to get next. I’m toying around with m340, m3, m440 gc, m5, m840 gc and m8 gc. The m5 and m8 gc are like 125/130 each, so I’d have to be super sold on them to cough up the difference.

I’m not sure if any of these will replace that itch that the m550 scratches, I’m vacillating back and forth between them trying to make a decision, and keep being indecisive. Nothing really stands out to me on these cars apart from each other.

I’m looking for any opinions or ideas for me to consider as I try to point in the right direction.

Appreciated

The M550 is a nose-heavy cruiser. So perhaps an Audi with a big engine, or something equally ponderous and understeery?

The 850 would get you similar pull and cruising capabilities, but in a package that actually handles in the twisties. But not sure if that is your bag.

[pbonsalb]

What is the front to rear weight difference between the M550 and the M850? I would expect it to be minimal but have not checked.