Hi Savela,
Congrats on your new ride! It's a big jump from passat to 550i. I absolutely agree with your comments. I have driven the 5 series from E39, through E60 to F10 and each new generation has been better than the last including the styling IMO. While E39 was a great car during its time, technology has advanced so much since I had my E39 14 years ago that the F10 today is such a different car compared to E39 and we have to move on. Oh, you have a lovely country manor house in the background.
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Originally Posted by savela
Ok, after a very long wait, my 550 finally arrived.
In short, I love this car. Yes it is larger and feels quite different than my friend's E39 did but it is an absolute blast to drive.
I've read about all the 'issues' ranging from miniscule (the key fob) to significant (pulling / grinding). Thankfully mine doesn't suffer from any (the latter)...yet. I know that many like to compare it to the previous 5 but for better or worse, I'm moving over from a 10 yr old VW Passat so I'm likely not qualified to do that. What I can say is that BMW was after me and whatever they did worked. I drove MANY cars and the F10 was simply the best.
For those that are 'lurking' and waiting to pull the trigger but are a bit afraid based on some of the posts, rest easy. I've realized that this group is made up of true enthusiasts and bavarian blooded BMW aficionados so take a lot of what is said with a grain of salt. The complaints are absolutely justified but likely not major issues for most of us out there, myself included. I had sleepless nights about loss of 'on center steering feel' and a 'shark nosed' atrocity that would be the butt of many jokes. As it turns out, the steering is great and the car looks fantastic. I guess I'm the kinda guy that just loves the one he's with and I absolutely love the one I'm with.
Technology is extensive and quite user friendly. iDrive ROCKS. Bluetooth works flawlessly. Ventilated Nappa seats are ooohhh so comfortable. On and on and on. My only complaint is that we have no autobahn stateside as this thing likes to run.
Enjoy the few pics I have and let me know if you want more.
steve
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