[Pleather]

I'm not real active here, but I do visit often to read the posts. So I just made the jump from an 08 M3 to the 550i. That was my 3rd consecutive M3 over a 10 year period, and I can't tell you how hard it was to move on. I absolutely love that car and the previous versions, but it was time to try a little more luxury. The reason I'm posting this is to help anyone who is challenged with my same dilemma.

To clarify, I've already installed the Dinan tune and my build has the M package with sport trans. I'm not sure how else to say this, but this thing is a monster when accelerating. I never thought for a second that this car would be this fun. Maybe I had lowered my expectations considerably given what I was coming out of, but it truly shocks me when I stomp on it. I have no problem drifting this heavy car around a corner.

The down side which has been mentioned often is that it does handle like a big car. I think I've even read someone comparing this to an old Buick. Unfortunately there is some truth to that. Honestly though, what do you expect out of a huge comfortable car that can accelerate like this. If you want a cornering/handling machine...go m3 or m5.

So far I have no regrets on my decision. Do I miss my old car? Yes, but the new one makes up for it in other ways. Even the upgraded sound system is enough for me and I've spent more than I care to admit on sound systems over the years. Not sure this is helpful for anyone, but I'm happy with my new purchase. Cheers.

[tp550i]

great post - I suspect you are not alone. Glad to hear you're overall satisfied with your decision.

One question on the Dinan tune... how many miles on your 550i? Did they recommend a certain break-in mileage before cranking up the boost?

[Pleather]

I spoke with the service manager prior to purchasing my car and he assured me there was no break-in period for this car. That still seems odd to me, but based on his comments I had them install the tune when it was new. All has been good!

[alextremo]

Your owner's manual says differently. I had it installed 2 days after I picked up the car @ PCD (with 1,200 miles on it)

Breaking-in period
General information
Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to
each other.
The following instructions will help achieve a
long vehicle life and good economy.
Engine and differential
Always obey the official speed limit.
Up to approx. 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds but do
not exceed:
▷ In gasoline engines, 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/
160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode for the initial
miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full traction
potential until after an initial breaking-in period.
Drive conservatively for the first 200 miles/
300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of approx.
300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive conservatively during this
breaking-in period.
Following part replacement
The same breaking in procedures should be observed
if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.

[Pleather]

Oops! Well, I guess I went with what the service manager said and I know this is a weak argument...but it didn't have a sticker on the front windshield warning about the "specific" break-in period like all of the previous M's had. Haha. Guess I'll lay off the beast for a little while longer.

1200 miles in 2 days...that's impressive. What did you think of it after the install?

[cidair]

I just love my car and can just agree with your comments.
I still have my M3 for twisty roads and the track.

[alextremo]

Originally Posted by Pleather

Oops! Well, I guess I went with what the service manager said and I know this is a weak argument...but it didn't have a sticker on the front windshield warning about the "specific" break-in period like all of the previous M's had. Haha. Guess I'll lay off the beast for a little while longer.

1200 miles in 2 days...that's impressive. What did you think of it after the install?

Yep - drove it home and met the break in requirements. Had oil, differential and manual transmission fluid changed and then got the software flash. Power with the flash is great. Last car was a highly modified 335 - totally different feel with the 550. Not the same in-your-face power but it definitely scoots for a big sedan with just software...

It will be interesting to see the aftermarket progress for this car over the next year or so. We should be seeing between 100-200hp more with bolt ons/turbo upgrades.

Great post BTW - I think there are a lot of us who would like to have both cars in the garage like cidair^

[Edman951]

I traded in my e90 m3 for a 550 xdrive with adaptive drive.
Im very happy with the change. The sport suspension mode is perfect for the street. Its just missing the quick steering the m3 has.

[Pleather]

Alextremo...I completely agree. cidair has the perfect setup.

Edman951...I took a short trip out of state this weekend and discovered one concerning flaw with the car. The steering seemed to be vague and tended to pull to the right. It made me miss the steering of the e92 m3. And to think, I missed the steering of the e46 m3 when I jumped in the e92!

[delvek]

Pleather,

Nice write up, I dont have an ECU mode yet ... have ACS suspension and exhaust.

I cant wait until I put an ECU on it though but even without it, the cars acceleration at ALL speeds is breathtaking, hands down my favorite car ever.