[Catfish454]

Picked up my car on Saturday and have only driven it 50 miles but have a few observations I'd like to share. Overall, I am absolutely thrilled with it with a few exceptions - both minor gripes.

I thought that the iDrive ceramic controls would be a lot beefier and more substantial than they are. Basically they are the same plastic knobs and buttons as standard, but with a microscopic layer of ceramic on them. They don't feel any different to me except for the fact that they get hotter than hades if the sun beats down on them. So hot, in fact, that I can't touch them for more than a brief second. Note to self: Put a small towel over them when parked in the sun!

The second item deals with the side markers. BMW moved the lights from them and added them to outside mirrors, something I like. But now the marker looks like an afterthought just slapped on the fender and serves no function whatsoever. Any opinions on what to do with them?

I'll report back in after I've logged a sufficient number of miles…

[MWPos]

Congratulations! I am really surprised about the side markers! My first instinct would be to paint the side markers body color but then have the front-to-back horizontal crease (valley?) vinyled to match the window pillar color (matte black?). I propose this as a means to hide the side markers at the same time bringing some color to that area.

Again, congratulations!

[The X Men]

First if all, congrats on the new 550. Those side markers is like a signature piece for the modern day BMW, much like the angel eyes. I would leave them the way they are, the car looks much better with them there, but the fact they have no function would bother me a bit as well.

[mundo74]

I suspect the aftermarket will take care of the side marker

[Mobileum]

I think cars with Park Assist System has sensors in the side markers

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by Mobileum

I think cars with Park Assist System has sensors in the side markers

Nope... I had a look at a new LCI in the dealership and these were just slapped on inserts. The ones I saw did not have any line mentioned (i.e. Modern, Luxury, etc...) although the car was a Luxury line and it definitely had Park Assist as an option.

So, I think the side markers are just a carry forward from the previous F10.

I wonder, if the wiring is still there beneath the panel; maybe the LCI can be retrofitted to have the original side indicators- that would be cool to have dual indicators (in mirror housing as well as on side panels)

[immx]

I was thinking about, getting the middle cut out of the side marker panel and replaced with silver mesh maybe?

I'd have to get a spare to try it on to see how it looks.

[Luminor513]

The side chrome piece is simply a cost cutting decision. BMW didnt have to re-stamp or re-tool machines for new fender panels. It looks ridiculous especially when compared to the pre-LCI model having a clear purpose for this chrome accent housing the turn signal. Hopefully the aftermarket will come up with an acceptable solution for this.

[dr.mba]

Is everyone sure that the parking assistance sensor is not housed there? In Pre-LCI models the sensor is a square chrome part that is fitted in that same spot. I wonder if this continues to be the case??

MBA

[Catfish454]

Here's what the rest of the car looks like. Installed an M5 rear lip spoiler this afternoon, and am having the windows tinted on Wednesday. Also ordered painted reflectors for the front and berber floor mats. Can't decide if I want to de-badge it yet. I saw a 335i the same color as mine (glacier silver) with gloss black badges and it looked pretty good.

[lincvert]

What tint are you going with? I had 35% on the last car and also have an appointment this Wednesday. I'm torn between 35% and 50%.

[CyberJudas]

I'm currently waiting for my own LCI to arrive and I've been trolling the boards for my daily 'fix'...

Always wondered about the Chrome inserts - took this from the Owner's manual - look like they actually ARE functional (for Park Assist anyway).

Many Congrats on the delivery of your vehicle! Drive it in Good health!

[Catfish454]

For the tint, I'm going with Pinnacle ceramic 50% front doors; and 35% back doors and rear to stay compliant with Virginia law. I had the same setup on my 535i and the difference between the two wasn't that noticeable.

[Vinfast]

What type of run-flats came on your car? My last 550i had Michelin Primacy.

[Catfish454]

Unfortunately, mine came with the dreaded Goodyear Eagle LS 2's. While I don't plan on swapping them out for non run-flats just yet, I will be doing so when they need replacement.

[EmArAsOnS]

Originally Posted by Catfish454

Here's what the rest of the car looks like. Installed an M5 rear lip spoiler this afternoon, and am having the windows tinted on Wednesday. Also ordered painted reflectors for the front and berber floor mats. Can't decide if I want to de-badge it yet. I saw a 335i the same color as mine (glacier silver) with gloss black badges and it looked pretty good.

quick q... r those 19" or 18" rims? noticed that the msport lci new 18" look identical to the 19" ... at least here in scandanivia

[Catfish454]

They're 19".

[Boardman]

Congrats catfish!

How does all that extra HP feel? Gotten a chance to open her up yet?

[Catfish454]

Thanks, Boardman. I'm coming from a 535i which I thought was pretty quick, but the 550i is a different breed of cat altogether. Tons of power when you want it, and it really does pin you to the seat back when you get on it…something I have only done a few times (and briefly at that). I'm waiting until it's properly broken in before really putting it through its paces. The only downside so far has been the gas mileage, but I was certainly ready for that and keep reminding myself of the "gotta pay to play" mantra. All-in-all, I'd recommend that anyone ready to buy an F10 take a serious look at the 550.

[Chizzy67]

Did you get automatic or manual transmission? I am considering a 2013 550i and it is a manual which I don't understand anyway because there is no clutch. Can someone enlighten me?

[blackboxmycar]

I am really surprised to see so many 550i owners on this forum especially from the States. 550i is quite rare here in Vancouver.

congrats on your car btw

[kinimod]

Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your new ride. Waiting for my 535d 2014. Surprised about the shitty ceramic controls... Too bad. I don't like the standard cheap plastic and I thought ceramic ones are some high quality stuff.