E93 M3 to 550xi M-sport...

jdizzle27 · 11-19-2010, 12:57 PM

Will I be disappointed?

I've seen a few of you post about making this (painful) transition, but seems to have done it without much regret. I just test drove a 550xi without the M-sport, and while the power was great, I thought the suspension was a little disappointing.

Does the M-sport significantly change its character to where its comparable to an M3? Are those of you that went to the M-sport satisfied with the handling?

I'd consider the M5, but "need" AWD. Plus I want to make this move now.

Thanks.

X5 M50i '21 · 11-19-2010, 01:00 PM

As you probably know, M3 doesn't come in awd either. M Sport doesn't change handling at all. It's just cosmetic changes. I had the same dillema and ordered the 550ix M Sport. Still waiting on it. Handling won't be like a 3 series or my old 535ix but i'm sure I will still enjoy the car. Gotta get over the lack of sports feel I guess.

exoprotoss · 11-19-2010, 05:53 PM

I’m sorry, I don’t want to be rude, but have you tried M Sport before saying that it is "just cosmetic". I thought it was more aggressive (reading from other posts) than the most aggressive Sport + mode with the dynamic suspension. I have 535d on order with M kit + M sport, so hoping that it is not a sofa on the wheels

))

bobbyd1961 · 11-19-2010, 05:55 PM

i cant touch the twin turbo until all issues are resolved. been there done that with the 335

Alex170177 · 11-20-2010, 04:08 AM

I had the same dilema a year ago when I traded my C63 AMG for a Merc E550. Man, I hated the E550 and regreted the decision everyday!!! After six months I sold the Merc and bought the BMW 550i. When driving on sport mode, and using the paddle shift, the handling is good and acceleration is ok. But it's a completly different experience from a M3 or C63. You barelly hear the engine sound, it's much harder to drift and you'll never perform top laps on trackdays again....

That said, the 550i is the best car i've had for everyday use!!!

Good luck

JOHNBMWM5 · 11-20-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x5 '08

As you probably know, M3 doesn't come in awd either. M Sport doesn't change handling at all. It's just cosmetic changes. I had the same dillema and ordered the 550ix M Sport. Still waiting on it. Handling won't be like a 3 series or my old 535ix but i'm sure I will still enjoy the car. Gotta get over the lack of sports feel I guess.

Sorry you are wrong!! M-Sport DOES make a difference, quite big IMO, and I am coming from the M3 E90 and looking forward too the 550i M-Sport, I would not buy an other 5 series than the M-Sport, it's the closest you will get to the M3 generally.

ClausCoupe · 11-20-2010, 11:27 AM

There is no sport suspension on the M Sport package (on "X" cars), so how can it ride differently?

JOHNBMWM5 · 11-20-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClausCoupe

There is no sport suspension on the M Sport package (on "X" cars), so how can it ride differently?

I think the OP just may opt for the M Sport if he thinks most people think it's an improvement over STD suspension and handling.

jdizzle27 · 11-20-2010, 04:17 PM

@ johnbmw6

I have no patience! I signed a contract and I guess I'll let you all know at the end of next week. I know I'm still going to miss the M3...

alpinef10 · 11-20-2010, 06:49 PM

M-sport In The Us Is Only Cosmetic.. However The European Models Come With The Sport Suspension

JOHNBMWM5 · 11-21-2010, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdizzle27

@ johnbmw6

I have no patience! I signed a contract and I guess I'll let you all know at the end of next week. I know I'm still going to miss the M3...

I am sure you will enjoy the car for "what it is" and it is not an M3, however you will be driving a very quick car with luxury.

bobblehead · 11-21-2010, 06:41 AM

If you don't like the 550, you can always go back to the M3 in 2014. The next generation M3.

jdizzle27 · 11-21-2010, 08:09 AM

Yes, now its after the fact and beating a dead horse, but I'd think 19" wheels, Dynamic Damper Control, Adaptive Drive, and Active Roll Stabilization should add a noticeable difference to the handling. Perhaps not a world of difference, but per their descriptions these options w/ the M-sport package are more than just cosmetic changes. Or maybe I'm just gullible and trying make myself feel better....

HighlandPete · 11-21-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdizzle27

Yes, now its after the fact and beating a dead horse, but I'd think 19" wheels, Dynamic Damper Control, Adaptive Drive, and Active Roll Stabilization should add a noticeable difference to the handling. Perhaps not a world of difference, but per their descriptions these options w/ the M-sport package are more than just cosmetic changes. Or maybe I'm just gullible and trying make myself feel better....

There's often a mix up here due to the different markets. M-sport over here in the UK (Europe) has a passive sport suspension system. We can opt for Adaptive Drive on most models, including M-sport. The US has a whole bunch of options that are different. Excluding the 'passive' M-sport suspension it appears.

The 'Active' suspension you are opting for, will make a difference, it is not the same as the standard passive system. The 'Sport' setting is supposed to be similar in 'handling stiffness', if that is the correct term (but different in feel due to it being active), to the passive M-sport suspension. Make sense?

HighlandPete

ClausCoupe · 11-21-2010, 01:04 PM

My point is:

The M Sport does have standard suspension with the X-models.
If you choose to go for the adaptive drive it will be different, but no different than a model without the M Sport...

Adaptive Drive has nothing to do with the M Sport package, at least not in Europe.

HighlandPete · 11-21-2010, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClausCoupe

My point is:

The M Sport does have standard suspension with the X-models.
If you choose to go for the adaptive drive it will be different, but no different than a model without the M Sport...

Adaptive Drive has nothing to do with the M Sport, at least not in Europe.

As I read the OP's comments, he tested a 550xi with standard suspension, the passive system, no trick suspension. A US model 550xi with the M-sport package (ZMP), includes Adaptive Drive, so will be different.

Hope I have read it correctly... hence my comments.

HighlandPete

///Armin · 11-21-2010, 10:41 PM

I too will be coming from a E92 M3; eventhough I am not in any way expecting the same handling and performance as a M3 I feel it's the closest I can get to it when it comes to a sedan as a daily driver.

But all of these posts about the steering is not setting well for me.

Now was the M package just released? does anyone actually own one with M package on it?

11-19-2010, 12:57 PM	#1
jdizzle27 New Member 4 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2011 550xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	E93 M3 to 550xi M-sport... Will I be disappointed? I've seen a few of you post about making this (painful) transition, but seems to have done it without much regret. I just test drove a 550xi without the M-sport, and while the power was great, I thought the suspension was a little disappointing. Does the M-sport significantly change its character to where its comparable to an M3? Are those of you that went to the M-sport satisfied with the handling? I'd consider the M5, but "need" AWD. Plus I want to make this move now. Thanks.
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11-19-2010, 01:00 PM	#2
X5 M50i '21 Private 26 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 M50i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	As you probably know, M3 doesn't come in awd either. M Sport doesn't change handling at all. It's just cosmetic changes. I had the same dillema and ordered the 550ix M Sport. Still waiting on it. Handling won't be like a 3 series or my old 535ix but i'm sure I will still enjoy the car. Gotta get over the lack of sports feel I guess.
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11-19-2010, 05:53 PM	#3
exoprotoss Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: Nissan GT-R Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	I’m sorry, I don’t want to be rude, but have you tried M Sport before saying that it is "just cosmetic". I thought it was more aggressive (reading from other posts) than the most aggressive Sport + mode with the dynamic suspension. I have 535d on order with M kit + M sport, so hoping that it is not a sofa on the wheels ))
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11-19-2010, 05:55 PM	#4
bobbyd1961 Banned 43 Rep 2,406 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 sedan LeMans Blue Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: new jersey iTrader: (0)	i cant touch the twin turbo until all issues are resolved. been there done that with the 335
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11-20-2010, 04:08 AM	#5
Alex170177 New Member 0 Rep 21 Posts Drives: Merc C63 AMG Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Brazil-Rio iTrader: (0)	I had the same dilema a year ago when I traded my C63 AMG for a Merc E550. Man, I hated the E550 and regreted the decision everyday!!! After six months I sold the Merc and bought the BMW 550i. When driving on sport mode, and using the paddle shift, the handling is good and acceleration is ok. But it's a completly different experience from a M3 or C63. You barelly hear the engine sound, it's much harder to drift and you'll never perform top laps on trackdays again.... That said, the 550i is the best car i've had for everyday use!!! Good luck
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11-20-2010, 11:27 AM	#7
ClausCoupe Private 27 Rep 90 Posts Drives: Soon: 640xi Gran Coupe Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Larvik iTrader: (0)	There is no sport suspension on the M Sport package (on "X" cars), so how can it ride differently?
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11-20-2010, 04:17 PM	#9
jdizzle27 New Member 4 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2011 550xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	@ johnbmw6 I have no patience! I signed a contract and I guess I'll let you all know at the end of next week. I know I'm still going to miss the M3...
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11-20-2010, 06:49 PM	#10
alpinef10 Private First Class 2 Rep 105 Posts Drives: BMW 550xi M sport Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	M-sport In The Us Is Only Cosmetic.. However The European Models Come With The Sport Suspension
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11-21-2010, 06:41 AM	#12
bobblehead Brigadier General 256 Rep 4,721 Posts Drives: warp speed Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, On iTrader: (0)	If you don't like the 550, you can always go back to the M3 in 2014. The next generation M3.
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11-21-2010, 08:09 AM	#13
jdizzle27 New Member 4 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2011 550xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	Yes, now its after the fact and beating a dead horse, but I'd think 19" wheels, Dynamic Damper Control, Adaptive Drive, and Active Roll Stabilization should add a noticeable difference to the handling. Perhaps not a world of difference, but per their descriptions these options w/ the M-sport package are more than just cosmetic changes. Or maybe I'm just gullible and trying make myself feel better....
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11-21-2010, 01:04 PM	#15
ClausCoupe Private 27 Rep 90 Posts Drives: Soon: 640xi Gran Coupe Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Larvik iTrader: (0)	My point is: The M Sport does have standard suspension with the X-models. If you choose to go for the adaptive drive it will be different, but no different than a model without the M Sport... Adaptive Drive has nothing to do with the M Sport package, at least not in Europe.
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11-21-2010, 10:41 PM	#17
///Armin First Lieutenant 90 Rep 355 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	I too will be coming from a E92 M3; eventhough I am not in any way expecting the same handling and performance as a M3 I feel it's the closest I can get to it when it comes to a sedan as a daily driver. But all of these posts about the steering is not setting well for me. Now was the M package just released? does anyone actually own one with M package on it?
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