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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum Hard Decision (550xi vs M5)
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      02-11-2012, 10:16 AM   #1
Russkey
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Hard Decision (550xi vs M5)

Hi everyone,

For those who drive 550i or xi, do you guys think the car is fast enough? Are you happy with the car? I'm still thinking about the new M5, but the wait is killing me and I just really want to make sure that it's worth it or not. I'm considering fully loaded 550xi MY2012 (accept night vision).
How is the steering wheel with m sport package? Does it feel light or more sporty? Will Dinan Stage 2 affect my warranty? I read about handling and it seems like it's really good on both M5 and 550. Maybe some useful comments from those who jumped from M3/M5 to 550 or vise versa?

P.S. I'll be driving the either one in the US. No autobahns here.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!
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Last edited by Russkey; 02-11-2012 at 01:09 PM..
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      02-11-2012, 11:49 AM   #2
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I have a 2012 550 xDrive MSport, paddles, premium sound, etc. Also have E46 M3 Dinan S2.

BMW honors Dinan and only Dinan. Costs more but I don't care: quality and support are my drivers.

I absolutely love the 550. Power, comfort, luxury. But it's not an M. Don't compare them. If you really want screaming performance and track handling get the M5.

In either case be sure to order it via Performance Center. Great experience.
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      02-11-2012, 11:52 AM   #3
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I have a 550i which is plenty fast for autobahn driving and it's not often that someone is able to hang with its acceleration from 50mph to 150mph.

I have added mods to get me closer to that M5 feel and although my 550i posts times like 7.7s 50mph to 110mph it still isn't as fast (almost) as an M5 but is faster then M3's and 99% of anything that may come your way.

It's not all about speed and even though my 550i is low, loud and tuned its still a good car for when the whole family gets in or your stuck in traffic.

It's a tough decision, good luck!
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      02-11-2012, 11:59 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dinans2
I have a 2012 550 xDrive MSport, paddles, premium sound, etc. Also have E46 M3 Dinan S2.

BMW honors Dinan and only Dinan. Costs more but I don't care: quality and support are my drivers.

I absolutely love the 550. Power, comfort, luxury. But it's not an M. Don't compare them. If you really want screaming performance and track handling get the M5.

In either case be sure to order it via Performance Center. Great experience.
Using iPhone app so can't see OP location but BMW has relationships with more then Dinan, Dinan is north America based company, it's a big world. ACS for one works very closely with BMW here in Germany and my ACS mods were installed at the same dealer I bought my car from.
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      02-11-2012, 12:13 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dinans2 View Post
BMW honors Dinan and only Dinan.
I don't believe that's quite accurate.

Dinan parts used to be covered under BMW's warranty. They are now covered by Dinan's warranty (which matches BMW's). So it's possible that BMW and Dinan will point at each other to cover a problem that each thinks was caused by the other. But, as long as you've had the Dinan bits installed by a BMW dealer, you should be able to count on the dealer to run interference between BMW and Dinan to make sure you're covered.
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      02-12-2012, 12:28 AM   #6
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The M5 will win the all-out performance title, but the 550xi does present a solid 365 days per year capable car. Don't forget the stock 550xi is a luxury automobile.

You can improve the sportiness of the 550xi (my mods):

1) Forged wheels, to reduce the unsprung weight (20lb BBS RGR)
2) Non-RFT performance tires (Michelin PSS)
3) A matching set of forged wheels/snow tires for the 365days/yr performance (RGR/Alpin PA3)
4) Stiffer springs, to make a huge difference (Dinan)
5) Engine Tune (Dinan S2 and soon S3)
6) Exhaust, the F10 is too quiet (soon)
7) Cold air intake (some day)


1, 2, & 3 can be combined for one set of wheels and one set of high performance A/S tires like the Michelin Pilot A/S
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      02-12-2012, 02:06 AM   #7
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IF you have the money, get the M5
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      02-12-2012, 08:58 AM   #8
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Wow, tough call here.

For me, I have a 550i and live in Florida, so the xi is not needed. I see you live in Denver so therefore may need the xi just to use the car year round where the M5 may not do.

I think the 550 is MORE than enough for US roads. I seldom can go full throttle for more than 2-3 seconds before I am speeding so bad I could earn a free night and a ham sandwich from the local law enforcement. If you are going to track a car the M3 would probably be a better buy than the larger M5.

I think the M for most people in the US is about EGO more than anything else. You just can't use the car to its fullest potential and keep your license at the same time. I personally debaged my 550 for a bit of modesty. I drive a BMW because I love how it drives not because it says BMW on the car.

So if your ego needs to drive a car with an M on it go get an M5, but if you just want a fast and sporty luxury car then the 550 or even 535 is more than enough.

I would rather have a "d" on the back of my 5, but they just don't sell those in the states...too bad.
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      02-12-2012, 09:05 AM   #9
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You need to ask yourself the following: Are you a CAR NUT? Are you going to track this vehicle? Are you (and the wife) okay with a stiffer suspension setup? And can you justify the $20-35k cost difference?

If the answer is YES to all 4, the M5 is right for you. Otherwise, you should get a 550i with the M Sport Package (poor man's M5).

I would opt out the xDrive feature. The xDrive vehicles weigh more and have more parts to break/maintain. If snow is an issue, just get a good set of winter wheels/tires and the F10. A good setup should allow you to drive like a tank over snow, even in Denver. (no disrespect to other xDrive owners)
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      02-12-2012, 09:56 AM   #10
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Thank you guys for sharing your experience and opinions. I moved from Moscow, Russia a few years ago and the prices of M cars are terrible there, roads aren't good and heavy traffic. I think price of this car in the US is the lowest in the world. So money is not an issue here. I wanted an M car since I was 14 and now I have a chance to make my dream come true. M3 is a great car but I'm 6.4 ft tall and it's just small for me. One side of me is telling me that I'll be super happy with the M5 and always have a smile on my face when I drive or see the car. The other side is thinking about all of these disadvantages such as the US speed laws, not having a chance to fully enjoy the car and many other things that you guys mentioned. I think I'll wait until they release it in the US and then make my final decision.
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      02-12-2012, 10:35 AM   #11
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So money is not an issue. Go for M5. You are a lucky man.
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      02-12-2012, 10:58 AM   #12
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I frankly think you'd be crazy to pick the 550 over the M5 unless for money reasons. I got a 550i because I bought it over a year and a half ago but if I was given the choice today as an ethusiast I couldn't think of a reason for the 550i over the M5. I think you'd regret it later on.
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      02-12-2012, 11:37 AM   #13
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What I have read from reviews in Europe there is also a difference in a negative way with the current version of x-drive in F10 (more weight, inconsistent behaviour, understeer/oversteer etc). According to reviews Audi has handled their AWD system in A6 better than BMW in the 5-series (yes it is too bad, Munich has to do something...)

If I did not need AWD and money was no issue I would definitely choose the M5. It is the perfect luxury automobile with sports car abilities!

Good luck with your choice!
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      02-12-2012, 07:58 PM   #14
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I currently drive a F10 550Xi, my previous vehicle was a e90 M3, let me tell you. The 550XI is more luxurious and bigger; The M3 handles better in corners; I have no regrets moving to a 550XI
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      02-12-2012, 10:24 PM   #15
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M5 for sure. It is getting spectacular reviews.
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      02-13-2012, 08:38 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LangolfX View Post
Thank you guys for sharing your experience and opinions. I moved from Moscow, Russia a few years ago and the prices of M cars are terrible there, roads aren't good and heavy traffic. I think price of this car in the US is the lowest in the world. So money is not an issue here. I wanted an M car since I was 14 and now I have a chance to make my dream come true. M3 is a great car but I'm 6.4 ft tall and it's just small for me. One side of me is telling me that I'll be super happy with the M5 and always have a smile on my face when I drive or see the car. The other side is thinking about all of these disadvantages such as the US speed laws, not having a chance to fully enjoy the car and many other things that you guys mentioned. I think I'll wait until they release it in the US and then make my final decision.
If money is not an issue, then why wouldn't you pick the M5 over a 550? The car is absolutely stunning, and would be such a blast to drive. If you are concerned about the US laws and unleashing the full potential, then a 528i will do just as well.

With the M5 you know you have the ultimate F10. Go for it and fulfill your dream!
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      02-13-2012, 10:34 PM   #17
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If all wheel drive is important for you, then the 550Xi is the best choice. I don't care what you guys say about snow tires and RWD, there's no beating any forms of AWD. The M5, with all that power, will just spin out of control with any tires on snow. You might as well leave it at home in any snowy day.

But then again, getting a M5 with an SUV will do the trick...since money is no object.

Ace
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      02-14-2012, 03:19 AM   #18
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From the way you describe yourself, you should go with the M5. You've been wanting an M car since you were 14. If you get anything else, you will have buyers remorse... and if you're going to spend $75K for a 550xi and still have buyers remorse, well, what's the point?
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      02-14-2012, 06:26 AM   #19
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M5, no doubts!

I´m very happy with my 550ix ( with mods ), but the M5 is something different. Not to compare directly with the 550.
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      02-14-2012, 01:32 PM   #20
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M5 is Dope without a Doubt but Im completey happy with my 550xi..If i would get a super sporty car it wouldnt be an M5. For where I live its hard enough not getting into trouble with my car, I cant imagine what I would be doing in an M5..Unless you go to the track once in a while to run it like it should then really with a few mods on the 550xi from light to light whats the difference?? I get a sick rush in my car and im happy.. Is the M5 a great car?? Of course! but if you cant tack it up there and go through some twisty's burnin some rubber Im not so sure its going to matter to much. Up to you! either ride is dope and the M5 is def in its own leaugue but I would get the M6 over the M5 if I went that route.
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      02-18-2012, 06:28 PM   #21
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Thanks everybody for your opinions. I ended up ordering fully loaded (except night vision) 2012 550xi.

Production will begin on March 5th and will be delivered closer to late April. I'll post some pictures with a few mods as soon as it arrives. Can't wait
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Last edited by Russkey; 04-09-2012 at 12:11 AM..
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      02-18-2012, 10:48 PM   #22
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I asked about dinan parts at the dealer... If something goes wrong with the car or the parts, the dealer goes through dinan. They'll send the part back to them and go from there...
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