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      12-05-2011, 09:12 AM   #1
leewoods18
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2012 550 M sport review with pics

Hey everyone, I have been with my F10 550 M sport for about 2 weeks and have had time to scrutinize, so here's my review. I am coming out of an e92 M3 6MT and have been happy with the change.

Performance
Engine: It has been a jewel and I am enjoying the torque of the motor. The engine pulls throughout the rpm range. It is quiet (maybe too quiet) and the thrust feels turbine like...not a peaky engine like the M3 (which I did love as well). Can hear the turbos spool faintly in the background.
Transmission: I opted for the 6MT and am loving every minute of it. It is smooth, throws are precise, and typical BMW length. Clutch is not heavy and the package does feel well mated to the size of the vehicle--For those worrying about having a 6MT in a larger luxury vehicle and possibly being "out of character"-- rest assured, those concerns are unfounded. I have ordered the BMW Performance edition shift knob, so I will update everyone on that after install.
Suspension: It is a bit soft and slightly improved in sport setting, very smooth. Cornering is good, but I have had every intention on ordering coilovers since I decided on the purchase. I have KW's on order actually, which will be released for the 550 in January (will keep you posted). I did not opt for the ARS/IAS in fear that it may complicate issues with an aftermarket suspension. KW did say that their coilovers coming out for the 550 will NOT be compatible with ARS equipped vehicles.
Chassis and Tires: Very solid, no shudders of bumps and road imperfections. I am on the 19" 351 wheels and was relieved that it has Dunlop RFTs (as opposed the Goodyears). I haven't pushed the car to any extremes, but "spirited" driving has been fun and responsive. This is not a drift machine like the M3 was however. Steering has been fine without complaints or veering.

Luxury
This car's interior is a vast improvement over prior BMWs IMO. I have the Dakota leather and I think it feels and looks great. In Everest Gray, the contrast with the Antracite wood and headliner looks very good-- contrast with the exterior (dark graphite metallic II) and the everest grey looks great as well IMO. I think BMW has finally caught up with Audi as far as interiors go. CA works well (I had it in my M3 too). Soft close doors/powered trunk are nice touches. Fit and finish is superb.

Aesthetics
I think M sport package looks fantastic. I do think they went crazy with the M badges (in contrast to what I previously thought). I am trying to decrease the number of M badges (shifts/door sills/dead pedal)-- I feel it is a bit of over/false advertising. I have gotten many compliments on the color interior and exterior. I color matched the front reflectors and will changes the grills as well. Can't wait to lower this beast tho, which will make it a real head turner.

Electronics
Haven't updated my iPhone, so Pandora works well. I have the premium system which is actually very good to my surprise. Bluetooth is seamless and the bluetooth phone is very clear from people on the other end tell me. Love the HUD and blacked out gauges. Parking sensors and rear view camera are impressive and required in such a big vehicle. Going to order DVD in motion to take advantage of the large clear display (for the kids/passenger of course)

Overall
As you can tell, I am very happy with my switch from the M3 to the F10 550. I do not think there has been much of a falloff in performance, but there have been marked upgrades in luxury and comfort. I would make the switch again in a heartbeat--this is not to take away from the M3, which was an amazing vehicle. I have matured a bit and I feel this matches my place in life for now.
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2012 550i M Sport Dark Graphite Metallic II Everest Gray Antracite wood 6MT

Last edited by leewoods18; 12-07-2011 at 09:45 AM..
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      12-05-2011, 09:23 AM   #2
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Great car and review. have it broke down seriously once or do the dealer deliver the car to your door?
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      12-05-2011, 09:29 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kave View Post
Great car and review. have it broke down seriously once or do the dealer deliver the car to your door?
Deliver to the door from the dealer (out of state)
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      12-05-2011, 10:05 AM   #4
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6MT 550.... lovely
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      12-05-2011, 12:09 PM   #5
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2022 M5  [10.00]
you debadged it already?

are you sure it's not a 528?
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      12-05-2011, 12:19 PM   #6
leewoods18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by armoredsaint View Post
you debadged it already?

are you sure it's not a 528?
Blacked out hexagonal tailpipes= 550 M sport

I like to roll stealth
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      12-05-2011, 12:26 PM   #7
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2015 M3 BMW M3  [1.00]
6mt! the only thing i regret not having!
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      12-05-2011, 01:08 PM   #8
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car looks great!!
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      12-05-2011, 04:41 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sanf View Post
6MT 550.... lovely
+1

I made the same switch (E90 M3 to F10 6MT 550i), and have been delighted with the F10.

How's your fuel economy? Mine's slightly worse than the M3. I have about 5,000 miles on it; hoping it will improve a bit more.

Recently, I had a discussion with a couple of people at my dealer about the fuel consumption:
Me: It gets worse mileage than my M3!
Dealer: Well, if you use the turbo a lot, that can happen.
Me: If I didn't use the turbo a lot, I'd be driving a 528!!

It's worth it.
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Others: VW, MBz, Peugeot, Toyota, Olds
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      12-05-2011, 07:18 PM   #10
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So far, my mpg hasn't been the greatest, about the same as the m3-14-15mpg primarily city driving. Haven't been very conservative with the throttle during my break in, so have to consider that.

Overall, agreed, worth it!
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      12-05-2011, 08:34 PM   #11
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I also have the manual transmission and I'm loving it too (mine is a 535). My MPG didn't come up until 5000 miles. I was getting low 20's, but now get between 24 and 29 MPG in mixed driving. Congrats on the new 5!
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      12-05-2011, 08:41 PM   #12
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Thanks everyone for the positive comments!!!
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      12-06-2011, 04:57 PM   #13
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I also took delivery of a 2012 550i 6 speed Manual M-sport last week. I agree its super smooth. Everything about it so far has been great.

One quick question, do you have the fold out cupholder in the center armrest? Mine did not come with one, working with the dealer to get it.
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      12-06-2011, 07:18 PM   #14
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No, I only have one cupholder!! I haven't seen the fold out cupholder...Please post a pic if you get one
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      12-06-2011, 08:47 PM   #15
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Here is a video of it:


You can see it around the 50 seconds into the video.

Here is the part number. it's number 11: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...1&fg=35&hl=138
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      12-07-2011, 09:05 AM   #16
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I've also made a jump from a e90 m3 sedan to a 2012 f10 550xi; recently ordered it and it's schedule for production 1/2/12 next year. I ordered it fully loaded everything except night vision.
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      12-07-2011, 09:44 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aclockwrk View Post
Here is a video of it:


You can see it around the 50 seconds into the video.

Here is the part number. it's number 11: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...1&fg=35&hl=138
Thanks bud...going to have to order that!

Quote:
Originally Posted by terianx View Post
I've also made a jump from a e90 m3 sedan to a 2012 f10 550xi; recently ordered it and it's schedule for production 1/2/12 next year. I ordered it fully loaded everything except night vision.
Congrats on the order. I think you will enjoy the transition. Try to keep the blood pressure in control waiting for the car. Although I was still driving my M3 prior to getting the 550, the anticipation is killer.
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      12-07-2011, 11:58 AM   #18
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What I really want was the m5 but the wait is even longer; also what color are the gauges on the 550xi? Red?
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      12-07-2011, 01:13 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by terianx View Post
What I really want was the m5 but the wait is even longer; also what color are the gauges on the 550xi? Red?
on the 550i, white during the day and BMW orange/red at night. The HUD also changes color which I thought was pretty cool.
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      12-07-2011, 09:36 PM   #20
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Manual transmission nice. Too bad us up here with Snow are stuck with automatic.
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      12-07-2011, 09:40 PM   #21
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Nice selection, enjoy!
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      12-08-2011, 02:40 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Whostheboss View Post
Manual transmission nice. Too bad us up here with Snow are stuck with automatic.
I lived in NY for 25 years...I do enjoy South Florida

Quote:
Originally Posted by Susoa View Post
Nice selection, enjoy!
550 brothas 4life!!..haha, jk...Thanks my man!
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