[MYounginer]

First of all, I'm 25 years old and come from a background of 03/04 Cobras 09/11-12 GT500's and some strong diesel trucks along the way (1058rwhp f-350). Favorite being an 04 Cobra with 615rwhp, 315mm Nittos breaking loose at 80+mph was quite exhilarating.

But it came to a point where I was going to be traveling often and found the luxury of the 5 series to be quite remarkable in comparison to the American performance cars. When I was looking into buying one of these F10 N63 cars last spring, I honestly didn't know they were going to be such a thrill to drive. My first one was a 2012 from Miami. The car was an Alpine White M sport with Dinan Stage 3, Dinan Intercoolers, Active Autowerke exhaust, Brembo brakes, and H & R springs. On the highway I was seeing around 23mpg through the 8 speed ZF tranny and roughly 13-15mpg during city tanks. I was spending that summer in the Virginia mountains and found the car to be a mountain climbing monster. The torque that was readily available was addicting. I found myself excited to get in th car and drive to work. After a few months, I saw the market leaning towards a slight depreciation so decided to sell while the warranty was still in tact and value holding tight. I found a buyer who was overjoyed upon seeing the car in person and went along with my family truck.

I knew it would be tough to find the luxury and performance offered by that car without spending a small fortune, but the one thing I wanted while driving my 550 was a stick. I've always been a 3rd pedal type of guy and missed it even with such an impressive 8-speed auto. After test driving a CTS-V and loving the powertrain, I knew the interior wasn't going to keep me satisfied. Thus I began my search for another 550i m sport under warranty, but this time with the 6 speed manual.

Three months later, I found a 2012 550i in New Jersey with 17,500 miles. It was an M Sport with several options so I decided I would take the plunge and fly up to Jersey. Knowing how specifically it met my criteria and how hard it would be to find another, I went ahead and paid a little higher than KBB's estimate.

Here I am now, 1 month behind the wheel, and a couple mods later. I put the 303M 20" wheels on it with Nitto NT555 (255/35 front 285/30 rear) and M5 exhaust from the downpipes back (which is not a direct fit). I wanted to get some seat time before dishing out objective statements but I believe it's about the right time.

6MT:
This is the easiest manual car I've ever driven. The clutch travel is great, gears are easy to find, and throws are short, effortless. Highway gas mileage has been between 20-22mpg while city is 13-15mpg. The manual does benefit greatly from the free flowing exhaust. I'm not sure why, but the before and after were noticeable. More power on the low end of the curve, and much less hesitation from the turbos. The rev matching in comfort +, comfort, and sport mode were annoying but now with the exhaust they're great. Nothing better than rolling up to a turn and hearing the rumbling bark from the motor seeking 3500rpms for 2nd gear. I feel much more connected to the car with this tranny and it is simply a joy to drive. The only thing I would change is a longer 6th gear. I have no idea why they would make it where 80mph in 6th gear is flirting with 3000rpms. I truly hope that BMW will consider reimplementing the manual option in the 5 series, and keeping it for the M5.

On the M5 note, I test drove one before buying my 550i. I liked the seats better, and the exterior is beautiful. If I was making a little more cash I would have likely opted for a manual M5. I believe it would be the perfect fit, but for $43,000 I don't think you can touch the all around luxury and performance offered by this 550.

I hope this will help anyone who is thinking of buying a 550i, whether automatic or manual they will make you smile when you walk out to the parking lot.

[Gpfarrell]

Great review! I felt the same way about the CTS-V's interior. My 6MT is a 535... I was vert tempted by the 550's power but service concerns made the 535 an even choice in my mind. I picked what I found first, but occasionally around 2500 rpm's I wonder what a couple more spark plugs could do for me!

[550Reasons]

very well worded, I have a Ranger truck which saves alot in gas, but I always find myself driving my 550i to work and everywhere, its such a joy.
When I went to get mine the dealer had both 8spd and manual ! the manual had a couple more options so it was priced 4k more; but I came from bunch of 6spd manuals and just got tired of it for now.

[MYounginer]

Thanks guys, the 535i certainly has a great motor too and makes enough torque for you to forget it's a 6 cylinder. BMW has really figured out the sport luxury combo. I hope to be able to afford an f10 m5 at some point because I do believe it's the best at so many things.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Great review!

[Vapiano]

Nice review, I agree that the torque is addicting.

[lsturbointeg]

Appreciate the review!