2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum First Drive- F10 550i.....
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-26-2010, 11:15 PM   #1
MI6
The World is Not Enough
MI6's Avatar
United_States
166
Rep
1,088
Posts

Drives: Aston DBS-R
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Skyfall

iTrader: (0)

First Drive- F10 550i.....

First off, please remember one thing.............

Get the manual tranny.

So here I am wandering into my local BMW center (Bob Smith in Calabasas- one of the best IMHO) when lo and behold a Dark Graphite Grey (no, it's not Sophisto unless your in Europe) F10 550i stares back at me with its Oyster/Black interior. Which by the way is EXACTLY the combo I've been looking for. Hmmm............the day is looking better already and it's only 11AM.

Here we go.
Exterior- as I've mentioned in an earlier thread this is a BIG looking car. Think of it as a 7 series that never made it past puberty. It's elegant and longer looking than the E60 which is to say that Bangle is definitely gone. Pity too, as the quircky looks of the last gen ended up really endearing it to me after a while. This new model is handsome- I would say it just needs better rims than the stock 19's to give it some added visual flare.

Interior- again as I mentioned before the quality is up over the old. Let's compare shall we? Fortunately there was a Cream Beige/Black E60 sitting right behind the Oyster/Black F10 550 I tested. Coincidence ya think? Anyways, the quality IS up. From the thicker padded seats to the control/buttons and I-Drive interface it's all better. But.......... I for one like the design of the old interior better- not the quality mind you- but the shape of the dash and the infamous "double hump" dashboard. The new interior seems almost too cushy and generic to the eyes, almost-and I hate to say it- almost "Lexuslike" in appearance. So if I had to pick an interior I would go with Black/Black and black headliner. This should definitely bring sporty back to the inside. And whatever you do get the optional Nappa leather seats- Dakota looks and feels waaaay to cheap/crappy for such a luxurious sedan.

Now for the DRIVE!
You know there's been so much hype over the new F10 especially the 550i I really thought the client advisor would have to rip the keys away from me when we were done. That wasn't the case and here's why. If you were expecting a big surge in power over the outgoing model it doesn't really happen. Oh it's quicker, and you can feel it. But with an extra 400 lbs over the E60 you begin to realize the weight penalty does affect that off the line power/feel you expect to get from a 400HP/450LB torque car.

That's not to say it's not nimble because it is. The ride is superb and you get the impression the car is smaller than it is as you drive on. Steering feel is not it's strong suit but that's already been mentioned in other reviews so nothing new there. In summary I would say it drives similar to the outgoing 550i albeit with a bit more kick but surprisingly it doesn't really excite the senses.

Well, I'm sorry but me and many other Bimmer owners buy a BMW for mainly one thing- EXCITEMENT...... Or as BMW now likes to call it in their ads-
Joy.

Which brings us back to my opening statement- get the manual tranny.

Just imagine taking such a big luxurious car as this new 550i is and actually putting it through the gears of a 6 speed tranny. Now THAT would be Joy.

It transformed the last 550 into a fun car with some soul and now with more power it should do even better.

Or you can do what I'm gonna do.

Wait for the M5.

Last edited by MI6; 05-26-2010 at 11:38 PM..
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 12:51 AM   #2
Whteverjklasdf
First Lieutenant
No_Country
20
Rep
301
Posts

Drives: .
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: .

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MI6 View Post
First off, please remember one thing.............

Get the manual tranny.
I stopped reading from there.
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 12:59 AM   #3
bm323
Captain
194
Rep
850
Posts

Drives: 12.2 E92 M3 ZCP; 12.7 C63
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Sg

iTrader: (0)

Did you drive 550i with the toggle button in sport mode?
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 01:20 AM   #4
MI6
The World is Not Enough
MI6's Avatar
United_States
166
Rep
1,088
Posts

Drives: Aston DBS-R
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Skyfall

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bm323 View Post
Did you drive 550i with the toggle button in sport mode?
Yep.
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 01:44 AM   #5
Robin_NL
S0THPAW
Robin_NL's Avatar
8680
Rep
7,846
Posts

Drives: HS M2 Competition
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Netherlands

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sealobo View Post
I stopped reading from there.
IMO a car like a luxurious 550i needs an auto or DSG box, not a manual transmission. It's not even an option here to get the 6 speed manual gearbox in the 550i where I live, and I'm from Western Europe: The beginning of the manual transmission....
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 08:17 AM   #6
funbob
Enlisted Member
United_States
1
Rep
36
Posts

Drives: 11 550i 6 speed manual
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Plymouth, MN

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin Hood View Post
IMO a car like a luxurious 550i needs an auto or DSG box, not a manual transmission. It's not even an option here to get the 6 speed manual gearbox in the 550i where I live, and I'm from Western Europe: The beginning of the manual transmission....
Most people agree with you given the sales numbers. I am still surprised by this but the numbers do not lie.

I wish I had a manual in my X3 let alone having one in a performance/luxury sedan. I will be sticking with the manuals for now.
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 08:54 AM   #7
delvek
Major
delvek's Avatar
Germany
32
Rep
1,134
Posts

Drives: 2014 550i Msport
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Tampa, FL

iTrader: (0)

have to agree with Robinhood on this, the 550 just doesn't ask for a manual ... it asks for an 8spd sport such as BMW delivered. I understand the whole concept of a stick and the reasons why a 550 should have one but it just doesn't fit right. Go smaller in size or M series but the 550 is juuuuuuuust right said Goldilocks.
__________________
2014 550i M-sport
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 09:01 AM   #8
MBrown1003
Eight Bimmers and counting
United_States
35
Rep
761
Posts

Drives: 2014 F10 M5
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Massachusetts, USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by delvek View Post
have to agree with Robinhood on this, the 550 just doesn't ask for a manual ... it asks for an 8spd sport such as BMW delivered. I understand the whole concept of a stick and the reasons why a 550 should have one but it just doesn't fit right. Go smaller in size or M series but the 550 is juuuuuuuust right said Goldilocks.
I understand your point, and agree that an automatic (or even a computer-controlled manual) is the right equipment for most buyers, but for me, lack of a manual would be a deal-breaker.
__________________
2014 F10 M5
Previously...
Threes: '08 E90 M3, '07 E92 335i,
Fives: '11 F10 550i, '02 E39 M5, '00 E39 540i/6, '97 E39 528i, '92 E34 525i
Others: VW, MBz, Peugeot, Toyota, Olds
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 12:52 PM   #9
MI6
The World is Not Enough
MI6's Avatar
United_States
166
Rep
1,088
Posts

Drives: Aston DBS-R
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Skyfall

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by delvek View Post
have to agree with Robinhood on this, the 550 just doesn't ask for a manual ... it asks for an 8spd sport such as BMW delivered. I understand the whole concept of a stick and the reasons why a 550 should have one but it just doesn't fit right. Go smaller in size or M series but the 550 is juuuuuuuust right said Goldilocks.
The last gen 550i had for a short time SMG- I absolutely loved it and really believe it offered the best of both worlds. Unfortunately BMW no longer offers this so that is why I suggested a manual.
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 05:55 PM   #10
ALPINE6SPD
Lieutenant General
ALPINE6SPD's Avatar
United_States
156
Rep
10,411
Posts

Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Highland Lakes NJ

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sealobo View Post
I stopped reading from there.
why you dont like a better fell when driving?
__________________
2010 AW e90 328i: 6 speed, Black Leather, Dark Wood trim, ZPP, ZCW, ZVP,ZSP, Nav, Xenon
BMW Performance CF Rear spolier and Gloss black grills
2008 Candy White MKV GTI 2.0T 6 Speed Manul Gone
2008 AW X3 3.0si: 6 speed Returned
2006 AW e90 330i: 6 speed Dinan Stage 1 Returned
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 08:15 PM   #11
RichReg
Colonel
RichReg's Avatar
United_States
121
Rep
2,099
Posts

Drives: 2015 435Xi GC & 2000 323Ci.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ALPINE6SPD View Post
why you dont like a better fell when driving?
I'm not sure the 550 is offered in HK with a manual trans......?
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 09:38 PM   #12
bdardashti
Captain
bdardashti's Avatar
Canada
47
Rep
998
Posts

Drives: '12 135i
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RichReg View Post
I'm not sure the 550 is offered in HK with a manual trans......?
Manual on the F10 550i is only for US and Canada as far as I know. BMW AG said 550i was auto only. Then the BMW NA and BMW Canada Press Releases said it's 6-speed standard. So I'm pretty sure it's just the two North American countries.
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2010, 11:58 PM   #13
MI6
The World is Not Enough
MI6's Avatar
United_States
166
Rep
1,088
Posts

Drives: Aston DBS-R
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Skyfall

iTrader: (0)

At least Americans know a proper sport sedan (read BMW) and demanded this.

Heck I nearly fainted when I saw "Transporter" for the first time and saw a 7 series with a stick............that was so incredibly awesome.

Can you imagine the F01 with a manual! The ultimate luxury machine meets the ultimate in driving excitement. Or think of it another way- it's like a Victoria Secret model wearing a sharp but conservative business suit and then lingerie and thigh highs on underneath..
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2010, 09:11 PM   #14
Jim_in_Calgary
Private First Class
Jim_in_Calgary's Avatar
Canada
7
Rep
104
Posts

Drives: 2011 535xi MSport - TiAg
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Calgary Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MI6 View Post
At least Americans know a proper sport sedan (read BMW) and demanded this.

Heck I nearly fainted when I saw "Transporter" for the first time and saw a 7 series with a stick............that was so incredibly awesome.

Can you imagine the F01 with a manual! The ultimate luxury machine meets the ultimate in driving excitement. Or think of it another way- it's like a Victoria Secret model wearing a sharp but conservative business suit and then lingerie and thigh highs on underneath..
First Post!

IIRC, I read that the movie car was a custom build with a BMW v10/manual transmission transplant.
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2010, 10:18 PM   #15
uhn2000
Big K...
uhn2000's Avatar
Canada
170
Rep
1,717
Posts

Drives: M3CS BX7
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Toronto, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

I loved your review but sadly disagree with your SMG statement - wish I bought my M5 in manual. I am a manual guy for life and its the SMG experiment and lack of low end torque of that magical V10 that forced me to sell the car - it was just dogging in it in the city and I felt like I was actually damaging the car with my driving conditions - I am craving an M. BMW (please read) needs to continue to offer their premium sedans with a manual gear box. I have no idea how they could abandon this philosophy in Europe considering that they have such a a large manual base in Europe.

On another note I can't believe Porsche has not brought the Panamera in manual to North America - I can't believe how all these companies are just abandoning the manual gear box - I guess its sales numbers.
__________________
Many fun toys... M3CS XB7 FTW!
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2010, 10:19 PM   #16
uhn2000
Big K...
uhn2000's Avatar
Canada
170
Rep
1,717
Posts

Drives: M3CS BX7
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Toronto, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

An F01 - V12 with a manual trans. would be my dream car!
__________________
Many fun toys... M3CS XB7 FTW!
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2010, 10:43 PM   #17
raleedy
Colonel
United_States
160
Rep
2,248
Posts

Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon

iTrader: (0)

In the real world, an automatic 550i will be quicker, more comfortable and more economical than a manual 6-speed. I would not rather be confronted with turbo lag (even if it's slight) with every shift. The best 5-series car for a manual gearbox is the normally aspirated 528i. Of course, that's the very one we don't get to choose in the U.S. Empty suits at BMWNA have determined what it is that we really want. Oh, well — the center console for the manual-shift car is less attractive and less useful than the automatic's. That's a small consolation.
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2010, 10:21 PM   #18
uhn2000
Big K...
uhn2000's Avatar
Canada
170
Rep
1,717
Posts

Drives: M3CS BX7
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Toronto, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by raleedy View Post
In the real world, an automatic 550i will be quicker, more comfortable and more economical than a manual 6-speed. I would not rather be confronted with turbo lag (even if it's slight) with every shift. The best 5-series car for a manual gearbox is the normally aspirated 528i. Of course, that's the very one we don't get to choose in the U.S. Empty suits at BMWNA have determined what it is that we really want. Oh, well — the center console for the manual-shift car is less attractive and less useful than the automatic's. That's a small consolation.
Your bang on with 528i.. I am shocked they did not release it in 6speed.
__________________
Many fun toys... M3CS XB7 FTW!
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2010, 10:57 PM   #19
funbob
Enlisted Member
United_States
1
Rep
36
Posts

Drives: 11 550i 6 speed manual
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Plymouth, MN

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by raleedy View Post
In the real world, an automatic 550i will be quicker, more comfortable and more economical than a manual 6-speed. I would not rather be confronted with turbo lag (even if it's slight) with every shift. The best 5-series car for a manual gearbox is the normally aspirated 528i. Of course, that's the very one we don't get to choose in the U.S. Empty suits at BMWNA have determined what it is that we really want. Oh, well — the center console for the manual-shift car is less attractive and less useful than the automatic's. That's a small consolation.
I guess you forgot to mention how I would have more fun with the 8 speed automatic. That rates pretty high on my list.

I didn't regret having a manual on my 335i or on my mini cooper. Nor did I regret it on the 5 previous cars I had. Some people (they are fewer by the year) enjoy shifting. I doubt I will regret it on my 550i either. I guess I will know in a couple of weeks.
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2010, 09:33 AM   #20
raleedy
Colonel
United_States
160
Rep
2,248
Posts

Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by funbob View Post
I guess you forgot to mention how I would have more fun with the 8 speed automatic. That rates pretty high on my list.

I didn't regret having a manual on my 335i or on my mini cooper. Nor did I regret it on the 5 previous cars I had. Some people (they are fewer by the year) enjoy shifting. I doubt I will regret it on my 550i either. I guess I will know in a couple of weeks.
No argument from me. My 328i stick is a joy to drive. I just wonder, though, whether a turbo combined with a clutch delay valve might nit produce a kind of mechanical neurosis. Hope not!
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2010, 09:38 AM   #21
MBrown1003
Eight Bimmers and counting
United_States
35
Rep
761
Posts

Drives: 2014 F10 M5
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Massachusetts, USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by funbob View Post
I guess you forgot to mention how I would have more fun with the 8 speed automatic. That rates pretty high on my list.

I didn't regret having a manual on my 335i or on my mini cooper. Nor did I regret it on the 5 previous cars I had. Some people (they are fewer by the year) enjoy shifting. I doubt I will regret it on my 550i either. I guess I will know in a couple of weeks.
I'm one of those who enjoy the activity of shifting. I don't even mind it the handful of times each week that I drive in heavy traffic.

Any car suffering "pedal deficit" -- as in, lack of a clutch pedal -- is off my list. At one point, it was a source of personal pride to have two cars that were both ONLY available with 6-speed manuals: a 2002 E39 M5, and a 2003 VW GTI VR6. (The 1.8t engine was available with Tiptronic; the VR6 was only offered with a manual.)

Sooner or later, I'm sure I'll have to give in, but until then, long live the manual shift!
__________________
2014 F10 M5
Previously...
Threes: '08 E90 M3, '07 E92 335i,
Fives: '11 F10 550i, '02 E39 M5, '00 E39 540i/6, '97 E39 528i, '92 E34 525i
Others: VW, MBz, Peugeot, Toyota, Olds
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:38 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST