[Raubtier]

Hi Everybody!

I am on my 3rd BMW: leased a 335is, 435i, m240i, all coupes as you see. I need a bigger car now and I used to have an Infiniti M37 which was OK, but drove a bit like a boat. I don't want to lease anymore. A friend is selling his 2016 550i for $31K, original sticker $70K. The car has 20K miles on it, well maintained. I drive 12k miles a year, it would be a daily driver, Covid permitting. I would obviously want to keep it for at least 6 years, so reliability is important. I appreciate any thoughts you may have but would really love to hear from 550i owners. BTW, I have not driven it yet since my friend lives 300 miles away, but I drove the 535i and it was fine, but can't probably compare to the 550i. Would it be a mistake?

Thanks!!

P.S. How's body roll in it (the 550 I am considering has the sport package) - coming from all these coupes I noticed I am sensitive to it when I drove the 2018 340i Msport and hated it while the new M340i does not have it to that degree.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Raubtier

...
P.S. How's body roll in it (the 550 I am considering has the sport package) - coming from all these coupes I noticed I am sensitive to it when I drove the 2018 340i Msport and hated it while the new M340i does not have it to that degree.

That being the case you will HATE the F10. It is more of a luxury cruiser than a sports coupé.

[wcr3d]

+1
But so will all cars this size.

[beegeezy]

Body roll can absolutely be eliminated with stiffer springs, thicker roll bars, chassis bracing, etc. It just depends on how much comfort you want to sacrifice. It's a 4000+ lb sedan, so the physics are what they are.

[msiegel117]

I just purchased a 2016 535 xdrive. MY previous car was a 2016 corvette. I had a very similar situation. The Corvette was amazing but not a great daily driver. I went to the 535 (maybe a bit different that the 550) but I love it. I would agree with a previous comment that this is NOT a sports car. It is a sedan. But I would also add that while in sport mode, the car has enough get up and go and handles fairly well. It wont turn on a dime but I really have no complaints.

[Thecastle]

my 2011 335d was more fun to drive than my 2016 550i. The 2016 550i has been reliable, comfortable and a nice place to spend long drives. I had a hard time with the lack of sportiness at 1st, but I purchased it to give me calmness while driving and not feel that everyone is driving too slowly. I find it to be very relaxing to drive with plenty of performance. Its a 4000lbs sedan..

[philipm785]

I really enjoy my 2016 550i, and that's coming from a 2012 335i. I think you need to go in with the right expectations regarding the way the size impacts dynamics, but I find this car very enjoyable to drive and even fun to push a little. I do have the 704 sport suspension, which I'm sure helps. Is there a way you could drive one to form your own opinion before deciding?

[Thecastle]

I'll mention too that my 2016 550i has been the most reliable BMW I've owned yet. It is a N63TU and it has about 68K miles now. I've had some minor issues like an 02 sensor failure (covered by dealer) and a faulty charcoal canister valve. Both threw check engine lights and made no impact in drivability. Otherwise nothing else has gone wrong, both happened about a year ago.

It burns 0 oil, runs great, averages 18mpg around town and about 24 on the highway (xDrive). Better than a pickup / large SUV but worse than a 3 series or a diesel.

The only other things I've done to the car are replace the battery, replace the rain tray due to it become brittle and falling apart. Spark plugs, engine air filters, cabin filters, changed the oil every 5-6K miles because dealer has been offering $29-$49 specials. Also have changed the Xfer, Diff's and Trans fluid today. Will do the coolant and a 90c thermostat in the near future.