[giants84]

Hows it going, trying to figure out if it's worth waiting for the 2013 model. Seems to be a lot of confusion on the changes, from what I understand only the GT is getting the HP upgrade right? Also is there any changes in the options, does ARS come standard or still an option. If someone has some info on it I would really appreciate, thank you.

[Stonehauler]

First time poster here, but i've been lurking here for a while and posting on the "other" forum.

I have ordered a 2013 550, so from what I have ordered, this is my understanding
The 550 will NOT receive the technical upgrade (power, torque, and MPG improvements) for the 2013 model year.
The M-Sport package is cosmetic only, but there are a few things that will require M-Sport, such as the sport transmission.
ARS is not standard (to my knowledge it never was), but it only comes with Dynamic Damper Control in the Dynamic Handling package. The Dynamic Handling Package is $3,500, the Dynamic Damper Control is also available as a stand along option at $1,000 (all prices USD)
Multi-Contour seats are standard on the 550, but the active and ventilated only come with a package.
Fold down rear seats are now standard, so the cold weather package costs less now.
There is a new executive package, and if you want comfort access, you must get the executive package to get it, as it is no longer a stand alone option (this also means you get Power Tailgate, Soft Close Doors, HUD, Sat radio, Premium sound, smartphone integration, BMW Apps, the 6WA instrument cluster (not the 6WB cluster they are getting in Europe,)and ceramic controls.

NOW, all that said, there is a SLIGHT possibility....SLIGHT...that the Technical Upgrade for the engine could come with the 550 this year. The GT is already getting it, as is the 7. There are reports out there that the 550 will get the upgrade, but there are conflicting reports as well saying BMW is neither confirming or denying. There may be a mechanical reason the 550 can not get the upgrade until the refresh (different cooling requirements that need more airflow from the grill for instance).

If you order now, you can only get a 2013. If you buy off the lot, you can get a 2012, and you can probably get some good incentives as well. I have always ordered my cars, because I keep them a long time and I want to get EXACTLY what I want.

Whatever you decide, good luck with your purchase.

Stonehauler

[giants84]

Thanks for the info, sounds like waiting for the 2013 might be a good idea, by the way is the new electronic dash standard on the 2013 or an option? Thanks again.

[Stonehauler]

Originally Posted by Stonehauler

... the 6WA instrument cluster (not the 6WB cluster they are getting in Europe,)

Stonehauler

From my understanding the new electronic dash is the 6WB option, which will not be here until 2014. While it is available in Europe, there is a reported delay for US production.

There are some nice posts on the 6WA electronic dash in this forum, and it's different than the standard dash, but it's not the Multi-Function Instrument Device (6WB option). Again, this is my understanding, but as I do not work for BMW in any way, I have no way to be certain other than what I see/read in forums and news reports. If you are interested, do a search for the 6WA option in the forums here.

There are also reports that the Nav system and the i-drive were upgraded as well for 2013. I don't know if this will solve the problem people are reporting with BMW nav routing solutions, but we can hope. I believe it is supposed to be the same as the Nav from the new 3 series, but perhaps someone can confirm if that Nav solves the routing problem.

Stonehauler

[Stonehauler]

Here is a good thread regarding the new cluster.http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthre...&highlight=6WA

[Stonehauler]

Sorry, just one more thing (starting to sound like Columbo)

If we do get the new engine, expect it to come with auto stop/start, which is not currently on the 550 (2012).

The new engine and auto stop/start is rumored to have an increase of 5.6 or so Imperial MPG (it was a British site I got the numbers from) on the GT over the current engine. I would expect that to move the 550 from 22mpg (20 on 550xi) to around 26 or 27 highway and 24-25 mpg on the xdrive version....again, only if stop/start and new new engine come out on the 2013 model.

[M2COMP]

My CA has told me that 550 sedan will get the HP and Torque upgrade, but again I don't believe him 100% until the car comes out. There are conflicting reports.