LCI N63Tu 550i owners I want you

jzcrna · 02-26-2016, 07:46 AM

I'm very close to shelling out for a 2016 550i. A demo with 5000 miles that is just about 20% off of MSRP.

I need to hear from those of you who have the N63Tu version. I'm back and forth. I find this to be an outstanding opportunity to wash away some negative equity and have a car that I've always wanted. However, it's obviously expensive and unnecessary.

Who had bought a 550i and never regretted one moment of it, despite the increased cost?

I almost hope someone buys it before I pull the trigger haha. Who has moved from a 528i or 535i to a 550i?

Thanks!

r33_RGSport · 02-26-2016, 08:34 AM

I have moved from F10 528i to F15 35i and to F06 650i.
I personally regretted why I didn't go with 535 when I got my X5 35i. No I regretted why I didn't get X5 50i after I got my 650i.

Pretty much, if you can get a good deal and still within your budget, go ahead. You won't regret it.
The only regret that I have now, I was that close to get back into a Porsche, but this good deal was lurking in front of my face.

jzcrna · 02-26-2016, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

I have moved from F10 528i to F15 35i and to F06 650i.
I personally regretted why I didn't go with 535 when I got my X5 35i. No I regretted why I didn't get X5 50i after I got my 650i.

Pretty much, if you can get a good deal and still within your budget, go ahead. You won't regret it.
The only regret that I have now, I was that close to get back into a Porsche, but this good deal was lurking in front of my face.

Its a terrible sickness we have. Theres a difference between being able to make payments and AFFORD haha.

I actually have an X535i M Sport on the back burner within the next few months if I don't lease this 550I. I have always loved this motor, just don't want to end up with a problematic car either.

Pimpsy · 02-26-2016, 10:18 PM

I moved from a 535 to a 550. The 550 is much more fun to drive. I think it would be very hard to find someone that regrets the upgrade.

Test drive both and you'll know what to do.

visualguy · 02-26-2016, 11:14 PM

The 550i is a comfortable car with good handling and a strong engine. The main concern with it is the questionable engine longevity.

If I was going to buy, I would get the Audi S6. It's a better car overall, and has a more reliable engine, although I prefer the look of the 550i.

Leasing is a different story... The reliability concerns aren't as relevant, and the terms are much better on the 550i than the S6, so I would go with the 550i, which is what I personally did in fact...

I don't regret it, and I would do it again, but the great lease deal played a big part.

I like many things about the 550i, and it's a very good car but I can't say I love it... The throttle response is non-linear, and a bit unpredictable. There's noticeable turbo lag. Not much steering feel. Slight steering wheel vibration at idle. The drive isn't engaging - almost no engine sound or sense of acceleration (even when accelerating very fast). The run-flat tires are still inferior to non-RFTs - not horrible on the F10, but still somewhat annoying on occasion. Gas consumption is high, and the gas tank should really be larger - I have to visit the gas station too often.

lemetier · 02-27-2016, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzcrna

I'm very close to shelling out for a 2016 550i. A demo with 5000 miles that is just about 20% off of MSRP.

I need to hear from those of you who have the N63Tu version. I'm back and forth. I find this to be an outstanding opportunity to wash away some negative equity and have a car that I've always wanted. However, it's obviously expensive and unnecessary.

Who had bought a 550i and never regretted one moment of it, despite the increased cost?

I almost hope someone buys it before I pull the trigger haha. Who has moved from a 528i or 535i to a 550i?

Thanks!

Is this more of a concern over it having the N63Tu motor and the issues the original N63T are presenting, or is it something else?

Pimpsy · 02-27-2016, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by visualguy

I like many things about the 550i, and it's a very good car but I can't say I love it... The throttle response is non-linear, and a bit unpredictable. There's noticeable turbo lag. Not much steering feel. Slight steering wheel vibration at idle. The drive isn't engaging - almost no engine sound or sense of acceleration (even when accelerating very fast). The run-flat tires are still inferior to non-RFTs - not horrible on the F10, but still somewhat annoying on occasion. Gas consumption is high, and the gas tank should really be larger - I have to visit the gas station too often.

Agree 100% although my steering wheel was pretty solid at idle. That is until I installed a meisterschaft exhaust and now the car vibrates like crazy. The sound is fun except in the drone range, but the car was as smooth as glass with the stock exhaust and now it isn't. A sprint booster/Stage 1 setup really helps with the turbo lag but it still doesn't have a "direct" feel.

Potholes in NJ are flat out insane, and the car does not handle them well. Jarring impacts and bent rims, even in comfort+. Not sure how much is the RFTs as I haven't tried regular tires. I have though had several flats and the ability to drive the car to a dealership for repair was invaluable.

Steering does not feel connected and the car does feel squirrely sometimes when braking hard and changing lanes. That said, the steering is ok and the car feels pretty planted. Doesn't inspire confidence but feels more luxurious.

I do love the car. The interior design, external looks, the features, the transmission, raw acceleration, and the smooth power delivery are all pros. As far as a perfect car though it's maybe 80-85% of the way there. It could be improved a great deal.

jzcrna · 02-27-2016, 09:56 AM

thanks for the negatives as well as the positives. This is going to sound bad, but part of me wants the 550i just because it is big and bad. I could be very satisfied with a 535i or even a 528i would make much better sense, but there is no replacing that feeling 5 years ago when I saw an Alpine White 550i MSport cruising down the freeway and there's no replacing the feeling I had when I took my buddy's X550i for a thrilling joyride. I can't see myself being disappointed.

The fit and finish of my upcoming vehicle is pristine with its leather dashboard, Ceramic controls, Nappa Leather and LED lights.

It's going to hurt the wallet just a bit, but I think it's going to be totally worth it ;-)

Plus, I'm leading, so there is no way that I can get bored with this car in three years like I have many others. Settling for the 528i or 535i (Great cars nonetheless) would have left me regretting passing this car by.

CaboM4 · 02-27-2016, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzcrna

I'm very close to shelling out for a 2016 550i. A demo with 5000 miles that is just about 20% off of MSRP.

I need to hear from those of you who have the N63Tu version. I'm back and forth. I find this to be an outstanding opportunity to wash away some negative equity and have a car that I've always wanted. However, it's obviously expensive and unnecessary.

Who had bought a 550i and never regretted one moment of it, despite the increased cost?

I almost hope someone buys it before I pull the trigger haha. Who has moved from a 528i or 535i to a 550i?

Thanks!

Had an '11 535ix (N55) ... then to '14 LCI 550ix (N63Tu) ... now have an F85 '16 X5M on order with the S63Tu

I have had nothing but positive experiences with these 2 current BMWs ... never any engine/drivetrain issues ... however never went past 50k on either ... lease @ 45k/36months

The increased power from N55 to N63Tu is intoxicating and as you can see ... now I crave more power and am moving to the S63Tu (because I love retarded unnecessary things ... and spending unnecessary $$ on fuel since the F85 gets horrible MPG

). I think you will be very pleased with the decision to move to hte 550 and should be quite satisfied. I personally do not want a 3rd F10, and an moving to the X5 for a change, as I'm bored with the 5er ... don't want to wait for a G30. I would have been ok with the X5 50i (as far as power is concerned) ... however for $200/month more I can go hog wild on a fully loaded X5M with a marginally nicer interior and exterior over the X5 50i M-Sport fully-loaded

Hope this helps corrupt your responsible thought process and go for the fun decision and get the F10 550i!

CaboM4 · 02-27-2016, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanM

Potholes in NJ are flat out insane, and the car does not handle them well. Jarring impacts and bent rims, even in comfort+. Not sure how much is the RFTs as I haven't tried regular tires. I have though had several flats and the ability to drive the car to a dealership for repair was invaluable.

Yes ... potholes in NJ are the worst! I have had 18 RFTs replaced, 3 rims (19" M-Sport), and have had bent rims "fixed" 4 times since the inception of the lease on the F10 550ix. (Gotta Love that Tire & Wheel insurance!!!!)

With that said, I had ZERO issues with the same tire/wheel package on my F10 '11 535ix M-Sport. My thoughts behind this is that I drive much faster in the 550 than I ever did in the 535, and the quality of the roads from 2011-2013 vs. 2013 to present in NJ have deteriorated substantially ... so there you have it beware of potholes & the Good Year Eagle LS2 Run-on-Flat tires ... get the insurance plan and enjoy the ability to drive straight to the dealer (without getting yourself dirty changing over to a spare time) for a $50 Deductible each time you get a tire replaced!

jzcrna · 02-29-2016, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaboM4

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzcrna

I'm very close to shelling out for a 2016 550i. A demo with 5000 miles that is just about 20% off of MSRP.

I need to hear from those of you who have the N63Tu version. I'm back and forth. I find this to be an outstanding opportunity to wash away some negative equity and have a car that I've always wanted. However, it's obviously expensive and unnecessary.

Who had bought a 550i and never regretted one moment of it, despite the increased cost?

I almost hope someone buys it before I pull the trigger haha. Who has moved from a 528i or 535i to a 550i?

Thanks!

Had an '11 535ix (N55) ... then to '14 LCI 550ix (N63Tu) ... now have an F85 '16 X5M on order with the S63Tu

I have had nothing but positive experiences with these 2 current BMWs ... never any engine/drivetrain issues ... however never went past 50k on either ... lease @ 45k/36months

The increased power from N55 to N63Tu is intoxicating and as you can see ... now I crave more power and am moving to the S63Tu (because I love retarded unnecessary things ... and spending unnecessary $$ on fuel since the F85 gets horrible MPG

). I think you will be very pleased with the decision to move to hte 550 and should be quite satisfied. I personally do not want a 3rd F10, and an moving to the X5 for a change, as I'm bored with the 5er ... don't want to wait for a G30. I would have been ok with the X5 50i (as far as power is concerned) ... however for $200/month more I can go hog wild on a fully loaded X5M with a marginally nicer interior and exterior over the X5 50i M-Sport fully-loaded

Hope this helps corrupt your responsible thought process and go for the fun decision and get the F10 550i!

OMG! That's awesome! Just what I needed to hear. I started out looking at 528i's and then 535i's and the cost difference between a 528i and 550i lease demo was only a little over $100 difference, especially with the discount on the demo 2016 I'm getting.

Im getting buyers remorse over and over again, think of how dumb a decision this is and that I'm taking money from my family, etc. silly stuff, but everyone needs a hobby. Those thoughts should disappear once I drive that thing home from Atlanta.

Congrats on the X5M, that thing is going to be a beast. I was really close to getting a brand new X5 35i, but this 550 was the same cost!!

Maybe next time it will be an X6 50i or X5 50i when this negative equity is washed away in 3 years ;-)

DDD31 · 02-29-2016, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzcrna

OMG! That's awesome! Just what I needed to hear. I started out looking at 528i's and then 535i's and the cost difference between a 528i and 550i lease demo was only a little over $100 difference, especially with the discount on the demo 2016 I'm getting.

Im getting buyers remorse over and over again, think of how dumb a decision this is and that I'm taking money from my family, etc. silly stuff, but everyone needs a hobby. Those thoughts should disappear once I drive that thing home from Atlanta.

Congrats on the X5M, that thing is going to be a beast. I was really close to getting a brand new X5 35i, but this 550 was the same cost!!

Maybe next time it will be an X6 50i or X5 50i when this negative equity is washed away in 3 years ;-)

I had the same feeling of buyers remorse when I picked up my 550 this past weekend but got over really quick once I buried the accelerator. You're going to love the car.

mragarg · 03-01-2016, 11:56 AM

I never regretted owning my F10 LCI 550i.

Everyday, I'll walk up to my car and unlock it from the remote, that way I can see the Angel Eyes shine right before I get into the car. After getting situated into the driver's seat, I press the start button and all I hear is the roar of the V8 turbo under the hood. Sometimes, I'll press the gas slightly to hear it rumble giving me goosebumps no matter how many times I've started the car. After a good amount of time went by to let the car warm up, I lower all the windows and play some music through the Harmon Kardon sound system. Being an audiophile, the system performs quite well, obviously not perfect and amazing like the Bang and Olufsen system but still better than my previous Lexus.

When I drive the car, most of the time I'm in Comfort+ mode. The ride is so smooth and so is the acceleration. Whenever I want to pass a car, it's so easy because there's so much power under the hood. There are times where I'll look down at the speedometer and notice I'm going 100 mph. You can not tell the car is going this fast!

But there are times where I put the car in Sport+ mode. That's when it's really fun and exciting. I'll slam down the gas and the car just forces your head back into the seat! You feel the suspension tighten up and the steering wheel get heavier. You just fly by cars with such ease! It puts a huge smile on my face every time! When I have an open road, sometimes I turn off traction control completely and just let the tires spin.

But yea, that's my experience in the car. I highly recommend it.

MissionPerformance · 03-03-2016, 09:20 PM

20% off MSRP is a good deal, as long as the car is well equipped. In the F10 world, packages DO matter. A well packaged 535i will always feel as a much better buy then 550i.

We had a 535i for a while at our shop. The car felt good, but nothing special. Switching to a fully loaded 2015 550i was a huge upgrade. Pair that with 580hp and you get yourself a very fun car that you just never want to stop driving.

jzcrna · 03-04-2016, 10:12 AM

Thanks guys, I cannot wait! This car should not leave me disappointed for the three years I have it, unless its a lemon. Im glad that I didn't "settle".

BardG · 03-05-2016, 08:44 AM

I bought a 2015 550xi last year, I love the car. Before I took delivery I had an Eisenmann exhaust system installed as I wanted to hear that V8, and I had the Dinan suspension and dampers installed, lowering the car a bit and firming up the ride. For a a large car it actually handles quite well.

As often said, it has effortless power, I believe a car this size needs this kind of power (well maybe not quite as much, but it's way better matched than my previous 535)

There are times when the power doesn't come on the way I want it too, but you get to learn the car, and the power is intoxicating, most of the time way more than I need but it's so much fun to know you have it when you want it. No doubt it's a bit of a pig on fuel, but it's way more fun to drive than my 535, and believe it or not, I like it more than my RS4 (totally different cars I know)

I have no regrets, it's a great car, so far I've had zero issues, I just enjoy it every day.

02-26-2016, 07:46 AM	#1
jzcrna Captain 167 Rep 975 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I'm very close to shelling out for a 2016 550i. A demo with 5000 miles that is just about 20% off of MSRP. I need to hear from those of you who have the N63Tu version. I'm back and forth. I find this to be an outstanding opportunity to wash away some negative equity and have a car that I've always wanted. However, it's obviously expensive and unnecessary. Who had bought a 550i and never regretted one moment of it, despite the increased cost? I almost hope someone buys it before I pull the trigger haha. Who has moved from a 528i or 535i to a 550i? Thanks!
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02-26-2016, 08:34 AM	#2
r33_RGSport General 12964 Rep 18,712 Posts Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (6)	I have moved from F10 528i to F15 35i and to F06 650i. I personally regretted why I didn't go with 535 when I got my X5 35i. No I regretted why I didn't get X5 50i after I got my 650i. Pretty much, if you can get a good deal and still within your budget, go ahead. You won't regret it. The only regret that I have now, I was that close to get back into a Porsche, but this good deal was lurking in front of my face. __________________ Email:sales@rgsport.com \| IG:RGSport_USA \| Web:RGSportShop.com PM for Everyday DEALS!! MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
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02-26-2016, 10:18 PM	#4
Pimpsy Captain 420 Rep 862 Posts Drives: 2019 M5C Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I moved from a 535 to a 550. The 550 is much more fun to drive. I think it would be very hard to find someone that regrets the upgrade. Test drive both and you'll know what to do. __________________ Retired 2016 BMW 550i xDrive MSport \| 2013 BMW 550i xDrive MSport \| 2012 BMW 535i xDrive \| 1988 BMW 325ic \| 1984 BMW 318i
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02-26-2016, 11:14 PM	#5
visualguy Captain 183 Rep 795 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	The 550i is a comfortable car with good handling and a strong engine. The main concern with it is the questionable engine longevity. If I was going to buy, I would get the Audi S6. It's a better car overall, and has a more reliable engine, although I prefer the look of the 550i. Leasing is a different story... The reliability concerns aren't as relevant, and the terms are much better on the 550i than the S6, so I would go with the 550i, which is what I personally did in fact... I don't regret it, and I would do it again, but the great lease deal played a big part. I like many things about the 550i, and it's a very good car but I can't say I love it... The throttle response is non-linear, and a bit unpredictable. There's noticeable turbo lag. Not much steering feel. Slight steering wheel vibration at idle. The drive isn't engaging - almost no engine sound or sense of acceleration (even when accelerating very fast). The run-flat tires are still inferior to non-RFTs - not horrible on the F10, but still somewhat annoying on occasion. Gas consumption is high, and the gas tank should really be larger - I have to visit the gas station too often.
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02-27-2016, 09:56 AM	#8
jzcrna Captain 167 Rep 975 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	thanks for the negatives as well as the positives. This is going to sound bad, but part of me wants the 550i just because it is big and bad. I could be very satisfied with a 535i or even a 528i would make much better sense, but there is no replacing that feeling 5 years ago when I saw an Alpine White 550i MSport cruising down the freeway and there's no replacing the feeling I had when I took my buddy's X550i for a thrilling joyride. I can't see myself being disappointed. The fit and finish of my upcoming vehicle is pristine with its leather dashboard, Ceramic controls, Nappa Leather and LED lights. It's going to hurt the wallet just a bit, but I think it's going to be totally worth it ;-) Plus, I'm leading, so there is no way that I can get bored with this car in three years like I have many others. Settling for the 528i or 535i (Great cars nonetheless) would have left me regretting passing this car by.
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03-01-2016, 11:56 AM	#13
mragarg Second Lieutenant 64 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 550i Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	I never regretted owning my F10 LCI 550i. Everyday, I'll walk up to my car and unlock it from the remote, that way I can see the Angel Eyes shine right before I get into the car. After getting situated into the driver's seat, I press the start button and all I hear is the roar of the V8 turbo under the hood. Sometimes, I'll press the gas slightly to hear it rumble giving me goosebumps no matter how many times I've started the car. After a good amount of time went by to let the car warm up, I lower all the windows and play some music through the Harmon Kardon sound system. Being an audiophile, the system performs quite well, obviously not perfect and amazing like the Bang and Olufsen system but still better than my previous Lexus. When I drive the car, most of the time I'm in Comfort+ mode. The ride is so smooth and so is the acceleration. Whenever I want to pass a car, it's so easy because there's so much power under the hood. There are times where I'll look down at the speedometer and notice I'm going 100 mph. You can not tell the car is going this fast! But there are times where I put the car in Sport+ mode. That's when it's really fun and exciting. I'll slam down the gas and the car just forces your head back into the seat! You feel the suspension tighten up and the steering wheel get heavier. You just fly by cars with such ease! It puts a huge smile on my face every time! When I have an open road, sometimes I turn off traction control completely and just let the tires spin. But yea, that's my experience in the car. I highly recommend it. __________________ 2007 Lexus ES350 2007 Lexus RX350 2005 Lexus ES330 1972 Mercedes Benz 280 SEL 2014 BMW 550i
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03-03-2016, 09:20 PM	#14
MissionPerformance 1506 Rep 676 Posts Drives: '17 F31 340xi US Spec Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: The Woodlands, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 F31 328d RWD W ... [0.00] 2015 BMW 550I [0.00] 2010 BMW X5 35D [0.00]	20% off MSRP is a good deal, as long as the car is well equipped. In the F10 world, packages DO matter. A well packaged 535i will always feel as a much better buy then 550i. We had a 535i for a while at our shop. The car felt good, but nothing special. Switching to a fully loaded 2015 550i was a huge upgrade. Pair that with 580hp and you get yourself a very fun car that you just never want to stop driving.
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03-04-2016, 10:12 AM	#15
jzcrna Captain 167 Rep 975 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys, I cannot wait! This car should not leave me disappointed for the three years I have it, unless its a lemon. Im glad that I didn't "settle".
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03-05-2016, 08:44 AM	#16
BardG Lieutenant 213 Rep 482 Posts Drives: 2019 M550xi Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	I bought a 2015 550xi last year, I love the car. Before I took delivery I had an Eisenmann exhaust system installed as I wanted to hear that V8, and I had the Dinan suspension and dampers installed, lowering the car a bit and firming up the ride. For a a large car it actually handles quite well. As often said, it has effortless power, I believe a car this size needs this kind of power (well maybe not quite as much, but it's way better matched than my previous 535) There are times when the power doesn't come on the way I want it too, but you get to learn the car, and the power is intoxicating, most of the time way more than I need but it's so much fun to know you have it when you want it. No doubt it's a bit of a pig on fuel, but it's way more fun to drive than my 535, and believe it or not, I like it more than my RS4 (totally different cars I know) I have no regrets, it's a great car, so far I've had zero issues, I just enjoy it every day.
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