[notsureyet]

So I was going to order a fully loaded 550i but the guy doing the sale called me and recommended I just get an M5 as it would have better resale value.

What do you guys think? At what point does one flip?

[Silververtu]

If money isn't the issue, go for the M5. I have had both non-M and M version Z4 and I can surely tell you the difference is huge, the thrill from power delivery/suspeninon setup/gearbox, the interior such as Merino leather vs. Dakota leather. Test drive the M and you will not look back to the non-M models.

[HDEddie1]

If resale is an issue for you then have the sales guy do a lease quote for both cars and tell you what the residual is at the end of, say three years. Or, simply check adverts for 3 year old 5 series in your region for some insight on what the market will bear for a used 550i or M5.
Where I live (Southern California), I noticed used M5 nor any five with V8's hold their value (as a percentage of MSRP) compared to the more pedestrian models (ie 535i) and in particular, an M5 out of warranty has a even worse resale prospective. Mostly because of the perceived (or real) cost of maintenance and repairs (preventative or known failures).
Even so, most of us that buy these cars are not concerned as much about these issues, gas milage, social issues, carbon footprint...etc.,. right or wrong.
My 2 cents...NEITHER of these cars are good investments, resale wise. Performance wise, no question...go with the M5. You cannot option a 550i nor pack it with aftermarket tuning to come close to the M5 without coming up to the cost of an M5 so its not a good comparison.
Tipping point? It just depends on where you are on in your head..."value" is so subjective. If resale were my only criteria for a high performance sedan and cost were not an object, I'd go with a MB E55 AMG. Those cars hold quite a resale edge over the M5 (at least in my area).
Interesting prospects nonetheless...please let us know which way you go.

[1HOT BMR]

Originally Posted by notsureyet

So I was going to order a fully loaded 550i but the guy doing the sale called me and recommended I just get an M5 as it would have better resale value.

What do you guys think? At what point does one flip?

Was he at least blushing when he told you the M5 has a better resale value? I guess it would depend on when you are going to resell it. I absolutely love the new M5 but one of the things that is keeping me from buying one IS resale value. M5s are worth nothing after a while so make sure you lease and not purchase - at least you will know up front how much this toy will end up costing you in the end. I'm waitiing until September/October of next year if and when I decide to order mine - demand will be so low that the incentives are sure to be high when the holiday incentives come around.

Like HDEddie1 said, neither one these is a good "investment". BMWs depreciate in direct proportion to their 0-60 times or say the faster they go the quicker you will lose your money

[Bucaro]

I just traded my 550 for an M5. There is no comparison. If you can, go for the M5.

[notsureyet]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

Was he at least blushing when he told you the M5 has a better resale value?

In South Africa, you'd struggle to find a 550i so resale is pretty poor, especially with petrol prices. However, the M5 has cult status so does hold its value fairly well (at least compared to non-M cars).

Originally Posted by Bucaro

I just traded my 550 for an M5. There is no comparison. If you can, go for the M5.

Originally Posted by Silververtu

If money isn't the issue, go for the M5.

Would the M5 be as comfortable/luxurious a ride as the 550i? I'm going to be using it for everyday driving...

[Aussie F10M]

Originally Posted by notsureyet

In South Africa, you'd struggle to find a 550i so resale is pretty poor, especially with petrol prices. However, the M5 has cult status so does hold its value fairly well (at least compared to non-M cars).





Would the M5 be as comfortable/luxurious a ride as the 550i? I'm going to be using it for everyday driving...

The M5 is FAR more luxurious than a 550.

Better leather, more of it, alcantara headliner, additional colours for the leather. The feeling inside is very luxurious.

[1HOT BMR]

Originally Posted by notsureyet

In South Africa, you'd struggle to find a 550i so resale is pretty poor, especially with petrol prices. However, the M5 has cult status so does hold its value fairly well (at least compared to non-M cars).

Would the M5 be as comfortable/luxurious a ride as the 550i? I'm going to be using it for everyday driving...

I missed the whole South Africa thing I was talking about depreciation here in the US so never mind my comments since they do not apply in your case.

The M5 is as comfortable as a 550i and a touch more luxurious but not by much. The ride is a bit firmer and you will feel the difference if the roads you travel are in poor condition. Given the fact (in your country) that the M5 holds its value so much better then it IS a simple decision: M5 is the way to go for you

[URBAN LEGEND]

Originally Posted by Bucaro

I just traded my 550 for an M5. There is no comparison. If you can, go for the M5.

I did the same a few weeks ago. The 550i is a piece of crap. I hated/hate that car. M5 is legend.

Go M5 or go home.

[URBAN LEGEND]

Originally Posted by notsureyet

Would the M5 be as comfortable/luxurious a ride as the 550i? I'm going to be using it for everyday driving...

Yes. It has 3 EDC settings to play with. You wont regret the M5. I dont think anyone would.

[BigKutta]

If cost is not a consideration, then certainly go for the M5. Why not?

[lindros2]

As a former Nissan GT-R owner (which one can argue is a $40k "premium" over an Infiniti G37), you will not compare the two cars (550i vs. M5) after 10 minutes of ownership. People will accelerate to take a look, valets will keep the car in front, and kids will take photos. The drive is extraordinary.

However, be prepared to support the premium. Service has to be followed to the word. Driving on suspect roads becomes a white-knuckle chore - I have a hell of a time with potholes with the 19" wheels on my 535i, and can't even imagine what I'd have to deal with on a M5's 20" rims (although my GT-R had more durable RFT's than the crap on my 5-series).

So in summary - while the M5 looks like a 5-series with fancy wheels and a body kit, there is MUCH more. Watch the video from an early (Spring? Summer? 2012) engineering walk-through/reveal and you'll learn about all of the unique parts.

[Seattle335]

Isn't car-jacking a consideration in South Africa? Is the M5 a better prospect for the potential 'jacker? On the other hand if you see something suspect, you can book it faster with the M5.

[E92///M3]

m5 is a sexy car but when I'm not crazy about sport oriented cars with 4 doors but when I see it in person, it doesn't seem to bother me at all.

[P-Town550i]

I miss my e92 M3. Thought I wanted different with my 550i Dinan S3...but will be going back to M after this lease. M4, here I come.. Until then....loving the bloated torque sled.

[Lee]

Originally Posted by P-Town550i

Until then....loving the bloated torque sled.

Exactly

[Russkey]

Originally Posted by P-Town550i

I miss my e92 M3. Thought I wanted different with my 550i Dinan S3...but will be going back to M after this lease. M4, here I come.. Until then....loving the bloated torque sled.

Exactly what I'm planning to do

[Thrumcap]

Have e92 M3, need AWD for next car. Was thinking 550i Xdrive but I am now starting to lean towards Audi S6. Hate to leave BMW but the comments on here make the 550 sound like a total dud in the fun to drive, performance category.
Anyone think the LCI will fix some of the issues? In addition to the healthy power bump, I understand the steering issues will also be addressed.

[1HOT BMR]

Originally Posted by Thrumcap

Hate to leave BMW but the comments on here make the 550 sound like a total dud in the fun to drive, performance category.

My 550i is not a total dud and it is a lot of fun to drive, one just needs to order the right stuff and replace the tires. I have driven all the roads I have enjoyed with my sports car and I can tell you that I find my 550 a lot of fun to drive. It is eager to change direction cornering absolutely flat with no roll whatsoever and accompanied by a very sharp and controlled transient response. Few people seem to understand that this is not meant to be a harsh riding, feel every bump, fight the steering pull, kind of car. This is just the perfect two cars in one: a fantastic luxury cruiser and a fun and powerful sports sedan.

BTW, I have no idea how good (or bad) the new S6 will be but given my previous Audi encounters I very much doubt that the S6 will be better than my 550i. Also, by the time you add a couple of options to the S6 you will be in M5 territory and that is a different story

[dunderhi]

Given the same dollar amount to spend on each car, I would pick a Dinan5 (550xi-based) over the M5, but I'm partial to AWD cars.

[JimmyD]

Just a thought, but get the 550i moderately loaded, and take the 30grand you save and buy a slightly used corvette...

[Thrumcap]

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

My 550i is not a total dud and it is a lot of fun to drive, one just needs to order the right stuff and replace the tires. I have driven all the roads I have enjoyed with my sports car and I can tell you that I find my 550 a lot of fun to drive. It is eager to change direction cornering absolutely flat with no roll whatsoever and accompanied by a very sharp and controlled transient response. Few people seem to understand that this is not meant to be a harsh riding, feel every bump, fight the steering pull, kind of car. This is just the perfect two cars in one: a fantastic luxury cruiser and a fun and powerful sports sedan.

BTW, I have no idea how good (or bad) the new S6 will be but given my previous Audi encounters I very much doubt that the S6 will be better than my 550i. Also, by the time you add a couple of options to the S6 you will be in M5 territory and that is a different story

As far as the S6, Car and Driver picked it over the M5 and E63. I haven't read a negative review yet. I would love to stay with BMW but they aren't making it easy for me. I will be paying close attention to the upcoming LCI changes in hopes that the 550 stacks up better to the S6.