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 F10 / F11 5-Series Photos - Video - Media ||| Alan's F10 2.0 - LCI 550 Content ||| Update - New Pics on Page 8!
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-14-2013, 11:10 PM   #1
Alan l.
Major General
Alan l.'s Avatar
5279
Rep
8,742
Posts

Drives: 2020 F95 X5M Competition
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: United States

iTrader: (9)

||| Alan's F10 2.0 - LCI 550 Content ||| Update - New Pics on Page 8!

First off let me make this clear. This thread is about MY car and MY review of it. Nobody has to agree with my review which is perfectly fine. I am basing my review against my 2013 535xi with Dynamic Damper Control and ACS springs/M5 FSB.

Ok now that I got that out of the way here's my review of my 2014 550i Msport without the 704 suspension It has been a long day of modding since I took delivery this morning and I put about 100 miles on the car so far. Exhaust, front lip, trunk spoiler, rear diffuser, black grills, painted reflectors all done already... ACS springs going in tomorrow...

Here are the major differences between the two cars

535xi vs 550i
300hp vs 445hp
AWD vs RWD
Hydraulic Steering vs Electric Steering
GY All Season Tire RFTs vs Dunlop Summer Tire RFTs


First up....

Handling

So how does the LCI Msport handle without the Msport suspension? Way better than my DDC 535xi stock vs stock. The instant I swapped cars I noticed how the LCI has more road feel than my old car pulling out from the dealership. It feels sportier than my 535xi even in Sport mode but some how it soaks up the bumps better! I don't know how they did it but all i know is that the ride feels sportier but at the same time more comfortable when going over bumps. My 535xi would exhibit much more understeer at the limit while the LCI 550 feels very neutral to me. It has more oversteering tendency than my old car for sure which I like. For those of you who live in NY should be familiar with the Southern State Parkway where the road has lots of long winding curves and it is the perfect road to test out the suspension. I was able to maneuver the 550 into and out of those curves without any issues. Not once did i felt like the car was bouncing around being too soft etc... No question that the new car out handles the old one stock for stock. Much more enjoyable to drive imo.

What I don't like? Wheel gap. In person the gap doesn't look any larger than other Msports i've seen around and on par with my stock 535xi ddc suspension. During high speed bumps I did feel like the suspension could have been a little more firm because I felt it float just a bit when going over consecutive dips/bumps going at a high rate of speed. I am hoping that after I get the ACS springs installed it will improve the handling even further as well as eliminating that horrible wheel gap.

After taking delivery of my car it really makes me wonder if all this fuss about the 704 suspension is even worth all the headache. While it might not be as firm as it could have been but at the same time this car handles quite well and takes bumps like nothing. Like KA's review.....the leader in raving about the 704 suspension even said in his LCI test drive that the difference isn't all that noticeable. Not like some guys here make it sound like the LCI with the base suspension feels like a 1988 caddy riding on air and how it is the worst handling BMW ever created.

Power

One word - Amazing. Even with the JB tune on my 535xi it doesn't even come close to the power the new N63TU motor is putting down. Tons of power anywhere. 7th and 8th gear is actually useful for me now since the car has enough power to accelerate even in those high gears. 445hp is plenty for this car!

Interior

Not a fan of the new steering wheel compared to the old Msport one. Yes it does look sportier but doesn't flow as well as the old wheel design wise. Buttons are harder to reach as well as the horn due to the smaller contact area. Build quality seems about the same as the old one so no complaints there. I'm sure I will get use to the new wheel but initial response was why did they have to mess with an already great steering wheel?

Ivory white interior. My old car had black nappa and now the new car has Ivory white nappa. Huge difference for sure and it took me awhile to get use to it. Its growing on me the more I drive the car. I'm thinking I should have went with Mocha instead but we'll see. Ivory combo gives the interior a different upscale look. Its not as white as i thought it would be. In reality it looks more like Lemon / cream color. The lighter interior color def. makes the cabin feel more open and airy. Wife seems to love it and I'm sure my baby girl would prefer it over the cave like look of the old car.

iDrive knob. That thing is a big boy compared to the old one. Takes some getting use to rotating such a big knob. I tested out the hand writing thing and it seems pretty quick and accurate. Will need to mess around with it more to really judge how the new system is.

Exterior

The biggest change here were my LED headlights. This is a must have IMO. The car looks so much more aggressive with the squared halos and blacked out headlights. The rear lights looks so similar you don't even notice that its different unless you had the two next to each other.

Thats about it for now. I will update this thread once I have a chance to take a few pictures of the car and get the ACS springs installed as well as tint. I am pretty exhausted right now driving around all day plus installing all of my mods in this nasty hot and humid weather.

Alan

Update- ACS Springs installed and Calipers painted



Update - Wincos 30% tint done and the car is complete

Mods on so far...

3D Design Front Lip
Painted Front Reflector
BMW Performance Rear Diffuser in Gloss Black
BMW Performance Trunk lip
BMW Performance Black Grills
Gloss Black Badge
Gloss Black Side Marker
Gloss Black Calipers
AC Schnitzer Springs
20" Morr VS8.2 with Michelin PSS Tires
Supersprint Quad Exhaust
Wincos 30% Tint
M550d/650 16mm Rear Sway Bar retrofit (Next week)
New Wheels (ETA Nov)


Name:  alan1.jpg
Views: 22381
Size:  694.4 KB

Name:  alan2.jpg
Views: 17855
Size:  801.0 KB

Name:  alan3.jpg
Views: 21445
Size:  874.7 KB

Name:  alan4.jpg
Views: 17867
Size:  800.6 KB

Name:  alan5.jpg
Views: 17796
Size:  581.8 KB

Name:  alan6.jpg
Views: 21480
Size:  810.1 KB
__________________

Last edited by Alan l.; 07-14-2014 at 09:18 AM.. Reason: Updated pics posted....
Appreciate 1
      09-14-2013, 11:57 PM   #2
Cairo Kid
Private First Class
Qatar
8
Rep
144
Posts

Drives: 2014 F10 M Sport Package
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Doha

iTrader: (0)

It's a beautiful car. You wouldn't consider changing the kidney grilles to the new double slat design?
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2013, 01:06 AM   #3
mikey0120
Lieutenant
Philippines
41
Rep
452
Posts

Drives: F10 535Xi M-Sport
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Rockland County, NY

iTrader: (11)

Bravo! Looking great as usual.

Let's meet up soon. Been way too long.
__________________
Retired: 2013 F10 535Xi M-Sport
Retired: 2010 E90 335i M-Sport
Retired: 2007 E90 335i
Retired: 2001 E46 330i
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2013, 02:42 AM   #4
Bobby_Drake
Major
Bobby_Drake's Avatar
389
Rep
1,150
Posts

Drives: '16 X5M
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: San Diego, CA -> Honolulu, HI

iTrader: (0)

Sick ride! Did you paint the diffuser gloss black?
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2013, 05:41 AM   #5
remmib
General
remmib's Avatar
Norway
1561
Rep
29,202
Posts

Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Norway

iTrader: (0)

I see you've been busy moving over the parts from the old one, looks great.
__________________

F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White | HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 | Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 | KW V3 Coilover | M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar | 3DDesign Front Lip | BMW M Performance CF Spoiler | BMW M Performance Diffuser | BMW M Performance Black Grills | BMW M Performance Pedals |
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2013, 07:50 AM   #6
sanyomats
Lieutenant
23
Rep
483
Posts

Drives: 535, 328
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Miami

iTrader: (0)

Beautiful!!

Time for 21s though??
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2013, 10:20 AM   #7
PR_F10_535
Captain
PR_F10_535's Avatar
United_States
35
Rep
611
Posts

Drives: 2011 f10 535i
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Anaheim, OC

iTrader: (4)

Very clean
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2013, 10:49 AM   #8
dblock2151
Lieutenant
22
Rep
471
Posts

Drives: '11 550i Msport DG
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Newington, CT

iTrader: (5)

Looks awesome Alan, congrats on the 550i, I know you'll love the extra power over the N55.

I do have to say, I kind of hate the new foglights. I liked them better before when they were at the edge of the openings instead of centered. I'm sure it will grow on me though.
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2013, 12:18 PM   #9
Luminor513
Major
Luminor513's Avatar
1243
Rep
1,492
Posts

Drives: 2020 G07 x40i BSM/Blk Merino
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (0)

2.0 is looking really good. Did you put ACS springs on the 550?
__________________
2020 G07 x40i BSM/Blk Merino
2022 Audi E-tron S Mythos Blk/Blk Valcona
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2013, 12:37 PM   #10
icenutz
Private First Class
11
Rep
140
Posts

Drives: 2011 X5
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NJ

iTrader: (2)

Beautiful Job!!! One of the Freshest F10's!!
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2013, 02:39 PM   #11
LACSTER
Major General
753
Rep
8,279
Posts

Drives: Hybrid
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: oc

iTrader: (64)

Love the plates Alan.
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2013, 04:44 PM   #12
///M ARMY
Brigadier General
1002
Rep
3,052
Posts

Drives: F90
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Cali

iTrader: (2)

The LCI lights looks good.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 12:30 AM   #13
SDf10
Captain
SDf10's Avatar
90
Rep
619
Posts

Drives: 16' F80 YMB M3
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: San diego

iTrader: (2)

Amazing car and pictures, 2.0 does not disappoint.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 06:18 AM   #14
Jet in Oz
Captain
Jet in Oz's Avatar
Australia
185
Rep
947
Posts

Drives: 2014 F10 535D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Land of Oz

iTrader: (0)

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet
__________________
Current Mistress: 2014 F10 535D M Sport - Alpine White
Retired but not forgotten: 2011 F10 535i - Titan Silver; E53 X5 4.4L Sport - Space Grey;
E46 M3 Individual Convertible - Phoenix Yellow; E39 528 - Glacier Green;
E36 328 Convertible - Montreal Blue
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 06:41 AM   #15
KinG12sKy
First Lieutenant
KinG12sKy's Avatar
Cambodia
18
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: Evoque, RR Vogue AutoBio, M4
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (1)

nice! the headlights is beautiful!
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 10:29 AM   #16
Russkey
Captain
Russkey's Avatar
United_States
155
Rep
751
Posts

Drives: '12 BMW AW 550xi
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Miami, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 550xi  [10.00]
Congrats!
I thought you like the cleaner look of debadged car
__________________
'15 Porsche Macan S / Black & Garnet Red / 20" RS Spyder Wheels / CF trim / Red Calipers / Black Rear Badge.
'12 AW 550xi / Dinan S2 / Arkym CF Spoiler / 3D Design Style Splitter / Eisenmann Race Exhaust / 20' HRE FF01 / ACS Springs / CF Grill / CF 3D Design Diffuser / Blue Calipers...
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 11:30 AM   #17
Alan l.
Major General
Alan l.'s Avatar
5279
Rep
8,742
Posts

Drives: 2020 F95 X5M Competition
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: United States

iTrader: (9)

I do really. I'll let the novelty of having the 550 wear off before ill debage it again.

One benefit of leaving it on that I've noticed.... Idiots with their rice rockets tends to leave you alone haha
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 03:00 PM   #18
shehatezme
Private First Class
No_Country
188
Rep
162
Posts

Drives: F10 535i
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Love the new headlights? Are you going to stick with the Morr?
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 03:46 PM   #19
TheBlackGT
Like No Other.
TheBlackGT's Avatar
United_States
552
Rep
1,833
Posts

Drives: BMW F07 LCI
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NY/NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan l. View Post
I do really. I'll let the novelty of having the 550 wear off before ill debage it again.

One benefit of leaving it on that I've noticed.... Idiots with their rice rockets tends to leave you alone haha
Agreed. Although the rebadged look is nice, I like my black 550 badge, it is subtle, yet noticeable. Plus, people know you're not kidding around with that kind of power. Keep it on, just my 2 cents.
__________________
BMW 550i GT LCI (w/ a VW MK7 daily)
personal IG: http://www.instagram.com/TheBlackGT
my work: http://www.instagram.com/CorsaAutoDesign
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 03:57 PM   #20
gtron
powerhouse
gtron's Avatar
United_States
703
Rep
1,628
Posts

Drives: 2014 Porsche 981 CS
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
can we see the pix w/o filters? i want to appreciate the car more in the raw.
__________________
no signature. except for this one.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 05:48 PM   #21
HighConcept
Second Lieutenant
United_States
16
Rep
238
Posts

Drives: F-Ten ///M
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

The badge is fine -- take it off once it cloys.

How does it feel the 550(N63Tu) vs 535(N55)?

Love the character of the car; you know it's Alan l's machine.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 06:42 PM   #22
Alan l.
Major General
Alan l.'s Avatar
5279
Rep
8,742
Posts

Drives: 2020 F95 X5M Competition
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: United States

iTrader: (9)

Power of this car is simply insane. You can't even compare it to my last 535 even though it was tuned and this one is stock. Best way to describe it is like you are on a jet plane that is about to blast off feeling.

Alan
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 06:12 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