[wcr3d]

Originally Posted by spielnicht

I wish I knew this before I got an xDrive. I switched over from MB thinking I can get a sportier ride out the box or have much better options for upgrades - sadly I got neither :-( Zero regrets getting a BMW or a 550i - just wish I didn't get the xDrive. I was huddled in a corner crying my eyes out when I realized even Bilstein B6s aren't available (the most basic of the sportier shocks). Like I said, KW V3s are my only option, and it's sad to spend all that money when I don't even care about lowering the car - just need it to handle better.

Realise tires play a big part of this.

[cdmulders]

Originally Posted by spielnicht

I wish I knew this before I got an xDrive. Like I said, KW V3s are my only option, and it's sad to spend all that money when I don't even care about lowering the car - just need it to handle better.

Just in case you have not already considered aftermarket springs, there are a few manufacturers that make springs for xDrives. I have the AC Schnitzer springs on mine, which both lower the car and improve handling. These springs work with dynamic dampers without any problems. Some have noted that the potential exists to blow your shocks when you install new lowering springs, but this seems to be hit & miss. I have 25K miles and three years on my ACS springs with no issues.

[spielnicht]

Originally Posted by wcr3d

Realise tires play a big part of this.

Agreed, but my biggest issue is the bounciness of the ride and the body roll on higher speeds. Every time I go over a dip at 65 my heart sinks.

Originally Posted by cdmulders

Just in case you have not already considered aftermarket springs, there are a few manufacturers that make springs for xDrives. I have the AC Schnitzer springs on mine, which both lower the car and improve handling. These springs work with dynamic dampers without any problems. Some have noted that the potential exists to blow your shocks when you install new lowering springs, but this seems to be hit & miss. I have 25K miles and three years on my ACS springs with no issues.

I actually do have the Dinan's installed. I did notice an improvement, but still doesn't stiffen up the car enough to eliminate the limo ride feel.

[Kracker DC5]

Originally Posted by spielnicht

First things first, congrats on the new ride. As a white 550i owner myself, I'd say you made a great choice :-)

2nd of all, everyone with a pre 2014 or a 528/535 will want to scare the crap out of you and tell you that you made a bad decision getting the 550i. Just like with any car, you can be lucky or unlucky with what you end up with, and cost of repair is always going to be proportional to the price of the car. 3 years and 35K later, my 550i has been rock solid (knock on wood).

As for the suspension, I thought all M Performance 5's came with same "sportier" suspension (which still sucks). The only difference is whether you have the EDC or not. You can easily tell by the hose coming out of your front struts. Needless to say, I made the mistake of not getting EDC and there aren't many options for aftermarket x-drive 5's except KW V3s (next on my co$tly upgrade list).

Exactly this

I get a kick out of all these people saying to never touch a N63tu engine car unless you get an extra warranty or something like that. Find it hard to believe that due to some of the issues of a handful of people, it *must* be a POS engine


All these cars use the N63tu variant. I would say several hundred thousand in rotation. Light years over the N63 that was in fact junk.

2013–2015 F01/F02 750i/750Li
2013–2016 F07 550i GT
2014–2016 F10/F11 550i
2014–2018 F15 X5
2014–2019 F16 X6
2013–2018 F12/F13 650i
2013–2019 F06 650i

[wcr3d]

Originally Posted by spielnicht

Agreed, but my biggest issue is the bounciness of the ride and the body roll on higher speeds. Every time I go over a dip at 65 my heart sinks.



I actually do have the Dinan's installed. I did notice an improvement, but still doesn't stiffen up the car enough to eliminate the limo ride feel.

What is your bases of comparison?

[spielnicht]

Originally Posted by wcr3d

What is your bases of comparison?

The Audi S6. I realize it comes with air suspension, but considering it's the direct competitor to the 550i, you would think BMW would have offered it with a sportier suspension package, be it XDrive or not.