[23109VC]

I currently drive a 2018 M550 it is completely stock and under extended warranty. I toyed with the idea of doing springs adding some M5 suspension components and a tune but I don't wanna screw with my warranty which got me thinking why don't I just trade my car in and upgraded to an M5..

I love everything about my car I just wish it was faster and I really am not happy with the handling I want something that will corner flat my car has way too much body roll for those of you who upgraded from a car like mine into an M5 can you give me your thoughts and impressions on how you like the new ride?

[yk36]

Before I landed on the M8 Comp GC, I test drove M550i, 850i and M5 Comp. While the 850i and 550i were plenty quick, it definitely didn’t have the feel of it’s bigger brothers. The handling and acceleration were on a different level. M5 is a completely different beast, despite what the normal 5 series owners tell you on the forum.

[DryBark]

It was a while ago, but I also test drove the m550 before getting the m5. It's a completely different car.

[Ryno 27]

I went from loaded 550, to the M5c after one year. There was nothing I disliked about the 550, it was just a dream/goal of mine to own the M5. As others have said, the M5 is in a league of its own. It’s my daily driver, and goes from sports sedan, to race car with a push of a button. I’ve been leasing and driving BMW since 2003, and the M5 is hands down the best I’ve ever driven.

[pbonsalb]

M5 makes perfect sense for the OP who wants more power and better handling with a warranty.

[crypto]

I switched after a little over a year of having a 2021 M550i with DHP. I think DHP changes a bit of the driving experience so it's worth mentioning. My thread on my change and why is here:

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=28560706

The M550i is a great car and I really had no complaints. I was on my way to finding a new MBB M5C until I decided on the CS for reasons in that post. I probably would have never even considered it before but after spending 5 months or so with CCBs … I think I'll be hard pressed to not have them if given the opportunity.

In any event — You will M5 over the M550i for the things you are looking for more of.. so go for it if you can.

[plutnicki]

I went from a 2018 M550 to a 2021 M5 Comp.

The M550 was a great car, my favorite to that point.

The M5 is an amazing car. Everything I loved about the M550 and more. Other than the payment, of course.

No one can tell you if it will be the same for you. But if you have any doubt, don’t drive the M5. I can’t imagine walking away from the M5 and not wanting one.

[23109VC]

Originally Posted by crypto

I switched after a little over a year of having a 2021 M550i with DHP. I think DHP changes a bit of the driving experience so it's worth mentioning. My thread on my change and why is here:

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=28560706

The M550i is a great car and I really had no complaints. I was on my way to finding a new MBB M5C until I decided on the CS for reasons in that post. I probably would have never even considered it before but after spending 5 months or so with CCBs … I think I'll be hard pressed to not have them if given the opportunity.

In any event — You will M5 over the M550i for the things you are looking for more of.. so go for it if you can.

Thanks guys! An M5 is definitely doable financially - It's just a matter of whether I wanna spend the extra money for the extra performance. I'd probably look for a CPO.. pre-LCI.

If I picked up a CPO is there any massive difference between a 2019 or 2020? The only difference I am aware of is the gauge cluster is the new style on 2020 and up. I actually like the cluster on the older ones better which look more like traditional gauges. Aside from that difference is there anything significant that would make it better to go 2020?

Comp vs base? I probably would not tune my car so I want to get as much power stock as I can, and I would prefer a stiffer suspension - so I am planning on a comp. Any reason why it would be better to get a base?

The only other car in the BMW lineup that I would like to test drive and cross shop would be the new G80 M3 Comp. I'm assuming it feels lighter and more nimble than the M5…but a bit slower and of course smaller. I've never driven one but quite a few people have commented that it drives like a smaller M5. I think the M5 looks better but for the same money I could pick up a brand new M3.

I turn 50 in a couple months… Maybe the M5 more suits my age than an M3…


Have any of you ever tracked your car? I do not think I would become a "regular" but it sure would be fun to take it out to the track at least once after I bought it. I like my M550 but the car does NOT interest me for a track day - not even once. I think it would be an unpleasant experience sliding all over the place.

As for an M5, I'm assuming it's more than capable of handling a track day? Even stock?

Thanks!

[pbonsalb]

I would drive the G80 M3 AWD. It was not available when I bought my CPO 18 M5. The M3 are smaller, more nimble and more athletic feeling. Some people don’t like the athletic feeling and want freight train torque at 2000 rpm, but I like it and would certainly have considered an AWD M3.

I had an E90 M3 sedan for 10 years and wanted a bigger, more comfortable, faster cruiser type car that handled decently and had AWD. The M5 fit those requirements really well. I can haul a lot of stuff in it as well — big trunk and fold down seats.

I looked at some 19 Comps but there are mixed reports about the ride. Some complain. Probably depends on the roads in your area. The wheel size also has an effect. 19s ride better than 20s or 21s but the handling is not quite as sharp. Since my E90 M3 rode rough enough (after I modded it with Bilsteins and H&R) that my wife complained, I decided to stick with the base M5.

Now, 18 months later, I am installing H&R springs in the M5, already installed Dinan monoball front tension strut bushings, and have the Dinan rear toe link kit on back order. Hopefully my wife won’t complain or we will have to take her Cayenne S whenever we go somewhere together (it’s actually a pretty nice driver for an SUV).

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

I currently drive a 2018 M550 it is completely stock and under extended warranty. I toyed with the idea of doing springs adding some M5 suspension components and a tune but I don't wanna screw with my warranty which got me thinking why don't I just trade my car in and upgraded to an M5..

I love everything about my car I just wish it was faster and I really am not happy with the handling I want something that will corner flat my car has way too much body roll for those of you who upgraded from a car like mine into an M5 can you give me your thoughts and impressions on how you like the new ride?

Have you driven a 2020+ M550 ? I'm sure you're aware they upgraded the engine and other things in 2020 giving it way more power. Like the M5 these cars are very under rated on power. Dinan did a Dyno on a bone stock 2020 M550 and it made significantly more power than the BWM posted 523 HP / 553 TQ. IIRC about 40 more for each. It's on their website if you want to look it up.

The M5 is definitely faster, but the 2020+ M550 is no slouch. They both are FAST cars. If you've not driven one, give it a shot. Drive both and compare the differences.

[Pimpsy]

One F90 test drive will explain all.

I had several fully loaded F10 550s, all of which had DHP. The handling between them and the F90 is night and day. I was completely shocked at the difference; you probably will be too.

The extra speed is fun, no doubt, but it's the handling difference that really elevates the M5 above the M550.

[M5KEITH]

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Have you driven a 2020+ M550 ? I'm sure you're aware they upgraded the engine and other things in 2020 giving it way more power. Like the M5 these cars are very under rated on power. Dinan did a Dyno on a bone stock 2020 M550 and it made significantly more power than the BWM posted 523 HP / 553 TQ. IIRC about 40 more for each. It's on their website if you want to look it up.

The M5 is definitely faster, but the 2020+ M550 is no slouch. They both are FAST cars. If you've not driven one, give it a shot. Drive both and compare the differences.

^^^ realize that both M5 Comp and base HP is underrated by about 100 HP from factory

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by M5KEITH

^^^ realize that both M5 Comp and base HP is underrated by about 100 HP from factory

Yep, which is why I said "Like the M5 "

[mjr24]

Also made the jump from M550i to M5….both great cars. The handling is definitely night and day from M550 to M5. Id definitely get a Comp, though.

[Boosted_8]

I don't know if they have ever sold many Alpina's in the USA but that's the exact philosophy I subscribe to.

What if you could have the enhanced power and control of the M cars but without the drawbacks i.e. retain plentiful comfort and great road manners?

Before someone says it, yes the M cars are crashy and fidgety when compared to Alpina's

https://www.alpina-automobiles.com/e...b5/highlights/

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by Boosted_8

I don't know if they have ever sold many Alpina's in the USA but that's the exact philosophy I subscribe to.

What if you could have the enhanced power and control of the M cars but without the drawbacks i.e. retain plentiful comfort and great road manners?

Before someone says it, yes the M cars are crashy and fidgety when compared to Alpina's

https://www.alpina-automobiles.com/e...b5/highlights/

I've never seen one. But I think I remember reading BWM buying Alpina ?
If so, maybe they will start shipping some across the pond.

[23109VC]

Originally Posted by M5KEITH

^^^ realize that both M5 Comp and base HP is underrated by about 100 HP from factory

Originally Posted by M5KEITH

^^^ realize that both M5 Comp and base HP is underrated by about 100 HP from factory

If I am going to make the swap - I'm going "all in". . I know the newer M550s are even faster than mine, but I don't think it would be "enough different" for me to justify the change. The power would be improved but I suspect the ride/handling would be similar to my car, which is one of the areas I really want to address.

I am looking at 3-6 months before I do anything - but I am starting my homework now. I'll be able to arrange test drives and figure out what I really want.

I haven't heard anyone who "regretted" changing to an M5…

Thanks to everyone for their input! I appreciate it.

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

If I am going to make the swap - I'm going "all in". . I know the newer M550s are even faster than mine, but I don't think it would be "enough different" for me to justify the change. The power would be improved but I suspect the ride/handling would be similar to my car, which is one of the areas I really want to address.

I am looking at 3-6 months before I do anything - but I am starting my homework now. I'll be able to arrange test drives and figure out what I really want.

I haven't heard anyone who "regretted" changing to an M5…

Thanks to everyone for their input! I appreciate it.

There we go!

[bigmixx11]

From someone that does not own either but test drove both the M550i and the M5 I would say go with the M5 10 times out of 10 for all the reasons that have been mentioned. I liked the M550 but the additional grunt, sound and handling of the M5 sold it for me. Not to mention look/styling is just different enough and looks better IMO. I'm a big guy and the seats felt more comfortable in the M5 as well.

[Pimpsy]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

I haven't heard anyone who "regretted" changing to an M5…

There you have it. In every case, maybe literally without exception, all you hear are people blown away by just how massive an upgrade the M5 really is. It sneaks up on people because it looks so similar...but it's a completely different animal.

[jnotrom711]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

If I am going to make the swap - I'm going "all in". . I know the newer M550s are even faster than mine, but I don't think it would be "enough different" for me to justify the change. The power would be improved but I suspect the ride/handling would be similar to my car, which is one of the areas I really want to address.

I am looking at 3-6 months before I do anything - but I am starting my homework now. I'll be able to arrange test drives and figure out what I really want.

I haven't heard anyone who "regretted" changing to an M5…

Thanks to everyone for their input! I appreciate it.

Sounds like your mind is made up, and sounds like you made the choice most are advocating for. The M5 is with out a doubt a completely different car than the 550. No matter what anyone says.

There is differences as well other than just HP and suspension upgrades.
-the steel brakes are a big improvement over 550, and the CCBs on the m5 are an even bigger upgrade than the steel M5 brakes (nevermind the noise, and dust the steel make, as irritating as it is, I would definitely not, not buy an m5 because of it. :-) )
-the seats are a big upgrade, widely recognized as some of the best seats in its class.
-styling, while subjective, is a big upgrade in my opinion as well.
-carbon fiber roof (if you like that)
-wheels (if you can find one with the forged 789m) the 789m wheels in my opinion are some of the best looking stock OEM offerings i've seen in a long time on a sport sedan.
-some would say an upgrade some would say they like the 550 better, but the exhaust note is quite different in the M5, even though they share the 4.4L V8, the m5 has a very different sound than the 550 due to the cross bank turbo manifolds.
-all the little M bits and pieces, like the mirrors, seat belts with M stitching, M5 light up head rests, stuff like that is not super important but definitely add a little coolness factor.
-stiffer chassis in general , not just suspension(springs and dampers). They beefed up nearly everything for the M5.

Theres a handful or other differences besides what I listed, in addition to the added power, and suspension already known.

They share the same basic chassis, and basic motor platform. and thats about it. in my opinion they're 2 completely different cars, and I think you'll be happy with the upgrade.

Im not shocked at all to read this thread and see so many who made the change from 550 to M5, and in a relatively quick time frame it appears. I'm sure this is very common comparison and change. It makes perfect sense on paper, and logically, but reality and emotion get in the way of that. No one needs an m5, 550, or even a 530 for that matter. Do we want M5's??? Ummm, duhhh, throw logic out the window, no one needs what makes sense.

Ill quote Chris Harris from Top Gear when he tested the M5 CS vs the Audi E-tron RS GT.

"if we judged life based on needs vs wants, well, we may as well all live in a cave!"

As I said in a similar thread, i'm an advocate, if you can afford it, buy the top of the line, don't compromise unless you HAVE to. otherwise you'll be back in a short time just upgrading and taking a further bath on your trade in in 8-14 months.