[sitcom323]

My lease end is coming up on my M4 Comp and I’m thinking of coming back to the 5. Had a 2014 LCI 550i and I loved the “Executive jet” vibe. Stealth, fast and luxe. Basically, M550i is impossible to find in any quantity. And here in Los Angeles, that’s shocking, because it’s such a gigantic market for BMW. A search on cars.com up to 250 miles away yields a handful at most.

Any Thoughts why? I know they stopped production in late spring for the Euro emissions change, but that was 5 months ago. Maybe BMW is starving the market to get more people into 540s or 530s (to boost overall brand corporate fuel economy numbers?) is demand that low for this particular model? It certainly ain’t cheap, so maybe that’s it?

Strange.

[ksoze]

I think at least check, there were more M5's available nationwide. It is indeed pretty rare, likely due to the fact the 540 is a great car and once optioned out the M550i can be into the big boy payments. I consider its rarity a plus.

[stein_325i]

Same situation here, was initially looking for an M550i but they were impossible to find. I eventually went with a 540i because it still handled well (maybe because less weight from the I6), I liked the Inline 6 a lot, and because I needed to lease the car and needed a new car and didn't have time to wait for a custom order. Not trying to sell you on a 540i but honestly, you might have an easier time finding an M5 and trying to get a good deal on it.

[wknddrivr]

What’s the difference whether it’s available. Just place an order spec’d exactly how you’d like

[drjolokia]

Originally Posted by ssquared

What’s the difference whether it’s available. Just place an order spec’d exactly how you’d like

This is what I was going to suggest. It's worth it!

[Roger_M]

Originally Posted by ssquared

What’s the difference whether it’s available. Just place an order spec’d exactly how you’d like

For several months, here in Europe at least, it's been impossible to order a new M550i......I wonder if they will ever re-continue the line.....rumor has it, yes, with an uprated engine, closer to the 530hp of the M850i!

[530iDriver]

OP, there is one in Miami, brand new, but it is Alpine White. A good excuse for a cross country drive back to LA perhaps?

https://www.bramanmiami.com/VehicleD...-FL/3261337953

[sitcom323]

Originally Posted by ssquared

What’s the difference whether it’s available. Just place an order spec’d exactly how you’d like

Dealers give money on cars on the lot (or in transit) far more readily than special orders. Every BMW i've had was sitting on the lot or traded into my dealer -- with significant savings.

[sitcom323]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

OP, there is one in Miami, brand new, but it is Alpine White. A good excuse for a cross country drive back to LA perhaps?

https://www.bramanmiami.com/VehicleD...-FL/3261337953

Just getting out of an Alpine White M4 -- but I love this idea! I could sell myself on this easily

[Mach550]

I'm happy that I have a car on order but it feels like torture waiting for it to get to the dealer. Wish I could find my spec here in the states so I could just go up and drive off with it.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by Mach550

I'm happy that I have a car on order but it feels like torture waiting for it to get to the dealer. Wish I could find my spec here in the states so I could just go up and drive off with it.

What's your spec like?

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by sitcom323

Just getting out of an Alpine White M4 -- but I love this idea! I could sell myself on this easily

Found another M550i in Orlando, Florida. Also Alpine White but $6000 more expensive than the Miami car.

https://www.fieldsbmwlakeland.com/ne...2142950e6b.htm

[Mach550]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

What's your spec like?

2019 M550i xDrive
Mediterranean Blue
20" 668M PSS + spare
Mocha Nappa
Fineline Cove Matte trim
Driving Assistance Plus
Dynamic Handling Package
Executive Package
Parking Assistance
Premium Package
Luxury Seating Package
Heated front seats
Leather Dash
and on the fence about night vision

[visualguy]

BMW delayed production of existing M550i allocations during the summer, and weren't giving new allocations. Not sure why... My theory was that they were trying to push the more profitable M5 more, but who knows.

I think the M550i is quite a bargain in the US. It must be fairly low-margin.

[ksoze]

Originally Posted by Mach550

and on the fence about night vision

If it's on order, there is no on the fence if the order is in process.

[Mach550]

Originally Posted by ksoze

If it's on order, there is no on the fence if the order is in process.

still at 112 so I have a little wiggle room.

[530iDriver]

Inventory has really dried up for the M550i. Rare indeed as hen's teeth!

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by visualguy

BMW delayed production of existing M550i allocations during the summer, and weren't giving new allocations. Not sure why... My theory was that they were trying to push the more profitable M5 more, but who knows.

I think the M550i is quite a bargain in the US. It must be fairly low-margin.

May be decreased demand?

[visualguy]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

May be decreased demand?

No, they decreased the supply. I don't know why, but I'm guessing it was done to increase M5 production and sales.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by visualguy

No, they decreased the supply. I don't know why, but I'm guessing it was done to increase M5 production and sales.

The M550i is such a bargain compared to the M5.

[visualguy]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

The M550i is such a bargain compared to the M5.

Yes, I've always been surprised by the pricing on the M550i. Actually, I'm surprised they offer it at all...

[Mach550]

Originally Posted by visualguy

Yes, I've always been surprised by the pricing on the M550i. Actually, I'm surprised they offer it at all...

This thing is right in the sweet spot, great performance, very comfortable to drive. I was looking for a sport luxury car and this fit all my needs, just need it to get here...