MotorTrend F10 550i review

[Sticky]

Acceleration numbers are pretty good, 107 trap speed is not bad, car is likely even with an E39 M5:

[DBFIU]

Im impressed they even have a 6 speed option in this car, let alone for 2011 when everything is electronic and DCT-like.

Cant wait to see this thing tuned.

[Sticky]

Im impressed they even have a 6 speed option in this car, let alone for 2011 when everything is electronic and DCT-like.

Cant wait to see this thing tuned.

That is a good point, I'm pressed as well although I bet the auto would be quicker in the 1/4.

Tuned it should do mid to low 12's... impressive.

[DBFIU]

I wonder how much a set of DPs would cost. Could you imagine an RB-like turbo upgrade for this car? Stock housings with bigger turbo guts tuned with meth. Super sleeper. 11s easy.

[Sticky]

I wonder how much a set of DPs would cost. Could you imagine an RB-like turbo upgrade for this car? Stock housings with bigger turbo guts tuned with meth. Super sleeper. 11s easy.

The cool thing is the turbo upgrades for the M models should work for these as well. With the turbos top mounted... sky is the limit.

[SSDD]

I'm not a fan of the looks but that's pretty humbling. That is a lot of car to push that fast.

[Yukohama]

wow nice times for something like that, cant wait to see what tuners do with it

[DBFIU]

The cool thing is the turbo upgrades for the M models should work for these as well. With the turbos top mounted... sky is the limit.

When are the M models supposed to come out for 2011? What are the specs on the new M5/M6 motors? Just the N63?

[Sticky]

When are the M models supposed to come out for 2011? What are the specs on the new M5/M6 motors? Just the N63?

S63, same as X5 M and X6 M.

[DBFIU]

Did BMW release body design yet or is it still vapor?

[Sticky]

Did BMW release body design yet or is it still vapor?

For the M5?

[john550iMSport]

I have the f10 550i M Sport on order, it gets built week 50 and arrives xmas time or first week jan 2011. Spec; Space Grey 19" 351M wheels, Oyster leather black interior, pro-nav ect ect.
Should go really well. I am coming from the 2010 E90 M3 just sold.

[DBFIU]

Yes I am looking for M5/M6 next gen body.

[Sticky]

I have the f10 550i M Sport on order, it gets built week 50 and arrives xmas time or first week jan 2011. Spec; Space Grey 19" 351M wheels, Oyster leather black interior, pro-nav ect ect.
Should go really well. I am coming from the 2010 E90 M3 just sold.

Why did you decide to switch from the M3 to the 5?

Congratulations, just curious.

[john550iMSport]

Why did you decide to switch from the M3 to the 5?

Congratulations, just curious.

I am finding in the UK driving the M3 at high RPM to get performance tiring, also it brings unwanted attention for the FUZ.
I still think the M3 E9X is "Underpowered" it needs another 80 BHP IMO.
The 550i M Sport with 8 speed does near on M3 0-60 pace and 1/4 mile. With a remap it will run 495 BHP and 700+NM, that is going some, the torque factor is what makes it a great every day drive.

[Sticky]

I am finding in the UK driving the M3 at high RPM to get performance tiring, also it brings unwanted attention for the FUZ.
I still think the M3 E9X is "Underpowered" it needs another 80 BHP IMO.
The 550i M Sport with 8 speed does near on M3 0-60 pace and 1/4 mile. With a remap it will run 495 BHP and 700+NM, that is going some, the torque factor is what makes it a great every day drive.

Well, I wouldn't say the M3 is underpowered as it is faster than your 550i. What it seems to lack for your application is torque at lower revs. You need to rev the $#@! out of it....

Yes, agreed, a chipped 550i will be faster in every day situations than an E92 M3. A supercharged E92 M3 will obliterate a tuned 550i though, in every situation.

[john550iMSport]

Well, I wouldn't say the M3 is underpowered as it is faster than your 550i. What it seems to lack for your application is torque at lower revs. You need to rev the $#@! out of it....

Yes, agreed, a chipped 550i will be faster in every day situations than an E92 M3. A supercharged E92 M3 will obliterate a tuned 550i though, in every situation.

Yep but look at RV which will be crucified no one will buy it, and the cost of conversion !!, a no brainer for me.

[Sticky]

Yep but look at RV which will be crucified no one will buy it, and the cost of conversion !!, a no brainer for me.

Ah, I see what you mean. I was comparing more performance potential than cost.

That is true, a tune on the 550 will be much cheaper, better $ per hp ratio.

However, the resale value is incorrect as I was able to sell my SC without issue. Resale is no problem, you can take it off.

Still, I think you have the right car for you, just don't run into an SC M3

[alextremo]

I am finding in the UK driving the M3 at high RPM to get performance tiring, also it brings unwanted attention for the FUZ.
I still think the M3 E9X is "Underpowered" it needs another 80 BHP IMO.
The 550i M Sport with 8 speed does near on M3 0-60 pace and 1/4 mile. With a remap it will run 495 BHP and 700+NM, that is going some, the torque factor is what makes it a great every day drive.

Mine's coming a few weeks after that I went with m sport as well, but with the 6MT transmission. Originally I had my mind set on a 2011 M3, but changed to the 550i for the same reasons you mention.

When I started thinking about spending 15k plus on a supercharger before ordering the car I began having second thoughts. I felt you needed to get the M3 well above 4500rpm to begin to feel the power of the engine, and since this is a DD that wasn't the best power delivery for my needs.

Both really nice cars, with different personalities - wish I could afford 1 of each ;-)

[Sticky]

When I started thinking about spending 15k plus on a supercharger before ordering the car I began having second thoughts. I felt you needed to get the M3 well above 4500rpm to begin to feel the power of the engine, and since this is a DD that wasn't the best power delivery for my needs.

Both really nice cars, with different personalities - wish I could afford 1 of each ;-)

Well said!

[M3_WC]

A friend of mine had planned on getting one to replace his 08 e90 M3. He was invited to 5-series drive event at his local dealer. He said he was not impressed at all, he was expecting more. To him it felt slow, maybe because power delivery was so smooth. He also was not impressed by the handling, but it is difficult when comparing to more agile and light weight M3. Long story short, he is no longer placing an order.

[john550iMSport]

A friend of mine had planned on getting one to replace his 08 e90 M3. He was invited to 5-series drive event at his local dealer. He said he was not impressed at all, he was expecting more. To him it felt slow, maybe because power delivery was so smooth. He also was not impressed by the handling, but it is difficult when comparing to more agile and light weight M3. Long story short, he is no longer placing an order.

Did he try the "M-Sport" 550i?.
If not he should have with the 8 speed auto box, it's awesome.

[Sorena]

I have the f10 550i M Sport on order, it gets built week 50 and arrives xmas time or first week jan 2011. Spec; Space Grey 19" 351M wheels, Oyster leather black interior, pro-nav ect ect.
Should go really well. I am coming from the 2010 E90 M3 just sold.

Hey John,How are you man?
Your car is going to look really good ,BTW did you talk to that guy in Hartge ?

[john550iMSport]

Hey John,How are you man?
Your car is going to look really good ,BTW did you talk to that guy in Hartge ?

Yep £3000.00 for a remap!!!!, I can get the same power for £956.00 and a TWO year 50K miles guarantee at home. My 550i M Sport will be here 10th jan.

[Sticky]

Yep £3000.00 for a remap!!!!, I can get the same power for £956.00 and a TWO year 50K miles guarantee at home. My 550i M Sport will be here 10th jan.

Hartge is charging that much for a remap? That is insane.