BMW expands 5 Series range with M550i xDrive and 530e iPerformance
#91
Lexus Test Driver
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Throttle lag has been common Lexus characteristic going back to my 2GS days.
Nobody is disputing NA vs Turbo.
RCF and GSF are known to have lag due to ECU programming.
Did you click on my Link?
Are those posters not RCF owners as well?
Nobody is disputing NA vs Turbo.
RCF and GSF are known to have lag due to ECU programming.
Did you click on my Link?
Are those posters not RCF owners as well?
#92
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (3)
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Go read up in RCF forum, ppl are getting cars reflashed to fix it.
Link - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rc-...nsmission.html
M3/M4 has zero lag, please go drive one.
If its a DCT trans - put it on highest setting and it will put the power down right away at any gear.
S55 engine has been amazing except for sound! Lol
Link - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rc-...nsmission.html
M3/M4 has zero lag, please go drive one.
If its a DCT trans - put it on highest setting and it will put the power down right away at any gear.
S55 engine has been amazing except for sound! Lol
GS-F may be more comparable to the 550i on the merit of power output, but that's it. Everything else about the GS-F is in M5's category - the throttle response, power delivery, steering, brakes, racy seats, suspension setup, etc. It's got many areas that need improvement, but it is certainly not irrelevant as you put.
#93
Forum Administrator
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iTrader: (2)
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RNM GS3 please exit this thread.
Last edited by DaveGS4; 12-30-16 at 11:45 AM. Reason: Typo
#94
Lead Lap
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as usual BMW ups the ante again. Those numbers, new chassis, and setup are enough to entice owners considering a used f10 M5 into the M550i. In regards to the GSF, yes the first thought is usually OH NO!, equal power less tech, Lexus HQ probs needs to be aggressive in price reductions or some enhancements of some sort. However, I think the mindset at Lexus HQ is the first decade or so of launching their F brand is to market it aggressively. Tune into offering enticing deals, coupled with showcasing how you can make a reliable sports sedan, and then later on push upward. Its a hard sell to many, but they`ve reduced volumes significantly all in the hopes of pushing up ever so slightly
#97
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M550 pricing guide if anyone is interested
http://www.bimmerfest.com/pdf/bmw-pr...cing-Guide.pdf
Exhaust sound:
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/c...nce/index.html
- M550i xDrive Sedan - $72,100
- Pricing does not include Destination and Handling ($995 as of Feb 2017)
http://www.bimmerfest.com/pdf/bmw-pr...cing-Guide.pdf
Exhaust sound:
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/c...nce/index.html
Last edited by Diesel350; 04-05-17 at 07:05 AM.
#98
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#99
Lead Lap
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They probably havent registered the vehicle to BMWs servers yet. Uncommon but funny joke regardless.
This is 6wb but looks like some software updates. Could be wrong though since not familiar with the option codes.
Lexus as usual is playing catch up to the big boys with some interesting tech. The IS/RC/GS all finally gotten some driver focused panels. But the LS/LC take the cake on some interesting tech. Very narrow but focused panels vs the ultrawide germans. Not sure how big of a fan I am about that.
Lexus as usual is playing catch up to the big boys with some interesting tech. The IS/RC/GS all finally gotten some driver focused panels. But the LS/LC take the cake on some interesting tech. Very narrow but focused panels vs the ultrawide germans. Not sure how big of a fan I am about that.
#101
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![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clublexus.com-vbulletin/750x422/01_2018_bmw_m550i_xdrive_fd_1_4a7700be818d56499c65c8a77bb0621829e36fa2.jpg)
The 2018 BMW 5 Series, the executive sedan's seventh generation, is receiving a so-so reception. Perhaps it's because we've become too blasé about this model, which dates to 1972. That first E12 took the fight to Mercedes-Benz, followed by the 1981 E28 that truly elevated the 5 Series. It was sleek, sophisticated, and cool enough for Jason Bourne to steal.
Somehow cool deserted the latest model, which is billed as an "executive athlete." The 5 Series' transcendence is defined by touchscreen wizardry, self-driving proficiency, and business efficiency. Perhaps the antidote is the M550i xDrive. We tested it in the heartland of Bavaria on roads around the elbow of the German Alps known as Berchtesgaden, a beautiful if precipitous part of the world. These days it's a stunning national park, but in darker times was also the site of Hitler's World War II Eagle's Nest hideaway.
Oh and it snowed. So much late-season snow that organizers rushed out to secure Continental winter tires, which has the effect of pushing road vibration through the frame and dulling corner turn-in. We weren't expecting a nimble drive. This is a beefy muscle sedan that weighs 4,372 pounds. It's powered by a 4.4-liter, short-stroke twin-turbo V8 with direct injection and variable valve lift. It produces 456 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 480 pound-feet of torque running from 1,800 to 4,750 rpm. Even at 6,500 rpm where redline is within sight, hammering the throttle is rewarding, as are sprints to 60 achieved in 3.9 seconds.
Somehow cool deserted the latest model, which is billed as an "executive athlete." The 5 Series' transcendence is defined by touchscreen wizardry, self-driving proficiency, and business efficiency. Perhaps the antidote is the M550i xDrive. We tested it in the heartland of Bavaria on roads around the elbow of the German Alps known as Berchtesgaden, a beautiful if precipitous part of the world. These days it's a stunning national park, but in darker times was also the site of Hitler's World War II Eagle's Nest hideaway.
Oh and it snowed. So much late-season snow that organizers rushed out to secure Continental winter tires, which has the effect of pushing road vibration through the frame and dulling corner turn-in. We weren't expecting a nimble drive. This is a beefy muscle sedan that weighs 4,372 pounds. It's powered by a 4.4-liter, short-stroke twin-turbo V8 with direct injection and variable valve lift. It produces 456 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 480 pound-feet of torque running from 1,800 to 4,750 rpm. Even at 6,500 rpm where redline is within sight, hammering the throttle is rewarding, as are sprints to 60 achieved in 3.9 seconds.
![](https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clublexus.com-vbulletin/718x404/lead2_2018_bmw_m550i_xdrive_fd_646282545c3b160850d5d82958395d6dc9065aea.jpg)
The longitudinally-mounted V8 feeds into a ZF eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. It features a special set of ratios and an electronically controlled Haldex-type clutch pack sending power to the front wheels when slip is detected or anticipated, but the system defaults to a rear-wheel bias.
The wheels are standard 19-inchers with 20-inch rims optional. On its M-Sport suspension with active-roll stabilization the 550i runs 0.4 inches lower than the conventional sedan, which gives it a tough appearance. The bodywork is kept largely standard, but blue brake calipers, big lower front air intakes, black chrome exhaust snaps, and mirror cappings give it subtle aggression. Inside are sporty seats, aluminum foot pedals, and illuminated sill plates and trim strips.
Transmission control is via BMW's tunnel-mounted lever or more conveniently, through the steering-column paddles. There are several driver settings for the transmission that modulate throttle mapping, steering weight, and suspension roll control and damping. Sport and Sport + are at the extreme, the latter relaxing the dynamic stability control to allow gentle tail-out driving.
Startup is a purposeful growl that turns into a posse of angry neighbors banging on your door. The aggressive awakening contrasts with the powertrain's docile nature around town. The suspension is supple and forgiving, although the tires are loud over potholes and surface changes. Those winter boots also set up a fizzing vibration through the steering.
Speed up and that huge engine dominates the experience. Despite the curb weight, acceleration gathers inexorably like an approaching storm. The ZF transmission changes gears smoothly or quickly depending on what you've dialed in, and it loves being manually short-shifted around 4,500 rpm, where it feels like an unstoppable force.
Overdrive it and there's a real sense of being trapped on a runaway train, with the body control remaining loose and rangy whatever the suspension setting. This is a big car, more than six feet wide, so you need to accurately place it on all but the widest roads. On narrow streets, especially those with undulating surfaces, there's a jouncing, wriggling quality to the ride that leaves you feeling as if never quite in control. Nothing wrong with the wishbone front and five-link rear suspensions, and the body-roll control works well, so some of feeling could be down to those winter tires. Yet, other BMW models carry all-weather rubber without throwing most of their high speed driving quality out the window. Additionally, those sporty seats aren't particularly comfortable after an hour behind the wheel.
The wheels are standard 19-inchers with 20-inch rims optional. On its M-Sport suspension with active-roll stabilization the 550i runs 0.4 inches lower than the conventional sedan, which gives it a tough appearance. The bodywork is kept largely standard, but blue brake calipers, big lower front air intakes, black chrome exhaust snaps, and mirror cappings give it subtle aggression. Inside are sporty seats, aluminum foot pedals, and illuminated sill plates and trim strips.
Transmission control is via BMW's tunnel-mounted lever or more conveniently, through the steering-column paddles. There are several driver settings for the transmission that modulate throttle mapping, steering weight, and suspension roll control and damping. Sport and Sport + are at the extreme, the latter relaxing the dynamic stability control to allow gentle tail-out driving.
Startup is a purposeful growl that turns into a posse of angry neighbors banging on your door. The aggressive awakening contrasts with the powertrain's docile nature around town. The suspension is supple and forgiving, although the tires are loud over potholes and surface changes. Those winter boots also set up a fizzing vibration through the steering.
Speed up and that huge engine dominates the experience. Despite the curb weight, acceleration gathers inexorably like an approaching storm. The ZF transmission changes gears smoothly or quickly depending on what you've dialed in, and it loves being manually short-shifted around 4,500 rpm, where it feels like an unstoppable force.
Overdrive it and there's a real sense of being trapped on a runaway train, with the body control remaining loose and rangy whatever the suspension setting. This is a big car, more than six feet wide, so you need to accurately place it on all but the widest roads. On narrow streets, especially those with undulating surfaces, there's a jouncing, wriggling quality to the ride that leaves you feeling as if never quite in control. Nothing wrong with the wishbone front and five-link rear suspensions, and the body-roll control works well, so some of feeling could be down to those winter tires. Yet, other BMW models carry all-weather rubber without throwing most of their high speed driving quality out the window. Additionally, those sporty seats aren't particularly comfortable after an hour behind the wheel.
![](https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clublexus.com-vbulletin/718x404/lead6_2018_bmw_m550i_xdrive_fd_127c7f668c0077584db85ece4b4eaad6449b3318.jpg)
Worse, where the 3 Series steering aids like lane-keeping assistance can be simply turned off via dashboard switches, turning off these steering corrupters on the 5 Series requires some digital cave diving at least three levels down from the main screen, which is simply unacceptable in a sedan with M badging.
Thankfully the big four-piston caliper front disc brakes haul the car up swiftly and without drama, although the cheap single-piston swinging caliper rear brakes seem like cost cutting on a car of this price with this much power.
If you want lazy power and relaxed long distance cruising with a sledge hammer under the hood just in case, then this might be the car for you. But for those who like their driving, the Mercedes-AMG end of the E-Class brochure makes a more convincing case for itself – even the V6-powered E43 AMG. Either that or wait for the M5, which can't be anything but an improvement on this. If the 5 Series is blasé, the 550i xDrive M Performance is actually disappointing.
Thankfully the big four-piston caliper front disc brakes haul the car up swiftly and without drama, although the cheap single-piston swinging caliper rear brakes seem like cost cutting on a car of this price with this much power.
If you want lazy power and relaxed long distance cruising with a sledge hammer under the hood just in case, then this might be the car for you. But for those who like their driving, the Mercedes-AMG end of the E-Class brochure makes a more convincing case for itself – even the V6-powered E43 AMG. Either that or wait for the M5, which can't be anything but an improvement on this. If the 5 Series is blasé, the 550i xDrive M Performance is actually disappointing.
#102
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Worse, where the 3 Series steering aids like lane-keeping assistance can be simply turned off via dashboard switches, turning off these steering corrupters on the 5 Series requires some digital cave diving at least three levels down from the main screen, which is simply unacceptable in a sedan with M badging.
![](https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clublexus.com-vbulletin/1280x960/2017_bmw_5_series_m550i_xdrive_interior_dashboard_42d991db99cedcd3c092501f8e6bdcdef0a8bfc6.jpg)
#103
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#104
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (3)
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Not too sure about that. In my X6M I can hit the button and turn that crap off, but in the new 5 series that I test drove certain options didn't were grayed out and couldn't be switched off. I think pedestrian detection and front collision detection, but I'm not 100% sure, it was over a month ago when I went for the test drive.