BMW M550i Owner In-Depth Review - Before You Buy a BMW
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- Опубліковано 2 вер 2018
- Hello UA-camrs,
Today I show you around the M550i xDrive in depth so hopefully you find this video helpful if you are considering buying this particular car.
Please leave your comments and questions below and will talk to you soon!
Happy motoring :) - Авто та транспорт
Buy me coffee :)
ko-fi.com/grindmygears
Saw your bracelet you’re Syrian ?? Love to see it brother keep up the good work !!
Very precise overview of how BMW has regressed when it comes to handling. Also an accurate review of the M550i. I own one.
Jagda glad to hear that from a fellow owner! I thought it was just me.
H Z The car is awesome in every way. It has been absolutely trouble free with 46k miles on it.
I must warn you about the 20 inch rims/tires though. They look stunning but they are so thin and very susceptible to blow out in any pothole. I’ve had about 9 blowouts and one bent rim. So make sure you have a good tire protection plan from Costco or discount tires. Don’t buy the dealer’s tire plan.
H Z mine is sapphire black with mocha interior. If I were to buy another one it would be the silver color. My engine had been flawless. I just hate the tires and I just had another blowout this morning when I hit a pothole. I think I’ll get the M5 with 19 inch wheels in 2 years.
@@sholaesq crazy to hear it’s the same thing with all these higher end models. One thing that is crazy though. My last Beemer was back in 2011. And on that car I had the 19’s which were super solid but of course I hated the run flats. To my surprise I only went through 1 tire on that 3 year lease. But my last two cars are both C43’s. The first one I had the 19’s which looked even bigger because the car is small. But no tire package and let me tell you, what a fucking joke. Benz should be ashamed of themselves. The rims were so ridiculously light and the particular run flags on that model were the worst ever. First week I had a huge “titty” which is what I like to call them. Lol just the start of my nightmare. I went through over 8 tires at like 350$ a pop during the 3 years and cracked the front rims twice. It’s just another bullshit tactic by these dealerships so that you have to constantly bring it back in. Now I have a 2020 one and I got the 18’s as I refused to go through that same issue again, plus my wife primarily drives that car and she’s a real estate agent. You lose a little handling of course but over 1 year in and not 1 issue in terms of tires. I hate run flats.
So let me ask you. What do you think of this car on the long term? I usually always lease but this time I’m thinking of buying. All I ever hear is you don’t want to own any German car just lease. What do you think? Plus they’re very expensive to fix. But I think I’m willing to take a shot. I’m going to make that thing sick. Take run flats off (bye bye) Lola. Definitely going to buy some serious rims. The tune the car and add full exhaust.
If you set the INDIVIDUAL setting to comfort for each item, you might be able to see the speed in the dash
Probably… I honestly forgot since I don’t have this car anymore.
Thank u very much for your review. Highly appreciate it since the M550i attracts my attention as well. Interesting is to experience whether the motor (N63TU2) eventually becomes reliable when slightly aging, say after 50tmiles. Having the first N63 in my 2013 F10 it was really disappointing experience in terms of reliability. It has even moved me to disregard the newer BMW in general.
Electone Player thank you for the kind words! Yeah I don’t know how reliable the engine is but it feels solid! The issues we had were the steering box and fuel vent valve but they already redesigned the fuel vent valve. I would get the 2019 model... try it, it’s much faster than an F10 550... more violent I should say. My friend had a 2013 and he got rid of it too... they had lots of issues in oil consumption and valve stems and chain elongation issues... even 2013 M5s has their share of issues. M550 is really worth a look specially a CPO one.
Had similar experienced with N54 in 335i (fuel pump, injectors, ignition, etc), turned me off of BMW for a while, but have since owned 335i with N55 and I have not had any major issues besides typical seals leaking oil ::knock on wood::
Electone Player I’ve got a 2008 Msport 550i owned since new. It has the N63TU (tech upgrade). It is not turbo charged and one of the last few V8 models that was not. It is the most reliable trouble free engine I’ve ever owned. ZERO issues. Regular oil changes at appx 7000 miles, and currently has 120,000 miles on the clock. I may just be lucky.
Have had the BMW 2011 535 then two Benz C43’s. Surprisingly the BMW didn’t give me one issue with the tires and rims. Didn’t have to change one.
In the Benz. 🤦🏻🤦🏻 my 2017 I went through like 8-10 tires and cracked the front runs twice. Run flats are done with me.
Wow that’s a lot of tires to go through! I’m like you, never had an issue with run flats in BMW but I heard others had at least one incident with run flat!
I am in the market for a M550i preferably in the 2018 range, i’ve seen models within this year being listed with 20,000-60,000 miles on the odometer, my main concern is the reliability, maintenance fees, and the power delivery in the later run, power delivery in the later run is my biggest concern since majority of cars do have a shelf life regarding power delivery/power loss, may you inform when/what I should look out for while searching for a M550i.
Hello! Glad to hear you’re searching for one. 2018 right now is the cheapest option which is great value for the money. I’ve read that some of those early models had some issues with cooling system components. I would look for one with good maintenance records on carfax and being sold at a bmw dealership. Find one with nice options like napa or merino leather and bowers and Wilkins audio. Dynamic handling package would be great too but best if you could find a 2020 model because as you probably already know it has the most update n63 engine with 523hp and better architecture and components. Also 2020 comes with M Sport differential standard which is very nice to have. Older models came with M differential only if they had dynamic handling package.
I own a 2019 M550i with Dynamic handling package, this is my 3rd bimmer, owned two E90 gen. Totally agree with the reviewer not as communicative as the old ones. But the big V8 gives it tons of personality smooth continuous power delivery. The evolution of cars have changed and this is still the best in class, the comparative Merc E53 looks better but with its hybrid power train is tragic with a very jerky transmission. Just have to love my M550i for what it does best, Power Power and lots of it.
suraj venkat thank you... yes sadly those big cars have changed... they say the M2 is still clinging to BMW roots but I haven’t tried one yet. Even the new M5 isn’t as communicative as the e39 was... hopefully one day things change again but with the way industry is going towards self driving cars, I doubt it’ll happen.
suraj venkat at least you appreciate yours for what it is. Didn’t really care for all the nitpicking the guy did. A lot of people dream of having a car like that and he too busy complaining to realize that. SMH
Hi Suraj
I’ve just sold my f10 550i
What year do you recommend 2018 or 2019
@@marcopadilla561 No difference between 2018 and 2019, they are the same configuration, but definitely get it with Active Roll Stabilization. So far it has been very reliable, no issues even after 50k miles. The 2021 model look really good though, they bumped up the power from 480hp to 523hp.
@@surajvenkat do you still own it? Any problems?
Great review! I’m thinking of getting one myself.
Thank you! Incredible car I hope you find the one you want. Try to score a loaded 2020 so you can get the more powerful engine but doesn’t mean 2018/19 is not good… still mesmerizingly fast.
@@GrindMyGears No problem, and has the engine been reliable? I only ask because people keep telling me about the rod bearings.
And I’ll take your advice on getting a nice updated 2020 model. But to be honest, all that power from a fire breathing V8 will be scary lol.
@@MrSamPhoenix where did you hear rod bearings are an issue? That’s absolutely not true. If you keep the car stock and stay on top of maintenance then you’ll have nothing but exceptional experience. People who mod these cars face failures and to me they deserve it.
I heard 2018 models had some issue with intercoolers or some kind of corrosion to them but it’s not a common thing. If anyone tells you they had issues, ask them if they are stock and then watch how small the number of people who had issues becomes. Since you’re buying a used car, you’ll be able to detect if the car had constant problems from the repair history.
The power is addictive and it will turn you into a bully on the road guaranteed lol. Maybe that’s why people tend to mod their car to get more power but I personally don’t believe in that. The car is very very capable on the road but there will always be someone faster and I’m perfectly fine with it.
Lastly I don’t have the car anymore but during the time I had it, it was phenomenal. Good luck on your search!! Let me know when you get one and what you think of it… oh, have you test driven one??
@@GrindMyGears Thanks for the advice. I’ve been wanting one of these for a little minute now. And why don’t you still have it? I don’t think I’d ever part with it lol.
@@MrSamPhoenix test drive one, it’ll blow you away.
At that time I was leasing this car. Then I saw a 2018 M5 in bluestone metallic at the dealer so I swapped cars. After that I regretted it as the M550i is incredible value. Sold the M5 later and got into a Mercedes S550 for a while then sold that and got into a 2019 M5 competition that I still have. I didn’t try a 2020 M550i so I can’t speak to it but comparing my previous 2018 M550 to this 2019 M5C, the difference isn’t marginal. The power difference is much noticeable and the suspension is so damn stiff. The ride is a joy but same story, not much feedback to driver if any and that I really miss from older bmws but it’s hard to get back so say e39 M5 (which I had in the past) because the e39 would feel like a Camry in comparison and it makes no sense to get one to only drive it when the mood strikes. It is what it is I guess… a Porsche 911 would be the one to get but I’m not ready for that yet.
How are you doing?
So I just have a quick question if you dont mind.
So Im turning 18 soon (Im from Germany) and I was planning on getting the M550i it fits my budget and Im looking for something that I can go 270kmh+ (170 mph?) on the autobahn and to be a comfy daily driver . A lot of people talk about how reliable it is on the forum would you mind confirming that?
And how has it been so far?
Thanks!
Deny unfortunately I had the M550 for probably 12k miles or so before I switched to F90 M5. During that time I had no issues except the fuel evaporative valve which became a recall later I think. Are you buying it used or new?
Great vid. I'm going to pick an '18 with 40k today. Can't wait!
Congrats! You’ll love it… enjoy 😊
@Armyfazer May I know how much you paid for it! CPO or not ? Thx!
@@Travler-xr I go through a lot of vehicles. That car is already gone. LOL. I think I paid $52k for it? Sorry, I don't really remember.
@@armyfazer1410 thanks for the info. I’m currently looking at a 2019 CPO 45k miles one for 47k dollars with new tires. So looks like it’s not that bad of deal in this market
Plan on picking up one for my birthday in August.... the M5 is too pricey for me.. m550 fits in my budget.. How do you think it would do on a drag strip ?
I_Race_Beemers you’ll love it... drag wise I’m not sure... the car suffers at top end of the engine which I believe would be important in drag? I never been to a drag strip lol... but the car is capable of trashing most of the cars and probably with a dinan tune, it’ll unlock some power in the top range. Also do some research because I heard the 2019 or 2020 M550 will have the same engine from the M850 which has quite a bit more power!!
thanks for the good review. the cabin seems pretty noisy for a 5 series
You’re welcome! It is too noisy… the F90 M5 is even worse… god I couldn’t bear it on long commutes.
2018 M550i, 63k miles so far, all mine, make sure you take care of ALL of the preventative maintenance and it will treat you well. The only issue in the last 6 years (aside from premium fuel costs) has been the lighting (interior: ambient) needing a cleaning to remove dark spots, brake pads at 35k, changing out coils and spark plugs, plus battery around 50k miles, and naturally not cheap oil changes. So far so good.
They are great cars. I ran over a small boulder/rock with mine in the Sierras and it sent the car flying in the air 😆 after it landed, all the dash lights came on and warnings in idrive. There was a strong smell of grease because the electric steering rack got cracked and was so hard to turn the wheels. $11k and couple month later the car was driving but it just didn’t feel the same as before so I traded it in.
LOL@@GrindMyGears
I'm thinking about buying 2017 - 2019 M550i so I would like to ask: Are there any major issues with the car, engine etc.? Should I be worried? Are the maintenance cost very high or is it comparable with 540i? I cant decide between 540i and M550i. My brain is telling me to go for 540i because of lower consumption and lower maintenance costs and reliability but my hearth is telling me to go for M550i.
Thanks for watching my video! Well, the difference is huuuuuge between the two cars mostly in performance. Honestly it’s not even comparable. Also M550 comes with a lot of goodies by default such as adaptive suspension and full adaptive LED headlights which are amazing, HUD, aerodynamic body kit and lower suspension. If you go 540 route then you’d need to patiently shop for a loaded one with M sport pack and dynamic handling package and all the other goodies. Also if you want bowers and Wilkins audio then that can only be found on M550 as an option. Maintenance wise and reliability, 540 no question about it. If your budget allows for warranty to be purchased and you’re able to do regular maintenance then I do recommend going with M550 because it’ll thrill you and put a smile on your face the 540 simply cannot match.
Yes, I have a e39 M5 and and looking at replacing it with a 2014 M550xi. Interesting observations. No spare tire on the e39 as well.
Rik Warren I have a spare tire kit for my e39!! Before 2018 there is no M550 btw... only 550 with M sports package... 2018 M550 is a different animal. I’ve driven a 2013 550 without M package and while it is fast, it’s nothing like this M550 in this video... not even close! Just FYI.
Hello i want buy 2018 version right now but i heard that motor is very bad ( its that bad cos 2018 is 3d generation of it ) thanks :)
Hi! Are you only open to 2018 model? Because I think 2020 model is when they put higher output engine in it that is used in the M850. 2018 is a good engine, it is much better than previous V8 of 2011 to 2016 model. Buy one that had one owner with no modifications and good service history. Change oil regularly every 5k miles and do maintenance regularly I think you will have no problems.
@@GrindMyGears Hello , thanks for fast replay. Yes 2018 with 55.000 Km ( 45.000 Miles i think ) Yes only 2018 because here cars in Slovakia are most expresive in Europe. So thanks for info :)
@@Asimister good luck my friend! I’m sure you will love this car! 😊
@@GrindMyGears Thanks :)
Bro do yourself a huge favor and replace those run flats with Michelin PS4S and your car will transform and you’ll feel like you’re driving a 100k + car. Road noise will be gone and handling will improve dramatically.
Bro I have no doubt!! If i still had the car, I would have done that for sure... I traded it for F90 M5 then got rid of that in favor of an F10 M5!
what year is this car? i’m looking into getting a 2019 m550i but i’ve been looking more into the n63 engine itself and despite all the technical updates i keep seeing people say the inline 6 is better
This was a 2018. It’s the same engine but 2020 got the higher powered engine from M850 that makes 523hp. N63 had a lot of issues back in 2010-2016… it improved quite a bit over the years. The 540 will definitely be the more reliable workhorse but that M550 will blow your mind in comparison. Have you test driven either?
@@GrindMyGears i test drove the m550i a few weeks ago and man i fell in love when i turned the car on. i’m currently stuck between a loaded 2018 model that has 30k miles and a 2019 one with no additional options at 20k miles. is that 10k mile difference worth going for the 2019 instead?
@@jonathang2210 I honestly don’t think it’s worth it. 10k miles isn’t much at all since overall still very low miles. If it was my money, I would get the more loaded one because those options make all the extra difference!
M550i can have two different suspension mode both adaptive. One is standard and another one is very expensive option.
Never take an option suspension because it ruins the car in every way and I mean it.
Stick with standard suspension and it’s actually one of the best suspension setting in the business.
Non other Bmw cars have this kind of suspension. With 20 inch wheels u actually feel very comfortable and feel the road same time.
When u pick optional expensive suspension u lose all that and car becomes very bad experience.
Pevvex Pevvex unfortunately the car came with this. I think M550 comes standard with adaptive suspension!? I didn’t think they have standard suspension for it!
Grind My Gears standard suspention is called adaptive M suspensions and the expensive one is called professional M suspension.
I am not sure if that’s the same in US but that’s how it goes in Europe. Good review btw.
I enjoy M550i a lot and actually I got mine instead of M5 and I know u went the other way. My choice may be strange for many but my last 6 cars were M cars and still have few left. M550 gives me something more relax and comfort where real M cars are for the weekends.
Pevvex Pevvex I didn’t know there is a professional M suspension! Maybe is called dynamic handling package here... I have to check Bmw website. Do you still run the run flat tires? I think that’s the issue with M550... the biggest difference between it and the M5 is how it absorbs bumps! I think run flat tires make it so bad but I can’t confirm until I meet someone who changed tires to none run flat.
Grind My Gears US and European options list is different so we may talk about same thing but different names for different markets. As I said before I am sure about EU options and here we have two different suspensions one standard and one option and standard car better. Talking about run flat tires I think new generation isn’t that bad like used to be. I have driven few M550i and also M550d to compete two cars before I got one and I had a feeling that run flat tires aren’t a problem as long as u have standard M suspension for M550i. What’s more M550d have another kind of standard suspension same like M suspension for 520i,530i,540i. I know it’s complicated and confusing even for me but overall one thing I am sure of is suspension is much more important than run or not run flat tires in terms of driving experience. Not to mention we simply can have different taste of suspension and how we feel them. In fact I believe M550i with standard suspension on both 19inch winter and 20inch summer tires is probably best diving non M BMW this days. I bought one because when I need to relax while driving this is perfect car for me.
Pevvex Pevvex so I checked BMW website and the standard suspension we get here is adaptive suspension but you can add what’s called dynamic handling package which adds adaptive M professional suspension and rear wheel steering! My M550 didn’t have this option so that means my car was on standard adaptive suspension. It was just not that comfortable... M5 is so much more comfortable in comparison! But when you put it in sport or sport plus, the ride changes dramatically. But M550 didn’t have big difference between comfort and sport mode :(
For how long did you have this car and how reliable was it?
Had it for about a year… nothing really broke down on it except the gas tank purge valve or something like that and I think it ended up being a recall eventually. One time I was driving back to Reno from Tahoe during winter and we get a lot of rock slides during snow and rain. On the way back there was a decent size boulder in the middle of the road that came up after a curve so I didn’t have time to react. Car went over it (pretty much the middle of it) and flow in the air and landed on the 4 tires like in movies lol. As soon as that happened all the lights came on and the steering became very hard to turn. Limped the car back to dealer and $10k later it was fixed. Steering rack had to be replaced twice along with the under body protection plate that luckily took most of the hit. However car wasn’t 100% after… so I traded it in for F90 M5.
If it takes being 5’8” to have “plenty of room” in the back seat, that’s not plenty of room.
Lol I guess you’re right. But front seats have plenty of space though.
do you still have it
No I don’t!
@@GrindMyGears nice it’s a beauty of a ride
@@mikeab2871 I agree, it’s a great car all around and a bargain when bought used. I just knit pick on cars that cost that much new.
Why did you buy it if you don’t like it bro
Jeff L it was a lease... sometimes it’s hard to tell if you will like something or not until you try it ;)
I just sold my F10 550i I’m looking into a 2018 2019 which do yours suggest
I'd go with 2019/2020 model with updated engine from M850!
Thanks good think I ask . What packages should I look in to MXdrive 550i
@@marcopadilla561 you need executive package, driving assistance plus, heated front and back seats and steering wheel, ventilated front seats, bowers and Wilkins audio system. Usually I look at the steering wheel to see heating button and active cruise control buttons (that's driving assistance plus) and check for heads up display and check heating buttons for rear seats and ventilation buttons for front seats. Check speaker grill for B&W. It'll be great if you find M adaptive + suspension package and usually the only visual indication I know off are the wheels but those are also separate add on. So you will need to get the VIN and plug it into a VIN decoder to know if that suspension is available on this car. M550 by default has adaptive suspension but the M adaptive suspension is a notch above and derived from M5 and probably is the same.
@@marcopadilla561 for example this one has everything including night vision and M suspension professional (code S2VW I believe or 2VW) while a regular M550 would be 2VF code. This car would be perfect except it doesn't have the updated more powerful engine from M850.
www.carmax.com/car/20046359
I'm in the same boat now. Lol
Test drove the 2021 M550i. Drove like a luxury cruiser. I think BMW had Chinese market in mind.
Yes unfortunately new BMWs are kind of soulless... I keep hearing the M2 is the only real M left in the lineup so I’m itching so bad to try one!
@@GrindMyGears yes I think Chinese prefer(unfortunately!) softer ride over stiffer& sporty suspension. It is not like BMW does not know how to make “ultimate driving macines,” anymore, they r making cars for Asians. Lol I wil have another test drive this month. Yes agree, Audi A6 I have been driving for six yrs has more soul!
@@snowcountry322 you are absolutely correct! BMW is just catering to what the market wants and their biggest consumer is Asia now and they want softer executive cars... it’s just sad that even M cars are losing their heritage. I wouldn’t care if a non M car is numb and doesn’t satisfy driver needs for feedback and driver pleasure but M cars too? I hope they bring back the legends again. Btw Audi is pretty sweet car! My friend had an old A4 and I drove it to Chicago and was just a sweet ride. I’m sure the A6 is great too I just never had the chance to drive it unfortunately.
@@GrindMyGears BMW hierarchy is based on what type of car you want or what your needs are. The M550i is a daily car that 95% of the market is going to use it for. If you want a car that handles like a track car, M variant is the car you should of purchased from the beginning. I notice people blame the Asian market unfairly but most if US can't admit we made a mistake of not doing our due diligence before purchasing a product or service.
@@jonathanrobertson1350 I got the M5... funny thing is, I regretted getting it because the M550 is such a good car for a good price! I truly believe that the M5 is not worth $40k over the M550!! Unless you go to track then it’s a different story but for normal daily use, M550 is a true bargain.
You wouldnt believe it buy im buying a 2017 with 120k km on it with premium selection guarantee 2 years
Congratulations!! I have no doubt that you will love it 🎉
Why did this guy even bought this vehicle if he now have all this complaint, go purchase a Rolls Royce.
Thought I was the only one bro 😂
Must be nice to be made of money. NEWSFLASH Nissans aren’t just rental cars. Average people who aren’t quite able to afford a BMW buy those type of cars, and are grateful just to have something to get them from point A to point B. So please learn to appreciate your luxury cars for what they are, flaws and all, and stop nitpicking at every little thing, because there are, again, average people like me who will probably never get to have one. Thank you!
lamarr lassiter no bro you’re missing the point. It’s not I don’t appreciate what I have but when a car costs $X amount of money and in this case this BMW costs $80,000 dollars, it better be right. Why settle? Why be ok with less? This attitude is what made manufacturers take more and give less. I also try to provide a total unbiased opinion even though inside I’m a hard core BMW guy. The same goes for Nissan, yes it’s relatively cheaper car but for the money they’re asking, they can make it better. Specially the driver seat issue I mentioned in my video along with passenger seat that does go up or down... that’s a joke bro. The more we settle for things, the more we’ll pay and the less we’ll get. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings but someone has to do the job and criticize things so that their maker can improve them and not slowly keep giving us less and less. Of course it’s just my opinion and try to help others set the expectations and help them spend their money with no regrets.
Grind My Gears I understand what you’re saying, and you didn’t hurt my feelings. What I’m saying is that a lot of people don’t have the luxury of being able to even ride in a bmw while your nitpicking about things that are irrelevant like a gas door not being perfectly aligned with the body of the car. If you don’t know things are going to have flaws no matter how much it cost, then you’ve been living under a rock. I’m just stating facts. 🤷🏽♂️
lamarr lassiter I understand what you mean but believe me I nitpick on things that can be flawless... making a car more quiet is not impossible. Aligning a gas door is not impossible. Making the seat is not impossible (all those cost more for manufacturers but you’re already paying premium... they just want to maximize their profit but yet charge you the full cost as if they made the car flawless). Making a car more reliable, now that’s impossible in my opinion for obvious reasons. And btw back in the day I couldn’t even afford a car too... let alone BMW. I went to college and things changed... some people can afford mansions but I know I can’t... I hope others who can’t afford BMW to be able to do so some day! I hope I don’t come across as a rich kid piece of crap because I’m totally not lol... I just think manufacturers lost ethics and just want max profit regardless of how to do it... if you look at newly built houses, quality went down while prices went up... same exact issue... cheap materials, cutting corners, hiring inexperienced construction workers to save cost and the list goes on yet selling homes for high prices as if they were built in a way to demand that price.
Grind My Gears face it! Cutting corners and raising prices is the way of the world, or at least the United States. Is it right? Hell no! But when you nitpick about irrelevant things on a BMW you’re blessed to be able to drive, then you do come off as a rich kid piece of crap to some people. Your words not mine. Actually, I was very reluctant to subscribe to your channel because of that. Again, just try to remember to be grateful that you can drive such luxury cars when others are not able to before you wanna complain so much. Cars are essentially made to get us to our destinations safely and in one piece. If it does that, then that’s all that really matters at the end of the day bruh. God bless!
lamarr lassiter no bro! That’s wrong... cutting corners is wrong... that’s not good ethics... I don’t care if the rest of the world is doing it... this is something I’d never teach my kids. Anyways, to me the car isn’t from A to B. If it was, I’d buy a Civic... why waste money of a car? It’s the worst investment you can ever make.