ManyBMWS

Hi guys, it's been a while since I've posted anything here. The lease on my 2006 550 is up towards the end of October. I've been contemplating a 2007 or 2008 911s, or a new 2008 650.

I decided today to pull the trigger on the 650. It just makes more sense for me from a practical standpoint as well as a price point.

So other than the smaller back seat area (which my small kids will have to deal with occasionally) is there any major difference between my 550 and the 650? I pick up the 650 tomorrow. Thanks in advance.

Richard in NC

I went from an '06 650i to an '08 550i. The 650i was much tighter handling. It was overly firm for the roads I drive but the 650i had RFTs, the 550i does not and that could make most of the difference. However the 650i handling is extremely neutral where the 550i has some push unless you use throttle to power thru a turn. The center of gravity seems much lower in the 650i as well.

There is also the disadvantage of the long doors and deep side bolsters of the 650i in tight parking spaces.

ManyBMWS

Interesting...my 2006 550 did have runflats...so maybe i'm already used to that firmness. Also, just realized that my 550 had active steering while the 650 does not. Although I did generally like the active steering on the 550, I always felt it was too "loose" in the twistys when I wanted more feedback. So I'm guessing I after a few days I won't miss the active steering.

tbal

RFT tires kill the handling big time, but welcome to the 6ers! Post some pix, it will feel a lot more nimble then your 550, you will love it, and never look back.

mr_djurgarden

welcome bro! I love my 650. It is very different from the e60 while driving. You feel that it's a sportscar

westcoast550

I agree ! , it's a completely different and very fun driving experience, it's not faster but it feels like it and the exhaust sounds wonderful.... I steal my wifes all the time !!

mrfva

Were there other reasons besides practicality and price that you decided to go with the 650i vs. 911s?

my1stbeemer

I just switched from a 530xi to the 650 coupe. I love this car. Of course the power is awesome and can't be compared to the inline 6. The steering is more direct (I don't have active either) but I am really enjoying the way it handles. It is very flat and quick in the turns and the ride is much smoother than I expected with the runflats. On the inside it retains the quiet cabin and the logic 7 is impressive. The sport auto also adds a bit of driving fun while retaining the auto ease for city driving.

I hope you enjoy yours as much as I am. Congrats.

ManyBMWS

It was mostly price and practicality. Although the Bmw has much more technology which I would probably miss in the 911s, it came down to me not wanting to spend $96k on a new car. The loaded 650 I just brought home had a sticker of just over $86k, (invoice was $80,200). We did the deal at $81,500 and they ate the last payment on my 550 for $1027.00 so essentially I got the car for $273.00 over invoice. Plus the lease rates on the Porsche suck. I need the car to by my daily driver (roughly 15k miles per year) and I was also worried the Porsche would be too uncomfortable for that much driving. Add the Bmw free maintenance...and that's how it added up for me.