tachyon

Well, I finally picked it up today at 11 a.m. They had it parked right out in front of the dealership's entrance and it looked spectacular. It took about 90 minutes to cover all the how-to's and what's-that, and then I was off on my own for the inaugural drive.

Oh ... Mein .... Gott. This car leaves me speechless. My jaw is sore from dropping so many times today. This car can do ... whatever you want it to.

The 550 is all about effortless power, and it seems endless too.

The new 550 engine makes three kinds of sounds and they all are delicious. First, there is a respectable purr as you cruise along. Then there is a very decent growl when you ask for more. And finally, my favorite note is the Formula1-like scream when you ask for all-she's-got-Scotty. The first note brings confidence, the second takes your breath away, and the third brings tears to your eyes. At this point you slow down because you are about to pass out from not breathing and you can't see anything either.

I just love everything about the way this car drives and handles. The driving position is perfect; cornering is so tight you don't even think to slow down; it completely keeps it's balance at all times; and it goes like stink when you ask it to.

I-Drive is outstanding. After spending 4 hours in the saddle today I can say that the Comfort Seats are the best seats ever. The interior lighting is way cool. The start / stop button is fine - even without Comfort Access.

I did not order Active Steering, but I can see how it would work well in this car. It works great without it as it has the same great responsiveness as any great BMW. But I would say now that AS may be worth the extra $$.

I can't wait to get back behind the wheel tomorrow.

m5lover

O man it looks awesome!!
post some more pics!

50cal

Totally, got mine today as well.......start/stop without CA is no big deal at all.

What really helps is that the button is right next to the key slot.

If it were in another location, I could see it being a little bit of an issue.

There is a vibration though right where the passenger floor area is, when you hit a large bump something vibrates down there.......definitely not normal.

I have to drive it more, but initial impressions is that the transmission isn't exactly the smoothest when stopping and going. Like I said though, will have to drive it more.

Great car though.

Ferdie

So I assume you are happy with it . Congratulations, your description of your car brought tears to my eyes as well. Have fun driving

m5lover

I just noticed that how did you get your liscence plate so fast?? It took me almost 2 months for the plates to be delivered after buying a new car..

markt540i

Congratulations and thanks for the report on AS. Have you used the HUD yet and what do you think about it?

tachyon

"Have you used the HUD yet and what do you think about it?"

HUD is excellent. When not navigating it shows just the speed. It is very clear to read and it seems positioned in just the right spot so you check your speed without moving your gaze much at all. Yet it's not so much in the line of site that it distracts from driving.

Using NAV with HUD is a blast. It's got all kinds of info up there to readily see. This is the best combination of use.

"I just noticed that how did you get your liscence plate so fast?"

In Illinois we can just transfer plates from the old car.

"There is a vibration though right where the passenger floor area is, when you hit a large bump something vibrates down there.......definitely not normal."

No, that does not sound normal at all. My first day experience was no stange squeaks, rattles, or knocks at all. Let us know if it goes away for you or what it is.

"I have to drive it more, but initial impressions is that the transmission isn't exactly the smoothest when stopping and going."

I think the transmission learns your driving habits, so it may take a few days of driving for it to settle into a rhythm. I didn't notice any jumpiness, though there is some hesitation to accelerate at times ... but it's nothing dramatic at this point.

One thing I didn't not notice was the Soft Stop feature. I think I still brake like any other car (lifting off at the end) so maybe I need the car to train me better.

And so far the Bridgestone RFs seem excellent. I didn't notice much road noise at all, and they stick like bubble gum in hard turns. They are a bit firm, but they send every signal to you.

Here's a few more pics ...

Rudy

Looks great! Congrats and enjoy!!

amigo525

Can it helps get a date with britney spears? (joking only)

Enjoy it.....in simple words...enjoy your piece of art.

amigo525

(I know thiequestion was not meant for me but...)
With all the new cars I have bought or leased..i get the license the same day. The dealer takes care of that for me.