Originally Posted by Kadonny' date='Oct 24 2005, 11:25 AM

Hello all.? I am a new user but have been lurking for a couple of weeks now.?

I am currently looking seriously at a new 550 but am somewhat undecided on the car setup and options.? I am thinking SMG trans since I am a long time manual transmission guy (current car is an A6 2.7T 6 speed) and am allured by the SMG.? It would allow my wife to drive the car even though she has never driven a manual before.? That plus just the pure joy of driving the SMG would be amazing.

Here is how I am preliminarily optioning it out:

Sport package
Premium sound
Cold wheather package
Active steering
Fold down seat
Nav
Sat radio
Heated front seats

Welcome to the club.? I too traded a A-6 2.7T 6 Speed, and was amazed at the difference in handling and response between the two cars.? Good choice of equipment, but if you get the Comfort Seats you will not regret it.? With the ability to control the seat back position between the upper third and the lower two thirds, you can get a position that is just right.? Also, you can adjust the side bolsters, as well.? These are the most comfortable seats in any car that I have had the pleasure of driving.? As for the comfort option, I agree with many that this seems to be overpriced for the functionality.? Unlike the Audi system, in which you only have to have the key in your pocket, this requires that you insert the FOB into the slot on the steering wheel.? So what is the difference between inserting the FOB and inserting a key?? Also, what is the difference between turning a key and pressing a button?? Now I realize that the car will unlock when you approach and touch the door handle, but the rest is not too different from a normal operation.

I am sure that you are looking forward to your new toy, and will certainly enjoy it regardless of how you decide to equip it.

Good Luck

Joe Poole

I am undecided on the comfort access and the color.? I have always had black cars, but might like something different for a change.? The car has to be dark (I hate light cars, sorry no offence to those light color car guys) so maybe the Monaco Blue or Titanium Gray.


So, anyone want to give me an opinion here on my choices?? I won't even mention what other car I was looking at because my Audi lease is up in a few months.

Thanks all.

Originally Posted by ?gent99' date='Oct 26 2005, 08:35 AM

Wife loves the heated seats despite the fact we're in the Bay Area.? Something about ovaries getting cold...I guess testicles handle it better??

Originally Posted by Kadonny' date='Oct 24 2005, 11:25 AM

Hello all.? I am a new user but have been lurking for a couple of weeks now.?

I am currently looking seriously at a new 550 but am somewhat undecided on the car setup and options.? I am thinking SMG trans since I am a long time manual transmission guy (current car is an A6 2.7T 6 speed) and am allured by the SMG.? It would allow my wife to drive the car even though she has never driven a manual before.? That plus just the pure joy of driving the SMG would be amazing.

Here is how I am preliminarily optioning it out:

Sport package
Premium sound
Cold wheather package
Active steering
Fold down seat
Nav
Sat radio
Heated front seats


I am undecided on the comfort access and the color.? I have always had black cars, but might like something different for a change.? The car has to be dark (I hate light cars, sorry no offence to those light color car guys) so maybe the Monaco Blue or Titanium Gray.


So, anyone want to give me an opinion here on my choices?? I won't even mention what other car I was looking at because my Audi lease is up in a few months.

Thanks all.

Originally Posted by Kadonny' date='Oct 25 2005, 08:27 AM

Awesome info.? Great reads on the SMG threads.? Looks to be a ton of pros in those threads.? Thanks.

I'll keep you all infomed.? And yes, I do love black and seem to keep getting black cars.? I just love the bad ass look of black, almost sinister.? When I was at the dealership they just rolled off the carl carrier a black M5.? Now talk about a bad looking car, that was it.

So the runflats get panned on this board too?? Geez, I hear nothing good about those tires at all.? Does the 550 come with a spare donut tire even with the runflats?

What other optional 18" BMW wheels are out there?

Originally Posted by Kadonny' date='Oct 24 2005, 10:25 AM

Hello all.? I am a new user but have been lurking for a couple of weeks now.?

I am currently looking seriously at a new 550 but am somewhat undecided on the car setup and options.? I am thinking SMG trans since I am a long time manual transmission guy (current car is an A6 2.7T 6 speed) and am allured by the SMG.? It would allow my wife to drive the car even though she has never driven a manual before.? That plus just the pure joy of driving the SMG would be amazing.

Here is how I am preliminarily optioning it out:

Sport package
Premium sound
Cold wheather package
Active steering
Fold down seat
Nav
Sat radio
Heated front seats


I am undecided on the comfort access and the color.? I have always had black cars, but might like something different for a change.? The car has to be dark (I hate light cars, sorry no offence to those light color car guys) so maybe the Monaco Blue or Titanium Gray.


So, anyone want to give me an opinion here on my choices?? I won't even mention what other car I was looking at because my Audi lease is up in a few months.

Thanks all.