Hi guys,
I recently traded in a 2007 550i for a 2009 550i MSport. The 2007 was in my opinion, the ultimate driving machine. I had zero complaints and was completely satisfied.

Now I have the 2009 550 m sport and am amazed at how different it feels. I looked up the specs on edmunds.com and the two cars appear similar from an engine standpoint. But I feel like a little bitch driving the 2009 lol. I feel like a guy who is dating a hot chick and boring her to death. It's like I'm not satisfying the car. It just wants more and more and more...speed.

Me and my 2007 spent 55,000 miles together in 18 short months. So far, I've had the 2009 for 4 weeks and maybe 600 miles so maybe that means something. But what is different about the msport, mechanically? It feels like a much more aggressive car. Without shifting in to DS mode, the tranny still feels like it holds gears longer. Acceleration seems quicker, handling feels tighter? Am I just infatuated or is any of this true?

 

Infatuated. The car is the same except cosmetic updates, electronic shifter and if you have it the Sport Auto Tranny.

 

It's all in your head. Other than the SAT trans (assuming you have it) there are no mechanical differences. It's the same car.

 

Well...for starters, the suspension is quite different - stiffer suspension, 15mm lower, etc.

That's not "the same" or "all in your head"

 

I assume your '07 was not the sport pkg. So, in addition to the lowered ride height already mentioned, the sport pkg might also add active steering (quicker steering response at slow speeds), active roll stabilization/dynamic drive (very flat cornering and planted feel) and possibly other suspension and braking tweeks. This all could combine to a much different--most would say more satisfying--driving experience than a non-sport 550.

 

If his old car didn't have the sport package than yes but even still, that just explains the difference in handling, not gear changes and acceleration.