I picked up my new 550i late Friday night so I have not driven her a lot yet, but so far this is what I fell are the changes.

The new seats are so good I'm thinking of moving into the car, finally I'm driving a very compfortable car. These seats have adjustable side bulsters, seat backs that articulate, lumbar support and there softer but not over the top, there just great. Cannot wait to take a long trip.

I now have parking sensors that were not included w/my 04 545i, nice touch.

The engine is without a doubt stronger, this car feels quicker even though Iv'e been good.

The ride which was one of my main complaints seems smoother and more stable, just the way a BMW should ride; also the car seems quieter w/less wind noise.

This car is equipted w/Bridgstone RF, my 545i had Dunlops which only rode well when they were new, I pray that I have better luck w/these.

I have Navagation which Iv'e never had in a car before along w/voise commands, I'm sure I'll enjoy these features once I learn how to use them.

I had logic 7 in the 545i but somehow the new car sounds better, could they have improved the logic 7?

The biggest adjustment for me is not having active steering, there is a big difference between the two cars, as many of you guys advised, around town I'm missing my active steering, but on the highway, the new car is far better; especially at 80MPH or higher.

Oh almost forgot the steering wheel, I hated the wheel that came in the 545i it was to big and thin for me, the new sport wheel is right on the money.

The car just seems more refined, but thats what happens with new model year cars one out they work out the3 bugs and upgrade each year.

I became very unhappy with the ride of my 04 545i and for what I was spending, even though it was less than my new one, I had to do somthing.

I'm sure there will be more, but for now I'm really happy with my new ride, Wife made me agree not to buy anymore cars for at least two years, but that will never happen

 

Congrats!!! It sounds great!

 

Thanks for the update.

It seems that many 550i owners say the engine is stronger, but the 0-60 times reported thus far by members are no improvement - maybe the 550 has a more aggressive engine note, contributing to perceived engine strength?

 

As soon as I can find a 545 to run up against I'll surely let you know how it turns out.

Though I've only seen one 550 parked at the movie theater in the last 3 months..and no 545's. Where is everyone here in Mass??

 

The only magazine test I've seen so far was a dead 5.0 which is a little better than any of the magazine tests on the 545 (lowest I had seen for the 545 was 5.2). The 5.0 on the 550 was with a 6 speed, the weight of evidence on here so far seems to suggest the step may actually be a little quicker still. I suspect the 0-60 professionals on here (znod, grogan etc) would do better than the magazine times in a 550 too.

 

[quote name='wavehogger' date='Jun 25 2006, 07:17 PM' post='303079']
As soon as I can find a 545 to run up against I'll surely let you know how it turns out.


Make sure you get a 0-150mph comparison also!

 

Nice write up.. congrats on your new 550

 

Agree with your comparisons of 550 to 545. To those questioning little difference in 0-60 times, I feel the difference is not in this type of accleration, but in the real life accelerating from 20 or 30 miles an hour, as in accelerating out of a hard turn or getting out of the way of some dumbass in a large SUV, on the phone, not paying attention, and barreling down on you. Here the extra torque is really noticeable.

 

Thanks for the clarification Farbton.

BTW, was there any option box you didn't check?