spseminara

Hi I've been a long time owner of a e39 Dinan 540. I'm looking to purchase a 550, but am wondering the differences between the 07 and 08. It looks as though style changes happened in '08. Is this correct. Also my biggest mistake with my e39 is that I got Auto (steptronic). Any known flaws with the manuals in the 550 e60's?

Thanks in advance

kscarrol

Welcome to our corner of the web! You are correct on the '08 vs '07 differences being moostly cosmetic. No issues I recall hearing on manual transmissions on the E60. You may not be interested but the '08 550 could be had with a new Sport Auto tranny which I have on my car. Has similar manual capabilities with the stick shift but also has paddles on the wheel for manual shifting while steering. It's an excellent transmission with lightning fast shifts so a kind of the best of both worlds!

safetywork

No issues with mine (46k miles), however I would strongly recommend that you get the CDV (Clutch Delay Valve) tapped open if you decide to go with the 550i with the 6MT. I've never driven a M5 but I can't imagine anyone needing more hp and torque then what the 550 produces. Definitely get the sports package on yours, the hydraulically controlled sway bars are just amazing!

EBMCS03

LOL, no one needs more than what a smart car produces... but we want more.

safetywork

Everybody needs more power then what a "Smart" produces, that thing is dangerous! Especially if the freeway/highway onramp is relatively short!