550
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From: Western Washington
My Ride: 2008 Space Gray 550i, Light Poplar Wood, Anthracite Head Liner, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Front Ventilated Comfort Seats in Black Nasca Leather, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Night Vision, Lane Deviation Warning, Active Cruise Control, Heated Rear Seats, Folding Rear Seats, Power Shade w/ Rear Side-Shades, Rear Air Bags, Logic 7, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/USB Adapter. Car in BMW Body Shop, estimated completion 01/24/07.
Originally Posted by Richard in NC' post='628618' date='Jul 20 2008, 12:20 PM
I would describe the '08 550i with sport auto transmission as somewhere between all of the descriptions here.
It definitely has a softer throttle response off the line than an '06 650i 6 speed which was softer than an '02 M5 6 speed.
A lot of the softness is a 2nd gear start in normal modes.
Go into M1 and sport mode, the problem is eliminated with a good jump off the line and strong acceleration with minimum throttle.
That is the way to see what she'll do. The one downside is a jerky 2 to 1 downshift coming to a stop.
To the OP, try another one and see if it feels the same. Also experiment with sport mode of the transmission.
It definitely has a softer throttle response off the line than an '06 650i 6 speed which was softer than an '02 M5 6 speed.
A lot of the softness is a 2nd gear start in normal modes.
Go into M1 and sport mode, the problem is eliminated with a good jump off the line and strong acceleration with minimum throttle.
That is the way to see what she'll do. The one downside is a jerky 2 to 1 downshift coming to a stop.
To the OP, try another one and see if it feels the same. Also experiment with sport mode of the transmission.
Cal
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Encino, CA
My Ride: 04 545i - Titanium Silver/Black, Sport pkg, Comfort Seats w/ Lumbar, Premium Sound, power rear sunshade, Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Steptronic, Park Distance Control, Fold down rear seats w/ski bag, Aux jack, 6-disk changer, puddle lamps...
Engine: Custom Remus cat-back exhaust w/chrome square tips, K&N Air Filter, Charcoal Filter Removed, Sprint Booster :-), 50/50 mix of 91+100 Octane, EuroRev ECU Remap (coming soon lol), Dinan High-Flow Throttle Body (coming soon...maybe lol)
Interior: Portable Sirius Stilletto 100 w/car kit, Garmin Nuvi 680 mounted below rear-view mirror, LCI-style I-drive knob, Dark Poplar Center Dashboard Trim.
Exterior: E60 forum clings, 5% rear tint, ACS roof spoiler (painted black for distinct look against limo tint), ACS trunk spoiler, ACS add-on front spoiler and rear apron (awaiting installation), "18 Black Staggered BeBeS Style OER (emergency replacement for cracked sport 124 rims), black kidney grill, white accessory lighting (including license and trunk lamps), Angel-eye upgrade, AIB xenon-matched fog lamps, AIB V3's on order, red rear reflectors
Originally Posted by Moopai' post='628635' date='Jul 20 2008, 12:15 PM
Couple of questions on the Sprint Booster:
Can you installed it without the dealer? And do you need to modify the iDrive?
Would the gas consumption change with the Sprint Booster? If it does how much of a change?
Where does the Sprint Booster reside when installed?
Would it change your 0-62 timing? How much of a change?
Thanks
Can you installed it without the dealer? And do you need to modify the iDrive?
Would the gas consumption change with the Sprint Booster? If it does how much of a change?
Where does the Sprint Booster reside when installed?
Would it change your 0-62 timing? How much of a change?
Thanks
If you can loosen a hex bolt and unplug a wire, you can install a Sprint Booster
. There is a hex headed bolt that attaches the gas pedal assembly to the floor of the car. Remove this and slide the pedal assembly up and out. Remove the wire, plug one end of your SB into the wire and the other end into the pedal (be sure its plugged in correctly by taking note of the harness numbers). Tuck the wires in, reattached the pedal, secure the bolt, and SMILE away. Any increases in fuel consumption are related to your desire to feel the power of your Sprint Boosted car. Once that wears off, consumption should return to normal. Not sure about the 0-62 timing - doubtful, as your WOT power wouldn't change with an SB (it does NOT add power, only makes the pedal more responsive throughout it's travel range).
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: North Carolina, USA
My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i
2006 BMW X3
Originally Posted by advancedlogic' post='628721' date='Jul 20 2008, 06:56 PM
Any increases in fuel consumption are related to your desire to feel the power of your Sprint Boosted car. Once that wears off, consumption should return to normal. Not sure about the 0-62 timing - doubtful, as your WOT power wouldn't change with an SB (it does NOT add power, only makes the pedal more responsive throughout it's travel range).
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 340
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From: Carlsbad, California
My Ride: 2007 BMW 550i Sport Pkg, 6MT
Originally Posted by RJH&CO' post='628492' date='Jul 20 2008, 09:06 AM
not sure i understand why you were disapointed.
both the 525i and the 550i you have driven are without sb.
525i - when i drove compared to 530i felt the same way, you felt the way when you drove the 550i.
both the 525i and the 550i you have driven are without sb.
525i - when i drove compared to 530i felt the same way, you felt the way when you drove the 550i.
2. My 525 only has 215 HP and it's a automatic. So I need to step on it to get it moving - it's expected. 550 has 368 HP and I didn't expect to step on it much to move fast.
This 550 does have Sports Pkg by the way.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 87
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From: Australia
My Ride: 2004 BMW 545i, M-Sport Bodykit, Sports Suspension, Sports Seats, Active Steering.
Originally Posted by Richard in NC' post='628772' date='Jul 21 2008, 11:47 AM
My only concern in that the SB makes the throttle too sensitive. I drive in a lot of stop and go traffic and don't want the car to become jerky. What's the consensus?
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Queens/Long Island NY
My Ride: 2006 550i Black Saphire/Black Dakota Leather- Loaded- M5 Appearance Package, Sport Package, Pro logic 7 Premium Sound, Navigation, Cold Weather Package, Comfort Package, Heads-up Display, park Distance Control, Bluetooth, Active Steering, Electric Rear Sunshade, Rear Folding Seats, Front/Rear Heated Seats, Xenon lights, Satelite Radio- Extended Maintenance, CPO (Considering Tire/Wheel Insurance)
Originally Posted by flyingpuck' post='628280' date='Jul 19 2008, 11:20 PM
+1 I too came over to a 545i from an M3 and I was happily surprised by the performance of a "big" 5 series! 
I also agree that the 25 second transmission reset trick, coupled with a Sprint Booster would wipe that frown off of your face and replace it with a grin that would be hard to remove!! 
I also agree that the 25 second transmission reset trick, coupled with a Sprint Booster would wipe that frown off of your face and replace it with a grin that would be hard to remove!! 
Contributors
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,186
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From: UK
My Ride: Jan 2006 E63 650i Sport
.
Options:
Sport version (includes: sport-seats, sport-suspension, M-Sport steering wheel, Anthracite headliner, Shaddow Line), Saphire Black, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood trim, Steptronic Auto, Xenons, NAV-Professional with Voice Control, TV, CD-Changer, Bluetooth, Logic7, Head-up Display, Comfort Access, Seat Heating front, Auto Dimming & Folding Mirrors, Extended Auto Air Conditioning, PDC.
.
Mods:
Spacers 5mm front & 15mm rear
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Wheels:
20" Alpina Softline (Classic) with Dunlop Sport Maxx non-RFT (255/35/20 & 285/30/20)
Originally Posted by stavros' post='628879' date='Jul 21 2008, 08:37 AM
I don't find it jerky as power delivery is linear, but instant as soon as you press the gas.
the SB will simply provide instant power response and not a jerky ride -- it is very easy to control and get used to.
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From: Richmond, VA
Originally Posted by hmc' post='628841' date='Jul 21 2008, 01:14 AM
1. I guess the root cause is weight, which is the enemy of sports cars. So, I felt it's not as nimble/tossable as 525.
2. My 525 only has 215 HP and it's a automatic. So I need to step on it to get it moving - it's expected. 550 has 368 HP and I didn't expect to step on it much to move fast.
This 550 does have Sports Pkg by the way.
2. My 525 only has 215 HP and it's a automatic. So I need to step on it to get it moving - it's expected. 550 has 368 HP and I didn't expect to step on it much to move fast.
This 550 does have Sports Pkg by the way.
al
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Carlsbad, California
My Ride: 2007 BMW 550i Sport Pkg, 6MT
Originally Posted by AlB' post='628984' date='Jul 21 2008, 07:05 AM
The hp and tq advantages over the 525 will certainly remove any extra weight issues. If you do not normally drive a manual, maybe it's your inexperience in gear selection, shift points and rpms that caused you to not notice the power of the 550i. Try it again.
al
al
I am not saying its underpowered or slow. I just feel its heavy and not as responsive.