550 option recommendations
10-18-2006, 07:26 AM
#1
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My Ride: 2004 545i - 6 speed manual (July 04 build), silver-grey/black, sports package std equipment (18", active roll, active steering, adaptive headlights), premium sound, bluetooth enabled, folding rear seat, lumbar, 3m hood/bumper protective film, rear tint, euro reflectors.
My buddies Dad is thinking of trading his Audi A8 for a 5 series, most likely a 550.
I know what I would recommend to someone under 60, but for someone over 70, I need some help.
Lets assume the 550 which already comes with premium package upgrades. The obvious is:
- Nav
- Comfort Seats
The question is sport or non-sport, Active Steering or not?
I think my sport is extremely smooth, so I don't have a problem with that as it gives a lot of other options. And, I love my active steering, but not sure for an older person - although he is very young at heart.
Recommendations welcome.
I know what I would recommend to someone under 60, but for someone over 70, I need some help.
Lets assume the 550 which already comes with premium package upgrades. The obvious is:
- Nav
- Comfort Seats
The question is sport or non-sport, Active Steering or not?
I think my sport is extremely smooth, so I don't have a problem with that as it gives a lot of other options. And, I love my active steering, but not sure for an older person - although he is very young at heart.
Recommendations welcome.
10-18-2006, 07:51 AM
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I would say active steering is more important for older drivers. And depending on where he lives I might also add the cold weather package. NAV might be good as it also provides voice controls but I might also add HUD.
10-18-2006, 08:10 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Silverstone II E60 M5 2012 E70 AW X5 50i Sport w/ LCI Aero Kit and Rocker Panels
Originally Posted by ImolaRedM' post='346238' date='Oct 18 2006, 11:51 AM
I would say active steering is more important for older drivers. And depending on where he lives I might also add the cold weather package. NAV might be good as it also provides voice controls but I might also add HUD.
10-18-2006, 08:17 AM
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My Ride: 530iA Silver Grey , black interior. Premium Package, Navigation System, Head-up Display, Radio Satellite, Adaptive Xenon Headlights. AC Schnitzer Front Lip, H&R springs, Rear red reflector, All season Floor mat,
How about Head-up Display? 
10-18-2006, 09:00 AM
#5
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My Ride: 2006 550 SMG
Active steering is not age sensitive, it helps everyone with parallel parking, and reduced turning of the steering wheel. My mother drove my car the other day and after I pointed out to her that it has active steering, SHE LOVED IT (she is 62). Hud is also verry useful, avoiding having to look down for speed and nav directions. As for the sport option, the 550 looks awful without the 18" rims and like you said its not like before were the sport suspension was way to rough. Comfort seats come with the sport package, so thats already in, I would also suggest the rear shades for reduced sun glare. Let us know how much he loves the 550 over the Audi.
10-18-2006, 09:22 AM
#6
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My Ride: 2005 545i Titanium Silver/Black/Poplar: Steptronic, Sport, Cold Weather, Premium Sound, Comfort Seats, Sat Radio, NAV & Shades
Originally Posted by cmansbimmer' post='346245' date='Oct 18 2006, 12:10 PM
If I were over 70, I would go with the M5. End your driving experience with a bang!
I agree!!
10-18-2006, 09:41 AM
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My Ride: 2009 550i sports, Nav, logic Best E60 yet
2004 545i, sports pkg, logic 7 steptronic, rear shade,orient blue with beige interior, blue tooth enabled Razer Phone. 2004 X5 3.0, sports pkg, stepronic, summer pkg. imola red.
2006 Mini Cooper S, manual, sports, prem pkg, nav and kitchen sink.
I really hate these age sensitive topics, but here I go anyway; If you are buying a BMW then it must be ordered with sports package. Active steering also has nothing to do with age, its personal preference, I had it in my 545 and dont have it on my 550. I can take it or leave it.
BMW looses alot of business to mercedes and lexus because many drivers don't want a sporty ride or a car that needs to be driven, we do. If your friends dad is interested in a BMW then he wants a sports sedan, why not order the way it was designed for.
BMW looses alot of business to mercedes and lexus because many drivers don't want a sporty ride or a car that needs to be driven, we do. If your friends dad is interested in a BMW then he wants a sports sedan, why not order the way it was designed for.
10-18-2006, 11:35 AM
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Honestly, i dont think age has anything to do with driver preference.
The older I get, the more I expect and demand from my cars.......although I am no where near as reckless as I was when i was 16
I have had sports or MPack in all my cars so I dont know the difference in feel/ride vs non-sports, but my new 550, even with the Mpack rides beautifully and comfortably.
I also have active steer now and on my 545, but didnt on the 540......... dont think it is a must have.
I would at least get HUD, premium, sports ( MPack if available )
good luck !!!!!!
The older I get, the more I expect and demand from my cars.......although I am no where near as reckless as I was when i was 16
I have had sports or MPack in all my cars so I dont know the difference in feel/ride vs non-sports, but my new 550, even with the Mpack rides beautifully and comfortably.
I also have active steer now and on my 545, but didnt on the 540......... dont think it is a must have.
I would at least get HUD, premium, sports ( MPack if available )
good luck !!!!!!
10-18-2006, 12:51 PM
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My Ride: My 1st was an '06 530xi, Titanium Silver w/ gray dakota leather, sport pkg. & Nav.
Now my 2nd is an '08 650i CP, Space Gray, Blk Dakota, Sprt. Auto, HUD, Sprt. Pkg., Prem. Sound, High Beam Ast. & Comfort Access
I would consider Park Distance Control. Much easier to watch the Idrive screen than to try and turn to view the rear.