Lamont

Hi all,

I'm a new member. My 2002 530 was totaled and I am now in the market for a new car I loved my 530, but sometimes regretted not buying a 540 or even an M5 at the time. I've gone back and forth over the last few weeks between a 2007 M5 and a 2008 550. Both woud be a 6-speed (so 06 M5 is out). Price would be similar with the M5 probably a litte cheaper. I've driven both. While they drive very differently, I've enjoyed both. As I've done some research on these boards and others, questions have come to mind. My initial response was an M5 for 550 money seemed like any easy decision given the depreciation already taken on the 07. I tend to keep my cars for relatively long periods of time (I had the 530 for 6 years on my way to 8-10 years). The M5 has me a little concerned regarding upkeep and maintanence costs once its out of the factory warranty. If I plan to keep both cars to ~80-100k miles, how much worse will the M5 be? Even with the 1st year depreciation on the 550, could I have a lower total cost of ownership with the 550? ALG says the 550 holds its value the worst of the 5-series cars including the M, but there seems to be some concern that the M5 will see larger depreciation once the factory warranty expires. Unfortunately, no M5 is old enough to know that yet. I suppose if I found a nice 08 with a few miles at a nice discount to MSRP my decision might be easier.

I tried the search function before posting, but it was giving me an error message. Sorry if this has been discussed before.

Joe

rodneyremington

M5 has too harsh a ride for my taste in the long run. Too many compromises for daily driving in order to extract that last 5% of performance capability. I prefer the 550i with the sport package.

iversonm

Both are great cars. The M5 will be a bit less practical around town, with a pretty harsh ride. On the up side, you'll be able to pass everything except a gas station.

The 550 will offer 80% of the performance, and is very comfortable around town.

One other consideration is that I don't think BMW will CPO ///M models, so you'll have better warranty coverage with a new 550.

Richard in NC

True, an M5 out of warranty would concern me. Especially if you have 5 years of payments and only 3 years left on the warranty. The 550 after CPO'd will have 6 years warranty.

JeffNNJ

Sure they will. My dealership has 2 CPO M5s right now. Honestly, I drove both cars back to back and went with the 550. Thought it rode better, better gas mileage, $400 less a year to insure and the steering was firmer. For my money all of the ///M car's steering is too soft.

JSpira

I went through the same decision tree and also voted for the 550i. The M5 was great on the track but it the 550i with M-Sport Paket was much more drivable on the street. Petrol usage was also better for the 550i.

I wasn?t concerned about post warranty issues since I tend to hold on to cars ca. 2 years.

snkpkp

550i with sport package . M5 is great but only if you have a primary sedan and a primary suv in the house , it can act as the third car, well imho.

AlexFW

550i all the life!

Lamont

My dealership had an 06 M5 and wouldn't CPO it. They said they didn't need to as it would sell on its own...I wouldn't expect him to come and say they were worried about warranty costs.

Joe

wees75

This is disappointing.... I have a 550 and would like to have an M5 some day.... is it really that bad on the streets??