550i SMG Experience and Audio Upgrades
04-13-2006, 05:47 AM
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My Ride: Performance Center Delivery May 19, 2006: 2007 BMW 550i, Black Saphire, Beige Interior with Poplar Wood, Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Comfort Access, Navigation, Power Shades, SMG, M Aero Package, Rear Heating,
Hi everyone. I am a new 550i owner expecting to take delivery at the performance center on May 19th 2006. I am looking for experiences and impressions on the SMG transmission. I am a little nervous about it being an electrical component and consumer reports bad ratings with BMWs electrical problems this past few years.
Also I opted to not upgrade my radio assuming I can get better after market sounds. I did a search on the forums and it looks like I made a mistake. I am partial to the OEM look but like the aftermarket performance. Any experience or opinions?
Also I opted to not upgrade my radio assuming I can get better after market sounds. I did a search on the forums and it looks like I made a mistake. I am partial to the OEM look but like the aftermarket performance. Any experience or opinions?
04-13-2006, 06:18 AM
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My Ride: 2006 550i, olivine green, beige interior, SMG, cold weather package, Sport package, Comfort access, Comfort seating, adaptive steering, Navigation
SMG good, upgraded audio with nav - better.
04-13-2006, 07:28 AM
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My Ride: 2005 545i (SMG)
Titanium Gray
Black Interior, Anthracite Trim
M-tech kit
Sport Package
Premium Sound
Satellite Radio
Active Cruise
Comfort Seats
Navigation
Folding rear seats
I purchased mt 545i SMG without ever test driving an SMG car.
BEST DECISION I EVER MADE.
That is all.
BEST DECISION I EVER MADE.
That is all.
04-13-2006, 07:33 AM
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My Ride: (E60) 535D M-Sport (DMS)
You'll struggle with after-market ICE upgrades. The i-drive makes upgrades very difficult with the exception of changing perhaps a few speakers or adding a sub.
I investigated the same a few weeks ago & drew a blank. Go for the hi-fi loudspeaker upgrade, as this is better than Audi's Bose & not too many extra $$'s
I investigated the same a few weeks ago & drew a blank. Go for the hi-fi loudspeaker upgrade, as this is better than Audi's Bose & not too many extra $$'s
04-13-2006, 07:43 AM
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My Ride: Performance Center Delivery May 19, 2006: 2007 BMW 550i, Black Saphire, Beige Interior with Poplar Wood, Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Comfort Access, Navigation, Power Shades, SMG, M Aero Package, Rear Heating,
Originally Posted by w8pmc' post='268525' date='Apr 13 2006, 10:33 AM
You'll struggle with after-market ICE upgrades. The i-drive makes upgrades very difficult with the exception of changing perhaps a few speakers or adding a sub.
I investigated the same a few weeks ago & drew a blank. Go for the hi-fi loudspeaker upgrade, as this is better than Audi's Bose & not too many extra $$'s
I investigated the same a few weeks ago & drew a blank. Go for the hi-fi loudspeaker upgrade, as this is better than Audi's Bose & not too many extra $$'s
04-13-2006, 08:05 AM
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My Ride: Performance Center Delivery May 19, 2006: 2007 BMW 550i, Black Saphire, Beige Interior with Poplar Wood, Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Comfort Access, Navigation, Power Shades, SMG, M Aero Package, Rear Heating,
Originally Posted by subterFUSE' post='268522' date='Apr 13 2006, 10:28 AM
I purchased mt 545i SMG without ever test driving an SMG car.
BEST DECISION I EVER MADE.
That is all.
BEST DECISION I EVER MADE.
That is all.
Thanks for sharing. Have you had to get any service done on your transmission? On valet parking, I am thinking this is a big no no for me cause don't know to many people familiar with SMG. How do you you like the drive mode. My wife will drive this car from time to time. Wondering if she will have any issues with it. Thanks again for sharing!
04-13-2006, 08:07 AM
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Originally Posted by ACEE' post='268531' date='Apr 13 2006, 11:43 AM
Unless I can have the dealer do a retro fit, I think it will be too late to add the Logic 7 (if that is what you mean) installation. Is this correct? Has anyone done a retro fit for the logic 7?
04-13-2006, 08:41 AM
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My Ride: (E60) 535D M-Sport (DMS)
Originally Posted by ACEE' post='268531' date='Apr 13 2006, 10:43 AM
Unless I can have the dealer do a retro fit, I think it will be too late to add the Logic 7 (if that is what you mean) installation. Is this correct? Has anyone done a retro fit for the logic 7?
Your standard system can be upgraded, however due to the E60's i-drive etc. it will cost you an awful lot of money. If you can't alter your spec at this stage, you're kinds backed into a corner really.
04-13-2006, 09:56 AM
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My Ride: 2006 Alpine White 550i, Auburn Int., AS, CA, SMG, Premium Sound, Sport Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, Fold Down Rear Seats, HUD, Navi, SIRIUS, M Body Kit
SMG is a blasttttt... I totally love it. The Logic system is also very nice... I dont know how complex it would be to add an aftermarket system because of idrive you may want to ask someone who has already done that.