550i with sport package and active steering
07-15-2006, 05:22 PM
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Next Thursday, I will finish negotiations with competing dealers in my area and will order an ED 550i. I am ordering SP with AS but have some reservations, mainly because of some threads with negative comments on the combination in the E60 and Bimmerfest Forums. One alternative would be the stock suspension but I don't think I'd want to buy this car with stock suspension and wheels! Could members comment with your impressions of the combination? Thanks.
07-15-2006, 05:42 PM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
YOu gotta get sport suspension... if you have to give up somthing give up Active Steering.
But why not get both? Whats so "negative" that you've heard? I know its not the "BEST" "Hence the M5 doenst have AS" as many said... but both options together is fine...
But why not get both? Whats so "negative" that you've heard? I know its not the "BEST" "Hence the M5 doenst have AS" as many said... but both options together is fine...
07-15-2006, 05:48 PM
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My Ride: 2007 E63 AMG | Obsidian Black | Schwarzes Nappa | Black BirdEye Maple | Premium II Package | Electronic Trunk Closer | Parktronic
Engine: RPi/Powerchips custom ECU tune, RPi Ram Air Kit (BMC filter, scoops), RennTech Sport exhaust, secondary cats, charcoal and resonator delete, custom AAA x-pipe
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SP and AS = Great.
I drove my cousin's e39 528 two weeks ago, and the steering wheel felt rather heavy. I'm so glad that AS was included with SP in 2005.
I drove my cousin's e39 528 two weeks ago, and the steering wheel felt rather heavy. I'm so glad that AS was included with SP in 2005.
07-15-2006, 05:49 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by Samplemaven' post='311297' date='Jul 15 2006, 06:22 PM
Next Thursday, I will finish negotiations with competing dealers in my area and will order an ED 550i. I am ordering SP with AS but have some reservations, mainly because of some threads with negative comments on the combination in the E60 and Bimmerfest Forums. One alternative would be the stock suspension but I don't think I'd want to buy this car with stock suspension and wheels! Could members comment with your impressions of the combination? Thanks.
.
07-15-2006, 05:53 PM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Originally Posted by swajames' post='311304' date='Jul 15 2006, 06:49 PM
and I regret not having it wish I had ordered it again
As said gotta just got test drive it and decide for yourself.
07-15-2006, 06:08 PM
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Thanks guys. These are really the kind of encouraging comments I like to hear. I have driven almost every combo with the 550i except SP with AS (I haven't been able to find that combo). I became concerned when a 530 with the SP and AS combo felt a lot smoother than the 550 SP without AS. I may have just had a moment of clarity...is it the AS that made the 530 ride so much better than the 550 with SP only?
I guess there are two issues that concern me: 1) Run Flat tires and the noise potential of the tire and 2) the 550 I drove with the SP but without AS felt a lot harsher and not as smooth as the 530 with SP and AS.
I am of the opinion that the SP with AS combo is the only way to go, but with a $70k purchase, I am probably over thinking any possible problems with the combo.
I guess there are two issues that concern me: 1) Run Flat tires and the noise potential of the tire and 2) the 550 I drove with the SP but without AS felt a lot harsher and not as smooth as the 530 with SP and AS.
I am of the opinion that the SP with AS combo is the only way to go, but with a $70k purchase, I am probably over thinking any possible problems with the combo.
07-15-2006, 06:12 PM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
One question... are you sure the 530 SP and AS you drove and the 550 SP non-AS you drove, the only difference was Sport package? Did the cars both have Dynamic Drive?
07-15-2006, 06:44 PM
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My Ride: 2007 Titanium Gray 550i, with sport, nav, HUD, Logic7, sat radio, cold weather, rear side airbags, rear seat heaters, and it goes like a bat outta hell!
I agononized a bit over the AS before ordering my 550, but in the end decided I liked how it drove, and I don't regret it one bit. I think the Sport Package is a must on the 550....the handling with sport vs non-sport is so much better. As for the run-flats, don't worry about them. The Bridgestone Potenzas are not any noisier than the Continentals I had on my 530, and the ride is just fine. That being said.....probably a little early, I will replace the RFs with a high performance non RF. But don't let that tire scare you away. Make every effort to find a sport package with AS that you can test drive.....more than once, and at different speeds. Then, make up your mind based on what YOU like best.......AND then, enjoy the heck out of the car....I do 
07-15-2006, 06:46 PM
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My Ride: 11 550i Sophisto Gray/Oyster Black/Anthracite, Sprt Trns, DHP, IAS, SP, PP1, PP2, CWP, HUD, DAP, AVSP, SF RS, CA, ACC - Euro Del
I have the sport package and active steering on my 545. Sport package is a must have option. Active steering is a matter of preference. Personally I like it a lot. BMW improved it with the continuing software upgrades. I have driven BMW 530's as loaners without it and I missed the active steering. However it is a personal preference that is best resolved by test drives.
07-15-2006, 07:06 PM
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My Ride: Infiniti G 35 Coupe
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I don't know if the cars had dynamic drive or not. I feel a lot better about my choice and will not worry anymore about run flats either. I'm sure they will be fine. My Infiniti G35 Coupe sounds like I'm driving with snow tires and I don't want my 550i to resemble the sound in any way. Thanks for all the help. I really appreciate it.