550i with Sport Pkg & runflats- A rough ride??
04-19-2006, 03:13 PM
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So today I finally got to drive an 2007 550 with the sport package (SP) and the RE050A runflats...
Here's my comparison: Before this I had driven a 550 and 530 without the SP. Both of those were very smooth and quiet, of course and I thought it handled the twists and turns pretty good.. However, the SP is without a doubt a remarkable handling package.. The Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) combined with 18" vs 17" wheels makes this car stick to the road like glue and stay totally flat when pushed to the limit on the corners! I mean the 550 isn't exactly a lightweight, so to say the least it took my breath away. BUT, yes there is always a Butt.. whether it's the runflats or the stiffer suspension (I know some of you have switched out the runflats and say it the tires fault) there is slight more road noise.. It's probably a whole 2 decibels louder, but I have a good ear for noises etc, and it was there. SO, if you want a 550 that is going to handle like its on rails, and you plan to have fun with it, then that little bit stiffer ride and slight increase in road noise won't make you regret for one second your decision. And you can probably make it quieter without the runflats later.. BUT, if you're looking for a cushy quieter ride, and don't plan to play stay away from the guard rails, then you'll like it without the SP for sure. I know after I got back from the test run (and it was surely a test run run run, (it had the 6MT, which was fun but wouldn't want it everyday) I told my salesman not to change a thing on my order. Bring on my Mystic Beast!
Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to give me your input on the whole runflat issue. I love this place
Steven
Here's my comparison: Before this I had driven a 550 and 530 without the SP. Both of those were very smooth and quiet, of course and I thought it handled the twists and turns pretty good.. However, the SP is without a doubt a remarkable handling package.. The Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) combined with 18" vs 17" wheels makes this car stick to the road like glue and stay totally flat when pushed to the limit on the corners! I mean the 550 isn't exactly a lightweight, so to say the least it took my breath away. BUT, yes there is always a Butt.. whether it's the runflats or the stiffer suspension (I know some of you have switched out the runflats and say it the tires fault) there is slight more road noise.. It's probably a whole 2 decibels louder, but I have a good ear for noises etc, and it was there. SO, if you want a 550 that is going to handle like its on rails, and you plan to have fun with it, then that little bit stiffer ride and slight increase in road noise won't make you regret for one second your decision. And you can probably make it quieter without the runflats later.. BUT, if you're looking for a cushy quieter ride, and don't plan to play stay away from the guard rails, then you'll like it without the SP for sure. I know after I got back from the test run (and it was surely a test run run run, (it had the 6MT, which was fun but wouldn't want it everyday) I told my salesman not to change a thing on my order. Bring on my Mystic Beast!
Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to give me your input on the whole runflat issue. I love this place
Steven
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