Brand new to this forum, but not new to BMW. However, it's been a while since I've owned one (I've owned three.)

I'm thinking of a new MY08 550i MT with ZSP. I test drove two different ones at two different dealers. I couldn't really drive them but I did like them during the short drives. Not as heavy feeling or big as I thought and I absolutely liked the NA V8. The shift from 1st to second was a long throw and notchy, but otherwise a pretty smooth gearbox. Everything seemed okay, nothing weird. A car I think I could live with for a while. And I wouldn't mind tracking it once in a while (?)

So, I either need to find the exact one in a MY08 or order one in a MY09. With the price going up, the 09 seems kinda fruitless esp with no changes. Or, I maybe should wait for the 2010/11? Any reason I shouldn't get a MY08 or MY09? Or even the 550i itself? I'm afraid that the NA will go the way of a TT motor for 2011. I'd prefer the V8 the way it is now (hey, I'm sorta old school, what can I say?) I pretty much like everything the way it is and am sorta worried about what's unknown for 2010 (except for the new iDrive!)

The 550 is a great car; you didn't say if you were leasing or buying but if your leasing get the 2008, if your buying get the 2009 (better resale whenever you sell it will offset any price increase).
A big reason not to wait for the 2010/11 is that for two more years you will be driving something else. Also I personally don't understand why you wouldn't want more HP and torque, but the 2010/11 is supposed to be turbo charged so you will lose the NA feel you like.
Get it now!

stop analyzing and just go buy/lease/whatever! its an awesome car, youll have no regrets plain and simple

Get it! Get it! Get it! :devil:

You pretty much answered your own question right there :) I think it is pretty much confirmed (correct me if I'm wrong) that the F10 will be Turbo. So this could be your last chance to grab a NA V8.

Also, I thought I read somewhere that 2009's have the new Idrive (could be wrong on that though). But either way snag that NA V8 while you can ;)

+1 Go for the V8 while you can. Even if the 09s come with the new idrive, the only real major change would be the quick buttons and back feature. Not really a major improvement over the current idrive.

T, Write the cheque ! These cars are a blast !!!!!!!! go 08 and save the $$
Good luck

+1, get it...:twoup:

Wow, overwhelming positive responses. Thanks much.

I pretty much felt connected to the car the minute I drove it. Other than that 1st to 2nd longish throw, everything just felt right. I think it's an underrated car by a lot of enthusiasts. Too, bad 'cause I think it's pretty impressive.

Okay, I guess I'll do it. I am buying, so as already mentioned, I will probably order a MY09. The cost increase is not that great to worry about it. It will be kinda nice to own the last 550i and probably the last of the NA V8 motors. In addition, it's possible (but unlikely) that the new iDrive will be included. But iDrive is not a deal breaker.

Now to choose color, etc.. Also, I won't be getting active steering as I much prefer the feel of the steering as it is even in city driving (after all, I'm getting a MT and I live in a traffic dense part of the world; no big deal for me, used to drive a MT all the time here. I once owned the grandfather of the E60; a E3 Bavaria with a 3.0 IL6.)

Thanks for the responses.

I don't think it should be a deal breaker/maker but I think the '09 may have the new Idrive...see page 12 of the attached 2009 5 series brochure (German)...clearly shows the new Idrive controller... ;) Attachment 57893