How different is the ride between the M5 and the 550i Sport?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

02-15-2009, 05:40 PM

rmpatek

Members

Thread Starter

Join Date: Nov 2006

Posts: 18

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

At first I had to decide between the 550i Sport and the 535Xi. Before I pull the trigger, and regret it, how different is the M5 from the 550i Sport. I have heard from other folks, not here, that the M5 is not an every day driver - too harsh,jumpy, stiff. True? Also, is the SMG hard to master?
Thanks,
DocBob

Reply Like

02-15-2009, 07:09 PM

swajames

Contributors

Join Date: Jan 2005

Location: San Jose, California, USA

Posts: 4,119

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmpatek' post='793639' date='Feb 15 2009, 06:40 PM

I'm speaking only from a number of extended test drives rather than ownership, but the ride on the M5 is awesome. It's a little firm, but it's not at all harsh. As for SMG, it's very easy to use and not at all hard to master (those who own the beast can chime in with better experiences). One trick I learned on here, and I used it in my test drives, is just to ease off the throttle a fraction when upshifting, it does seem to make them smoother. That said, the riflebolt action when it slams in a gear under hard driving (with the more aggressive transmission modes) is awesome.

Reply Like

02-15-2009, 07:26 PM

C's Bimmer

Contributors

Join Date: Feb 2006

Location: NY

Posts: 14,646

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

My Ride: 2008 Silverstone II E60 M5 2012 E70 AW X5 50i Sport w/ LCI Aero Kit and Rocker Panels

Quote:

Originally Posted by swajames' post='793699' date='Feb 15 2009, 11:09 PM

I'm speaking only from a number of extended test drives rather than ownership, but the ride on the M5 is awesome. It's a little firm, but it's not at all harsh. As for SMG, it's very easy to use and not at all hard to master (those who own the beast can chime in with better experiences). One trick I learned on here, and I used it in my test drives, is just to ease off the throttle a fraction when upshifting, it does seem to make them smoother. That side, the riflebolt action when it slams in a gear under hard driving (with the more aggressive transmission modes) is awesome.

Yep, that pretty much sums it all up.