LCI 550 Sport ED
05-04-2007, 11:13 AM
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Got into Munich at about 9:30 yesterday morning and was on the autobahn with my 550 Sport before noon! I'm now in Zermatt, Switzerland, driving here via Zurich and adding the first 600 kms to the car. First impressions -
IMHO, all of the little changes have added up to one major upgrade, especially as compared to my first year E60 545 Sport. Everything just works now. The AS, which I had not believed was right on my last car, is now perfect. The automatic headlights actually turn off now, and the adjustment on the automatic rain sensor now effects how often the wipers sweep the windshield. Sounds like small stuff, but it was a real annoyance on the old car (I know that much of this may be due to progman 25).
Dynamically the car is now much closer, and maybe superior to my favorite car - a 99 E39 540 Sport. This car's much tighter and the exhaust much more aural. I'm traveling with a friend who has a 650 Sport convertible. He believes that the exhaust notes are identical. But the best part will only matter to the few of you who drive with both feet. The 550 Sport's new short-throw shifter is a HUGE advance. It's now much more like the "click-click" of my Porsche and much more like the old 540's. Very good news for you dinosaurs like me.
The interior is much, much more luxurious. I know the changes are small, but it has made a big difference to me.
Other things of note: I cannot activate any sort of upshift indicator. There is no bluetooth on/off button (this may come with a phone cradle). The USB/iPod adapter (which I have not yet used) does charge my Blackberry phone. The rear directions are red (why, oh why?).
Tomorrow, I'm off to Monaco and then a week on Provence (why doesn't everyone do EDs??!!). More pics later if you'd like . . .
May 4, 3300m/10000 ft, at Gornergrat above Zermatt:
IMHO, all of the little changes have added up to one major upgrade, especially as compared to my first year E60 545 Sport. Everything just works now. The AS, which I had not believed was right on my last car, is now perfect. The automatic headlights actually turn off now, and the adjustment on the automatic rain sensor now effects how often the wipers sweep the windshield. Sounds like small stuff, but it was a real annoyance on the old car (I know that much of this may be due to progman 25).
Dynamically the car is now much closer, and maybe superior to my favorite car - a 99 E39 540 Sport. This car's much tighter and the exhaust much more aural. I'm traveling with a friend who has a 650 Sport convertible. He believes that the exhaust notes are identical. But the best part will only matter to the few of you who drive with both feet. The 550 Sport's new short-throw shifter is a HUGE advance. It's now much more like the "click-click" of my Porsche and much more like the old 540's. Very good news for you dinosaurs like me.
The interior is much, much more luxurious. I know the changes are small, but it has made a big difference to me.
Other things of note: I cannot activate any sort of upshift indicator. There is no bluetooth on/off button (this may come with a phone cradle). The USB/iPod adapter (which I have not yet used) does charge my Blackberry phone. The rear directions are red (why, oh why?).
Tomorrow, I'm off to Monaco and then a week on Provence (why doesn't everyone do EDs??!!). More pics later if you'd like . . .
May 4, 3300m/10000 ft, at Gornergrat above Zermatt:
05-04-2007, 11:35 AM
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My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Awesome! Thanks for the brief writeup! 
Zermatt!! One of my favorite places!! Spend some time there years ago and still think of it often.
Okay, I'm officially jealous...
Zermatt!! One of my favorite places!! Spend some time there years ago and still think of it often.
Okay, I'm officially jealous...
05-04-2007, 11:36 AM
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My Ride: 2004 545i 6 spd Sports Package | NAV | PDC | Logic 7 | BT retrofit | SW V13.3
I have been waiting with baited breath since you PMed me this AM for your post. The Shifter looks great.
Question?
I had to remove my CDV to get smoother shifts on the 545i. How is the clutch action and general ease of shifting with the new set up? Do you feel a CDV or did they do away with it for this model?
Question?
I had to remove my CDV to get smoother shifts on the 545i. How is the clutch action and general ease of shifting with the new set up? Do you feel a CDV or did they do away with it for this model?
05-04-2007, 11:59 AM
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That looks like one MEAN machine! Having gone through this process with you (read: mutual anxieties), I can tell you it's fun being able to read your thoughts. Your excitement is palpable!
Do you think there would be any problem retro-fitting the 6M shifter to my '08 528i?
Best of luck and hope you had a fantastic trip....
093
Do you think there would be any problem retro-fitting the 6M shifter to my '08 528i?
Best of luck and hope you had a fantastic trip....
093
05-04-2007, 12:04 PM
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Looks great. I can't wait for my 550i which is similarly outfitted to yours.
As to why everyone doesn't do european delivery, good question. With the 550i, I will have done 4 in 5 years.
As to why everyone doesn't do european delivery, good question. With the 550i, I will have done 4 in 5 years.
05-04-2007, 12:27 PM
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My Ride: Cars:2011 - BMW F11 535i, Alpine White, Msport version2009 - MINI COOPER, Mellow Yellow2007 - BMW E61 LCI 530i, Space Gray, Msport version - SOLD2006 - MINI COOPER, Park Lane Version - SOLD2005 - BMW E61 525i, Titan Silver, Msport version - SOLD2003
Model Year: 2012
Great car, congrats. Looking forward to see more pics.
05-04-2007, 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Hormazd' post='421122' date='May 4 2007, 03:36 PM
I have been waiting with baited breath since you PMed me this AM for your post. The Shifter looks great.
Question?
I had to remove my CDV to get smoother shifts on the 545i. How is the clutch action and general ease of shifting with the new set up? Do you feel a CDV or did they do away with it for this model?
Question?
I had to remove my CDV to get smoother shifts on the 545i. How is the clutch action and general ease of shifting with the new set up? Do you feel a CDV or did they do away with it for this model?