I am new to this forum, and I have two questions at the end:

Three weeks ago I purchased a 2006 550i Sport w/ M Aero Kit, Nav, HUD, Logic 7, iPod Interface, style M 172 wheels.

I truly love driving this thing! My last five cars have all been Lexus - including three different GS models. The move to BMW came after driving a friends and discovering what the "ultimate driving machine" really means. There is truly no comparison with this and my GS 460. The 550i has something very special to offer its driver. Even with the the price of gas, I just find myself wanting to go for spirited drives. It's still early in my time with the car, but so far indications are that BMW may have a new convert!

The prior owner is someone I know (a major BMW enthusiast), and the care of this car shows it! I have yet to find a single rock chip!

Questions:

1) Are there any suggestions as to minor mods that I may want to do to this car? So far I am thinking about replacing the air filter with a K&N.

2) What are the material differences between my car, and a 2008 550i Sport (keeping in mind that I have the M kit and Style M 172 Wheels)?

Thanks in advance! - David

 

Welcome on board

Sorry i can't be of much help other than to say the LCI models have not changed dramatically on the exterior, new light clusters being the only major change that comes to mind... the interior has been re designed and given a nice (my opinion) face lift and i dare say there are a few new options avaliable.

Anyway all the very best with your new wheels... enjoy

 

Great to read that you are enjoying your 550i sport. Welcome aboard.

As far as minor mods ... yes, change the air filter and while you are at it, make sure the charcoal filter has been removed too. Otherwise, the popular mods are not minor: wheels, exhaust, springs, high-flow throttle body, software tuning).

The main differences between your car and the 2008 version are the transmission, suspension and exhaust. The 2008 refresh for the 550i sport includes new transmissions (no more SMG, and 2 new automatics - the sport auto is the faster shifting option with paddle shifters). The new suspension is tighter, and the new exhaust has a deeper sound to it.

Other minor differences include some tweaks to the interior (including i-drive preset buttons), and the front turn signals (yellow) have been moved down to the front fender near the bumper instead of being integrated into the headlamp.

By the way, what did your friend replace his 550i with?

 

To answer Tachyon's question, my friend bought another M3 (Competition Version).

 

I am not sure I understood this...

 

In the U.S. the yellow blinker was in the headlamp ... like this:


For the LCI in the U.S. it was moved onto the fender ... like this:

 

I think the yellow piece in the wheel-well is only a reflector. It was in the headlamp assembly before (as you show), but the actual blinking (turnsignal) light is still in the large assembly above it. The placement replicates the placement first seen in the 3-Series.

 

That's correct ExGMan. It's a requirement with the DOT to have a reflector in the front. I've already seen 3 series that have painted the reflector to match the body color.

 

I think the reflector is ugly and I've not seen it in Europe. The turn signal is still in the main headlamp assembly.

 

Its as ro11dice wrote above, the reflector is only a US "DOT" regulatory requirement and not required in the Europe, which is why you won't see it on the 5ers over here.