Potential 2008 550i owner with a few questions.
09-19-2007, 11:06 PM
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I've had my eye on the 08 550i for a few weeks now. Incredible all around car. IMO the Aero Kit on the 08 really makes it stand out.
Just as I was about to pull the trigger today, I found a slightly used 07 (5k miles) in the color I want for a great price. Buying this car instead would literally save me close to 20k. But I really, really like the aero kit on the 08.
So it got me wondering if I could do the cosmetic upgrades myself, and maybe some suspension work? to make it look and perform similar to an 08 while saving a nice chunk of change. I done some research and know that I can get the m5 style front bumper that comes on the 08, but I haven't seen the rear bumper or side skirts for sale anywhere. Does any aftermarket company offer them?
I haven't researched much on the suspension, and I'm not sure if the exhaust is the same on the 07 and 08. I've had 3 different dealers tell me different things on this subject...
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Just as I was about to pull the trigger today, I found a slightly used 07 (5k miles) in the color I want for a great price. Buying this car instead would literally save me close to 20k. But I really, really like the aero kit on the 08.
So it got me wondering if I could do the cosmetic upgrades myself, and maybe some suspension work? to make it look and perform similar to an 08 while saving a nice chunk of change. I done some research and know that I can get the m5 style front bumper that comes on the 08, but I haven't seen the rear bumper or side skirts for sale anywhere. Does any aftermarket company offer them?
I haven't researched much on the suspension, and I'm not sure if the exhaust is the same on the 07 and 08. I've had 3 different dealers tell me different things on this subject...
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
09-19-2007, 11:08 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Alpine White 550i Sport, Cream Beige Interior, 6-Sp Manual - retired 9/2011
Use the "Search" button for the topic of the aerokit under the "M-tech" kit. You will find all you need...front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, etc.
09-20-2007, 12:53 AM
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My Ride: 2007 550i..... ex
$20k is a huge savings.... but I love how the new sport tranny drives, it shifts so much faster than the pre LCI steps.... There isn't any performance difference, just the lights, interior and a sportier transmission. If all you want is the body kit then just go for the 07 and slap on the kit.....
D
D
09-20-2007, 05:42 AM
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The 2008 550i your are looking at - with the M Kit body panels - must be a Sport, right? Is the 2007 550i also a Sport?
If so, the biggest difference in performance may be in the transmission. The 2008 Sport Automatic Transmission seems to be a killer set-up. Does the 2008 you are looking at have the SAT or standard auto tranny? If the 2008 has the regular auto, then it won't be too different that the 2007 with the Steptronic Auto.
As Tourqey5 said, the SAT would be the reason to get the '08. If they are both Sports with standard transmissions - go for the '07. You can have the aero kit installed (for less than $3k) on the 2007, and you would be way ahead money-wise.
If so, the biggest difference in performance may be in the transmission. The 2008 Sport Automatic Transmission seems to be a killer set-up. Does the 2008 you are looking at have the SAT or standard auto tranny? If the 2008 has the regular auto, then it won't be too different that the 2007 with the Steptronic Auto.
As Tourqey5 said, the SAT would be the reason to get the '08. If they are both Sports with standard transmissions - go for the '07. You can have the aero kit installed (for less than $3k) on the 2007, and you would be way ahead money-wise.
09-20-2007, 05:50 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535i w/ Sports & Permium Pkg. Silv/Blk
2008 VW R32 w/Nav.
1992 VW Corrado Silv/Blk-retired
2001 530i Sports/Premium-retired
Originally Posted by sfvceo' post='471919' date='Sep 20 2007, 03:06 AM
I've had my eye on the 08 550i for a few weeks now. Incredible all around car. IMO the Aero Kit on the 08 really makes it stand out.
Just as I was about to pull the trigger today, I found a slightly used 07 (5k miles) in the color I want for a great price. Buying this car instead would literally save me close to 20k. But I really, really like the aero kit on the 08.
So it got me wondering if I could do the cosmetic upgrades myself, and maybe some suspension work? to make it look and perform similar to an 08 while saving a nice chunk of change. I done some research and know that I can get the m5 style front bumper that comes on the 08, but I haven't seen the rear bumper or side skirts for sale anywhere. Does any aftermarket company offer them?
I haven't researched much on the suspension, and I'm not sure if the exhaust is the same on the 07 and 08. I've had 3 different dealers tell me different things on this subject...
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Just as I was about to pull the trigger today, I found a slightly used 07 (5k miles) in the color I want for a great price. Buying this car instead would literally save me close to 20k. But I really, really like the aero kit on the 08.
So it got me wondering if I could do the cosmetic upgrades myself, and maybe some suspension work? to make it look and perform similar to an 08 while saving a nice chunk of change. I done some research and know that I can get the m5 style front bumper that comes on the 08, but I haven't seen the rear bumper or side skirts for sale anywhere. Does any aftermarket company offer them?
I haven't researched much on the suspension, and I'm not sure if the exhaust is the same on the 07 and 08. I've had 3 different dealers tell me different things on this subject...
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
09-20-2007, 07:09 AM
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My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
If the 07 is a Sports model I would suggest getting it and adding the Mtech , wheels/tires. You should be able to do it for under $7500 depending on who/how installation is done . Either way you go, you will love the car.
Cheers
Cheers
09-20-2007, 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by DrLev99' post='471921' date='Sep 20 2007, 02:08 AM
Use the "Search" button for the topic of the aerokit under the "M-tech" kit. You will find all you need...front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, etc.
09-20-2007, 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Torquey5' post='471948' date='Sep 20 2007, 03:53 AM
$20k is a huge savings.... but I love how the new sport tranny drives, it shifts so much faster than the pre LCI steps.... There isn't any performance difference, just the lights, interior and a sportier transmission. If all you want is the body kit then just go for the 07 and slap on the kit.....
D
D
09-20-2007, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by tachyon' post='472024' date='Sep 20 2007, 08:42 AM
The 2008 550i your are looking at - with the M Kit body panels - must be a Sport, right? Is the 2007 550i also a Sport?
If so, the biggest difference in performance may be in the transmission. The 2008 Sport Automatic Transmission seems to be a killer set-up. Does the 2008 you are looking at have the SAT or standard auto tranny? If the 2008 has the regular auto, then it won't be too different that the 2007 with the Steptronic Auto.
As Tourqey5 said, the SAT would be the reason to get the '08. If they are both Sports with standard transmissions - go for the '07. You can have the aero kit installed (for less than $3k) on the 2007, and you would be way ahead money-wise.
If so, the biggest difference in performance may be in the transmission. The 2008 Sport Automatic Transmission seems to be a killer set-up. Does the 2008 you are looking at have the SAT or standard auto tranny? If the 2008 has the regular auto, then it won't be too different that the 2007 with the Steptronic Auto.
As Tourqey5 said, the SAT would be the reason to get the '08. If they are both Sports with standard transmissions - go for the '07. You can have the aero kit installed (for less than $3k) on the 2007, and you would be way ahead money-wise.
the 07 is not a sport, which is helping to justify the price of it. Yes the 08 has the SAT. I think I'm going to need to drive the 07 and really feel the differences.
09-20-2007, 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by MiamiPhill' post='472028' date='Sep 20 2007, 08:50 AM
What are the other options on the 07?
I love the seats in the 08 too.