[Roger_M]

Now that prices have been announced and the M5 can be specced on-line?

Me not, but it's a close-run thing! Waiting for reviews.....

[Ryno 27]

no, too expensive (for me)

[mjr24]

M5 isn't $35k better than the M550.......hardly anyone will tell the difference besides the quad exhaust.

M550 is faster than F10 M5 and the M6....easy choice for me. Not sure I like all the M badging on the M550, but whatever.

[Roadkiller]

If I tracked my cars and had the cash, I'd go for the M5. Otherwise, its a waste of money. Getting 600 hp with awd just for daily driving light to light is a bit overkill. I rarely found ways to use the power of my M4 and C63S. The M550i has the luxury and creature comfort I need and the power is not too bad either.

[visualguy]

Originally Posted by Roadkiller

If I tracked my cars and had the cash, I'd go for the M5. Otherwise, its a waste of money. Getting 600 hp with awd just for daily driving light to light is a bit overkill. I rarely found ways to use the power of my M4 and C63S. The M550i has the luxury and creature comfort I need and the power is not too bad either.

The M5 is overkill for daily driving, but so is the M550i... From a daily driving perspective, not sure why you would go for anything more than a 540i. It weighs 525 lbs less than the M550i (!), handles better, has much better fuel economy, almost as fast, more reliable, and less expensive.

If you do decide to go for overkill, then I think it makes sense to go all the way to an M5 if you can afford it, and have the ultimate. Otherwise, just go with a 540i.

[Carbunkle22]

Originally Posted by visualguy

... handles better, has much better fuel economy, almost as fast, more reliable, and less expensive.

I'm not sure where data comes from, but I've driven both and "almost as fast" is too much of a stretch (maybe in bumber-to-bumber traffic they are though). Any data showing the "reliability" comparison? Admittedly, because of the weight distribution, the (M550) handles differently, most noticeably on twisty roads. But aside from that, your other assertions seem quite questionable.

As for the M5, I'll just trade when it comes and drive that gas guzzler everyday. Because, why not.

[Roadkiller]

Originally Posted by visualguy

The M5 is overkill for daily driving, but so is the M550i... From a daily driving perspective, not sure why you would go for anything more than a 540i. It weighs 525 lbs less than the M550i (!), handles better, has much better fuel economy, almost as fast, more reliable, and less expensive.

If you do decide to go for overkill, then I think it makes sense to go all the way to an M5 if you can afford it, and have the ultimate. Otherwise, just go with a 540i.

All fair points -- but OP asked about the M550 and the M5. We can also drag into the discussion the 530e or even a Prius.

[visualguy]

Originally Posted by Roadkiller

All fair points -- but OP asked about the M550 and the M5. We can also drag into the discussion the 530e or even a Prius.

I think I answered exactly that. Between the M550i and M5, go with the ultimate which is the M5. Might as well if you're going for overkill and have the money to spend. If you aren't going for overkill, then neither one makes sense, so go with a 540i.

[dbbude]

I love my M550 and have zero buyers regret. Comments about it being overkill are understood but it is a lot of fun for me. To each, their own

It wasn't worth another 35k or whatever for that much more engine. However for those that go with the M5, I hope they enjoy their car as well

[Almaretto]

I hear the steering on the F90 is finally right. Though, not sure that justifies the jump in price tag.

[Roger_M]

Thanks everyone for all your feedback.

Looking back 6 months when I made that decision (M550i rather than wait for the M5) I think the single most overriding factor is that the M5 is a large sports-car and will try to do its best to behave as one, whereas the M550i is built as a comfortable cruiser with a strong turn of speed.

So the characters are intended to be quite different although (visually, technically etc) they have very many similarities.

Wanting more of a relaxing drive than a frenetic one, I like to believe I got it right, for myself at least, but it's a close run thing......

Certainly glad I didn't go the MB E-class route, which is where I had started looking.....the dark side.

[angel486]

It's simple. 0.7 sec difference for 0-60 is a huge improvement and worth more than $35,000. Remeber Audi R8 runs 0-60 in 3.3sec and that car costs $200K.
M550 and M5 are not even comparable IMO.