[bodonx]

This is not another M5 vs. 550i thread.

I have 2011 535 now. I'm in the market for a new car in the next few months. I love F10 styling, but I'm not a big fan of the drive. 535 has enough power for me, but I missed old BMW handling, fun and steering feel.

I test drove 2011 550i before. This is even worse with 300 lbs on the front hanging.

I test drive 2013 M5 briefly. I liked the DCT. But, it didn't give me goose bumps like M3. The steering is little bit dead and gave a lot of wheel vibration. It might be flaw on that particular vehicle only.

I thought, the only way to get BMW driving feel again, I must downgrade to 335i. I have been test driving that car in the last few weeks. It's a good car for the price, but my wife and I don't like lower quality interior compared to F10.

From limited reviews of 2014 F10s, BMW seems to have improved the steering and handling of LCI F10s (M and non-M). Now, I want to give F10 another chance. I will eventually test drive LCI M5 and 550i (with 704 suspension). But, I want to get you guys' opinions who test drove both.

I post this on F10 forum as well.

To make my question simple:

Taking out the power difference out of the equation, is M5 worth $25k extra to get BMW driving fun back? Or 2014 550i will be enough to satisfy my craving? Or both cars are still boring compared to 3-series?