M5POST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   M5POST - BMW M5 Forum > F10 M5 Forum > M5 versus...

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-16-2013, 05:57 PM   #1
bodonx
Second Lieutenant
46
Rep
282
Posts

Drives: 2014 F10 M5 CP
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

2014 M5 vs. 2014 550i

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?
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 06:02 PM   #2
URBAN LEGEND
Rocky
URBAN LEGEND's Avatar
United_States
411
Rep
3,085
Posts

Drives: 16 M5, 18 ZL1 1LE, 18 M3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Brenham TX

iTrader: (0)

550i is a POS. Its a Caprice Classic. Go big or stay home.

M5 all day, everyday.

Now ill go die.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 06:07 PM   #3
stealth.pilot
Knight Commander
stealth.pilot's Avatar
United Kingdom
554
Rep
5,948
Posts

Drives: 2014 911 Turbo S
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Buckhead

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND
550i is a POS. Its a Caprice Classic. Go big or stay home.

M5 all day, everyday.

Now ill go die.
What ^ he said.

Plus from what you wrote I think you know the answer. And if you care more about handling than speed, why not wait for the F80 M3?
__________________
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
Ordered: EQS580, BMW IX, Lucid Air Touring, Corvette Stingray
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 06:09 PM   #4
bodonx
Second Lieutenant
46
Rep
282
Posts

Drives: 2014 F10 M5 CP
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stealth.pilot
Quote:
Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND
550i is a POS. Its a Caprice Classic. Go big or stay home.

M5 all day, everyday.

Now ill go die.
What ^ he said.

Plus from what you wrote I think you know the answer. And if you care more about handling than speed, why not wait for the F80 M3?
My lease will end before then.

And, I'm trying to avoid 1st year model.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 06:25 PM   #5
stealth.pilot
Knight Commander
stealth.pilot's Avatar
United Kingdom
554
Rep
5,948
Posts

Drives: 2014 911 Turbo S
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Buckhead

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by bodonx View Post
My lease will end before then.

And, I'm trying to avoid 1st year model.
1st year model issues are wholly exaggerated IMO. BMW barely made any changes between 2012 and 2013 M5 models. In fact as far as I can tell the 2012 and 2013 M5s were identical except for the iDrive which refreshes on its own cycle.

If you prefer the 550i for budget reasons, you should test it with DDC, ARS, Integral Active Steering and Michelin PSS. That combination is transformative though still doesn't get you to M5 levels of cornering agility.
__________________
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
Ordered: EQS580, BMW IX, Lucid Air Touring, Corvette Stingray
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 07:04 PM   #6
Tylerstar
Captain
Tylerstar's Avatar
68
Rep
961
Posts

Drives: Straight Piped F10 M5, GTR
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Miami

iTrader: (0)

If no m5 atleast get a 550 stage 4.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 07:04 PM   #7
bodonx
Second Lieutenant
46
Rep
282
Posts

Drives: 2014 F10 M5 CP
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stealth.pilot View Post
1st year model issues are wholly exaggerated IMO. BMW barely made any changes between 2012 and 2013 M5 models. In fact as far as I can tell the 2012 and 2013 M5s were identical except for the iDrive which refreshes on its own cycle.

If you prefer the 550i for budget reasons, you should test it with DDC, ARS, Integral Active Steering and Michelin PSS. That combination is transformative though still doesn't get you to M5 levels of cornering agility.
Thanks for the info.

I considered 2012/2013 M5 as its first variant. Then, BMW quickly updated the steering in 2014 from what I heard. Did you notice a big difference on the steering feel (2012 vs. 2014)?

2011 F10s had a lot of issues/weaknesses (throttle jerking, pulling to the right, no side bolster, no 704 suspension). BMW fixed them in 2013/2014 variants.

According to reviews, 550i LCI with 704 passive suspension has the sportiest handling. I don't get it why Euro version has had this suspension since 2011. But, BMW decided not to bring it to US until 2013. The same thing like side bolster.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 07:06 PM   #8
URBAN LEGEND
Rocky
URBAN LEGEND's Avatar
United_States
411
Rep
3,085
Posts

Drives: 16 M5, 18 ZL1 1LE, 18 M3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Brenham TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tylerstar View Post
If no m5 atleast get a 550 stage 4.
Oh lord. Use the new M5 performance parts.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 07:42 PM   #9
wisesoul
Savoir Faire
wisesoul's Avatar
Philippines
74
Rep
1,772
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW M5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Los Angeles, Ca

iTrader: (0)

Get the M5. Put your foot in it then report back.
__________________
Current: Alpine White F10 M5|H&R springs|12mm/10mm spacers|Eisenmann Race
Sold:Imola Yellow RS4-KW V3|MTM 10mm spacers|Hotchkis rear sway bar|APR Stage 1|Milltek Catless|RNS-E|Euro RS4 Flat bottom Steering Wheel
Sold:E46 323i
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 08:59 PM   #10
Bimmer6
Colonel
Bimmer6's Avatar
632
Rep
2,253
Posts

Drives: 458SPY, GT3RS on the way
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ATL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bodonx View Post
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?
M5 you will love it!
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 09:59 PM   #11
stealth.pilot
Knight Commander
stealth.pilot's Avatar
United Kingdom
554
Rep
5,948
Posts

Drives: 2014 911 Turbo S
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Buckhead

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by bodonx View Post
Thanks for the info.

I considered 2012/2013 M5 as its first variant. Then, BMW quickly updated the steering in 2014 from what I heard. Did you notice a big difference on the steering feel (2012 vs. 2014)?

2011 F10s had a lot of issues/weaknesses (throttle jerking, pulling to the right, no side bolster, no 704 suspension). BMW fixed them in 2013/2014 variants.

According to reviews, 550i LCI with 704 passive suspension has the sportiest handling. I don't get it why Euro version has had this suspension since 2011. But, BMW decided not to bring it to US until 2013. The same thing like side bolster.
Right so LCI brought these revisions. If you wait for F80 M3 LCI you will wait until 2018 or so.

BTW I have driven LCI. I have LCI on order because I get a new car every year. I can tell you the differences are very subtle. Car feels mostly the same. Waiting for an LCI is waste of time IMO. Better off getting the latest newest model. LCI is light update to an out-of-date car to keep it competitive.
__________________
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
Ordered: EQS580, BMW IX, Lucid Air Touring, Corvette Stingray
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 10:01 PM   #12
stealth.pilot
Knight Commander
stealth.pilot's Avatar
United Kingdom
554
Rep
5,948
Posts

Drives: 2014 911 Turbo S
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Buckhead

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
One more thing. If you are leaning to 550i, you should check out the 2014 Cadillac CTS V-Sport. That car is 400lbs lighter than 550i, has a 420hp V6, and just set a time on the Ring which matches the E60 M5.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/16/2...t-drive-video/
__________________
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
Ordered: EQS580, BMW IX, Lucid Air Touring, Corvette Stingray

Last edited by stealth.pilot; 09-16-2013 at 10:13 PM..
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 10:46 PM   #13
mwlmd
Lieutenant Colonel
mwlmd's Avatar
United_States
187
Rep
1,548
Posts

Drives: Porsche 991 TTS
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Portland, OR

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stealth.pilot View Post
Right so LCI brought these revisions. If you wait for F80 M3 LCI you will wait until 2018 or so.
I think the F80 M3 will receive the LCI treatment along with the F30 for MY 2015 or 2016
__________________
CURRENT:
His: Porsche 991 Turbo S
Carrera white/Black
Hers: BMW X3MC
BSM/Black
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 11:18 PM   #14
nugent
Captain
nugent's Avatar
United_States
65
Rep
602
Posts

Drives: f10 m5
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: san francisco

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mwlmd
Quote:
Originally Posted by stealth.pilot View Post
Right so LCI brought these revisions. If you wait for F80 M3 LCI you will wait until 2018 or so.
I think the F80 M3 will receive the LCI treatment along with the F30 for MY 2015 or 2016
I'm there for ED bro.
__________________
e92 m3 6MT, RS4 6MT, S4 Avant 6MT, WRX 5MT, Corsica

Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 11:29 PM   #15
decoy1116
Private
United_States
9
Rep
98
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW 535i
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Irvine, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 535i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by bodonx View Post
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?
What do you have on the 535 now?...
__________________
Click here to join the >>>> BMW F10 5 Series Crew
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 12:14 AM   #16
bodonx
Second Lieutenant
46
Rep
282
Posts

Drives: 2014 F10 M5 CP
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by decoy1116
Quote:
Originally Posted by bodonx View Post
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?
What do you have on the 535 now?...
Just sport package with ACS springs.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 02:52 AM   #17
JOHNBMWM5
Live for today tomorrow never comes
JOHNBMWM5's Avatar
United Kingdom
1988
Rep
9,498
Posts

Drives: 2022 LCI Marina Bay Blue/ Smok
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stealth.pilot View Post
What ^ he said.

Plus from what you wrote I think you know the answer. And if you care more about handling than speed, why not wait for the F80 M3?
Times two.
__________________
Live for now, life is too short.
2021 LCI M5 Marina Bay Blue/ Smoked White Leather
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 04:20 AM   #18
s4awd
Lieutenant
285
Rep
547
Posts

Drives: 11 GT3RS, 08 E92 M3, 06 Evo IX
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Times 3 ^^. The M5 is a luxury sedan that can go fast. It will turn and handle but the steering is vague. The feedback you get is the feeling that the car is heavy so you won't have much fun doing it. If you want a car that encourages you to brake late into a corner and work on your corner speed at every turn, this is definitely NOT it. Lighter is better.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 07:22 PM   #19
bodonx
Second Lieutenant
46
Rep
282
Posts

Drives: 2014 F10 M5 CP
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by s4awd
Times 3 ^^. The M5 is a luxury sedan that can go fast. It will turn and handle but the steering is vague. The feedback you get is the feeling that the car is heavy so you won't have much fun doing it. If you want a car that encourages you to brake late into a corner and work on your corner speed at every turn, this is definitely NOT it. Lighter is better.
Yes, I know m3 would be perfect. But, I need a new car in few months.

Keep the new car for 3 yrs, then get LCI m3 in 2016-2017
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 08:17 PM   #20
mstmng
Lieutenant Colonel
United Kingdom
141
Rep
1,837
Posts

Drives: M5 F10
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: London

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bodonx View Post
Yes, I know m3 would be perfect. But, I need a new car in few months.

Keep the new car for 3 yrs, then get LCI m3 in 2016-2017
get a 6-12months used m5
u r not driving on track 24/7 to care that much about cornering
yes u cannot throw the left and right, as u can with m3
but its best DD car, based on many reviews and personal experience
plus u can always change your suspension, tyres, etc, whatever will make you feel better
Appreciate 0
      09-18-2013, 02:19 AM   #21
wisesoul
Savoir Faire
wisesoul's Avatar
Philippines
74
Rep
1,772
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW M5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Los Angeles, Ca

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by s4awd View Post
Times 3 ^^. The M5 is a luxury sedan that can go fast. It will turn and handle but the steering is vague. The feedback you get is the feeling that the car is heavy so you won't have much fun doing it. If you want a car that encourages you to brake late into a corner and work on your corner speed at every turn, this is definitely NOT it. Lighter is better.
If OP is coming from a 535i, the steering is a major improvement. Brakes, suspension and drivetrain are also major improvements over a standard F10, so relative to a 535i an M5 should be a blast.
__________________
Current: Alpine White F10 M5|H&R springs|12mm/10mm spacers|Eisenmann Race
Sold:Imola Yellow RS4-KW V3|MTM 10mm spacers|Hotchkis rear sway bar|APR Stage 1|Milltek Catless|RNS-E|Euro RS4 Flat bottom Steering Wheel
Sold:E46 323i
Appreciate 0
      09-18-2013, 06:30 AM   #22
s4awd
Lieutenant
285
Rep
547
Posts

Drives: 11 GT3RS, 08 E92 M3, 06 Evo IX
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bodonx
Quote:
Originally Posted by s4awd
Times 3 ^^. The M5 is a luxury sedan that can go fast. It will turn and handle but the steering is vague. The feedback you get is the feeling that the car is heavy so you won't have much fun doing it. If you want a car that encourages you to brake late into a corner and work on your corner speed at every turn, this is definitely NOT it. Lighter is better.
Yes, I know m3 would be perfect. But, I need a new car in few months.

Keep the new car for 3 yrs, then get LCI m3 in 2016-2017
That's basically what I did. I have another 2 years with it before i can move to an M3/4. I think the M5 is great (for what it is) but would be a very expensive stop gap for something you are really looking for. I would definitely get a used one if you must.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:10 PM.




m5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST