[billings86er]

Hello all,

Has anyone been behind wheels of both of these cars? Will I be disappointed choosing the M550 over the M3x?

[SpinalTap]

Originally Posted by billings86er

Hello all,

Has anyone been behind wheels of both of these cars? Will I be disappointed choosing the M550 over the M3x?

I considered both cars in depth. To make a long story short, I never asked myself if I’d ever be disappointed choosing the M3 over the M550, but I did ask your question often. So, I went the M3CX route.

[Mark Kez]

Originally Posted by SpinalTap

I considered both cars in depth. To make a long story short, I never asked myself if I’d ever be disappointed choosing the M3 over the M550, but I did ask your question often. So, I went the M3CX route.

Agreed x2

[Patagus007]

If you absolutely need the space go 550, otherwise you’ll likely have a larger smile on your face day to day!
I drove the 550 and M5 before settling on the M3 with buckets before ever sitting behind the wheel of one. Best decision ever.
That said, you can’t really go wrong.

[JackBurton]

I owned a M550 prior to my G80 M3C. The M550 is a great car and there is a lot to like about it. The V8 is glorious - instant low end torque and keeps pulling all the way to redline. The G30 5 series is a big car and is well appointed inside. Feels like a 7 series from a couple generations back. My family’s nickname for the car was the “limo.” The M550 is a total sleeper and under the radar for most people on the road. It’s good for passengers and the back seats are big enough to comfortably seat full sized adults. And when driving reasonably on the highway it got 30mpg which is remarkable. All of that said, it’s not a sports car… it’s a luxury car that hauls ass and handles reasonably well for what it is. I had a M240 at the same time as the M550 and the M240 was my go-to for back road fun.

The M550 and G80 serve different purposes (in my mind). Depends on your use case and what kind of driving you do. Both great cars. I’m super happy with the G80 - it is a superior driving experience. I do not miss the M550 except for occasional longing for the V8 soundtrack.

[Aalfred]

Looks like you already had a G80 and sold it. The M550 doesnt really compare to the G80. Its more of a people hauler with some good acceleration but not exhilarating like the G80. I drove the M550 in one of the BMW UDE event and came back throughly unimpressed. The ride quality is better than the G80 but it really lacks the fun factor. I would def go with the G80

[2011ninja]

M550 - 5 minute test drive.

Sales rep handed me the keys and said have fun. I had an F80 at the time.

It would of been a 3 minute test drive, but I got caught at a light and it was a lot of traffic.

It’s a fantastic luxury car.

[billings86er]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Looks like you already had a G80 and sold it. The M550 doesnt really compare to the G80. Its more of a people hauler with some good acceleration but not exhilarating like the G80. I drove the M550 in one of the BMW UDE event and came back throughly unimpressed. The ride quality is better than the G80 but it really lacks the fun factor. I would def go with the G80

Yes I did, briefly had a 22 G80x, and have another coming this week, but I didnt custom order this one. Someone canceled their order and I took opportunity to grab it. But later realized it does not have shadowline package which is making me second guess it, so I was kindaaaa maybe thinking M5, then 550i etc

[DocWeatherington]

Skip the 5 it's going to to be replaced this summer...howevers rumors are the v8 is dead and only to be seen again in the next gen M5.

Unless you want a cruiser with a v8 the current 5 is past it's prime.

[RTC3000]

Originally Posted by billings86er

Hello all,

Has anyone been behind wheels of both of these cars? Will I be disappointed choosing the M550 over the M3x?

Depends on what you're looking for.

I do not think you can compare both cars, the M5 would be more suitable as a total package (driving/fun experience).

If you need the extra room, get a M5 Comp, if not...stick to the M3 Cx.

[Boxer]

I haven't driven the M3 AT (only 6MT), so I can't tell you how that transmission feels. Besides that one element, the design, fun-factor, nimbleness, etc. are all there in the M3 package. The m550i is a big sedan with a big (awesome) engine in it. It hauls off the starting line and puts your butt in the back seat. But that's it. The M3 beats it in every other category imho, and is no slouch off the line either. So, unless you're looking to haul a family with 2-3 teenagers cross-country a few times per year, get the M3!