2021 BMW M550i: The Poor Man’s BMW M5!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- In this combination TECH REVIEW, FIRST DRIVE REVIEW and a round of our famous #OptionsGame MotoMan presents an unusual alternative to the BMW M5 . . . and it is from an unlikely source: BMW. The 2021 BMW M550i xDrive is very close to the experience of a BMW M5 - even the torque is the same - so MotoMan explores the question: Is it worth US$50,000 more than the BMW M550i xDrive?
#BMW #BMW5Series #BMWM550i #M550i
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You know, the more appropriate title really would be “The Intelligent Man’s M5” - all things considered 😎
An intelligent man doesn’t buy a BMW.
@@whitemailprivilege2830 oof
@@whitemailprivilege2830 ha?
@@whitemailprivilege2830 so there are millions of unintelligent men everywhere every year buying a bmw? You’re so smart.
@@julymonte5672 Perhaps.
I currently drive the 2019 m550xdrive.
I was trying to decide between the m5 and the Very base Panamera S. Tested driven both in December 2018.
I was more than concerned about their application of power due to weather. I saw the 550 xdrive and gave it a shot.
It was a revelation.
So much more easy and comfortable to handle.
And very quick from any speed.
It spec out like the video and saved me over 35k (45k vs the Panamera), and I have been smiling every time I started the engine.
A do-it-all, all weather, very stealthy, powerful luxury sport sedan.
Very, very stealthy.
Went to work everyday through the Texas iced-out in February and had the 4 lanes highways practically to myself.
Embarrassed every American muscle cars, but I gave due respects to the customs, amg, m, rs, Demons, and Diablos on the highways.
It is true about residual and exclusivity about it vs m5, so I leased, which is less headaches with maintenance. And the saving is going to my mid life crisis car.
The lease is up at the end of the year and as much as the other contenders in the price range are calling, the 2022 550 is the best package for the money, especially with end of the year dealer incentives.
The only negative has been the low profile high performance tires have been destroyed by the crappy US roads. I lost 5 tires and one cracked wheel due to road surfaces. That was the only thing I appreciated the ome run flat tires. So definitely get the warranties.
Sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to share my long term experience with this car for those who have it on their short list.
You may want the performance non run flats Michelin pilot sport 5s or continental extreme contacts sports you may have better luck with tires, although it does seem counter intuitive
I love the M5, but I'd pick the M550i over it! Why? Because, aside from being 50 grand cheaper (as you mentioned - the resale value not withstanding), it is pretty much as quick in daily driving with a smoother ride comfort, at the expense of only a tiny amount of control and sharpness of the M5. M550i is the better all round package.
its only 38 k cheaper in canada
@@mikeab2871 only 🧐
@@geemanbmw 😂😂😂 right ..wth is this man talkin about
@@geemanbmw 💀
I just cant get over that red on cognac, just stunning 👌
Same here !! Every other BMW is either black, white or 1 of 70 shades of gray or silver 🥱
@@moa-wg3bo well, at least blue has some kind of character!
The way you're ripping through those corners so effortlessly whilst talking so calming is just amazingly mesmerizing. Awesome mate!
Trading in my M5 comp for this M550. Even on the track I couldn’t utilize the M5 comp to its fullest potential. Plus, I wanted a softer ride quality since it’s a daily. M550 for the win!
The M550 is just about right. Good horsepower...Good gearbox and great traction with the X-drive. If the Panamera did not exist this would be my favorite sporty sedan.
This might just be the perfect cannonball. Comfortable enough to crush through the miles while staying alert enough for keeping an eye out on police, maneuverable enough to handle the fast sweepers on the highways through the Rocky Mountains, and fast enough to try and set a record. Thanks for giving me ideas Motoman!
I'd look into what Dinan can do for a few grand- get it very close to the m5.
Don't blame me when you sink all that money into Cannonball that could goto your GT3 budget.
@@Motorsport333 a few tunes would easy surpass stock M5 competition numbers!
@@MotoManTV money? Nah, I did it it my stock type R with no modifications besides a radar detector and 800 miles on the odometer two years ago!
The savings, purpose of these sedans (majority will never see a track), and amount of performance you get from the M550 makes it the “smart mans” choice compared to the M5. Not to mention, the majority of BMWs are leased, so the M550 would be significantly less per month since that depreciation mentioned doesn’t translate to the residual value in a lease.
A manual sleeper M5 as per your wish list is a superb idea - I still miss my E39 M5.........!
Funny how people would miss their BMW, but rarely mb or Audi. Maybe there are souls in many BMWs.
Funny, I miss the E39 540i.
@@MotoManTV I am the second owner of a low mileage, ‘03 E39 540 six speed (factory M Tech - appearance of a E39 M5). Fine vehicle when it is not in the shop as it is a bit of a maintenance monster… fortunately it is not my only BMW.
@@MotoManTV i miss my E34 1992 ,535i 5speed dam thing got stolen.
Also fun fact, the engine in this is the same as what they put in the M850 starting in 2020
True.
ofcourse it is ..
Basically the same engine as the 2010 550i and 650i. Just updated a bit.
This is the one to buy. Color and spec are spot on and 50K cheaper than the M5 for about 8/10 the driving experience. This perspective is why your channel is the best car review channel out there bar none. Well done 👍.
9.5/10
Only one man in a thousand can really wring out the extra performance of the M5 on a track. This is a street car driven by mortals so this is a better choice to me as a daily driver.
28k cheaper. Not 50. The M550i starts at 81k. M5, about 109k.
I ended up getting the 2020 M550 for almost all of these reasons. Nice review!
This is the one I picked and absolutely LOVE it
I tip my hat off to the person who spec'd this magnificent 550i.
50k is a lot of money though. Not only you can get a new 550i, a used M2, & a Tudor Black Bay or an Omega Speedmaster (heck, maybe both) to sweeten the deal, but at 150k we're talking Alpina B7 territory. I just spec'd one in the US configurator & it came out at $155K. What would Jesus do?
I'd say the B5 is the sleeper M5, but you know, forbidden fruit & all.
As always, excellent work, M.
You make a compelling case with the watch options . . . however, US$50K will buy you an airplane . . . Just sayin'.
@@MotoManTV :]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
I thought they were closer to the 100k mark. Yeah definitely need to recalculate.
The M550i is perfect for me. If I'm going to the track I'll go to the BMW Performance School and use their car. This car is such a pleasure to drive!
Drove both, bought the M550. More comfortable, more than enough performance(let's be honest here over 90% of M5's don't see the track at all) and considerably less money.
As for manual transmissions, that's a nope. Sure offer one I guess, but why have it. Manuals don't have any performance benefit any more. They're just for car snobs and hipsters. Like they're the "craft beer" of the automotive world.
I salute you for driving this way down this road with theese sports car I always see in your channel.
don't buy an M5 or the new M550, do what I did... but a CPO 2018 pre-LCI M550. Still not a "poor man's" car, but an amazing "bang for the buck"! The M550 is no M5, but it is an amazing daily driver. It can be a smooth comfortable cruiser in "comfort" mode and in sport+ mode it stiffens up, the shifts are on par with a DCT in terms of speed and ferocity - and you get near M5 power levels. Two cars in one. Plus you can do 0-60 in sub 4 seconds while getting a back massage in the upgraded massaging seats. :)
MOTOMAN entertains and informs! The new BMW’s are not gimmicky....they are definitely the Ultimate Driving Machines again. I agree the ZF 8 speed on the new BMW’s is outstanding and shifts very similarly to a DCT.
I have the 2019 version of this car. I agree it's very very close to the m5, especially from a stop when you get a massive explosion of torque. The trans is lightning fast. It even has launch mode so you can get to 60 in under 4 seconds!
Any tires or wheel issues?
@@KC-bv9kf not yet. Knock wood, but I’ve only been in the shop for regular maintenance
Lease or purchase?
@@user-mv1nz3hs8p lease. I get bored of cars quickly
@@brandonminiman makes perfect sense
I didn't get a notification for this but I knew it was coming. I know this is going to be a good one!
Ugh! Many people ask why this channel gets so few views in comparison to the larger car TH-cam . . . this is the big reason why. Has been that way for 5 years. July 2016 is when we hit a wall. Would love it if you could share that experience with TH-cam - they sadly don't listen to us.
@@MotoManTV Gladly! More people need to see this channel.
If anything it’s a better buy then a M5 if you are not looking to drive on the edge all the time. M550 is fast enough in 99% of the cases, far more comfortable and relaxing to drive, softer seats too. A quieter cabin also means better speaker quality and you don’t have to yell to the passengers in the back. Even the engine is smoother, overall much better NVH. Plus, you saved 40K on top.
Love your reviews and yes, resale value is a big factor which is why I am on the hunt for a low mileage used model which has depreciated already.
Its Malibu Mike. As I said a few years ago, I owned a 2008 BMW 550i in dark blue. 4.8 liter V8. M suspension. 19 inch M wheels. A superior sedan. A much more daily driver over the 2008 M5. That V10 engine was temperamental at best. Fast forward to 2021. Same ol same ol...
I miss the wagons! BMW had such cool wagons.
My current ride is a 2014 F10 M550d that the first owner had upgraded with F10 M5 20 inch wheels, and when I bought it used, I was a bit worried that the ride would be a bit too harsh, but I have been pleasantly surprised at how good the ride quality is, and I've left it as is for three years now.
Great Review! Last month I bought the 2021 M550i in the same Aventurin Red color but went with the black leather interior. Also got the shadowline which looks fantastic. Also went with the 20" M Y spoke bicolor. All the black went perfect with the aventurin red. Also went with the red brake calipers. Anyway, yup, this is a much better value than the M5. I went with the power and the comfort. M5 is a beautiful "sports" car but the M550i gives you flexibility in comfort driving without the loss of power and handling. I also added the Xpel clear coat to protect the paint and front grill (great investment).
Congrats David! Great spec.
The BMW M550i is better and less price for what your getting speaking of performance change your intake, put downpipes and exhaust system bmw m5 who? Most people that knows anything about cars will buy that bmw m550i better than m5 price wise and the customization youll be able to do is mind blowing
Thanks alot!
Just bought one. What a fabulous car!
I would probably get this one and change out the rear diffuser and bumper to the M5, Get the right look for sure
@MotoManTV Just purchased a 2022 M550i and I would like to know if this tire.... 20" M wheel 668M w/ perf rft... is going to limit my speed to 130mph? I noticed that you said speed was determined based on the tire on the vehicle. Thank you for your time.
This is for the person that wants the enjoyment of the horsepower with comfort.. Enough cars today are overly stiff so it's great BMW give the customer 80 percent of the power with better comfort to enjoy in day to day commuting.. After all that's what we do with them 99% of the time..
That driving through the canyon has me on the edge of my seat, fam 👀
:)
Wheels and color 👍
How about a review of the 2021 Alpina b5? The ultimate "Sleeper 5" in my opinion, as I'm sure many humans who are super sedan enthusiasts... Best car review channel on the tube. Where is Komo?!?
Thanks for the kind words and for thinking of Kumo. He's been a bit grumpy as of late so not wanting to show up for work . . . As for the B5, would love to get my hands on one, but sadly, Europe only - for now.
I have a 2021 M550, same Aventurine red color. It’s a great car for the $, Extremely fast and sounds better than the M5. Most lease these, so resale not an issue.
Any tires or wheel issues? I’m so annoyed by the roads here that I am even looking at the x5 m550.
@@KC-bv9kf Honestly, NY roads F ing suck. I got standard 19s, still have to be careful. The optional 20s you’re asking for it, super low profile. The X5 M50i should be a better situation. Wheel/tires wise. Suv wheels not as low profile.
@@night5091 thanks
does this hold true for the M850i GC vs M8 GC? I'd like to see your opinion on the 8 series Gran Coupe M850i vs M8.
In Canada you cant even find a 2020/21 m550i for resale. I don't imagine anyone wants to get rid of a car like this so quickly due to the daily drive ability. Ive seen more m5s for resale, however anyone who buys a new m5 prob tracks it or drives it hard regularly. Wouldn't want to buy a resale one lol m550i is the best bang for your buck.
Maybe wait a couple of years, it will depreciate nicely and you can pick up a good deal
As you noticed, the full M5 is a different beast when compared to the M550i.
Same can be said for the X5M vs X5 M50i.
Exactly. The M5 will always win when it comes to speed and performance.
My fav m sport car
the poor man is intelligent and if he really wanted an m5 he would just by a slightly used one for the same price as the m550i
So youre asking for an alpina b5 at the end 😎 except the manuel
The M550i actually carries on the tradition of the M5 more than the M5 does. The E39 was a more athletic and more powerful 5 series, but it was not a track car. So while I understand the branding and thinking behind the M550i designation vs the M5 designation, arguably BMW could have created a new designation for the M5 and kept the M5 designation for the M550i. M550i is very similar to the E39 M5 in terms of its balance between power and comfort.
I would pick the the M550i . Its mission is completely different the what the M5’s is. This is for business executives who want a little more power out of there daily commuter car. They occasionally may go over the speed limit but when they do they want to do it quickly. This is a luxury Crusier with a big bark and bite to back it up. I really wish reviewers stop trying to tell BMW how their product should be. The research designed and produced this car for a reason. If I had the money I would certainly buy the M550i over the M5 because it’s more luxurious, I’m not racing to work ever day, I don’t want to take my car on the track. This M550i is BMWs sleeper car.
Not "the Poor Man's" anything. The 550 is more geared toward luxury and is arguably the more livable car, while also being as fast as anyone needs a sedan to be.
how about a wagon option. Wish Alpina would bring the B5 touring to the states.
Motorman, your idea for a sleeper M5 is deliciously evil. I would add to your manual idea and say make it exclusively rear wheel drive with lightweight goodies like Alcantara instead of leather and for you optional carbon fiber or wood inlays. Minimal painted deck lid spoiler and that would be perfect!👍🏾🇩🇪
Or, wait 1 to 2 years, and let someone else eat the depreciation.
I’ve never understood why people who are so sensitive to losing money would drive a German car at all...
@@therealbuba everyone ain't Bruce Wane🙄
@@zayanriyaz2661 don’t need to be Bruce Wayne to be logical
@@therealbuba Let alone a big v8 car lol
... and pay for the repairs instead. Either way you loose :P
Would you recomment getting the M550i without the active roll stabilisation to get a better feel and crisper/quicker response in fast corners?
Awesome color combo ! All this needs is massaging, ventilated seats and its good to go 👍🏽
But, sadly, the Cognac color is only available on the base sport seats with the cheapest leather. There is no comparable color, or anything remotely like it, with the Napa Leather seats. The closest you can come to this combination with the luxury seats is Carmel, which in turn is a Merino Leather Individual option. That's BMW's best leather, standard on an M5, but not an option for the M550. You have to go the Individual route which adds a couple of months to a special order. I'm still trying to get an answer on what that will cost.
Love the cognac color, but not available with upgraded/ ventilated seats. Ordered my '23 with the dark brown instead.
@@wskenworth2585 weird how the color combos are so restrictive when it comes to having/not having seat ventilation !!
@@ascott2168 Its not necessarily the colors, its Dakota ( standard) vs. Nappa ( $1000 upgrade)
@@wskenworth2585 Even still, colors and grades of leather are restricted to having or not having ventilated seats as an option ! However, I’m not buying a BMW so 🤷🏽♂️
Brother thank you for your review and at the end going into the resale. I feel the same as you. I tried getting an M5 ordered today and they said (many places said this to me) You would have to wait 10-12 months to get one.
I was told the same about orders very recently. Thankfully, they also happened to have a very slightly used '22 M550i on the lot with ~10k miles. So, I'm the new proud owner.
What are your thoughts on this vs the Mercedes E53?
Luxury M5? Sounds like the Alpina B5, although sadly without the option of a manual transmission.
Love the socks.
Upgrade to the M performance sports exhausts and a tune and this sedan will be more agile and fun to drive. However; the M5 was built for the glory lol How were the seats around the turns you drove? Cool review ✌️
So Mr. Moto man what you’re saying with your wish list is that you want an old-school M5?
This isn't a "poor man's" car, don't like your title. There are car owners who don't want an M5 as an every day driver. As someone who owned multiple S55's and want the speed and handling but the luxury first especially comfort from the seats and ride, this is an excellent option.
Did the car have the rear wheel steering?
"Driving dynamics unusually good but a mixed bag." What the hell is that even supposed to mean. I love this guy's videos but when he does BMW or Mercedes I can't trust him. He's too in love with the brands.
Poor mans M5 ... This is the M5 you can actually drive to work everyday
It’s not poor man’s M5 is actually amazing with stage 1 plus stays right with the M5 for less money what else you want
Sounds like it will be a good used buy in 3 years time (unless I keep watching Scotty Kilmer that way will probably just end up buying a camry from a junkyard😅)
It’s not the poor man’s but practical man’s M5
I would much rather see the M4’s S58 in this tuned to 500hp with the MGU.
Diet M5. Great review.
HA!
Wow, paying 100 grand for a car is considered poor nowadays. How far we've come
The real buy is a used CPO M550i. Screaming value.
Rule of thumb, never buy preowned Germans except Porsche.
They are not built to be reliable after lease is up, cpo or not.
The issues are more and more difficult to fix by non dealer shops because of proprietary electronics and parts are not frequently interchangeable between years.
Even with the Porsches, take your most trusted certified Porsche mechanic with you. Do your research of issues related to model year and have them replaced before signing.
Trust me!
@@KC-bv9kf I’ve had 4 $100k plus pre owned German cars and I’ve never had a major issue because I buy extended warranty. If you can’t afford to fix them don’t buy them.
@@tsj8762 Buy new German car only. Used is suck
Him: Poor mans M5
BMW M550i: $90,000+
Me: 🙁
I'd love to be poor then.
I'm not poor by any means, but it's still tough for me to spend $80k for a car.
$80k is the “poor man’s” M5??? Lmao
WE definitely need a manual option, instead of only offering an automatic, then trying to say "we make automatics as that is whay people are buying" just because they don't make a manual version to choose !
The dad spec
Late to the party.. Resale value depends on the country.. in the UK you’ll find M550i and M5 trading at similar levels.. yes the M5 will command a higher price but the drop in value from new is considerably higher in the M5 compared with the M550i. This is possibly due to the fact that an M550i is much rarer than an M5. I’d have the M550i as a daily over an M5, plus it sounds much beltter.
I wish the 550i was still offered without the tacky M appearance package. Those wheels and bumpers are cashing cheques for M5 performance when it's not an actual M5.
Great review on car and yes it is very capable for everyday use. I owned quite a few 7 series and am in the market for something more sporty. I really like the M5 and typically only buy CPO but 18 models are still in the 80k range so for the year, thats too much money. The M550i is easily 29k less and usually still get a nice used BMW. 19 or 20 M5 is 85 to high 90k so it's too rich for my blood.
“Poor mans” 😂😂
Oh how i'd like to be that poor man driving M550i!
I am not poor but opted for M550i b/c it’s not an overkill like the M5. What is the point of driving the M5 when you can’t drive above 70miles an hr? 620 horses is too much power in most Asian countries.
The meaningless difference with the two is the M5 can be fitted with 21in 30 series tires unlike the M550 that's maxed out tire diameter is 20in 30 series 275s.
Do you never go over the interior features?
It’s okay I’m getting it and kw coil overs then ima be better than m5
A modified $20k Subaru may be the more accurate ‘Poor Man’s’ alternative than a $100k BMW.
I currently drive the m550 and I agree to a certain extent. The acceleration from any speed, the high speed, all-weather, composed handling, the significant upgrade in luxury and safety for driver and passengers, and the ability to cover a lot of distance (300+ miles) quickly and comfortably are multiples of the Subaru. That Subaru you mentioned would be around 50k.
The question is the experiences with the 550 worth almost twice (90k) of the Subaru?
And different demographic.
For 35 and under the 550 may be too “mature”.
For 40 and over the mod Subaru may be too creepy.
An M5 wagon would be amazing. Bring the fight to the E63s wagon and RS6 avant
Agreed!
Man I want a 2018/19 550i but now I’m thinking
You think a guy who has 90k buying M550 doesn't have another 20k buying M5? Bad title.
The crooked M badge in the wheel at 9:57 makes me cringe
Try running one in the UK with petrol at £1.48 per Litre.
While living over there I had to make a tough decision: 111s Elise or TVR. LOVED the TVR but petrol costs - and the reality of the TVR leaving me on the side of the road at least once a year - led me to the Lotus.
Dakota leather in a 550i, let alone an M550i should be a criminal offense….
You should be able to take BMW to court and sue them for even having the audacity and gall to offer the lowest quality seating surface material that even most M340i’s don’t even have….
Kinda like a alpina
How do you spec out a car like this and not get nappa leather
Silly title. Its the best balance in the series. I'd snicker at people getying full M. 550i has the balls and performance
Can you share your math around how the M5 still ends up being the better value? Does the m550i really depreciate THAT fast? So fast that it erases the $30K - $50K delta between the M5?!?!?
I think most buyers buying a 150k car aren't even looking at the price.
Nah! It’s the SENSIBLE and THINKING man’s M5
That answer is B5 Alipna which is the middle ground
18/25 was what I was getting in my RWD 08 MB C300 10 years ago with 228 HP. So for the EPA to rate something with over 500 HP and AWD to be nearly as good... What a time to be alive.