Ok, I'm sure I'm not the first person to consider this choice....but I'm stuck between getting a 2009\2010 M5 or a 2011 550i with the M package for a daily driver. Both would have to be automatics for the wife's approval. I have a 2007 997TT 6SP so I have the need for speed option covered.

I like both body styles but I think the 550i might be the better choice with the newer body style and with the Dinan upgrade the HP difference is minimal.....although I understand it will never be an M5.

Any thoughts from any owners of either?

 

The M5 is not an automatic, so go with the new 5series.

 

I'd personally go with 550i as long as you are OK with ECU/warranty issues.

 

does your wife like to "Drive" ? If not, then the 550. Also I wouldn't call SMG in an M5 an automatic. actually it is pretty craptastic in automatic mode.

 

I had an 08 m5, wasn't happy with it's reliability. Had many problems with the Vanos system and other engine components. I think that motor is just too complex - mechanics can't easily troubleshoot it. 550i for the win.

 

I believe that you will be MUCH more pleased with the current 550i with the upgrades as a daily driver

Having driven both(550i without the upgrades), i really believe that the newer body has better handling and the engine and overall car is much more smooth than the previous M5.

You certainly dont want any clients/business associates or someone important sitting in the Automatic mode in the M5 as it is quite Jerky in city traffic. Definitely requires a really, really tight coffee lid

 

All of the above, plus the 550i is much better looking inside and out and has the newest gadgets. The V10 is a great engine and makes a compelling argument for itself, but the turbo V8 will give much better power (and especially torque) for routine driving.

 

I would go with the M5. I do have one so I'm biassed. I have a co-worker who just picked up a new 550 and I'm not impressed. I have some time driving but not much other than a few spirited drives at lunch. I overheard him taking to another co-worker who has a new E55 and he prefers my M5 although he does not admit that to me.

There is just something special about an M and to me there is nothing special about the new 550. Nice car but nothing special. Your wife will probably not be happy driving the M5 in auto mode however as the M5 is not an auto abd the SMG does take time to get used to.

If you have to ask between an M and non M, the M is probably not the best vehicle for you.

 

Thanks for the comments guys.

Truble10.....what are you not impressed with? Is it in comparision to your M5, or just in general not impressed at all?

 

The new 550i with the M sport package. Not a fan of the old M5..very boy racer looking...especially the rear fascia/bumper. Unless you want to wait another year for new M5.

 

The SMG transmission on the M5 is very jerky for "daily" driving, I simply hated it. I have driven the 550i but did not like the steering at all, I ended up with a X5 50.

 

I personally havent driven the new 5, but since currently own an m6, i can definitely tell u that the SMG is a retard in auto mode and u may never hear the end of it from the wife. The m5/6 are special cars, but imo, daily drivers they are not. The redesign of the 550i doesnt hurt either.

 

for the wife's daily driver it doesnt make sense to take the M5.
the M5 was on the list of the 10 cars with the worst gas mileage.
The 550 has more torque, is a generation newer and IMO will make a better purchase
had the SMG on my E46 M3 and as people mentioned, it's not the best for daily driving

 

As a DD and one that your wife is going to drive an M5 is way over kill, why put her in a GAS GUZZLING v10 that isnt truly automatic?

550 with a warranty so when it breaks you just drop it off, get a loaner and go.

M5 is a hard shifting car even in auto modes and for 'around town' driving, it plain out sucks. 550i for the kill (Id skip the ECU mod, does she really need that much more power?)

 

I have no experience with either, but I did drive home next to an m5 the other day. The car was so jerky on acceleration that I thought the driver was drunk. He would go slow, then fast, then slow, which made me think it was his way of trying to DD around the SMG. I actually felt bad for a guy in an m5 for about 5 minutes.