2008 BMW 550

Rating from Golfdog

(4)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"BMW 550i has a throaty V-8 with plenty of speed and great handling. It is not a comfort creature car as the seats are firm and the cabin is tight, but for a 4 door sports sedan it has plenty of leg and head room and fair size trunk space."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from Car Nut

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"After several weeks of looking around on line at numerous dealers and private parties as well, I found a 2008 BMW 550i sport package, nicely loaded with 42,00 miles so it is still under factory warranty. The car is phenomenal. The performance is seriously like driving a 4-door sports car. firm suspension, throaty exhaust that has to be heard to be believed. This is my 3rd BMW, as my other two were 3-series. Cars.com was a great tool in helping me save time finding the right car for me!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Cboe

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"An excellet car for the price, performance, styling, & comfort. Handles and drives really nice. Car is also excellent on gas for such a large powerful V8."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from BMW Fan

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I've previously owned a '97 540i and and 2001 540i M-sport. The changes from those E39 models to the E60 550i Sport are tremendous, and mostly for the better. Ride quality and handling have both been improved, which is normally tough to do. I credit some of that to the 550i Sport having Active Roll control (amazing how flat this keeps the car in corners) and non-run-flat tires. Rear seat and trunk space have both been improved, keeping the 5-series on par with it's competitors. The 19" wheels and M5-style bodywork on the 550i Sport make the E60 body style look much better in my opinion, but it is still not what one would call a beautiful car. It is distinctive, just not a design that will be revered years from now. I could not afford a new 550, but the BMW CPO program is great and really makes it practical to get a great car for a great price. For the number of miles I drive per year (30K+) it really doesn't make sense to get a new car anyway, so why not avoid the first and second year depreciation and get an awesome car still under warranty and maintenance coverage? Other thoughts: The sport automatic is ok 95% of the time, but the other 5% it tries to be too smart for its own good. I'm sure my mileage would be better with a manual transmission, but E60 manuals with the options I wanted were very rare, so I settled for the automatic. Next time, I will try for a manual again. Active cruise control is surprisingly useful for stop & go traffic (and note it's not available with a manual trans). Logic 7 audio with USB connection is a must-have. Night Vision is neat technology, and it works, but it's luck if you happen to see a deer on the screen before seeing it in the headlights. Perhaps in heavy fog it would be more useful. Heads-up display is very nice to have, especially with the active cruise and navigation info displayed there too. I have the standard light-colored headliner, but wish I had the anthracite headliner option - should be standard with the black and natural brown interiors. Oh, and don't be scared of Active Steering either - it really is quite seamless in normal driving, but you really get spoiled with the quick steering at parking lot speeds. If you're considering a 5-series, I hope this is useful."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Market St Joe

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I would like to start out by saying that this is the first BMW I've owned, I've been a Ford owner since 1977. Maverick, F250, Taurus SHO. What I like about the 550. Performance, for an everyday driver it moves fast enough. I have the sport package with the sport automatic. If you're in the market I recommend looking for one with these options. I test drove the stick and enjoyed it too but the auto is more practical. This is an M5 without the V10, I test drove the M5 as well and would have purchased it except for the fact that I only drive it to and from work. At total of 7 miles a day it's not enough to unwind the M car, it is very fun though. Overall I'm very satisfied with the 550i so far."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from The Car Guy

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"Excellent handling for a four door sedan. Comfortable but sporty and fun to drive. The V8 has substantial power in reserve, but the downshifts are delayed when not in sport mode. All of the extras you would expect from a luxury sedan such as blue tooth, navigation, MP3, and CD. The car is very complicated and electronic gremlins can create problems. Overall, an excellent car with great driving characteristics."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Jetset

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I've driven a myriad of higher end sports and imports over the past 25 years, this is by far the best all around experience yet. The most comfortable and adjustable seats in any car and the M Sport, Premium and Tech packages will keep me amused for some time yet. Following a learning curve of maybe 30 minutes, the iDrive system is fantastic. The iPod mated Logic 7 sound system is incredible. No issues in my first four months, surprisingly good fuel economy for a growling V8. Plenty of power, an incredibly responsive auto stick with rev matching downshifts and sublime handling for lone ridge running to and from town -- yet completely unobtrusive to my wife, kids and neighbors in family service. Even the head turning, stirring exhaust notes seem to hide away under the car somewhere on my final approach into suburbia. Bought mine certified with a spotless history for less than I imagined and couldn't be happier. Dealer delivery was impeccable, car was reconditioned to factory specs and delivered as new. Against comparable 8 cylinder sedans and coupes I tested, the 550i put the biggest smile on my face, yet left the most money in my wallet. So happy in fact, I now look forward to surfing cars.com for a good pre-owned 2011 550i in 2014! Only drawback for me is a lack of interior storage in the '08, but I note that BMW seems to be addressing that now..."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Jersey Joe

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Purchased 2008 certified pre-owned, sport trans, sport edition, etc. First BMW I've ever owned. Mustang owner in my younger years and went on to modify several Toyota Supras. Compared this with Taurus SHO, M5, M3, Lexis ISF. This vehicle is certainly a refined car, best interior comfort, seats are by far the best I've sat in. Engine power is substantial for what can be considered a family car. To be honest the M5 is extermely thrilling and a car I really had fun in, but I don't think I could live with it as a daily cruiser, far too tempting. The 550i is all I need, powerful and civilized. If you're in the market for a sports sedan definetly give this one a long look."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Vickslaw

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Got the 550i with M Sport package. By far the finest car I've ever owned. Really hot looks. No lie, it's really "the ultimate driving machine.". It corners like nothing I've ever experienced. Power is phenomenal - not like big American V-8 but a highly tuned sports car V-8. All the techno gadgets you could ask for. Build quality is excellent - true German engineering. Couldn't recommend more highly."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Cycling Guy

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I have owned 3 generations of 5 series - a 525i, 528i and until recently a 545i. Last month I bought a certified preowned 2008 550i. I looked at all of its competitors - both larger and smaller inluding an Audi A8, BMW 750i, Jaguar XF, Mercedes E550 and the new 535i, plus others. Nothing had the combination of power, balance, comfort and sportiness of the 550i. At 360 hp, it is an everyday M5 without the cost or harshness. The car is very very comfortable. I am 6'1" and find it has plenty of room upfront and in the back. Comfort is on par with the large luxury cars - without the size or lack of driving experience. The car comes with lots of equipment and some of the most confortable seats I have ever sat in. Most importantly, the 550i drives fantastically - great torque gives you a silky smooth effortless start or a blast of instant power when you need it. Don't expect an ultrasoft ride - this car rolls smooth but still allows for a feel of the road. Steering is very solid and responsive with confidence to get out of tough situations or just work through traffic. If you enjoy driving and need to drive a sedan - there is nothing better than this car in the luxury sport sedan class, nothing. Again, just a perfect balance of everything you want - power, comfort, size, utility, features and looks. In a time of "wind tunnel" shaped cars, the 550i sport really stands out without being over the top or underwhelming. If you can find a low mileage CPO car - you also get a fantastic service and warranty program to let you sleep at night with a lower price tag."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Work