2011 BMW 550

Rating from Bob

(5)
Comfort:		4 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 bought a used 2011 550i with 25K miles with the Dinan Stage 3 performance software, upgraded suspension, and free flow exhaust (Dinan is the only BMW approved performance upgrade company matching BMW's warranty and still qualifying for extended warranties from Fidelity). The Dinan upgrades TOTALLY change the car. Before the upgrades (I have driven stock 550i / ix's before) it was a very nice, sporty car, but a bit too "luxury oriented" for my taste and I really wanted the combination of a great daily driver AND a beast of a sports car (but the older M5s are more expensive, the new one $100K+, and all terrible on gas at 10-13 mpg). Now I have it. It is a fantastic car with the Dinan upgrades.... You get the best of both worlds because of the Sport Transmission settings and the Turbo engine. In Normal Transmission mode keeping the revs under 3,000 (i.e. not engaging the turbo), I got 20 miles to the gallon driving it 500 miles from the dealership to home. By the way, with the 8 speed automatic, it does only 2,100 RPMs at 90 miles an hour (and feels like 50). However, if you want to have fun, the Dinan Stage 3 takes it to 511 horsepower (from 400) and 580 ft/lb of torque (from 450). 0-60 in low-mid 4s and doesn't stop all the way up from there. It is actually hard to keep it under 100 on the highway. It is faster than anything but the latest 2013 M5 (although Stage 4 would fix that, Stage 5 is also coming), is cheaper, more fuel efficient, and can be a great daily driver. Only complaints: - Sound System is great, but my 2008 750i sounds a little better (significantly better bass). Also, to get the Playlist option for a loaded Music library took me 5 tries and lots of research to get working since there is no explanation in the manual or on BMW's website. Water under the bridge, but a huge pain for a cool new feature (I have my entire music library of 25 gigs of music loaded into this car). - I don't like the new seat adjusters, but you can deal with it. - Options: I wish it had the Active Ventilated Seat package. It really makes a difference on long trips (with the ventilation) and sport driving with the side support. Heads Up display would have been cool too, but probably not worth the money."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from BMW fanatic

(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:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"Since the F10 concept platform has been conceived by BMW, it has gone a long way until production. This is undoubtedly one of the greatest 5 series every built by BMW, albeit the spirited fun driving experience is mildly diminished from the previous generation E60. The all new 5 series looks and feels like a smaller version of the F01 7-series. With all the electronic gadgets added to the 5, the car-to-driver connection has been compromised. Don't get me wrong, it's still a fast car, thanks to its all-new 4.4L TwinTurbo V8 that pumps out 400 horses and 450 lb-ft of torque, propelling you from 0-60 in less than 5.1 seconds; however, the "extension of your arms and legs" feeling is no longer there. However, this is compensated by comfort, technology, and everyday usability. Overall this is a great family sports sedan to have in your garage."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from M3aniac

(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:		3 out of 5

"There is no other vehicle in the segment that comes close to the new F10 5 series. I must agree with others as far as the reliability of the first years model goes (I have a 2011 535i x-drive with M package). The one I have right now may turn out to be a lemon, but I love the car so much that I will be going right back to the dealer to get a 2012 one :) Performance of the car is amazing! I have a E46 M3 which is my joyride/track car...the F10 won't see the track but it's definitively creeping into the M3's joyride territory. It is an absolute blast to drive and it handles it's weight and size like a sports car. Comfort, style, etc are top notch as well. Compared to the other vehicles in the luxury segment this car is hands down best of the best."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from brook

(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

"ive owned many luxury cars. this car has the performance and style of cars costing thousands of dollars more. if your looking for a car that does many things great and has the ability to get you from point a to b in a comfortable manner, this is the car. great accelleration and style. you cant go wrong. i find myself looking for reasons to use the car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Kenny

(2)
Comfort:		2 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		2 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"Horrible steering and no fun to drive. A real trap. The worst BMW I have ever owned. Try another brand."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from beemerboy

(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

"an amazing vehicle... make sure to opt out for sport or M pack. there is no other car that compares to this in this segment. truly amazing. insanely powerful, yet very luxurious"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Car is my middle name, and my last name...

(4)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		2 out of 5
Interior Design:		2 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"I own an Aston Martin Vantage. And some others that don't matter to this review. I find the Aston to be the single most beautiful car I've ever seen. Simple lines that please the eye in so many ways. I'm glad they refine the design instead of loop it into changes every 4 years. Oh, the 550 is a velvet hammer. A little velvet hammer that looks like a 355 or an Accord. Did I mention I love my Aston? Man it goes like stink!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Towing

Rating from valet for 9 years

(3)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		2 out of 5

"it drives like 7 series. less blind spots then e series stiff shocks. driver seat is comfy. not soo good on the pot holes. but very nice interior."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from loyal BMW Owner So Cal

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

"The past 15 years i have owned 735, 740, 750 and now the 550. Fun to drive, but at 6k miles have been adding a quart of oil every 2k miles. Never added a drop to other BMWs. So although they say the 550 does this ... i would steer clear till thebugs get worked out."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from loyal bmw owner

(3)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		2 out of 5

"This oil guzzler burns a quart every 2k miles !! BMW says it is normal for the 550 ... my 750 & 740 never needed oil , not a drop between 15k changes. I'd recommend waiting for this mess to get fixed before you ever buy a 550."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

Primary use for this car: Just getting around