BMW 550i GT - To buy or not??

[JEVS123]

I've just found out that the mrs is pregnant (wasnt a total suprise!!) and as such I think i'm going to have to change my main car which a CL63 AMG. I want to have something with 4 doors to make it easy to get the little one in and out and a hatchback / big boot to chuck the pram and other related baby stuff in.

I want something that is a bit different as i've had most of the saloons / 4x4's and have come across the 550i GT. I know that it's looks arent everyones cup of tea but just wondered how anyone that owns one or has driven one feels about it? Doesnt seem like crazy money for what seems to be a good performance and failrly luxurious motor.

J

[RGambo]

Can't see why you have to change your can to accomadate 1 little nipper. If it were twins or triplets, then yes. But i'd stick with what you have. I managed quite happily with a 2 door mk3 golf GTI 16v with two kids. It had to go when the 3rd arrived.

[gizlaroc]

I love the 5GT, was seriously impressed with it and I would have one in a heartbeat, still might.

It is more 7 series than 5 series though and feels pretty big, also the run flats spoil it, so budget for getting them off quick sharpish.


Would I swap a CL63 for one?? No way!!
But we all like a change from time to time so go for it.

[Vladimir]

Not the most loved of BMs but they are actually really useful and the 50i engine is a peach.

[briers]

The 550i engine sounds lovely too

I'm not a big car fan myself. Ferry 2 kids around in my 335 coupe and it works for me. 1 is in a toddler seat still. Probably get a new shape 645/650i next.

If we needed a bigger car I wouldn't hesitate to get a 5 touring. Ideally the 545/550i. Surely the GT lines would both you eventually?

Having said that i LOVE the c63 engine and i also quite like the estate which my dad has. Together makes a nice load lugger but i'm not sure it would be big enough and too similar. The boot is a fair size but a big buggy sometimes makes it a squeeze on the shopping run. Luckily we have a 4x4 for that, albeit a modest rav4 XTR.

[J500ANT]

Boot lip is quite high on the GT, worth checking that Mum can oik the buggy etc in and out ok.

[gizlaroc]

There were some mad deals on the E63 Estate recently, not sure if they are still running?

[Dino D]

RGambo said:

Can't see why you have to change your can to accomadate 1 little nipper. If it were twins or triplets, then yes. But i'd stick with what you have. I managed quite happily with a 2 door mk3 golf GTI 16v with two kids. It had to go when the 3rd arrived.

I used to say that when I had a 3dr clio and realised the errors of my ways when I got a 5 dr...what works for one person does not work for another..that said the door on a CL is about as long a Clio so you may get on just fine!!

Back on topic - perhaps the 550i engine will be a bit muted after a 63..maybe a another 63 but with more doors?
The GT will likely depreciate worse than any other big BMW ever made so bear that in mind in case you don't like it and need a change after a year...

[Jw Vw]

Why not just a 5-Series estate? The GT is pig ugly IMO

[Phunk]

5 GT should really be called a 7 GT, fantastic car. Drove it for a couple of days and loved it

[ZeroH]

Stick with what you've got or chop it for a new shape E63 amg... they are sub 60k already.

[Dino D]

Jw Vw said:

Why not just a 5-Series estate? The GT is pig ugly IMO

Why a humdrum 5 estate when you can get the GT which has a clever interior usually only seen on French/Jap SUVs. It's about time BMW started making 'clever' cars that allow flexible seating and loading options. Its not all about a 'dab of oppo' when you have a family on board.

Some interesting info to help justify the apparent ugliness:
Combining the attributes of a wagon and crossover, the 5-Series GT offers loads of space for people and cargo. In its standard configuration, the GT offers the same rear-seat legroom as the 7-Series sedan and the same rear-seat headroom as the X5, while still maintaining 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space. If more cargo room is needed the rear seats can be moved forward four inches -- leaving the same rear-seat legroom as the 5-Series sedan -- creating 20.7 cubic feet of cargo room. For all-out hauling duties, the rear seats can be folded flat, revealing a cavernous 59.5 cubic feet of space.

Interior touches include an optional panoramic sunroof, fully adjustable rear seats and a dual-function trunk lid -- the latter intended to open wide for larger object but keep the cabin isolated when a standard trunk opening will do.