RE: BMW 550i (E60): Spotted

[popeyewhite]

BSSBMW said:

Quite. the Alpina version of the E60, the B5 and later B5S used a supercharged version of the 545i N62 4.4 engine and gave over 500bhp and 500bft which makes for a much more flexile engine.

Ah yes, that's more like it.

[Patrick Bateman]

One man's 'adequate' is another's 'fast'.

The engine is not going to feel like a Civic Type R.

[DP33]

That's almost certainly a Thorne-registered BMW UK car based on the plate and spec. Possibly ex press fleet. I reckon it's a great buy as a proper keeper, just hope it hasn't been ragged too badly from new...

As an aside, had the 4.4 V8 in a 54 plate 645i - loved it and not too juicy - 25.9 mpg overall, from memory, the auto box wasn't great though, used to hunt and shunt at low speed, even post a fluid change (at 45k). Overall though 100% reliable over 3 years and 50k miles.

Swapped it for a 640d and I don't recognise the criticism being dished out here: punchy, revvy and about as good as diesel gets. I liked it so much I got another 35 /40d in my wife's car. I'd recommend trying before believing (most of) the criticism...

[cerb4.5lee]

Patrick Bateman said:

One man's 'adequate' is another's 'fast'.

The engine is not going to feel like a Civic Type R.

I personally much preferred the 4.8 V8 in my X5 compared to the 4.0 V8 in my E92 M3. The M3 needed lots of revs and it didn't feel at all torquey. The X5 picked up nicely at low revs and I much preferred the power delivery. You needed to thrash the M3 in comparison.

[J4CKO]

I wonder how much difference there is between these and the 388 bhp 5.5 Mercs, they have nearer 400 lb ft, the one I had always felt fairly rapid despite being a hefty 1850 kilos.

[ATM]

philmots said:

I’d be all over that if it was an auto.

Had a 550i Touring which I loved, wouldn’t mind another.

Come on Phil, I expected more from you. I own the 550i touring featured in 2006 BMW car magazine. Mine has been very reliable. I think these make more sense in estate. It's a good package and in nearly 4 years nothing has gone wrong. Yes the valve stem oil seals weep - who cares. Mine is auto and shifts better after a gearbox service. It's getting tired though and I'm trying to decide if it's worth some suspension and brakes refreshing or I move onto something else. You just can't buy rwd na v8 autos now in estate form and therefore what does one replace it with. I tried a 335i e91 bit it didn't beat the big ar-sed 550i.

[Lowtimer]

popeyewhite said:

For those traffic light GP moments?

I'm sure the motor is adequate, it's just not any more than that though.

This is just wanton snobbery

[pewe]

For all the doubters 550i's are one of the best performance bargains going.
I bought my one-owner MY2010 E61 M-Sport Touring Auto last year with 75k on the clock.
I've driven lots of cars over the years N/A, Super- and Turbo-charged and can honestly say it ticks more boxes than any other car I've owned.
It performs, carries 5 in comfort, lugs loads and dogs and is capable of frightening Porkers etc.
In fact it gave my mate's Testa Rossa a scare on the straight mile at Dunsfold last summer topping out at 140 from a standing start.
Admittedly the auto box, despite fluid change is not silky smooth and the fuel consumption tolerable (21.5mpg overall) but you don't buy any car and expect it to be perfect.
Having said that the power output from the V8 is stupendous and in Sport mode keeps building like a plane down the runway all the way to the red line.
Not that I'm particularly conscious of colour but it's Imola Red paint work is as good as factory fresh.
Pleased with it? You bet!

[Patrick Bateman]

Lowtimer said:

popeyewhite said:

For those traffic light GP moments?

I'm sure the motor is adequate, it's just not any more than that though.

This is just wanton snobbery

Are traffic light GP moments still a thing amongst adults? You'd just look like a prize tt.

[ATM]

Patrick Bateman said:

Lowtimer said:

popeyewhite said:

For those traffic light GP moments?

I'm sure the motor is adequate, it's just not any more than that though.

This is just wanton snobbery

Are traffic light GP moments still a thing amongst adults? You'd just look like a prize tt.

They are amongst adults with a 5 litre v8 up front. You only need to worry about something seriously exotic when in the 550i. Although you cant just slam the throttle off the line if it is anything but hot and dry, or the 15 year old Traction Control cuts in. I'm running some skinny 225 winters and they struggle. So its all about squeezing the throttle. This definitely makes you feel like you're driving rather than pressing buttons. PPBB bought a 550i recently. He is a PH god to some including me.

[anonymous-user]

ATM said:

They are amongst adults with a 5 litre v8 up front. You only need to worry about something seriously exotic when in the 550i. Although you cant just slam the throttle off the line if it is anything but hot and dry, or the 15 year old Traction Control cuts in. I'm running some skinny 225 winters and they struggle. So its all about squeezing the throttle. This definitely makes you feel like you're driving rather than pressing buttons. PPBB bought a 550i recently. He is a PH god to some including me.

I love that feeling of acceleration when you feed the throttle in to make a quick getaway in a RWD car that'll merrily spin it's wheels if you mash the throttle like a TDi hero. Much more fun than an AWD DSG stomp and go approach.

[J4CKO]

ATM said:

Patrick Bateman said:

Lowtimer said:

popeyewhite said:

For those traffic light GP moments?

I'm sure the motor is adequate, it's just not any more than that though.

This is just wanton snobbery

Are traffic light GP moments still a thing amongst adults? You'd just look like a prize tt.

They are amongst adults with a 5 litre v8 up front. You only need to worry about something seriously exotic when in the 550i. Although you cant just slam the throttle off the line if it is anything but hot and dry, or the 15 year old Traction Control cuts in. I'm running some skinny 225 winters and they struggle. So its all about squeezing the throttle. This definitely makes you feel like you're driving rather than pressing buttons. PPBB bought a 550i recently. He is a PH god to some including me.

Seriously exotic ?

0-100 mph is 12 seconds ish,

Its a nice car, dont get me wrong but it isnt just exotics you need to worry about if being silly,

Golf R
Audi S3
TTS
TTRS
RS3
Civic type R
E55
CLS 55
CLS/E500
CLK 500
370Z
Focus RS
M135i
M140i
Jag XJR
S4
RS4

Nothing there I would call exotic

Dont want to urinate on any bonfires and there is more to life than acceleration,but there is loads of stuff nowadays that is, quicker than 12 secs to 100.

[ATM]

J4CKO said:

ATM said:

Patrick Bateman said:

Lowtimer said:

popeyewhite said:

For those traffic light GP moments?

I'm sure the motor is adequate, it's just not any more than that though.

This is just wanton snobbery

Are traffic light GP moments still a thing amongst adults? You'd just look like a prize tt.

They are amongst adults with a 5 litre v8 up front. You only need to worry about something seriously exotic when in the 550i. Although you cant just slam the throttle off the line if it is anything but hot and dry, or the 15 year old Traction Control cuts in. I'm running some skinny 225 winters and they struggle. So its all about squeezing the throttle. This definitely makes you feel like you're driving rather than pressing buttons. PPBB bought a 550i recently. He is a PH god to some including me.

Seriously exotic ?

0-100 mph is 12 seconds ish,

Its a nice car, dont get me wrong but it isnt just exotics you need to worry about if being silly,

Golf R
Audi S3
TTS
TTRS
RS3
Civic type R
E55
CLS 55
CLS/E500
CLK 500
370Z
Focus RS
M135i
M140i
Jag XJR
S4
RS4

Nothing there I would call exotic

Dont want to urinate on any bonfires and there is more to life than acceleration,but there is loads of stuff nowadays that is, quicker than 12 secs to 100.

With these from your list you still have a fighting chance as they'e all mainly open diff and 2wd. Its then down to reaction times and throttle control.


Civic type R
E55
CLS 55
CLS/E500
CLK 500
370Z
Focus RS - fwd version
M135i
M140i
Jag XJR

[anonymous-user]

Quick car as quick as many other quick cars, but not necessarily quicker. Stop the presses!

I'd have one of these at £6k for the manual modern V8 saloon novelty, but at £12.5k you have a lot of more appealing options. I bet it'd be a swine to sell to.

[J4CKO]

ATM said:

J4CKO said:

ATM said:

Patrick Bateman said:

Lowtimer said:

popeyewhite said:

For those traffic light GP moments?

I'm sure the motor is adequate, it's just not any more than that though.

This is just wanton snobbery

Are traffic light GP moments still a thing amongst adults? You'd just look like a prize tt.

They are amongst adults with a 5 litre v8 up front. You only need to worry about something seriously exotic when in the 550i. Although you cant just slam the throttle off the line if it is anything but hot and dry, or the 15 year old Traction Control cuts in. I'm running some skinny 225 winters and they struggle. So its all about squeezing the throttle. This definitely makes you feel like you're driving rather than pressing buttons. PPBB bought a 550i recently. He is a PH god to some including me.

Seriously exotic ?

0-100 mph is 12 seconds ish,

Its a nice car, dont get me wrong but it isnt just exotics you need to worry about if being silly,

Golf R
Audi S3
TTS
TTRS
RS3
Civic type R
E55
CLS 55
CLS/E500
CLK 500
370Z
Focus RS
M135i
M140i
Jag XJR
S4
RS4

Nothing there I would call exotic

Dont want to urinate on any bonfires and there is more to life than acceleration,but there is loads of stuff nowadays that is, quicker than 12 secs to 100.

With these from your list you still have a fighting chance as they'e all mainly open diff and 2wd. Its then down to reaction times and throttle control.


Civic type R
E55
CLS 55
CLS/E500
CLK 500
370Z
Focus RS - fwd version
M135i
M140i
Jag XJR

Similar ball park but none are exotic, the BMW M lites will trouble an E90 M3, and the problem is anything with a turbo is so easy to tune, a good percentage are fiddled with.

But, like I said, not all about Top Trumps, you cant really decide much based on such clumsy measures.

[Deep Thought]

VolvoMariner said:

Great car. My brother in law had one that I borrowed a few times. Spoiled by a poor Auto box, which made the car all or nothing. I always said the manual would be the one to have.

However it was a money pit...not an easy car to sell for a decent amount, either... massive risk for private buyer and most the trade would offer you about half.I would suspect you'd need to wait a very long time to get that much for it. I think his went for closer to £7-8k in the end.

Maybe asked already, but i assume that was a pre April 2007 car? They had the old mechanical shift. The LCI electronic gearbox was much better

[anonymous-user]

Deep Thought said:

Maybe asked already, but i assume that was a pre April 2007 car? They had the old mechanical shift. The LCI electronic gearbox was much better

Pretty sure they were all ZF6HP24 boxes? BMW haven't used a purely hydraulic box in a 5 series since the 4 speeder in the early E34. Even that might have been a ZF4HP24E with electronic control.

[popeyewhite]

ATM said:

You only need to worry about something seriously exotic when in the 550i.

Bit like a mapped 330 D?

[njw1]

J4CKO said:

ATM said:

Patrick Bateman said:

Lowtimer said:

popeyewhite said:

For those traffic light GP moments?

I'm sure the motor is adequate, it's just not any more than that though.

This is just wanton snobbery

Are traffic light GP moments still a thing amongst adults? You'd just look like a prize tt.

They are amongst adults with a 5 litre v8 up front. You only need to worry about something seriously exotic when in the 550i. Although you cant just slam the throttle off the line if it is anything but hot and dry, or the 15 year old Traction Control cuts in. I'm running some skinny 225 winters and they struggle. So its all about squeezing the throttle. This definitely makes you feel like you're driving rather than pressing buttons. PPBB bought a 550i recently. He is a PH god to some including me.

Seriously exotic ?

0-100 mph is 12 seconds ish,

Its a nice car, dont get me wrong but it isnt just exotics you need to worry about if being silly,

Golf R
Audi S3
TTS
TTRS
RS3
Civic type R
E55
CLS 55
CLS/E500
CLK 500
370Z
Focus RS
M135i
M140i
Jag XJR
S4
RS4

Nothing there I would call exotic

Dont want to urinate on any bonfires and there is more to life than acceleration,but there is loads of stuff nowadays that is, quicker than 12 secs to 100.

And that's the thing, there are loads of quick cars to choose from nowadays, but, if you were to compare equivalent models of the above cars that are the same age as an e60 550i I would have thought it would only be the RS4, E/CLS 55 and possibly the Jag XJR that would be quicker than a 550i? And even then I don't think it would be by much.

[njw1]

popeyewhite said:

ATM said:

You only need to worry about something seriously exotic when in the 550i.

Bit like a mapped 330 D?

I've had a re-mapped 330d, it was quicker off the line than my 540i thanks to the big shove of low down torque (and manual gearbox) but once up and running the 540i would pull away, I suspect a manual 550i would have had it off the line too.

Oh, and give me a V8 petrol over a diesel of any description any day of the week!