[KingpenM3]

I've been going back and forth through what feels like the entire lineup (no x's) for months now. At this moment I'm trying to decide between a 550i and a M3 (new lease). I'm in a '13 535i right now. I'm sure there are some simple luxuries that I might miss, but the ///M3 is obviously attractive for so many of it's own reasons. Prices are super similar with the way I've been building them. Just trying to get some other opinions to see if they stir up some swayings in my own mind. Thanks.

Pics of what I'm thinking


or

[MalibuBimmer]

The M3 is a lot more fun. I traded in my 650i GC (same running gear) for an M4 and it's a blast.

[Antonio1988]

The 550i will certainly be much heavier than the 535i, so while you will gain power, it will feel more like you bulked and got sloppier than if you slimmed down and got fitter (this being the M3).

[reihani]

I can see myself getting the 550i and regretting it later on or getting the M3 and never looking back. But that's just me! Plus the 5 is about to get a new look and is somewhat outdated, if you care about such things maybe the M is a better choice?! good luck.

[bajanbanker]

Your name says it all...go with the M3!!

[KingpenM3]

Thanks for the replys. I think my soul is moving toward the M3. Pretty sure I'd go manual transmission too, and I'm afraid this might be the last time that any of us will have a shot at that. If for no reason, I'd like to get into something different than what I'm in now, not just better.

Originally Posted by bajanbanker

Your name says it all...go with the M3!!

Too funny! Name actually goes back 17 years when I got a '95 e36 M3! I suppose that makes it a little too meant to be after all.

[oolas3]

M3 all the way. The current 5 series is out classed in its class.

[buddalun]

This is an interesting comparison. I was in a similar situation, except I had a pristine E39 540i. However, the E90 M3 is better in every way except for sheer comfort. But, I have EDC so I am close.

Go for the M3. It probably gets similar MPG, is way lighter, and will certainly hold its value better. I know you're leasing, but this still matters IMO.

[ksa]

If it were just dependant on the looks then the M3 wins hands down. If it was just dependant on the performance then the M3 wins hands down. If it was just dependant on the 'name' then the M over 'regular' 5 series wins hands down. If you needed awd for winter then the 550 wins hands down. For me this would be an easy choice.

[SpacegrayMe90]

M3 all the way. I came from a 550i and never looked back. The driving reward from a M3 is like no other... If you need AWD and don't care to drive your M3 in winter, then 550 X drive. But you will be bored to death.

[zer0cool]

M3, it's much better to drive. The 550i is really heavy... However 550i will be quieter and will ride better; those are probably the biggest advantages over the M3. You can probably turn off the active sound in the M3 to make it quieter but you are going to get a lot more road/tire noise. Otherwise, M3 > 550i in every way.

If you need AWD, I would probably say get Audi S6 instead. S6 is supremely comfortable, definitely more luxurious than BMW 5, quiet and just as fast as M3 on most regular roads. Tho you ll have to buy instead of lease due to Audi's poor lease numbers (so need to be able to deal with the cash flow like 1200/m). S6 payments will be pretty high, but re-sale looks super good so far, so you ll get a lot back at the end. To me S6 > 550i in every way.

[rr006rbc]

Get the M3. Cabin space is definitely smaller but the fun factor/fuel efficiency/noise/aesthetics crap all over the outdated F10 body that came out late 2010. Plus, the 550i w/ the N63s consume oil like madmen and have lots of driveability issues at the higher mileages.

[Blksnowflake]

I own an M3 and had a 550 MSport as a loaner for a day.
First thing I noticed getting in the 5, it is cushy and luxurious and feels more solid and goodness gracious was it quite and smooth.
Next, the power deficit and response was immediately apparent. The gas pedal felt almost dead, even in the sportiest setting the noise is minimal, so if you want exhaust and sporty sounds, you'll definitely need an exhaust, a tune and downpipes. It does go like stink but it doesn't feel like an aggressive machine and the sensation of speed is almost absent, and then you look at the speedo and it says 100+....wtf. The car is a cruiser and very comfortable and did I mention quiet. I have to admit that although it didn't make loud noises, with the radio off and just cruising it was sort of relaxing to be in such a quiet environment with just a hint of vroom during hard acceleration.

The car is also heavy, and it feels like it, I immediately felt the lack of feel and connection to the road but the car handles very good, it's just that it's so good at masking it. It isn't wobbly, very planted but if you get aggressive you will feel the weight back and forth and sense how hard the brakes have to work. The transmission was also sluggish in comparison to my M3 but it was very smooth.

The 550MSport is a great car, and I found myself missing it when it was gone....but the scalpel battle ship attitude of the M3 is just hard to beat and suits my needs.

If you want a very fast solid luxurious tourer and don't plan on tracking or expecting immediate psychic pedal response then the 5 is your car.
If you want performance and a car that is more raw and is almost telepathic in response, a gas pedal and transmission that do what you say, then the M3 is for you.

[New2Roundel]

I think it depends on how you will use the car. If you want something that will eat highway miles and still be decent in the corners, I'd go with the 550 with any type of sport suspension option. If you're apt to do any type of pleasure driving (back roads, autocross, occasional track), then yeah, M3 all the way.

[vladberca]

M3 all the way! It's far better in the dynamic department and has a fresh look with the LCI release!

[michel123]

Well, still if you confused compare both of them and go with best suitable. I suggest M3. Its better and much bigger than 550i. Choice is yours!

[evo335xi]

550i and 6speed-mufflers and jb : )

[dme330i]

Two very different cars.

If you are:

Old at heart = 550i

Young at heart = M3

[newoldbeemer]

Of the two, the M3 any day. The 550i looks just like any other 5 series. The M is way more exclusive and more exciting to drive too.

[Meeni]

So your question is what color for your M3, right ?

[gtron]

can't snooze on a 550i with the m-sport package. i owned one and it was wonderful. comfort and tons of torque. it was the best of both worlds.

drive both if you haven't already and feel for yourself. that's the only way to truly decided.

lately i've been enjoying smaller cars so i might go with the m3 or m4 now.

either way i believe you're going to be happy.

[KingpenM3]

Update, decision made... M3!

I've got an allocation and am doing an ED for a 11/30/15 pickup. So excited.