BMW 5-Series Saloon (2003 - 2010) 550i M Sport 4d Auto (2005/55) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Because the 550 is so rare, this car says different things to different people. Without the model designation on the boot, it's a practical, sensible, all-round superstar of the exec saloon class to the untrained ear. But those who know the sound of a V8 when they hear it pay the car due respect!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They love it! Everyone whose been a passenger finds it really comfortable (surprising given the M Sport suspension and run-flats!), everyone whose driven it doesn't want to give the keys back!
Would you buy this car again and why?
Without a doubt, yes! This car is totally unique yet the 5-series is ubiquitous today, you know you own a special car yet the 550 is part of the best-in-class 5-series family
What are you likely to buy next?
Another 5-series - have been so impressed by this car's performance and reliability, as well as BMW dealer network's service and attention to customer needs.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£28,500
When did you buy the car?
February 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
Amazing deal! Bought the car two-and-a-half years old at half the new price, with a year's warranty from BMW, a year's breakdown cover (didn't need that!) and balance of 5 year service pack.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I bought this car because I wanted the performance of a sports coupe without compromising the practicality of a saloon, and without the ostentatiousness of an M5!
What was the dealer like?
Fantastic! Can't speak more highly of BMW dealership network, they know how to look after serious buyers and went out of their way to trim various costs/charges to make the buying decision an easy one.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Awesome performance! Away from the lights, this car embarrasses almost everything else on the road. Overtaking on B-roads is effortless, body-roll on corners is negligible and the sheer acceleration from this auto would take a bionic arm to beat in an equivalent manual!
What's it like to park?
A doddle! Parking sensors front and back, the bleeping can get over-excited when you get very close to an obstacle - if it annoys you, hit the button to turn off the volume and watch the display instead!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
After 3 years of trouble-free motoring, nothing to report other than a wheel-bearing replacement! BMWs are buit properly, only downside is run-flat tyres - be prepared to empty your wallet for at least £900 to replace a full set with quality tyres like Michelin Pilots!
What's most practical about your car?
Remember this is a 4-door saloon, no embarassing contortions for your friends/family to perform when extricating themselves from the back seats! Huge boot, fully electrial heated seats, passenger wing-mirror dips to aid parking - they've thought of everything!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Genuinely too many to list. TV function on mine to wile away time stuck in another M25 jam, adaptive headlights that follow you around bends, dipping wing mirror - a tight victory for the adaptive steering though, no other car I've driven can touch that!
