BMW 550i (E60)

While the M5 is understandably the headline grabber in the current 5 Series range, the 367bhp 550i models – in SE and M Sport form – are exceedingly rapid too, and a whole lot cheaper and more subtle to boot.

Does popularity breed contempt? We’re not so sure if the sustained sales success of the current generation BMW 5 Series is anything to go by. No matter whether it’s the entry level 523i or the super car slaying M5, each model in the range continues to be in demand – and remains the absolute benchmark in the executive saloon sector.

However, here at PCB we like the idea of going for the less-than-obvious left-field alternative – and for those who hanker after a new or used M5, but can’t stomach the current prices, then going for a 550i is an eminently sensible solution. Assuming you can consider any car with a 5-litre V8 pushing out 367bhp as ‘sensible’.

Specifications

Introduced in 2005 as a replacement for the much-love 545i, the up-gunned BMW 550i, took the existing strengths of the award winning executive saloon and added a little more power for added buyer appeal. The 550i comes in two trim levels and two body styles – which compared with the rest of the range, means choosing a car for you is a relatively straightforward matter. Available in either SE or M Sport trim and with the saloon or Touring body, the choice comes down to luxurious or sporting.

However, even without ticking the options boxes, spec levels are generous, with current-generation iDrive operation for the ICE, climate and sat-nav being the main talking point – as buyers tend to either love it or hate it.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the really cool features available with this car are options – so if you’re looking for head-up display, active cruise control, Active Steer (variable ratio rack), or Dynamic Drive (computer controlled anti-roll), then you’ll need to do some dealer searching.

On the road

The first thing that strikes you about the 550i (in either SE or M Sport spec) is just how standard it looks. If you’ve ticked the delete option for badging, you’d be hard pushed to tell it apart from your common-or-garden 523i. If you don’t like your car to shout about its capability, that makes this a very appealing proposition – adding to the grin factor of pushing the throttle and experiencing genuinely aggressive acceleration.

The cabin is typically BMW, which means a sculpted dashboard that, at first glance, seems almost stark compared with the opposition from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. However, that’s because the button-count is minimised by the iDrive system, which takes a myriad of functions and itemises them for access via the screen menus. We love it, but can understand anyone who feels Audi’s MMI or Mercedes-Benz’s COMMAND is the better option.

There’s plenty of storage space in the cabin, and the boot is large enough for several sets of golf clubs – but, more importantly, front and rear seat
room are absolutely fine if you want to use your Five as a rolling meeting room for up to four executives.

However, it’s on the road that the 550i really shines – steering and throttle response are crisp and accurate and the melodious V8 engine delivers all the aural pleasure you’re likely to need, especially if you prod it (something most enthusiasts will want to do on a regular basis). Strong acceleration and a 155mph limited top speed are the welcome side-effect of this Bavarian shoehorning exercise but, at UK motorway speeds, it’s a near silent companion. However, expect to pay for your pleasure at the pumps – beating our average of 20mpg over a week’s mixed motoring might be quite difficult.

Manual gearboxes are beautifully precise, but the autobox with Tiptronic is a suitably excellent alternative. Handling is typically superb, with a general feeling of responsiveness – and despite the Five’s ample proportions, it can be placed accurately on the road thanks to the accurate steering. Roll is nicely contained, and the brakes are as strong as you’d ever need – although on the M Sport model, damping is too harsh for British roads. Dynamic Drive is universally praised, although some customers can’t get to grips with Active Steer – so test a few cars before taking the plunge.

Market impressions

Although the 550i has only been on the market since 2005, there are enough of them around to see how the trends are developing. Large engined petrol powered executive saloons are pretty much out of fashion at the moment, and that’s reflected in the 550i’s projected retained value after three years of 38 per cent (compare that with the 535d M Sport’s 44 per cent).

Given that the 550i M Sport saloon costs £47,870 new, you can make some very effective savings by profiting from the first owner’s depreciation. Without looking too hard, we found a nominal mileage 06- plater for £38,000 within the BMW Approved Used system.

In short, the autos are worth more than the manuals, and buyers will pay a healthy premium for M Sport models over their SE counterparts. In the longer term, and with budgetary pressure on V8 powered cars such as these, the continued heavier-thanaverage depreciation means that you’ll need to go in with your eyes open, even if you’ve benefited by being the second owner.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the BMW 550i is one of the world’s finest performance saloons – but what really floats our boat is how it combines near-supercar performance with everyday usability in a package that doesn’t attract undue attention from other road users; something the M5 can’t manage.

The V8 engine in the 550i is characterful and flexible, and combines with the excellence of the 5 Series package to produce a car that’s hard to beat. Above average depreciation also makes it surprisingly affordable – and for all those racking up lower mileages, it makes a very appealing red-blooded alternative to the brilliant 535d.

Faults, flaws and fixes

Obviously there are few faults to report on a car that was introduced in 2005, but there are one or two issues that have caused problems and which have probably been fixed under warranty.

The iDrive system on earlier models has caused no end of problems for some owners – which mean that when it fails, you lose any access to the heating, stereo and phone controls; not a good thing. According to trade sources, there have been instances when the system simply refuses to work on cold mornings, only waking-up after the car has been driven for 20 minutes, and is fully warmed.

However, the Five in general became more reliable before the introduction of the 550i, and any iDrive problems will have been rectified under warranty. However, do check all menus (and sub-menus) do what there’re supposed to.

BMW has issued a large number of recalls, covering the airbag, fuel pump, stability system, clutch, engine seat heater that, so do check that your car is up to date on this score – the chances are it will have been company owned, and therefore should be fully stamped and ramped, but it makes sure to check the system.

Finally, the run-flat tyres haven’t covered themselves in glory, wearing rapidly on occasion and suffering from leaks. Conventional replacements are cheaper, keep their pressure and ride better, and many owners have gone down this route in order to improve compliance on typically British roads. Thoroughly check when inspecting your car.

Body panel repairs can be expensive, pushing up insurance premiums, and supply isn’t as quick.

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