[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

If all the 550e can offer is 25 miles on electric, it is quite embarrassing. If that is the case, hope there is a way to set the car to use both power sources from start. No electric only. My primary intent was to get something that was close to the power in my current M550i, without going to an i5 M60. Food for thought, and a need for further research. Might need to just cancel the order.

The US numbers aren’t yet out so I wouldn’t rush to judgement here. As aherman18 mentioned the system likely is pretty awesome. I similarly love my 530e and actually eying the 550e for my replacement targeted in 2026 currently.

The 530e replacement, if BMW launches one, will likely offer more range than the 550e though if range is your primary concern. The 550e has more of a performance lean to it. Which will chew into efficiency on a EV just as much as it does on an ICE. The car likely is very efficient in the EV only mode as well.

BMW PHEVs aren’t geared toward the purely efficiency side of the scale though. They aren’t like driving a Prius where the car is really trying to get the absolute best efficiency out of the drive. BMW PHEVs lean more to the sporty drive side of the scale. So they’ll be more efficient than BMW ICE cars, but they will prioritize performance over efficiency. Using the EV part of the car to do what EVs do best. Deliver instant performance. The best thing about my 530e compared to the 530i when I test drove it was the complete elimination of “turbo lag”. It uses the EV for that so the ICE is able to deliver instantly and it all just feels sporty and performant.

[BMW5151]

Perhaps I mispoke. Coming from the M550i i am not really worried about the EV range or MPG, but it is more of performance enduring throughout a trip. For whatever reason, BMW has apparently crippled the battery vs. the Euro version. This will lead to less enduring combined performance as the battery will get drained rather quickly. With the M550i, you can easily refill the tank. Not so quickly with recharging. I just revisited the BMW USA page, and was startled to see that the max combined HP is no longer 483, but rather 443. In Europe it is 489, which translates to 483 in US. If this is true, then what is the benefit over the 540ix which is lighter, less costly. Makes me really need to sit back, take a deep breath and reconsider.

[Dragonfly Trumpeter]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

Perhaps I mispoke. Coming from the M550i i am not really worried about the EV range or MPG, but it is more of performance enduring throughout a trip. For whatever reason, BMW has apparently crippled the battery vs. the Euro version. This will lead to less enduring combined performance as the battery will get drained rather quickly. With the M550i, you can easily refill the tank. Not so quickly with recharging. I just revisited the BMW USA page, and was startled to see that the max combined HP is no longer 483, but rather 443. In Europe it is 489, which translates to 483 in US. If this is true, then what is the benefit over the 540ix which is lighter, less costly. Makes me really need to sit back, take a deep breath and reconsider.

BMW5151 The US configurator has the 550e @ 483hp, where did you see 443 and a crippled battery?

[RichardInCA]

It’s a glitch on the BMW USA website - the specs still list 483hp, but for some reason the summary line at the top of the page says 443hp. BMW hasn’t added the range numbers on the spec sheet, but seeing how different EV range figures are for EU vs US (WLTP vs EPA) I would be surprised if the car is really spec’d any differently, but it may be the testing protocol.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

Perhaps I mispoke. Coming from the M550i i am not really worried about the EV range or MPG, but it is more of performance enduring throughout a trip. For whatever reason, BMW has apparently crippled the battery vs. the Euro version. This will lead to less enduring combined performance as the battery will get drained rather quickly. With the M550i, you can easily refill the tank. Not so quickly with recharging. I just revisited the BMW USA page, and was startled to see that the max combined HP is no longer 483, but rather 443. In Europe it is 489, which translates to 483 in US. If this is true, then what is the benefit over the 540ix which is lighter, less costly. Makes me really need to sit back, take a deep breath and reconsider.

I still think you’re looking at this incorrectly. I am sure this will operate very much like my 530e so I can speak a bit more from experience on this front.

You don’t really need to concern yourself with the charging aspect of the HV battery unless you’re concerned about maximizing fuel economy. The car’s gas tank can be filled just as easily as the ICE version on a long road trip. That’s the main draw to a PHEV over a BEV since you’re not burdened by “charging stops”. The car will not let you run out of EV juice as it will aggressively move to add a minimum charge to the HV battery. Guaranteeing you full performance of the car at all times.

As I mentioned earlier, BMW reduces HV battery capacity in the US to 80% of its full capacity. I, and others, have chalked this up to the CARB extended battery warranty requirements. The car does a VERY good job of managing its charge states. My HV battery is at 91% of its original capacity (according to the eFlow app from the makers of BimmerCode) after 5 years and frequently running the battery out.

Don’t get me wrong. I am looking at the 550e as my 530e replacement and I’m looking forward to a larger EV range than my current 530e so I’ll be looking at how this develops. But I’m also looking forward to more power too!

The car says I have just about 14K miles on pure electric. But that number is low due to BMW resetting it a year or so after I got the car due to a software change. I’d need to ask the dealership to gets the full number from the car’s computer. But the attached details should give you a fuller idea of how well the HV battery “ages” in one of these PHEVs.

[BMW5151]

Thanks to everyone re the responses. I went into the BMW USA website again and the total power output is indeed stated differently in different locations. Could be a glitch, or perhaps someone let the "cat out of the bag"?!

But my main concern still is when will the car no longer offer me the full "483" HP power as the battery drains. I don't drive very aggressively, but do like to punch it once in a while, both off the line and on the road. That is how I really enjoyed the M550i (plus the M-Lite handling, etc.)

Perhaps I am approaching this too "old school" and am trying to get some of the feel I had with the M550i. While willing to deal with the new tech, I don't want to be fixated on watching battery health, etc. I have been driving 5 series for decades, every generation since the E28. Never before have I had such trepidation when selecting the next one.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

Thanks to everyone re the responses. I went into the BMW USA website again and the total power output is indeed stated differently in different locations. Could be a glitch, or perhaps someone let the "cat out of the bag"?!

But my main concern still is when will the car no longer offer me the full "483" HP power as the battery drains. I don't drive very aggressively, but do like to punch it once in a while, both off the line and on the road. That is how I really enjoyed the M550i (plus the M-Lite handling, etc.)

Perhaps I am approaching this too "old school" and am trying to get some of the feel I had with the M550i. While willing to deal with the new tech, I don't want to be fixated on watching battery health, etc. I have been driving 5 series for decades, every generation since the E28. Never before have I had such trepidation when selecting the next one.

I don't think you would need to be concerned with watching the battery health. You're in a CARB state (CARB = California Air Resource Board) so you have a 10Y/100K mile warranty on the battery. If it were to die or severely degrade early you'd get a free swap.

As for power, you'd never be in a situation where you didn't have access to the full power due to the battery running low. The engine can charge the battery faster than the wall charger can. As a result, the car will ensure it has enough to guarantee full power.

I've tried this in my 530e! To see if I could get the system low enough to not have the full power. I haven't been able to do it. My hypothesis is you could maybe do it on a dyno where you could be wide open throttle indefinitely, but that's not a scenario you can recreate on a public road.

These concerns you can put to rest I am confident in saying.

[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

I don't think you would need to be concerned with watching the battery health. You're in a CARB state (CARB = California Air Resource Board) so you have a 10Y/100K mile warranty on the battery. If it were to die or severely degrade early you'd get a free swap.

As for power, you'd never be in a situation where you didn't have access to the full power due to the battery running low. The engine can charge the battery faster than the wall charger can. As a result, the car will ensure it has enough to guarantee full power.

I've tried this in my 530e! To see if I could get the system low enough to not have the full power. I haven't been able to do it. My hypothesis is you could maybe do it on a dyno where you could be wide open throttle indefinitely, but that's not a scenario you can recreate on a public road.

These concerns you can put to rest I am confident in saying.

Thanks much for this feedback, and I will relax. The best part is that I won't own the car, just a lease. Technology is moving so fast, you are out of date the moment you drive off the dealer's lot.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

Thanks much for this feedback, and I will relax. The best part is that I won't own the car, just a lease. Technology is moving so fast, you are out of date the moment you drive off the dealer's lot.

The technology certainly is moving very quickly!

The best part of the lease too outside of the quicker ability to absorb new changes is you’ll end up with a safe off ramp in case you don’t like the car (though I’d be VERY surprised if you didn’t like it).

I purchased by 530e as my first BMW and it honestly has been a VERY good purchase. The car has been extremely reliable and no issues. I was nervous a bit buying a PHEV BMW as my first BMW since German cars are supposed to be unreliable. This car has been absolutely bulletproof.

There are some positives to leasing I read recently that might make me consider it when I replace my 530e in 2026 or 2027.

My target is the G60 LCI to see what they add there!

Can’t wait to see you and others post their impressions on the 550e though!! So don’t leave us hanging

[Seabird]

Originally Posted by aherman18

They are estimating 2VV at $3,600, but didn't know for sure. I think that matches the Canadian price.

Do you know if 2VV includes the rear wheel steering?

Thanks.

Is 2VV worth it? I don't drive sports mode often. I wonder if I should include it. Also, I have heard that the 2VV system can go faulty easily and it would be very expensive to repair it. Is that true?

I just placed an order for 550e two days ago, of an individual color, (as an upgrade for the previous 530e, which I truly love) so I am not sure if I should ask about this option from my dealer. Please advise. Thanks a lot!

[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by Seabird

Is 2VV worth it? I don't drive sports mode often. I wonder if I should include it. Also, I have heard that the 2VV system can go faulty easily and it would be very expensive to repair it. Is that true?

I just placed an order for 550e two days ago, of an individual color, (as an upgrade for the previous 530e, which I truly love) so I am not sure if I should ask about this option from my dealer. Please advise. Thanks a lot!

The 2VV (or even better the full DHP) is worth every penny to me. I deleted some other options to compensate for the cost. The 5 became too large with the F10 generation, and it has only become worse each generation. Having the ability to tighten up the suspension, enjoy the reduced turning radius (rear steering) and the active anti-roll bars brought "driving pleasure."
When BMW did not even offer the 2VV or DHP on any G60 except the i5 M60, I really was about to abandon ship. There are many things I don't like about the G60, but can tolerate, but having a barge (think 7 series) w/o the rear steering was not acceptable.

So I completely recommend the 2VV. 100%.

[Seabird]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

The 2VV (or even better the full DHP) is worth every penny to me. I deleted some other options to compensate for the cost. The 5 became too large with the F10 generation, and it has only become worse each generation. Having the ability to tighten up the suspension, enjoy the reduced turning radius (rear steering) and the active anti-roll bars brought "driving pleasure."
When BMW did not even offer the 2VV or DHP on any G60 except the i5 M60, I really was about to abandon ship. There are many things I don't like about the G60, but can tolerate, but having a barge (think 7 series) w/o the rear steering was not acceptable.

So I completely recommend the 2VV. 100%.

Thanks a lot for your recommendation and the detailed rationale. I have just received the production number. My dealer is checking if I could add that option. Currently, what is in the package is the M-sport suspension. I believe it is a lot different from 2VV.

[RichardInCA]

IAS is pretty impressive I have to say, it’s utterly ridiculous how maneuverable my i5 is, I swear I can park this as easily or easier than my old 3 series.

[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

IAS is pretty impressive I have to say, it’s utterly ridiculous how maneuverable my i5 is, I swear I can park this as easily or easier than my old 3 series.

Yes, the IAS makes parking easier, plus aids at highway speeds as well. The M60 has the 2VV with IAS as standard. I believe IAS takes takes close to 3 ft out of the turning circle. Test drove/parked the 540ix and M60 and the difference is readily apparent.

[nacs]

Originally Posted by Seabird

Is 2VV worth it? I don't drive sports mode often. I wonder if I should include it. Also, I have heard that the 2VV system can go faulty easily and it would be very expensive to repair it. Is that true?

I just placed an order for 550e two days ago, of an individual color, (as an upgrade for the previous 530e, which I truly love) so I am not sure if I should ask about this option from my dealer. Please advise. Thanks a lot!

I tried to add it and was told no for 550e also w/ individual color. So I’m curious if folks really are getting this option and who the request needs to go to at corporate.

[aherman18]

Originally Posted by nacs

I tried to add it and was told no for 550e also w/ individual color. So I’m curious if folks really are getting this option and who the request needs to go to at corporate.

I have 2VV on a confirmed order sheet. Week 37 build.

So, it can be done.

Andrew

[Seabird]

nacs I was told the same thing by the dealer in Northern California that it can't be done (despite having the manager talking to the corporate). Anyway, I am still happy without the 2VV option. I am curious to know what individual color have you ordered? Mine is Daytona Violet Metallic.

aherman18 Happy to hear that you get the 2VV. Must be a VIP option : )

[aherman18]

aherman18 Happy to hear that you get the 2VV. Must be a VIP option : )[/QUOTE]

I think it means I've purchased too many BMW....

[Seabird]

aherman18 nacs Have you got your 550e already? Mine has been at the German port (I believe it's at Bremerhaven) for about a week. My dealer hasn't given me any details regarding the vessel name yet.

I am checking the NYK Line. The Heritage Leader (078) is leaving Bremerhaven on Oct 31 and arriving in Long Beach on Nov 11. I wonder if mine will be on that vessel.

[nacs]

Originally Posted by Seabird

aherman18 nacs Have you got your 550e already? Mine has been at the German port (I believe it's at Bremerhaven) for about a week. My dealer hasn't given me any details regarding the vessel name yet.

I am checking the NYK Line. The Heritage Leader (078) is leaving Bremerhaven on Oct 31 and arriving in Long Beach on Nov 11. I wonder if mine will be on that vessel.

Just checked this morning and I’m also still at the port waiting the ship. I was told you will not get the ship name until after the ship sales from BMW Genius. When it ships I’ll let you know.

[Seabird]

Originally Posted by nacs

Just checked this morning and I’m also still at the port waiting the ship. I was told you will not get the ship name until after the ship sales from BMW Genius. When it ships I’ll let you know.

nacs Thanks! It's going to be fun tracking the ship. I still remember how fun it was tracking the arrival of the 2019 530ex. It was like a revision course of geography, making me learn more about the Panama Canal.

[aherman18]

Originally Posted by nacs

Just checked this morning and I’m also still at the port waiting the ship. I was told you will not get the ship name until after the ship sales from BMW Genius. When it ships I’ll let you know.

So, my vehicle arrived at the port last week. Spoke to Genius line and she said it could 4-6 weeks before it hits the boat.

Seems long to me, but everything is moving slowly with this vehicle.