[BlueString]

Originally Posted by vadnart1

i'm weighing the 540xi vs 550e, besides the charging are there other reason(s) you don't like the 550e? I would love to know your experience when only in ICE mode when battery runs out, is performance and mpg appreciably worst due to the added weight? any other issues?

just as a side note, here in the US the 550e can be configured with dynamic handling package which adds the adaptive suspension and rear wheel steering which is one of the main reasons why i'm considering the 550e over the 540xi. Too bad its not available yet on the 540 like with the Mercedes E450, seems like odd decision by BMW.

Hi Vadnart1, I’m also debating between the 540i and 550e. The dynamic handling package with the adaptive suspension and rear wheel steering is a main reason for me to look at the 550e as well. I spoke to my CA and he said the dynamic handling package cannot be special ordered on the 540i. I’m wondering if you had any luck special ordering that to the 540i or inquired about it.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by BlueString

Hi Vadnart1, I’m also debating between the 540i and 550e. The dynamic handling package with the adaptive suspension and rear wheel steering is a main reason for me to look at the 550e as well. I spoke to my CA and he said the dynamic handling package cannot be special ordered on the 540i. I’m wondering if you had any luck special ordering that to the 540i or inquired about it.

Did your CA say why the DHP can't be special ordered on the 540i? In Germany, you can have any G60 ICE model with DHP. It's on the BMW.de konfigurator. So 520i up to 540d can be ordered with it in the home market. Which says it's a marketing choice for the US not to offer it.

[BMW5151]

My 550e with 385 miles on the clock was special ordered with 2VV, which we (dealer and myself) were assured in writing that the special order would include the IAS rear steering. Turns out the car was built without it and I was not pleased. After years of driving with IAS and adaptive dampers (550i and M550is) the G60 was not a pleasant drive except on the freeway. I was working with the dealer to get out of the car when the California fires hit, and the 550e was destroyed in the garage of my home which was lost... (I evacuated in the X3}. I have happily ordered a replacement 550e, with the no longer special order DHP.

[BlueString]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

My 550e with 385 miles on the clock was special ordered with 2VV, which we (dealer and myself) were assured in writing that the special order would include the IAS rear steering. Turns out the car was built without it and I was not pleased. After years of driving with IAS and adaptive dampers (550i and M550is) the G60 was not a pleasant drive except on the freeway. I was working with the dealer to get out of the car when the California fires hit, and the 550e was destroyed in the garage of my home which was lost... (I evacuated in the X3}. I have happily ordered a replacement 550e, with the no longer special order DHP.

Sorry to hear about your home, glad you got out safely. The G60 is significantly larger than the G30 so I would assume the damper and IAS would make a difference like you mentioned.

[BlueString]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Did your CA say why the DHP can't be special ordered on the 540i? In Germany, you can have any G60 ICE model with DHP. It's on the BMW.de konfigurator. So 520i up to 540d can be ordered with it in the home market. Which says it's a marketing choice for the US not to offer it.

CA said BMWNA doesn't want to set a precedent to allow non conforming packages to be ordered on certain model/trim vehicles. Other words, just packages that are shown on the ordering guides set per model/trim. In this case only the 550e trim gets that package. Doesn't seem that convincing so I was wondering if others were able to special order it on the 540i here in the US.

[Blue Sky]

Despite it sounding like BMWNA has control, I think the reality is that any special order request has to be ok’ed by Germany, and the policy is to limit choices available to BMWNA. Just asking for 4NB on my order required contacting Germany.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by BlueString

CA said BMWNA doesn't want to set a precedent to allow non conforming packages to be ordered on certain model/trim vehicles. Other words, just packages that are shown on the ordering guides set per model/trim. In this case only the 550e trim gets that package. Doesn't seem that convincing so I was wondering if others were able to special order it on the 540i here in the US.

That’s the most honest answer I’ve heard. They’re telling you it’s possible but they don’t want to. If/when I order a 540i I plan to try to get adaptive suspension with IAS approved, unlikely as it may be.