The M850 - Best GT Car in the BMW Lineup? (Plus 2 year review)

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by Mandingo9

How does this this car compare to m550?

Same question was asked in Post #33. I answered in Post #34.

In summary: the M850 is about 5" longer and maybe 3" wider. You ride a bit lower. The cabin is more luxurious and cocooned. I enjoyed my M550 immensely. I just like how this thing seems to eat up the miles better. Plus, it's way swoopier.

[jmxtrem]

One of Most Beautiful Cars on the market

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by jmxtrem

One of Most Beautiful Cars on the market

Just a tad confused here

Where could I buy this?

But, a 4,000 mile trip would go a lot faster.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

Does seem a tad much up front. Probably still has shipping blocks in the front springs.


I think the M850 gaps are too big. This car needs tires the size of the M8 - one profile higher. (Which is what they did for the Alpina - which is basically an M850)

Gaps on the 850 look ok to me. I'd much rather have a bit more suspension clearance on the road. Many lowering springs also put the control arms past parallel, which will give you bump steer, among other things.

[Jimjamz]

Thank you for making my week

[Jimjamz]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

Yeah, don't know being the best but it certainly is up there in terms of value against its peers - CLS 53/AMG GT 53, S7, Panamera, whatever Maserati has left.

Of these the Panamera is the only one I’d consider. But I agree with the assessment of the OP. When this car came out I remember thinking it was the best looking modern BMW. Hard to argue it still isn’t.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by jmxtrem

One of Most Beautiful Cars on the market

on the market or just pretty livery with parts you can't buy?

(btw i would not want to drive around with a "cops looks at me" banner and "hey cops follow me" swan neck wing

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by Jimjamz

Thank you for making my week

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Fulqrum]

We have a similar photography aesthetic. Walla Walla can provide a great backdrop. But I’m lame and only have 14k miles on my 3 year old M440.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by Fulqrum

We have a similar photography aesthetic. Walla Walla can provide a great backdrop. But I’m lame and only have 14k miles on my 3 year old M440.

Great pic. Open road, baby!

Were you on a box or are you really tall?

[Fulqrum]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

Great pic. Open road, baby!

Were you on a box or are you really tall?

6" 1' with long arms!

But seriously, love all your pics and the inspiration to hit the road more than I do.

[M3ddox]

Quite possibly one of the best posts ever

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by Fulqrum

6" 1' with long arms!

But seriously, love all your pics and the inspiration to hit the road more than I do.

Haha. Appreciate it. Nothing like a Beemer Road Trip

[tizzyd]

I'm a BMW dealer, and from the day it came out, I have said the M850 is the best and most well-rounded vehicle BMW sells. It makes me happy someone agrees with me

It's funny the N63 sounds so good in the M850 but the S63 sounds like crap. All the MPA models honestly are better for day to day use than the true M models, and I've driven them all.

Enjoy many more happy miles!!!

[G30M]

Originally Posted by tizzyd

It's funny the N63 sounds so good in the M850 but the S63 sounds like crap.

do you know if the M850 has a different exhaust part to M550i?

I had the impression the 850 has no resonators while the 550 has 2.

trying to make my 550 sound like the 850 ...

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by M3ddox

Quite possibly one of the best posts ever

Gosh. Very nice words indeed. Appreciate the support.

But, you know there are nearly 2 million threads here, right?

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

I was resisting but can resist no more, why the m850 over the m550 LCI? What makes the 8er better?

Hah.........how much time ya got?

Kidding......I see you have a 2018 M550. Which means you know what a great car it is. My M550 was a 2018 also. I had it for 2 years and we went 34,000 miles in it. I was only able to take it on 2 long trips, however: 2,500 miles out to Yellowstone and 2,300 miles down to Yosemite by way of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Grand Tetons
Attachment 3441257

I'll try to be as objective as possible. I personally think the M550 was the best value in the BMW line-up: Great styling (that hadn't been effed up yet), great power, great handling and at a not break the bank price. Too bad they discontinued it.


Sorry for the long winded answer, but, you asked

Fantastic answer, and thank you for the write-up! I don't fully agree on some points that I'd chalk up as personal preference, styling and interior ambience especially, though I have not driven an M850i, only sat in one at the showroom, so my opinions are underinformed and biased.

One other point that might be playing against your friend's M550 in terms of driving dynamics is that the M850i has DHP standard. But it wouldn't surprise me if the 8er is superior even apples to apples. This segment is where BMW really hits its stride and always has historically, sport luxury sedans on long-haul drives. Many great options across the 5, 8, B58, M, M-lite.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by Gautam

Fantastic answer, and thank you for the write-up! I don't fully agree on some points that I'd chalk up as personal preference, styling and interior ambience especially, though I have not driven an M850i, only sat in one at the showroom, so my opinions are underinformed and biased.

.....underinformed and biased. Haha. Good one. (Like no one on these forums has ever given an underinformed and biased opinion before However, don't be so hard on yourself. Styling and interior ambience are still personal preferences, as far as I know. As I said earlier, there are no wrong answers here.

Originally Posted by Gautam

One other point that might be playing against your friend's M550 in terms of driving dynamics is that the M850i has DHP standard. But it wouldn't surprise me if the 8er is superior even apples to apples. This segment is where BMW really hits its stride and always has historically, sport luxury sedans on long-haul drives. Many great options across the 5, 8, B58, M, M-lite.

My friend's M550 was pretty loaded and had the Dynamic Handling Package. I was only able to drive it about 5 miles on a curvy road - and all below 50 mph. And another 10 miles on the freeway. But I think you are right in saying that the driving dynamics (apples to apples) is superior in the M850. Of course, having 34,000 miles in an M550 already told me as much.

Both fabulous cars.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by tizzyd

I'm a BMW dealer, and from the day it came out, I have said the M850 is the best and most well-rounded vehicle BMW sells. It makes me happy someone agrees with me

I'm the first?? Actually, I think (hope?) there are several of us.

Originally Posted by tizzyd

It's funny the N63 sounds so good in the M850 but the S63 sounds like crap. All the MPA models honestly are better for day to day use than the true M models, and I've driven them all.

Enjoy many more happy miles!!!

No argument from me. I think it sounds great.