My 12 Week Ownership Review (As Promised - LONG READ)

[modocrat]

Thank you for the compliment. I actually did some motoring journalism a few years back, and I loved it, but it paid really badly and I had mouths to feed. At least the forum provides me and us a platform to get our messaging across the way we want to!

We can always get @M3boi or @TBP88 to work out some sort of payment arrangement for your stellar motoring reviews 👀

 

[v1p3r]

Thanks for taking the time to write this, and enjoy it in good health

 

[PsyCLown]

It may be a personally perceived difference to be honest with you, and I don't think that there is much of a difference in a real world scenario, but where I felt the 550 was really let down is that what the 850 got mostly standard (the Merino leather as an example) were all check box extras on the 550, including the integral steering. I suspect that once you ticked all those boxes you were getting pretty close to M5 money and original owners weren't prepared to go to that extreme. Not taking anything away from what the 550 is though, it's still a great car, just wasn't for me I guess!

I have noticed that the 8 series seem to be better spec'd compared to the 5.
Taking a very quick look at what is available on Cars.co.za currently, used prices for an M550 vs M850 is fairly similar and optional extras alone make the 8 series seem like the better deal when it comes to value for money. I personally love a well optioned car.

While I do love my 5er, I wouldn't hesitate to jump into an 8 series.

 

[shabsta]

I’m going to need to read this again tomorrow morning on the bog but I must say you have me interested.

I had shortlisted the m850i at the beginning of the year but the depreciation worried me, how ever I feel that if you put that aside and buy it as a keeper then that’s the least of your worries.

I may need to relook / rethink this as the missus and myself adored the vehicle…

But, I would need to wait until I’ve added more garage space.

Thanks for the excellent write up

 

[AceRally]

I love the 8 Series shape, would even take a 40i or 40d.

 

[Red Line]

Awesome write up and glad you are loving the car. It is a beautiful car and a keeper for sure!