After 8 years and 122k miles, I've been thinknig about trading up to a 550i. The 5 series never really appealed to me, but the 550i with the sport package with the Mtechnic body kit and 19 inch wheels..kinda does it for me.
360hp/360lb ft of torque from the V8, Active Suspension, 20 way multi contour seat with 4 way headrest (vertical and horizontal electric adjustment), Sport transmission (auto with StepTronic and paddles on the steering wheel), active cruise control, stability control, Navigation, Parking Distance sensors, power rear sunshade, heated front and rear seats.I mean FULLY loaded.
Anyways, the drive, feel, everything. Very impressive. Price in the low $40k range with about 19k miles. Full factory warranty is 4 years/50k miles.
However, I do hate the fact that the I drive system controls almost everything. I dont think any sort of aftermarket head unit would ever be an option. And I really enjoy that aspect of the LS: the ability to move on to a different double din head unit anytime I want. So any major changes to the Nav system or the head unit are out of the question.
The acceleratoin was strong, but not a massive difference over the LS's 8. I think it's because the fully loaded 5 must weigh quite a bit more? Dont get me wrong..the 550i will easily outaccelarate a LS, but I just didnt find it's power and speed blazing.
All in all, I liked it, think it will be my next car...but I cant see myself getting rid of the LSE at this point. not with everything on it operating flawlessly at this point, costing me nothing but gas and insurance and minor maintenance at this point. (been paid off since Dec 2007).
So for now..the LSE remains in the stable. Maybe next year.
360hp/360lb ft of torque from the V8, Active Suspension, 20 way multi contour seat with 4 way headrest (vertical and horizontal electric adjustment), Sport transmission (auto with StepTronic and paddles on the steering wheel), active cruise control, stability control, Navigation, Parking Distance sensors, power rear sunshade, heated front and rear seats.I mean FULLY loaded.
Anyways, the drive, feel, everything. Very impressive. Price in the low $40k range with about 19k miles. Full factory warranty is 4 years/50k miles.
However, I do hate the fact that the I drive system controls almost everything. I dont think any sort of aftermarket head unit would ever be an option. And I really enjoy that aspect of the LS: the ability to move on to a different double din head unit anytime I want. So any major changes to the Nav system or the head unit are out of the question.
The acceleratoin was strong, but not a massive difference over the LS's 8. I think it's because the fully loaded 5 must weigh quite a bit more? Dont get me wrong..the 550i will easily outaccelarate a LS, but I just didnt find it's power and speed blazing.
All in all, I liked it, think it will be my next car...but I cant see myself getting rid of the LSE at this point. not with everything on it operating flawlessly at this point, costing me nothing but gas and insurance and minor maintenance at this point. (been paid off since Dec 2007).
So for now..the LSE remains in the stable. Maybe next year.
