2011 BMW 550i xDrive Sedan: Long-term car review - AutoWeek
After logging a near-record 8,475 miles over the previous three months, time behind the wheel of the long- term BMW 550i xDrive fell way off. Our ongoing battle with BMW's infernal spec run-flat tire continued to vex us at every turn, the tally of blown rubber reaching seven. That's not counting the wrong-size tires the shop in Vermont installed, a pair of 245/45s when the car calls for 245/40s. The tires, mounted on opposite corners, confused the heck out of the BMW's traction-control system. And despite our pleas to BMW for a recommendation for a non-run-flat tire, it instead sent us some Bridgestone RE050A run-flats. As for our non-tire-related experience with BMW, we continue to relish the car's performance, the comfort of the cabin, the 4. 4-liter twin-turbo's intoxicating rush of power and the vastly improved iDrive. As one editor recorded in the logbook, "A few days in the BMW 5-series will show you what 75 grand will do. " Indeed, if not for all of the rubber woes, we'd be unequivocally smitten with the 550i xDrive. 2011 BMW 550i xDrive Sedan. As-Tested Price: $74,700. Miles Driven (Quarter/To Date): 4,796. 2/18,901. 6. Fuel Economy (Quarter/To Date): 19. 2/19. 5 mpg. Source: autoweek.com
