Hi everyone,

Just purchased a 2009 S550 4Matic and I am loving it! Previously drove a 2006 750Li and while there was a lot I liked about that car, the ride was not always comfortable and I really need 4Matic. Checked out the new 750Li with Xdrive and while I like the car, the ride and handling left a lot to be desired and the interior has way too much plastic. And what's up with the placement of those interior door handles? The ride and interior of the S550 is much more refined. In addition, I never found the BMW seats to be comfortable. Many reviewers comment about how comfortable they are but I much prefer the way that the entire bottom front seat cushion of the S550 moves in and out vs. the small bolster on the front of the 750Li seat that moves in and out.

Some also comment that the S550 rides too soft and isn't as fun to drive as the 750Li but I disagree. Quite honestly I felt that way for the first day or two but it's because the ride is so comfortable. BMW seems to think that you need a bumpy, punishing ride in order for a car to handle well. I actually find that the S550 handles better especially at its limits. In the 750Li I always felt like I might go out of control (and did once or twice) when I pushed it to its limits. I never have that same feeling in the S550.

I do have a few questions that I am hoping you can help with:

1) In the Navi, where do I see the time that I will reach my destination? I have found the miles to my destination but not the time that I will arrive.

2) I prefer the comfort headrests with wings that are now included in the 2011 premium 2 package and I am wondering if I can upgrade the 2009 headrests. Has anyone upgraded their headrests? Is it even possible?

3) I love the night vision but it would be even better with the pedestrian detection feature found in newer models. Will the COMAND update affect this? I plan to have the COMAND updated so that I can see the birds eye view and real time traffic in the Navi.

4) The only disappointing area in the S550 is the audio system. The midrange and highs seem OK but the bass is lacking punch especially at lower volumes. Has anyone performed speaker upgrades and found them to make a difference? I don't want to do a major upgrade with amps, etc. but rather simply replace some speakers, especially the subwoofer. For BMWs there is a company Bavarian Soundwerks that provides speaker upgrade packages that have received good reviews. I'd like to so something similar. It's a shame that the audio system does not include an equalizer as that would help significantly.

Thanks!

 

First of all congratulations.
I think #1 & #3 are related and when you upgrade the COMAND you wil find what you're looking for. Don't forget to upgrade your navigation software to the latest version (v.10) afterwards. There are many posters here who rent out their dvd's so you won't have to shell out $280.

 

I don't believe you get Night View Assist Plus through a simple software upgrade.

 

True. On the second half of his #3 he mentioned that he will update the COMAND. I meant updating the COMAND would probably let him achieve what he seeks on #1.

Thanks for the correction.

 

I installed sub/amp in mind all in an 1.5 hours with breaks in between and chatting with neighbors.

IMO: It made a difference as far as bass goes but it isn't as clean as stock because the sound is all trapped in the trunk. From the sound of it, I'm losing 40% of the SQ being that it's a simple sealed box.

I'm working on building a custom single reflex box with a port directed through the stock sub opening. This would mean no trunk rattle and 100% of the sound will go into the cabin.