I recently purchased an 07 550i (at a great price) from a dealer (relative) via a major auto action. The car was a a repo. I did not have a chance to drive it before getting the car (replacement for my wife's '97 740i) but knew I would be getting a good deal. We love the 550i (especially handling and performance) however it is very harsh on the road, i.e, we feel and hear every "joint" on the freeway.

The car came to me with Dunlop tires: 245-40R-18 on the front and 275-35R-18 on the rear.

I'd appreciate any recommendations for a more quiet and comfortable ride without significantly compromising the handling.

Thanks, Mac

if you have runflats that may be your problem. Trying switching from to regular tires, especially if you have dunlops. I have dunlops on mind because I need the extra stiffness for new york roads, but if i didn't need it I would swap for non-runflat and enjoy a quieter and smoother ride.

non runflats seem to work well

Ok you cannot compare a 07 550 vs. 97 740i. You just went from 16" rubber to 18" rubber w/ runflats none the less. First thing you need to do is get rid of the RunFlats and go w/ a differnt NON-runflat tire (only if you have a spare) and that will help alot.... the next step is to get used to it.... 5 series is not the exec 7 series it is more sportier than a what your used to. The 97 7 series was a boat compared to your new car.... Congrats on the 5er

My 2 cents - get rid of the runflats.

07' 550i should be comfortable even w/ runflat, may be the tires are worned out or possible balancing needed?

The 5 is BMW's sports-bred saloon line, especially the 550i. It is the model below the M5 in the 5 line. You might have a sports package, did you check? When I was home for the holidays, my father and I went to the dealership and he test drove a 550i with the sports package, and it was magnificent. He stated in the car "this is a smooth ride"...I said to him, "are you serious? It has sports suspension. This is not a smooth ride comapred to the 7". My point is that it is a smoother ride than what he is used to, which is a Chevrolet pickup.

Those tires are stiff, it would help to change them.

Congrats!

07' 550i should be comfortable even w/ runflat, may be the tires are worned out or possible balancing needed?

Whenever we discuss noises or subjective things, like harshness of ride, vibration or feel of...whatever, it's almost impossible to vet out the real problem via a forum. His 'harsh' might be my 'cush' and somebody elses 'unbearable'. I'm a huge proponent of non-runflats on sport-package equipped vehicles whenever possible, however. I would think neither worn OEM runflats or a balance issue would cause a 'harsh' ride. Worn tires are often noisy (and not coincidentally often out of balance), but that would likely cause a vibration. I'd also check tire pressures, but generally I agree with everyone else about the runflats, and the fact that the OP is jumping from a creampuff to a sidewalk.

Thanks for all the great feedback!

Today I received my Tire Rack order of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires (two 245/40ZR18 93Y and two 275/35ZR18 95Y).

'Will post an update once i have them installed and have had a chance to check 'em out!

Mac