[Skyrider01]

I just noticed on the configurator that the forward part of the sides of the center console do not match the seat color on the 550. They match for the 530, and 540.

More specifically, when selecting mocha nappa for example, the entire center console is black instead of part of it being mocha.

For the beige as well as the merino leather, the console still matches the seat color as it should. But not for any of the other colors.

I recall seeing pictures where it matches the seat color. Is it an error in the configurator or did they change it?

2nd picture is the configurator from BMW website.

[2001S15]

I was puzzled by this too so I did some research in the configurator. Eventually I figured out that the solid black console sides are for the base "Sport" line. The "Luxury" and "M-Sport" lines add this leather treatment to either side of the console closest to the dashboard. At no point in any of the documentation/equipment sheets does it spell this out. I had been wondering what the advantage of "Luxury" over "Sport" was and it turns out in addition to the Chrome trim on the outside (which is spelled out on the website) this is one of the additional perks.

The M550i seems to have no Line options and as such does not offer this... which I find a bit bizarre because it's effectively a M-sport model and the top-shelf 5-er, so why would it lack an option found in a lower model? This may just be an issue with the configurator though, as looking at photos of actual 2019 M550is on dealer lots show that they have the leather console treatment.

Note that adding packages like Luxury Seating or Leather Dashboard in the base Sport line have no effect on the console sides. Only selecting Luxury or M-Sport lines will do this.

[Mach550]

I wasn't expecting it but when I received my car I had the brown sections with my mocha interior. They are the standard plastic/non-leather materials though.

[Skyrider01]

Originally Posted by 2001S15

I was puzzled by this too so I did some research in the configurator. Eventually I figured out that the solid black console sides are for the base "Sport" line. The "Luxury" and "M-Sport" lines add this leather treatment to either side of the console closest to the dashboard. At no point in any of the documentation/equipment sheets does it spell this out. I had been wondering what the advantage of "Luxury" over "Sport" was and it turns out in addition to the Chrome trim on the outside (which is spelled out on the website) this is one of the additional perks.

The M550i seems to have no Line options and as such does not offer this... which I find a bit bizarre because it's effectively a M-sport model and the top-shelf 5-er, so why would it lack an option found in a lower model? This may just be an issue with the configurator though, as looking at photos of actual 2019 M550is on dealer lots show that they have the leather console treatment.

Note that adding packages like Luxury Seating or Leather Dashboard in the base Sport line have no effect on the console sides. Only selecting Luxury or M-Sport lines will do this.

Yes, my question is specific to the M550i and not the different lines of the 530 and 540.
I have seen M550i s with the leather on the center console, but the configurator no longer has it. Hopefully it’s just an error as it would be a downgrade for BMW to reduce the amount of leather coverage on their top of the line 5 series.
I called my CA about this and he said he would look into it.

[Skyrider01]

Originally Posted by Mach550

I wasn't expecting it but when I received my car I had the brown sections with my mocha interior. They are the standard plastic/non-leather materials though.

Oh, so it is still plastic then? I thought it was leather because of the stitching on it.

[Mach550]

Originally Posted by Skyrider01

Oh, so it is still plastic then? I thought it was leather because of the stitching on it.

yeah, just the standard textured plastic type material unless you get the full/extended leather packages.

[saporitj]

Originally Posted by Skyrider01

Yes, my question is specific to the M550i and not the different lines of the 530 and 540.
I have seen M550i s with the leather on the center console, but the configurator no longer has it. Hopefully it's just an error as it would be a downgrade for BMW to reduce the amount of leather coverage on their top of the line 5 series.
I called my CA about this and he said he would look into it.

Funny you keep saying "top tier 5 series". I'm pretty sure my 540 with IND Full Merino Leather is more "top tier" when it comes to the seats. All the 5 series are the same with respect to options except the M5 which is the "top tier". Wait the M5C is higher 🤪🤪

[saporitj]

Originally Posted by Mach550

yeah, just the standard textured plastic type material unless you get the full/extended leather packages.

Surprised as I thought all the areas that you sit on or touch were leather. This is a 7 but shows leather areas vs non.

[Skyrider01]

Originally Posted by saporitj

Funny you keep saying "top tier 5 series". I'm pretty sure my 540 with IND Full Merino Leather is more "top tier" when it comes to the seats. All the 5 series are the same with respect to options except the M5 which is the "top tier". Wait the M5C is higher 🤪🤪

What I really meant was their most expensive 5 series
(In relation to the base prices because a 540i can be loaded with options surpassing the base price of an M550i).

[saporitj]

Originally Posted by Skyrider01

What I really meant was their most expensive 5 series
(In relation to the base prices because a 540i can be loaded with options surpassing the base price of an M550i).

Ok I can live with that. There is a $20k difference between the base 530i and m550ix.

[gooselee]

Originally Posted by Mach550

I wasn't expecting it but when I received my car I had the brown sections with my mocha interior. They are the standard plastic/non-leather materials though.

This is exactly how mine looks, too. Nov 2018 build with mocha nappa luxury seating.

Not sure if this would make a difference, but I have the full leather dash as well.

[VirtualGuitars]

I have black Nappa leather on my M550i, so I never would have noticed!

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by gooselee

This is exactly how mine looks, too. Nov 2018 build with mocha nappa luxury seating.

Not sure if this would make a difference, but I have the full leather dash as well.

Same for me, Mocha Nappa with leather dash, and brown console trim pieces. They look good but they aren't leather.

[Skyrider01]

Ok, so it appears those pieces were never leather on the 550. So the only thing that appears to have changed is that instead of matching the color to the seats, they are now all black.

[saporitj]

Originally Posted by Skyrider01

Ok, so it appears those pieces were never leather on the 550. So the only thing that appears to have changed is that instead of matching the color to the seats, they are now all black.

Real leather or not I like the look of the console matching the seats like the photo above w/ the Mocha leather. Mine has full leather so it covers more of the console and matches the seat color.