Marven

My car is 16 years old - needless to say I am going to wait for the 550 but I will keep it for a looong time...especially at that price

Well you guys have definitely been a great help and I think I am going to stick with the bimmer - but just for the hell of it I will test drive and look at the infinitiM...

M.

my530i

Let's us what your final verdict is.

swajames

another point is on the residuals - it looks like you will be buying outright but for those of us who prefer to lease the significant difference in price between the 5 (45 or 50) and the M45 is not likely to be reflected in the lease deals. As an example I got quotes on the 50K RL which were way higher than the lease payments on my 65K 545 (plus bigger d/p on the RL as well). Makes the supposed value of the cheaper cars seem a little less so if the value drops like a lead balloon.

DFWRaider

As someone who has stoplight raced my 545 against a coworkers M45 several times, I can guarantee you that the M45 isn't faster than a 545.

alohalc

if you want the pic at the bottom of your post, go to "my controls" and click "edit signature". if you want the pic under your name, click "edit avatar settings" instead. or you can add pics on both areas, like what i did .

DannyZBMW

Hi,

I agree that the M45 is not more powerful than a 545iA. Yes it has more HP and Torque.
In the M45S, once 107MPH come by, its performance tends to temper down. Partly due to it?s breathing capabilities at the higher speed with CVTCS. At the higher speed, CVTCS is not as capable as BMW Valvetronic and Double-Vanos or Lexus? VVT-i. You can read some of the reviews where they indicated that at triple digit speeds, performance tapers off.

DZ

gwf545

Regarding engine breathing: Don't forget about this feature...

"Fully-variable intake system (DIVA).

Alongside the valve train system Valvetronic, BMW's eight-cylinder engines possess another innovation that ensures they can adjust perfectly to the driver's power requirements: the fully-variable intake system, DIVA.

It adapts the length of the intake manifold using a coiled regulation mechanism. Long intake travel provides high torque at low engine speeds, short intake travel helps to develop high power at high speeds."

ZinMe

Here are four criteria to consider:

(1) Driving fun/feel: While the stats are similar, the BMW steering, road feel, handling dynamics are great. The active steering and active roll stabalization control are unique features and make the 5 series the best handling sedan in my opinion. Go try a 5series with and without the sport package and you'll see what I mean.

(2) Asthetics: This is a matter of personal preference, but I think Infiniti really screwed up on the M45. The interior is too "techy" (actually techy is usually OK, but they did it in a bad way) and I don't like the back end of the M45.

(3) Dealer Service: Infiniti dealers may the best of any auto maker-- Infiniti car owners just rave out it. BMW dealers tend to be less service oriented.

(4) Value-- I actually think they are the same in value. A BMW costs more, but will hold its value longer than an infiniti. You could buy a BMW, drive it for 15 years+ and still feel cool. Can't do that with an infiniti.

On other measures (eg. engine, interior space, features, and even reliability) I think they are very comparable. For BWM owners, #1 is the most important criteria.

Bokke

M45 = a car to drive

545i = a drivers car!

Oh yea, get the manual tranny!

Cheers.....

kryptokat

Now that why I still have the car despite grievances.