lonestarstate

I am trying to decide between the purchase of a new 2005 545i or 2006 530i, with auto, leather, sirius, no sport or comfort (do not want these). I have driven both (several times) and like the ride and feel of each. Would appreciate your thoughts and advice. Its tough getting a competitive quote in DFW so if you have any guidance on a dealer, I am all ears. I have already visited Autobahn, Moritz, AutoNations (formerly John Roberts). Am willing to travel to purchase. Thank you for your assistance!

LSS
2003 530i, auto, leather, orient blue/beige

rodneyremington

My 0.02 is that you should get the 545i. You will get a better deal than on an 06 model, and there is no substantial difference between the model year E60s. A 545i is a lot of fun. If you have insurance problems the 530i may be easier to insure.

I would tend to buy locally unless there is substantial reason not to. Don't buy out of town to save a few hundred bucks. They will treat you much better if you bought the car from them, that's just reality.

Good luck-- both are great choices and you won't go wrong either way.

Gwilkie

I also agree you'll be happy with either one, but since you must choose...

If it were me I'd go for the 545. I drove a 2004 530i and loved every minute of it, but traded it in for a 545 this year because I really wanted the extra horses (I've never traded in a car after a year before -- horrible business decision -- but the difference in feel was great enough that I went for it. Also, the '05 545's have had some great deals going on).

I haven't driven the'06 530 with the new engine, but no matter how good it is I think the V8 torque and significantly higher HP is going to make a huge difference.

I also noticed your choice of DFW dealerships. Moritz is one of the best dealerships I've ever worked with from an integrity standpoint. I originally ordered my '04 530 from Classic, and in my opinion their business ethics were criminal. Moritz, on the other hand, has been wonderful to do business with during the two E60 purchases I've made.

Best of luck!

DFWRaider

Lonestarstate, Go for the 545, you'll be glad you did.

And Gwilkie, I agree about Classic. I had a similar experience with them which left me with the opinion that they are one of the most unethical business enterprises I've ever come in contact with. I also went to Moritz after ditching classic and have been happy ever since.

SteveHI

If you drove both and like both, I'd save the money and get a 530i. I was in a similar situation, considering an 06 530i or the 04 545i I ended up buying. My car (used, with 10k miles) ended up costing a couple thousand more than a new 530, but I really liked the extra hp. And since it was CPO'd, it actually had 6 more months and 50k more miles of warranty. The bottom line for me was that I was spoiled after driving the 545 and therefore wasn't as enthralled with the 530.

Merv the Derv

545i you silly sally(American pie - The Wedding) ! Are you mad? You only live once get a 545i. 530's are for people who want a 545i but can't quite get there. A 2005 model will run just as well as a 2006 model. Finally with gas at a buck 45 a gallon in the States what are you waiting for. American dream and all that! We pay $8.50 a gallon in the UK so get on with it. Oh hang on our gallon's bigger I feel much better now I'd give my left testical to have a massive gas guzzling engine that runs on fuel costing the same as mineral water in the UK. Sorry no offense but do you get my drift?

jta00r1

Both are awsome cars, 545 if you like power but remember fuel prices are going up and up, than the 530 is good on gas but lacks the power but still not a slauth.
I gonna go against everyone and say the 530 because of fuel prices, paying 50 dollars to fill will get really old more than missing the additional horsepower.

CVTBenhogan

I drove the 06 530i with the new engine and its a great car. It seems to have better balance than the 545 and feels super crisp in the handling department. That said, you can't help but respect 545's power at all times, which is more likely to challenge your driving skills and give you more thrills over the years. It ain't your daddy's Oldsmobile.

When dropping $55 to $60K on a 5er, the 545 is the only pick IMHO!!!!!


CVT Benhogan

heezy545i

Always get the bigger engine.

If you minimize the options, then the price difference is rather minimal.

rodneyremington

Who cares about gas prices when you are spending $60k plus on a car?

My wife just filled up her new Range Rover...

$75