arthurk

I am a newbie to BMW so please bear with me.

I love the latest 5 series from BMW...the looks, the handling and feeling of prestige.

Somehow, I am hooked onto the 545 / 550....(340+ ponies, sports package with 19' inch tires, looks really sporty and yet can be a family car)

However, the extra $10000 on 545 plus the recent surge in gas prices set me back. Are there significant differences between a 545i and 530i? I love the big wheels on a 545 but putting those on a 530 is an overkill. I don't want to give people the impression that I am a 545 wannabe.

Do you drivers out there find huge differences between a 530 and a 545? I am getting one in less than a year so I just want your opinions.

Thanks

pbarch1

Welcome Arthurk. IMHO the answer is yes. When I was in the market for the new 5er I test drove them both, the 530 and 545. Now this might be a mistake if your pocket book won't let you go the extra 10K but I have to say it only took one test drive for me to make the choice. The 530 is no sissy. But wooohoo ........ the 545 has such a powerful silky smooth engine, very seductive.

Canada545

If you can spend the money, go for the 545/550! You'll love the extra power.

Green-Crayon

I must admit I had a 530 for about 45 days - decided I wanted Nav - My dealer was unable to locate the exact 530 for me but happened to have the 545 with the right options - I decided to go give it a try - and was blown away. It is the most fun car I have owned - ever. The only way to keep yourself out of a 545 is to NOT drive it. Good Luck!!

drjochen

I have a 2006 530i as a loaner and can directly compare the two (although my car has SMG and the loaner the steptronic).

The 530 almost feels sluggish compared to the 545i (but its still plenty fast). There is a definite difference, even in normal city driving.

I reset the on board computer for my commute and so far the 530i uses ~ 2 mpg less than the 545i, driven the same style (i.e., ~17.5 vs. ~19.5 mpf).

I also miss my active steering. I didn't think it would make such a difference. The 530i feels like a car, my 545i in comparison feels like a go-cart.

wolverine

If you can afford the 550, GET IT! It is really in a different class performance-wise than the 530. The 545 is a truly remarkable car. The 550 will be even better.

JStraw

You will see a lot of people telling you to get the 545/550 (including me). It's by far, an enjoyable car to drive.

You should test drive both cars and then decide if you can afford the extra $10,000 (and added gas and long term maintenance costs) for a permanent grin!!

CVTBenhogan

Both the 545 and 530 come with 18's as part of the sport package (this option is a must). The rear tires on the 545 are wider and 19s are available at additional cost. The car looks great with 18s.

The extra power of the 545 makes the E60 simply awesome. If your nuts about performance cars and BMWs in particular, finding the extra $$ is a must. Money saved by not smoking and giving up Lattes at Starbucks probably gets you there.

speedracerF4i

Do the Math, a comparable 530i with auto or smg, premium pack, will only be $6,000 less than 545i. When it comes time to sell the car, let's say 4 years down the road, the V8 will still command about $3000 more than I6. So, $3000 difference divided into 48 months, you're only paying $62.50 extra per month for the V8 experience. A dinner for 3, or a movie for 4.

If budget is of concern (98% of us), then buy a slightly used 545i for the same price of a new 530i. You'll be glad you chose the V8 from the get go.

CVTBenhogan

Agreed, the $62.50 is about what I give Starbucks each month for drinking Ice Venti Americanos.