pbarch1

I agree with 555, But something eles to think about is have them re-order and then take this on a short term lease. you might be making a few extra payments but IMHO it might very well be worth it.

Mark

I posted the original "good news bad news" report and thanks to all that offered their opinions. I had the opportunity to see "my" repaired car this afternoon. Honestly can't see the repair. Paint looks absolutely perfect. Also, I drove it. Now the real bad news. First, I couldn't find a comfortable seat position that allowed me to use the clutch without strain. Second, I felt isolated in the car; there was no "feel" and basically no sound. When we got back to the dealership I adjusted my seat for 10 mins and got nowhere. In the evening I revisited and the dealer rep told me that the technicians believe that there is a problem with the seat switch and doen't allow full adjustment travel. The real bad news is that the tech told him that if he installs new switches they might not be accepted by the "computer" and it would take about 3 months to get the "correct" software to fix the problem. Is there a message here?????????

My last 2 BMW's were a 97 540i 6sp and 00 540i 6sp. The 97 was my favorite; I knew it was the perfect car after about 90 seconds behind the wheel. The 00 was good, but a little more reserved. It had a slightly more luxury feel, but I still loved it. The 04 545i 6sp reminds me of the 03 7 Series I drove a couple of times; it feels all luxury and little sport, and I guess I'm a sport junky.

In early Feb I test drove an Audi S4 6sp and fell in love with the sportiness. It reminded me of my 97 540. The car is seriously fast but more importantly, you can feel it's agility at small throttle openings, like my 97. Anyway, as of this writing I intend to back out of the 545 and leave BMW for the time being. I feel a little abandoned.

Mark

heezy545i

I'm sorry for your troubles, but I honestly feel that the e60 drives much better than the e39. Maybe test drive another six-speed, possible a 530, and if you find it to your liking, order another 545.

About the 540 six-speeds that you've had, what did you find more sportier about the 97?