a061444

I still haven't decided on whether to get the 530i or the 545i. I take both for a test drive and each had its weakness and strengths. I guess I am just trying to justify the 6k difference in price. Right now I can't see myself spending the extra 6k, plus the extra in gas consumption.

Those of you that have a 545i could you please tell me the not so obvious benefits of having the 545i vs. the 530i. Just from the 10 min. test drive it was not so obvious to me.

Thanks,
Leonard.

tdocz

545 all the way can't beat the power

kscarrol

The only benefit is the power. If you don't feel the need for the added power of 545, the 530 is an excellent choice, save the 6k. I'm sure you've done the math, but many things are standard on the 545 that cost extra on the 530, like the Xenon lights and leather interior, so the the difference between similarly equiped cars is relatively small. You don't mention the options you are considering, but if you don't need the power, take the 530 and get the sports package etc with the savings.

m630

Are you in a rush? If not, you may want to wait for the MY 06 530i. It will have the new R6 engine that bumps the hp to ~258, plus its lighter overall so the car should be noticable quicker than the current 530i...Also, if you are purchasing and not leasing, definitely wait for the MY 06's, which ever you choose as there will be an exterior change to all E60's, as well as some structural changes due to the NCAP results... Im waiting for these changes and think the new engine will match up great in the E60...plus the new engine numbers were great in terms of fuel efficiency

bmwin14rsm

Ask your self if in three years will you want to trade the 530i in for a 545i and would you be spending more than 6k then vs. stepping up to the 545i now.

To me, it was obvious that for the money, a 530 and 545 optened isn't that big of a spread. either way, you are talking about a 50K plus car.

You do get some standard features in the 545i you don't in the 530i.

BTW, the 545i is a blast to drive.

speedracerF4i

Welcome Leonard,

You are only the 2nd Leonard on this board (I am 1st )

Get the 530i, $6K is $6K, you have no reason to let it go to waste. We each have our own priority in a car. You should be plenty happy with the 6-cylinder car. If you wanted a 545i, then you should not have had any doubt at all to begin with. Therefore, 530i would been a better choice for you.

my530i

Welcome Leonard,

You are only the 2nd Leonard on this board (I am 1st )

Get the 530i, $6K is $6K, you have no reason to let it go to waste. We each have our own priority in a car. You should be plenty happy with the 6-cylinder car. If you wanted a 545i, then you should not have had any doubt at all to begin with. Therefore, 530i would been a better choice for you.
[/quote]

If Leonard wants to buy my 530i, I'll sell it, seriously. I want 545i PM me if needed.

alex123

530 has sufficent power and on the top of 6K has better residuals if you lease so we probably talking about couple hundred bucks monthly diff.

Iceman

545 has more power and the drive is smoother and quieter, IMHO.

555

As it's been mentioned earlier, it really depends. I really wanted the 530, but test drove a 525 and was satisfied with the car vs. how I drive in all this traffic. It really boiled down to money for me though. I had definitely decided on getting the Sports Package, the Premium Package, Xenons, and Navigation. Those were priorities for me. If I was not set on all of that, I would have stepped up to a 530.

So the point is, what else do you want from this car? Again, 6 grand is 6 grand. So maybe get the 530 with NAV and HUD and L7? Or go for the 545 and less options? It depends on what you really want and the $ you're willing to part with.