Iceman

If you want HP, get the 545.
If you want more options, take the 530.
I love the engine of the 545. I think it is well worth the money. But again, if you can live with the HP of the 530, take the 530 with more options.

nicknec

If you remotely think you will want more power, get the 545. I went through the same though process when I purchased my e39 and wound up with a 528 instead of a 540. The 528 was great, but I always regretted not having the power the 540.

Either way, you will have a very enjoyable ride.

Buster

I rethink my decision on this topic about once a week. Logically, there is really no need to have more than 225hp on California's congested roads. The E60 is so light that the 530 has more than ample power 99% of the time. If you go with the sport package, however, you will find yourself finding excuses just to drive it - and will miss the extra 100hp that 1% of the time.

I wish I had spent the few extra thousand for the V-8 . Not that I am disappointed with the 530. If most of your miles will be freeway then you'll be happy with the 530.

Let us know what you decide and welcome to best forum.

realtyman

The tourque of the 545 is just fabulous.
You don't want to be saying "Wish I would have had a V8"

I spent the 3 years prior to getting my 545 wishing I had spent the extra $100 or so a month and stayed with BMW.

soc_fans

I would say get the 545i. Its not worth getting 530i for 55k++. I don't see many 545i owners disappointed in their cars, instead they enjoy driving it day by day. Well, there are many 530i owners regretted of not choosing 545i instead. (including me) After all, its your own choice. Good luck!

John W

Get the 545. If you're indecisive at this point, and asking us, you'll drive yourself nuts for the next three years - "should I have, should I have?" Plus, as previously stated, by the time you load up the 530, you're almost there. Why spend 55K for the 530 and be wishing you had spent 59 or 60 and gotten it all? This kind of car is not about "need" it's about want, and if you want it, get it.

The 530's a great car, but I found myself really hitting the engine all the time, whereas the 545 produces power effortlessly.

teriyaki88

I was faced with the same dilemma 5 months ago. My decision to go with the 545 was simple. While the difference between 530 and 535 was about $5-6 thousand, I added up all the options i wanted in my 530. Sports package was #1 on my list. That gave me better active roll stab/suspension, active steering, better seats, bigger wheels, steptronics, etc. With all that extras, the difference turned out to be about $2 thousand.
The question than i was faced with was this. Is this $2 thousand worth the extra HP? I can't answer that for you but for me its worth every penny. Plus I know there won't be any buyer's remorse for me. Buying the 545 meant I won't ever be faced with "maybe I should have bought the 545?".

My only regret is that I did not get the car with Sat Prep. and with the better stereo.

I test drove both cars and I loved both. In the end you probably can't go wrong with either one.

Teriyaki

John W

And, make DARN sure you try your hardest to make sure you get your options list right. Many of us have regrets. No comfort seats, no HUD, no Sat prep, No Logic 7, etc, etc.

I'd say that these things missing bug us at least as much as the engine selection does.

Spadoc

I am very happy with my car. The options were more important than the power. 10 years ago, it would have been 545 all the way. I have over 10K miles on the car now and don't regret the choice.

Iceman

Welcome aboard, Spadoc !