Hormazd

Despite the better residual, IMHO the 530i with all the options that are standard in a 545i with sports package is overpriced. The 545 is more expensive but the additional power more than justifies the marginal extra $. If you want the economy then you really should wait for the new inline 6 motor. So your decision should be to wait for the new 530 or get the 545 now. Good Luck. I know its hard.

Jimbo

I suggest that you wait for the new 530 and then compare it to the 545.

jochet

Welcome Leonard, My recently turned in my 2002 330i, the lease was over. The car had the same engine as the 530i, a great motor, I had tipronic and averaged just over 20mpg in city and hwy driving. I liked to drive hard the way the car was designed. I was able to make a deal on a 2004 545i left over, gas consumtion is about the same, which I still can't believe. I also have a 2004 3.0 X5 around town the car is fine but it's underpowerd at times on the highway. The X5 averages 18mpg. If your basing your decison on gas consumptiom get the 545i, this is their latest engine design for power and econemy. The 545i makes you smile every time you excellerate. This is an amazing car, both of my BMW's have the sports package, that a must even if you buy the 530i which is a great car too. Good luck

roost

I think you should get the 545, I was in the same place you were although I love my 530 every day I wish I had the 545 I gave myself a budget and opted for more options rather then the larger engine, well 2 after the car came in I spent 5000.00 on rims and tires, if I could go back I would have spent the money on the motor instead of the wheels.

branie555

I couldn't wait! I decided to go for the 545, moving up from a MY04 530.

wolverine

If you've driven both, and aren't decided then I would get the 530. It doesn't take more than a 5 minute drive to appreciate the difference between the cars, and if the 545 didn't make enough of an impression on you in that time to spend the extra $10K, then I wouldn't get it.

PUMPMAN

I went thru the same dillema when buying my 545i. Had an Acura TLS that was quick and fun to drive. When looking, I drove the 530i- nice in many ways but not quite the power I was looking for. Tried the MB E500-smooth powrful but not as much fun to drive. Waited for the new Acura RL-Nice,comfy, techy but similar to the TL. Went back and drove the 545i with sport package and that was all it took (no comparison!)

Guest

The disappointment of the 2nd choice lingers on much longer than the
thrill of the lower price....

akirax

I agree with the above, I test drove all 3, 525, 530 and 545. I could tell a difference between the 525 and 530 but less of a difference between the 530 and 545. The most important thing to me was fuel economy and then options. When accelerating down a strecth of highway in the 530, it was smooth and exhilarating yet unforgettable. While running the 545 down a stretch of highway, i felt the power was there if i needed it but i kept looking for it because i knew i was driving a 545. At the end of that test drive i thought "is that it? is that all?" and have since decided on the 530.

the price diff in the 530 and 545 with my options is $6,500, something i couldn't justify...


Take another test drive in both and then decide.

gmartin

Alot depends upon your options, remember that for MY 2005 the PDC comes standard on the 545- so there's an extra $ 1K. I'd say that 90% of my driving is in the city but not exactly bumper to bumper traffic. The acceleration is amazing. Remember its not about what you need - how many of us NEED a 55-70k USD car? its what you want. The 545 truly excells on the highway - if you don't smile when you put your foot down on the accelerator in the 545 then you are not alive.