Undecided between 530i vs. 545i - ?
#21
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My Ride: 2004 545i 6 spd Sports Package | NAV | PDC | Logic 7 | BT retrofit | SW V13.3
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.
#23
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My Ride: 2009 550i sports, Nav, logic Best E60 yet
2004 545i, sports pkg, logic 7 steptronic, rear shade,orient blue with beige interior, blue tooth enabled Razer Phone. 2004 X5 3.0, sports pkg, stepronic, summer pkg. imola red.
2006 Mini Cooper S, manual, sports, prem pkg, nav and kitchen sink.
Originally Posted by a061444' date='Nov 29 2004, 05:21 PM
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.
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.
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#24
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My Ride: (Expecting Oct. 2004) 2005 530i Sport package, premium sound package,premium package, xenon's, HUD, sat radio, cold weather package, navagation
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.
#25
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My Ride: 2005 545i step, nav, sport, 166 wheels, premium sound, don't need nothin' else.
Originally Posted by Jimbo' date='Nov 29 2004, 07:01 PM
I suggest that you wait for the new 530 and then compare it to the 545.
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I couldn't wait! I decided to go for the 545, moving up from a MY04 530.
#26
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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.
#27
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My Ride: 2005 545iA Orient Blue, Beige/Poplar, Sport, NAV, Sirius, Logic 7, CWP, PDC, Fold Downs, Sunshades, Bluetooth and “Sweeeeet”
Originally Posted by a061444' date='Nov 29 2004, 04:21 PM
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.
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.
[snapback]62121[/snapback]
#29
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Originally Posted by wolverine' date='Nov 29 2004, 08:15 PM
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.
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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.
#30
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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.