2004 545 vs. 2006 550?
09-17-2007, 08:42 AM
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I've been lurking here for a few weeks, now am getting close to pulling the trigger (used), and could use some advice. It's pretty newbie stuff, and maybe I should be able to figure it all out from searches, but I don't have a lot of luck with searching unless the topic is very specific (e.g., Bluetooth).
I sold my Boxster a few years ago to fund a new family sedan, got a 2006 A6, has been terrific. But I miss the manual transmission. My left foot just sort of sits there and twitches. Sold the Boxster in part because I have three kids and found that I could rarely use the car for anything but a quick joy ride by myself, couldn't get anything practical done, like to/from soccer games. Was an awesome car to drive, though.
I have driven 540s and 545s with sticks a few times, and I think the 545 (in particular) might be a good compromise. Plenty practical for getting 5 people around occasionally and amazingly sporty/fun to drive for a pretty big/heavy sedan. But there is a risk that I will decide I need a 911 (or whatever) to feed my driving fun appetite after all, so I don't want to experiment on a new 5, thinking used so I can see how it goes and avoid the new car depreciation if the answer is poorly.
I'm perfectly OK with a 2004, and it's not hard to find one with around 20,000 miles, though I'm surprised how high the prices are. I've found one at $40K even (private seller, so no CPO), with sport package (minimum requirement, along with beige or auburn interior, can't deal with black or grey) and a few other things, no nav, no HUD, no sat radio, assume BT will be a pain to retrofit, etc. What I'm wondering is whether I might come out better financially by paying more for a 2006 with the same 20,000 miles ... maybe $7-10K more. If I'm trading/upgrading/whatever in a couple of years, having put on another 15,000 miles (it will be a third car), a dealer might be able to take the 2006 as a trade and CPO it, whereas the 2004 will be too far past its prime. I might get back all of the premium that I pay now and thus have a nicer car to enjoy in the meantime.
I can't seem to get straight all of the options differences between the two years. I do remember folks complaining loudly about active steering on the 2004s, at least at first, and while I've read here and there about "software improvements," I don't know if 2006 is basically the same as 2004 in that respect. (I do know that consensus on this board is that active steering is wonderful.) I will need Bluetooth, so that's a pay me now (2006) or pay me only a little later retrofit thing (2004). I'm guessing that 550 engine vs. 545 is not enough to move me toward 2006. But are there other differences that are worth factoring in?
I sure would like to find a CPO and have a few years' more warranty protection. It sounds as if the E60 is pretty reliable, but when things do go bad, it's pretty ugly financially. Dealers' CPO asking prices are obscene, might as well buy a new one. I assume the asking prices are heavily inflated and negotiable toward reality. Actually, it's surprising how wide the range is, from absolutely ridiculous to not too bad. There is at least one 2006 CPO around 20,000 miles for about $48K, which gives me some hope. Maybe I would do better on price to let some of the 2005's start coming off lease. Etc. Etc.
Lots of questions; sorry about that. Any quick thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks very much.
(I'm in Westchester County, just north of NYC.)
I sold my Boxster a few years ago to fund a new family sedan, got a 2006 A6, has been terrific. But I miss the manual transmission. My left foot just sort of sits there and twitches. Sold the Boxster in part because I have three kids and found that I could rarely use the car for anything but a quick joy ride by myself, couldn't get anything practical done, like to/from soccer games. Was an awesome car to drive, though.
I have driven 540s and 545s with sticks a few times, and I think the 545 (in particular) might be a good compromise. Plenty practical for getting 5 people around occasionally and amazingly sporty/fun to drive for a pretty big/heavy sedan. But there is a risk that I will decide I need a 911 (or whatever) to feed my driving fun appetite after all, so I don't want to experiment on a new 5, thinking used so I can see how it goes and avoid the new car depreciation if the answer is poorly.
I'm perfectly OK with a 2004, and it's not hard to find one with around 20,000 miles, though I'm surprised how high the prices are. I've found one at $40K even (private seller, so no CPO), with sport package (minimum requirement, along with beige or auburn interior, can't deal with black or grey) and a few other things, no nav, no HUD, no sat radio, assume BT will be a pain to retrofit, etc. What I'm wondering is whether I might come out better financially by paying more for a 2006 with the same 20,000 miles ... maybe $7-10K more. If I'm trading/upgrading/whatever in a couple of years, having put on another 15,000 miles (it will be a third car), a dealer might be able to take the 2006 as a trade and CPO it, whereas the 2004 will be too far past its prime. I might get back all of the premium that I pay now and thus have a nicer car to enjoy in the meantime.
I can't seem to get straight all of the options differences between the two years. I do remember folks complaining loudly about active steering on the 2004s, at least at first, and while I've read here and there about "software improvements," I don't know if 2006 is basically the same as 2004 in that respect. (I do know that consensus on this board is that active steering is wonderful.) I will need Bluetooth, so that's a pay me now (2006) or pay me only a little later retrofit thing (2004). I'm guessing that 550 engine vs. 545 is not enough to move me toward 2006. But are there other differences that are worth factoring in?
I sure would like to find a CPO and have a few years' more warranty protection. It sounds as if the E60 is pretty reliable, but when things do go bad, it's pretty ugly financially. Dealers' CPO asking prices are obscene, might as well buy a new one. I assume the asking prices are heavily inflated and negotiable toward reality. Actually, it's surprising how wide the range is, from absolutely ridiculous to not too bad. There is at least one 2006 CPO around 20,000 miles for about $48K, which gives me some hope. Maybe I would do better on price to let some of the 2005's start coming off lease. Etc. Etc.
Lots of questions; sorry about that. Any quick thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks very much.
(I'm in Westchester County, just north of NYC.)
09-17-2007, 09:07 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535i w/ Sports & Permium Pkg. Silv/Blk
2008 VW R32 w/Nav.
1992 VW Corrado Silv/Blk-retired
2001 530i Sports/Premium-retired
I say 550, much better car.....welcome BTW......look at this one http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...amp;cardist=965
09-17-2007, 09:24 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535i w/ Sports & Permium Pkg. Silv/Blk
2008 VW R32 w/Nav.
1992 VW Corrado Silv/Blk-retired
2001 530i Sports/Premium-retired
Here is one more, http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...mp;cardist=1106
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...mp;cardist=1183
Carfax permitting of course.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...mp;cardist=1183
Carfax permitting of course.
.
09-17-2007, 10:30 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550, Carbon Black Metallic, Natural Brown Dakota Leather, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Power Rear and Manual Side Sun Shades, etc.
Retired - 2004 545 SMG, Black Sapphire Metallic, Auburn Dakota Leather, Cold Weather and Sports Packages, Power Rear and Manual Side Sun Shades
Welcome -
To address some of your points -
The active steering, like many features of he car, is very software dependent. New versions of the software made vast improvements to AS, as well as many other features. I think there is a real benefit from buying from a dealer. Not only can you find out which version of the software the car has, but you can request an upgrade as part of the purchase. That being said, I had a 2004 with AS and when I ordered my 2008 550, I did not order it.
As far as Bluetooth, depending upon exactly when the car was produced and what options it has, retrofit can be very expensive. if it important, I would look for a car that already has it.
As for the differences between the 545 and 550, the 545 is a spectacular car. The 550, however, is noticeably better. I was surprised at the difference.
To address some of your points -
The active steering, like many features of he car, is very software dependent. New versions of the software made vast improvements to AS, as well as many other features. I think there is a real benefit from buying from a dealer. Not only can you find out which version of the software the car has, but you can request an upgrade as part of the purchase. That being said, I had a 2004 with AS and when I ordered my 2008 550, I did not order it.
As far as Bluetooth, depending upon exactly when the car was produced and what options it has, retrofit can be very expensive. if it important, I would look for a car that already has it.
As for the differences between the 545 and 550, the 545 is a spectacular car. The 550, however, is noticeably better. I was surprised at the difference.
09-17-2007, 10:42 AM
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My Ride: 2010 M5 alpine white, black full leather, etc.
Having owned both, there is really no comparison. The 550i is far more refined. Everything from the engine to the seating to the small touches like push buttons is superior. The 545i is prone to small irritating issues all the time. Remember that with an 06 you also have two very important years of warranty tacked on.
I agree with every point robq brought up as well.
I agree with every point robq brought up as well.
09-17-2007, 06:39 PM
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Thanks for the quick responses, guys. Sadly, I think you've convinced me, which means I'm still searching. Thanks for the links to 2006s FS, but looks like all black interiors. I'll keep an eye on the CPOs on the BMWusa.com web site.
09-17-2007, 06:52 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Sapphire Black on Black M5 - loaded sans soft close doors
While you seem convinced... I'll just add...
2004 was the first year for the 5-series. Unfortunately many first year BMWs of late are very troublesome. A lot of the kinks have been worked out but you will probably have more issues with a 2004 545 vs. a 2006 550.
Comfort Seats are WONDERFUL. Unfortunately they were an option on the 5-series until 2007 when they become standard with the sports package. If you can find an 06 with them you are in great shape and no, you can't have mine
Fortunately for you, the manual trans cars do not hold their value as well - finding a stick 550 while harder than finding an auto, will probably mean a better price.
Good luck and let us know what you find.
2004 was the first year for the 5-series. Unfortunately many first year BMWs of late are very troublesome. A lot of the kinks have been worked out but you will probably have more issues with a 2004 545 vs. a 2006 550.
Comfort Seats are WONDERFUL. Unfortunately they were an option on the 5-series until 2007 when they become standard with the sports package. If you can find an 06 with them you are in great shape and no, you can't have mine
Fortunately for you, the manual trans cars do not hold their value as well - finding a stick 550 while harder than finding an auto, will probably mean a better price.
Good luck and let us know what you find.
09-17-2007, 06:59 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535i w/ Sports & Permium Pkg. Silv/Blk
2008 VW R32 w/Nav.
1992 VW Corrado Silv/Blk-retired
2001 530i Sports/Premium-retired
Originally Posted by ragsdale' post='470511' date='Sep 17 2007, 10:39 PM
Thanks for the quick responses, guys. Sadly, I think you've convinced me, which means I'm still searching. Thanks for the links to 2006s FS, but looks like all black interiors. I'll keep an eye on the CPOs on the BMWusa.com web site.