2006 550 worth it over a 2005 545?
05-14-2010, 07:54 AM
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I am debating the 545/550 2005/2006 thing and trying to determine if it is worth it for the 'upgrade' to the 550. The difference in price would make it enough that I would most likely want to wait another year until i got a 550 as I could get a 545 now. Are there any options avail on the 550 that weren't on the 545? What about stuff along the lines of maintenance and gas mileage? Ideally, i am looking for a car with Cold package, Sport Package, HUD, heated rear seats, NAV, and fold down seats. Are any of those options not available on a 545? Thanks for the help. I did try to search but could not find any posts about this.
05-14-2010, 08:38 AM
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My Ride: 2005 545i /w Sport pkg - SMG - Nav - Premium pkg - PDC - Ready to begin my modding! =)
I am debating the 545/550 2005/2006 thing and trying to determine if it is worth it for the 'upgrade' to the 550. The difference in price would make it enough that I would most likely want to wait another year until i got a 550 as I could get a 545 now. Are there any options avail on the 550 that weren't on the 545? What about stuff along the lines of maintenance and gas mileage? Ideally, i am looking for a car with Cold package, Sport Package, HUD, heated rear seats, NAV, and fold down seats. Are any of those options not available on a 545? Thanks for the help. I did try to search but could not find any posts about this.
Depends on if youre a, got to have it now person or not. Both cars are pretty much identical just off the top of my head I'd say the 550 has about 30 something more horsepower out of the refined engine and they came out with the push button start in 2006. Reliability and looks are pretty much the same, other than that I dont know what else they added or changed in the 545/550........im sure other will chime in on specific options.
I would say you cant go wrong with either.
GL
05-14-2010, 08:38 AM
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What is the price difference? If it is more than $2500 for a comparable car with similar mileage, I would say no. You're better off with a 2007 with the sport package because you get the nicer steering wheel and the awesome comfort seat comes with the sport package. The 2007 also comes with free traffic warning in the navigation system.
05-14-2010, 09:25 AM
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I am debating the 545/550 2005/2006 thing and trying to determine if it is worth it for the 'upgrade' to the 550. The difference in price would make it enough that I would most likely want to wait another year until i got a 550 as I could get a 545 now. Are there any options avail on the 550 that weren't on the 545? What about stuff along the lines of maintenance and gas mileage? Ideally, i am looking for a car with Cold package, Sport Package, HUD, heated rear seats, NAV, and fold down seats. Are any of those options not available on a 545? Thanks for the help. I did try to search but could not find any posts about this.
I agree. If you can find a pristine low mileage 545i I would also go that route and then buy an exclusionary 3rd party warranty, many of which exceed the coverage of BMW CPO warranty and can be honored at both BMW dealerships and indy shops.
05-14-2010, 09:38 AM
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My Ride: 2010 M5 alpine white, black full leather, etc.
The 545i and the 550i are really very different driving vehicles. I much prefer the refinement of the latter. You should drive them both and see what discernible differences you feel. Of course, the post Sept. '06 build '07 550i incorporates many of the features of the LCI version, such at real time traffic and corning turning headlights in addition to the newer steering wheel and comfort seats. Comfort seats, incidentally are the most important included option feature of the vehicle aside from brute force.
05-14-2010, 09:46 AM
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My Ride: 2011 550i M sport
The 545i and the 550i are really very different driving vehicles. I much prefer the refinement of the latter. You should drive them both and see what discernible differences you feel. Of course, the post Sept. '06 build '07 550i incorporates many of the features of the LCI version, such at real time traffic and corning turning headlights in addition to the newer steering wheel and comfort seats. Comfort seats, incidentally are the most important included option feature of the vehicle aside from brute force.
I have an 05 545i with the comfort seats, turning headlights, paddle shifters and cool steering wheel. These options were available in 2005 as well but prob not as prevalent due to cost. Also, the 550 does have 30 or so more horsepower but I seem to remember that the car was also heavier and therefore 0-60 was not all that different bw the two (though I may be wrong). Either way. I absolutely love my 545 and think if the OP finds one with good mileage and price, he should go for it.
05-14-2010, 09:49 AM
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My Ride: 2010 M5 alpine white, black full leather, etc.
I owned both. They are very different. Active steering in the early years is something to be avoided at all costs.
05-14-2010, 09:54 AM
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05-14-2010, 09:55 AM
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My Ride: 2006 550i | Silver-Grey- A08 | Premium - Sport Package | Adaptive Headlights | Logic 7 w/ CD Changer | Bluetooth | Park Distance Control | Xenon Headlights | Comfort Access [s]Sprint Booster V1[/s] | K&N filter - Stock Box w/ Charcoal Filter Removed | Clear Side LED Markers | Matte Black Grilles | RPI Air Scoop | RPI 550i GT Exhaust | 12" Kicker w/ AMP | Headlight Euro Overlays | ACS Rep Roof\Trunk Spoilers |MTEC V2 Angel Eyes | 6000k HID Fog Lights | 19" VMR v710 Stag Wheels | Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110 Tires | Debadged | LED Courtesy Door Lamps | Sprint Booster V2 | Painted Calipers | M pedals\shift knob | HID License Plate Bulbs | R1 Drilled\Slotted Rotors | Hawk HPS Brakes| ACS replica front lip |
I really can't speak for the 545, but I love my 06 550. Did they really start heated rear seats for the 06 model? I'm in South Florida so it didn't bother me that mine didn't come with cold package.
LMAO - just reminded myself of one business trip in Dallas, TX. I got a rental that had heated seats and it was left on. I was sweating balls for those two days. Couldn't find the switch until I was on my way back to rental spot. I think it was a ford. Switch was small and on the lower side of the seat. lol
LMAO - just reminded myself of one business trip in Dallas, TX. I got a rental that had heated seats and it was left on. I was sweating balls for those two days. Couldn't find the switch until I was on my way back to rental spot. I think it was a ford. Switch was small and on the lower side of the seat. lol