2006 550 worth it over a 2005 545?
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Thousand Oaks, California
My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: San Jose, California, USA
My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Just a couple of data points as I owned both cars, I bought a 2005 545 and traded it in for a 2007 (pre-LCI) 550. There's little to no difference in power, the 550 really didn't feel any faster than the 545. And not to disagree with 1600, but I did have active steering on the 545 and I absolutely loved it. I did not get it on the 550, partly as I believed the general consensus that the regular steering was better, and I pretty much regretted that decision the moment I drove off the lot in the new car...
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 470
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From: Washington DC Suburb
My Ride: '07 550i with SP, Nav, Logic7
HP aside, the 545i "seems" to be a bit more problematic. Not that the 550i has Lexus reliability but I remember seeing more complaints about the 545i (on this forum and bimmerfest).
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 596
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From: Near Vancouver
My Ride: 2006 Titanium Silver 550i, with all the bells and whistles!!
all options being equal --> yes!
this assumes because it is new it has lower mileage. I test drove both and found the 550 to have a smoother powerband that just keeps coming o strong, the 545 felt a little twitchier to me. the difference in power is hard to distinguish.
good luck, both are very, very, nice cars
this assumes because it is new it has lower mileage. I test drove both and found the 550 to have a smoother powerband that just keeps coming o strong, the 545 felt a little twitchier to me. the difference in power is hard to distinguish.
good luck, both are very, very, nice cars
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 252
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From: St Pete, FL
My Ride: 2011 550i M sport
Just a couple of data points as I owned both cars, I bought a 2005 545 and traded it in for a 2007 (pre-LCI) 550. There's little to no difference in power, the 550 really didn't feel any faster than the 545. And not to disagree with 1600, but I did have active steering on the 545 and I absolutely loved it. I did not get it on the 550, partly as I believed the general consensus that the regular steering was better, and I pretty much regretted that decision the moment I drove off the lot in the new car...
+1 about the active steering. The active steering onmy 545i is amazing. That being said, i dont know how it compares to the newer ones. True there does seem to be a few recurring issues with the 545, ie vacuum pump, smg pump, valve cover gaskets, but overall, the car is an elegant powerful machine. Good luck with your decision, OP
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: nyc
My Ride: 2010 M5 alpine white, black full leather, etc.
I actually loved the A/s but because of the problems with the earlier systems that have been well documented on this forum I grew to hate it.
The twitchiness noted by the Sleeper is an irritating aspect of the 545i. The smoothness of the 550i is notable and laudable.
The twitchiness noted by the Sleeper is an irritating aspect of the 545i. The smoothness of the 550i is notable and laudable.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Denva, CO Baby
My Ride: 2005 545i /w Sport pkg - SMG - Nav - Premium pkg - PDC - Ready to begin my modding! =)
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
I have heated rear seats in my Nov '04 built 2005. Although, it was my understanding in 2005, that its an extra option and not part of the cold weather package, so maybe in '06 it was part of the same package???
As for the Active Steering, Ive had no issues with it to date, and my last alignment was under $100, so I dont know where that $280 figure came from, unless maybe at the stealership???
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,863
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From: SoCal San Diego
My Ride: 545i Sport
Model Year: 2004
Engine: N62
Just a couple of data points as I owned both cars, I bought a 2005 545 and traded it in for a 2007 (pre-LCI) 550. There's little to no difference in power, the 550 really didn't feel any faster than the 545. And not to disagree with 1600, but I did have active steering on the 545 and I absolutely loved it. I did not get it on the 550, partly as I believed the general consensus that the regular steering was better, and I pretty much regretted that decision the moment I drove off the lot in the new car...
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 196
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From: Atlanta, GA
My Ride: 545i/6
I seem to remember reading that the 545i gets better mpg than the 550i. I get 22mpg ave in my 6 speed, good mix of hwy and city driving. I also have active steering and absolutely love it. When I get in other cars it makes me appreciate it that much more. With the prices as low as ther are on a 545i you cant go wrong IMO, a lot of car for the money.
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Joined: May 2008
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I used to drive the 2005 545i and it has lots of problems...so i got the 550i. BMW upgraded the engine (different design although still v8) in 2006 to the 550i. Also, 545i engine has inherent problems and can trigger "emissions" light on cold start-up. 550i is a lot better..also has 35 more hp and got most of the kinks worked out. 545i may be a few grand cheaper but lots of headaches. Trust me, I know bmws very well and driven them for 10 years. I work on my own cars as well.