2006 550 worth it over a 2005 545?
05-14-2010, 12:26 PM
#21
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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
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.
05-14-2010, 12:34 PM
#22
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had the same question when I was looking to trade in my wife's MDX, either a fully loaded '05 545i or '06 550i with just premium, sport, and keyless go. Both had 50K miles. the '06 was $ 2500 more than the '05 but ultimately I went with the '06 since it is newer, more horsepower, and it seemed like more 545's owners experienced problem with the radiator, at least at other forums. Both are great cars but my wife's logic was simple enough for me, $ 2500 for a one year newer car along with the fact that she will never use the HUD feature anyway and most importantly, when you see a 545 badge, you know its either 2005 or earlier, but 550, it's 2006 or later. Weird logic but it did make sense to me at the time. 
BOL with your decision.
BOL with your decision.
05-14-2010, 01:58 PM
#23
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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???
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???
Where did you get yours done for $100? That's where I'll be going to.
05-14-2010, 03:36 PM
#24
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My Ride: 2008 550i SA M-Sport Package
I have a 2004 545i sport with SMG, active steering, comfort seats, nav, HUD, cold package with rear heated seats, fold down seats with ski pass, side and rear sunshade, logic 7 sound. EVERYTHING. So I think if you look can find all the options on a 545i. 550 has nicer wheels tho lol.
05-14-2010, 03:37 PM
#25
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Everything was peachy and then within the past 4 months I started having issues with the car, but I'm actually fine with them because the CPO warranty has been replacing numerous expensive parts which would have made me cry like a little girl if I had to pay for it out of pocket.
Case in point, my increased emissions/rough idling were remedied by having all my intermediate lifters replaced under CPO warranty. I paid $50 for this $6000 job, plus I received a 2 year warranty on parts and labor, way past my CPO warranty period. 2nd case, I'll be getting a new rear differential next week, which also means a differential oil flush for $50. Also had an O2 sensor and some leaky seals replaced under the same $50 deductible.
Now if only I could get the CPO to replace the rest of the car then I'm golden.
Point: CPO or 3rd party warranty no matter what!!
05-14-2010, 06:44 PM
#26
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My Ride: 2007 550i Titanium Grey Metallic - 6 Speed Manual, Sport Suspension, Premium, Cold Weather, Navigation, Shades, L7 Sound
BRUTE FORCE is GOOD! 
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, 06:49 PM
#27
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My Ride: 2007 550i Titanium Grey Metallic - 6 Speed Manual, Sport Suspension, Premium, Cold Weather, Navigation, Shades, L7 Sound
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.
05-15-2010, 01:18 AM
#28
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My Ride: 545i Sport Package, Black/Grey. Got it July 09.
Model Year: 2004
you can't lose whichever you buy, 545/550. just MAKE SURE you get active steering. TRUST ME. it makes parking and city driving so much more pleasurable. 
i had a e90 loaner once without A/S and i HATED it!
i had a e90 loaner once without A/S and i HATED it!
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