tonkiton

Yes, I did the trades between the 545i and the 530 also. I find that there is only about $5000 difference between the 530 and 545 when comparably equipped. In my case I compared with the following options:

Performance package

Rear sun shades

folding rear seats

Comfort seats

I selected the comfort seat since although it is priced at $1200, the real difference is only $800 since the comfort seats include the 4 way lumbar support which for some strange reason is a $400 option for the 545.

I came to the conclusion that the 545 is a much better buy given the inclusion of the Valvetronic engine with 100 more hp in addition to the fact that you will get back some of the difference through a higher resale value.

I ordered the 545 and according to the BMW Owner's Circle Web Page, my car is slated for production during the week of Nov 7.

Marvel

I saw two e60 545i's with steptronic trans, premium package, adaptive steering, headlights, roll stabilization, maple dash trim, aluminum door handles, black leather, no navigation, dsp sound upgrade, no sport package at Center BMW Van Nuys, CA for $55,700.00

Not too bad compared to the loaded e60 530i no NAV and dsp sound upgrade for $58,000 plus

Woodstock

Hmm. I didn't think you could get adaptive steering, headlights, roll stabilization w/o the sport package, even on a 545. I ran the options you mentioned for the 545 through my spread sheet (incl. delivery) and got: (assuming sport package for all the sport package goodies you mention above)

Invoice: $54,915 ($4645 of options)
MSRP of $60,095 ($5100 of options)

I'm not sure how "loaded" the loaded 530i is you mentioned, but outfitting one with most everything (except nav/hud) gets me:

Invoice: $56,045 ($14,875 of options)
MSRP of $61,280 ($16,285 of options)

Those options include (over and above the ones for the 545 you mentioned) were cold weather, Satellite radio wiring, active cruise control, rear seat heating, park distance control, fold down rear seat, comfort seats, power rear sun shade, and rear door side airbag.

(I'm assuming 'dsp sound upgrade' means the premium sound package (ZPS))

Marvel

The E60 530i that I saw had all of the sport and premium package plus adaptive and active options but didn't have the HUD, NAV, park distance control, premium sound package and comfort seats.

The e60 545i's with premium package only, 6 spd stepronic trans plus all the adaptive and active options without the NAV, HUD, comfort seats, premium sound package, no cold weather package, no park distance control had a sticker MSRP of just $55,700.00 ( I myself could hardly believe what I was seeing)
I wish somebody from Los Angeles can see what I saw. If somebody is interested in this two 545i's ( black and silver) better act now coz i'm sure they are going to disappear quickly.