Guys,

I live in Hong Kong, I am considering to buy either 530i or 545i. May ask I would that be a huge difference according to your knowledge and experience. I need to pay an extra of USD 19K for 545i.

By the way, how much needs to be paid for SMG gear box in your countries?

thanks
Eric

In United States, SMG is a FREE option as long you have a sport package (for 545i). If you have the fund for 545i, just go for it. I regret on getting 530i myself. (About 8k USD difference here).

Good Luck. :thumbsup:

Eric, both cars are great, but the 545i is much faster. In Hong Kong you will never get out of 2nd gear. In the US SMG is no extra charge. Good Luck

The difference is certainly less now than it used to be with the new R6 engine. I also understand that the two diesel options are quite potent as well if they are available in your market. That's got to be at least part of the reason why BMW is upgrading the V8.

Get the 545i. In Singapore, the price diff is US$43,000 (US$191k vs US$148k), so it is a gift in HKG. With either car, you'll be stuck in traffic anyway, so you might as well have the biggest version of the e60.
SMG is a no-cost option in Singapore, but it should be cheaper than the steptronic. Local dealer rips everyone off in Singapore.

OMG!! $43K would buy a whole 525 here in the States. :wow:

My head is spinning at those prices.

OMG!! $43K would buy a whole 525 here in the States. :wow:

My head is spinning at those prices.
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A new 525i in our 'fine' city is only US$130,000.

Guys, honestly how many of you ever use full potential of 545? I mean accel in 5.6 sec or what is it and 250km (160m) max speed?
Also V8 in slow traffic will take much more gas !!

But if going in highways a lot, long distances 545 ok.

But really I have the feeling that mostly it is about the badge on the rear :)

Before you guys punish me hard, I must admit that if not difference of 20k USD I would get 545 too :)

He's in Hong Kong, of course it is all about the badge on the rear. You should ask Hobi when he puts in your a/v system.

He's in Hong Kong, of course it is all about the badge on the rear. You should ask Hobi when he puts in your a/v system.
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I would not drive very very fast even we do have good high way. I would prefer car that has strong pick up power. Anyway, I will do test drive next week for both. Stll awaiting information from delaer on how much extra coast will be for SMG