5301 vs 545i
06-14-2005, 07:05 AM
#12
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My Ride: MY05 545i Jet Black with Auburn interior. SMG, Logic7, Sport Package, Comfort Seats, Navigation.
Get the 530, with the R6 engine, you will be alright, especially in HK.
Here in the U.S., the extra torque in 545i is better appreciated for passing slow (or fast) uphill traffic, entering highway, smoking punk kids on their pocket rocket with silent thrust, impressing your peer, making your local gas station owner happy..etc. It's your money, maket your decision a good one.
Here in the U.S., the extra torque in 545i is better appreciated for passing slow (or fast) uphill traffic, entering highway, smoking punk kids on their pocket rocket with silent thrust, impressing your peer, making your local gas station owner happy..etc. It's your money, maket your decision a good one.
06-14-2005, 05:59 PM
#13
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Originally Posted by speedracerF4i' date='Jun 14 2005, 08:05 AM
Get the 530, with the R6 engine, you will be alright, especially in HK.
Here in the U.S., the extra torque in 545i is better appreciated for passing slow (or fast) uphill traffic, entering highway, smoking punk kids on their pocket rocket with silent thrust, impressing your peer, making your local gas station owner happy..etc. It's your money, maket your decision a good one.
Here in the U.S., the extra torque in 545i is better appreciated for passing slow (or fast) uphill traffic, entering highway, smoking punk kids on their pocket rocket with silent thrust, impressing your peer, making your local gas station owner happy..etc. It's your money, maket your decision a good one.
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06-14-2005, 11:05 PM
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My Ride: 2004 545i - 6 speed manual (July 04 build), silver-grey/black, sports package std equipment (18", active roll, active steering, adaptive headlights), premium sound, bluetooth enabled, folding rear seat, lumbar, 3m hood/bumper protective film, rear tint, euro reflectors.
I am partial to the 545i as I like the torque and acceleration.
However, the mag's seem to be somewhat partial to the 530i with the lighter weight, as they seem to think it handles better.
So, bottom line is handling and weight versus shear torque and acceleration. Both are fine auto's. Just if you get the 530, plan on putting some money into better wheels - you can't beat the bigger meats of the 545i. So, take that into your calculation.
However, the mag's seem to be somewhat partial to the 530i with the lighter weight, as they seem to think it handles better.
So, bottom line is handling and weight versus shear torque and acceleration. Both are fine auto's. Just if you get the 530, plan on putting some money into better wheels - you can't beat the bigger meats of the 545i. So, take that into your calculation.
06-14-2005, 11:42 PM
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I drive a 545 in Singapore. Yes, there's slow traffic, etc. However, I do get to stretch her once in a while, and I can tell you; the feeling of leaving everyone else behind is just great!!!
06-15-2005, 07:38 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
I think there is a hugh difference between the 530 and 545 even with the new 3.0 engine. There is still 100 ft/lbs or about a 50% increase in torque when you move up to the 545, and that is what drives acceleration.
I also think that the staggered wheel setup with the 275 rears looks much more menacing on the 545.
I drive my car aggressively so it does matter for me.
I also think that the staggered wheel setup with the 275 rears looks much more menacing on the 545.
I drive my car aggressively so it does matter for me.
06-15-2005, 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Peter530i' date='Jun 14 2005, 07:10 AM
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
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
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06-15-2005, 11:13 AM
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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
Originally Posted by Fat Sound' date='Jun 15 2005, 11:26 AM
[quote name='Peter530i' date='Jun 14 2005, 07:10 AM']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
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
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[/quote]just 16.9 mpg here
- but another throttle happy lunatic behind the wheel
06-15-2005, 11:27 AM
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Hong Kong traffic is like rush-hour in Manhattan, except its 24/7 there. It doesn't matter whether you have 325ft/lbs or 225ft/lbs of torque - fact is you don't grt anywhere fast. Mileage is also irrelevant.
Only consideration are the steep hills that surround central - if you live on the peak or mid-levels, you'll find the 545/550 worth the small US$19k premium.
Only consideration are the steep hills that surround central - if you live on the peak or mid-levels, you'll find the 545/550 worth the small US$19k premium.
06-15-2005, 10:33 PM
#20
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My Ride: 2006 530i Sport
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Originally Posted by 6spdMan' date='Jun 15 2005, 02:27 PM
Hong Kong traffic is like rush-hour in Manhattan, except its 24/7 there. It doesn't matter whether you have 325ft/lbs or 225ft/lbs of torque - fact is you don't grt anywhere fast. Mileage is also irrelevant.
Only consideration are the steep hills that surround central - if you live on the peak or mid-levels, you'll find the 545/550 worth the small US$19k premium.
Only consideration are the steep hills that surround central - if you live on the peak or mid-levels, you'll find the 545/550 worth the small US$19k premium.
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I've spent about a month in HK during various trips there. You'll be fine on the hills. I'm another person who can't get a clear stretch of road to open up a Yugo let alone my car. Again, we need to see some actual testing data on these cars... judging by the 330i data, the R6 car shouldn't be slower by more than a few tenths of a second in most performance metrics compared to the 545i. The 550i... that's going to be a different story.
I do love the wider rear tires on the 545i though - that looks incredible.