If you have to ask, then get the 530.

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. :thumbsup:

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

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.

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!!!

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 use the extra power constantly. It's part of what makes the E60 feel so complete as a car to me. However, if I had the 530i I doubt I would really miss the extra power of the 545. Glad I have it though! It's turned me in to a real throttle junky.....yes....my gas mileage sucks! 20.8 with lots of highway time.

I use the extra power constantly. It's part of what makes the E60 feel so complete as a car to me. However, if I had the 530i I doubt I would really miss the extra power of the 545. Glad I have it though! It's turned me in to a real throttle junky.....yes....my gas mileage sucks! 20.8 with lots of highway time.
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just 16.9 mpg here :wow: - but another throttle happy lunatic behind the wheel :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

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.

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.