Please talk me out of wanting the 545i over the 530!
This decision is driving me crazy!
I have to pay a premium to get the 530i and there must be a reason for it too.

 

The 545i leaks like a stuck pig. Expect to spend $2k on it off the bat. Thats why the 530i is cheaper.

 

I wish I could talk you out of it but the performance difference makes it hard. I haven't had to replace anything (yet - knock on wood.)

 

I'm loving it its a beast even tho I had to spend 3k after I got it plus with a 6spd manual and a v8 makes it way better.

 

Hell yeah it leaks, but for the money it is a great car! Have had mine for 4+ years and love it.

 

You guys aren't helping! lol
The 04/05 545i's are about $11 to $15 with up to 100k but the 530i's are $15 to $18 with the same mileage.
Plus I'll be commuting 600 miles a week!

 

For a 600 mile/week commute I'd be sticking with the 530i unless you have another car you can drive, have AAA and know how to turn wrenches yourself (or don't mind spending a lot of money).

I have a 545i and drive at least 300 a week (nothing too crazy..). I'm at 192K miles so far (bought at 178K)

 

Just depends on what kind of person you are and what is important to you.

There is no doubt that the 530i makes much more sense from the standpoint of reliability and fuel cost. The 530i is a fine road car and with the sport suspension handles like a dream.

But if you like the feeling of a swift boot in the pants every now and then there are few things like the rush of a BMW V8. I have owned several Porsches, and IMHO the 545i was the closest thing to a four-door Porsche until they came out with the Panamera.

Yes, the 545is are leakier than a retirement home, eat tires like mad and require more maintenance than the 530i, but for me personally, I would not trade less maintenance for "the rush".

Sorry if this is not what you want to hear.

 

Where the heck do you live??? In the Chicago area the 530is are 3-4K less expensive than the V8s.

 

I guess I'll answer your question directly --

Go with the v8. Yes it leaks like a geriatric facility, and you're gonna be swapping rear tires at least every 24k, however, the power the car has is addictive. The way it handles is fantastic, and nothing pisses off the economic-equality seeking militant environmentalist Liberals and Hipsters than a BMW v8.

Just be an educated consumer, and realise you're in for some large(r) repair bills off the bat. Things that typically have to be replaced before 110k

- Alternator
- Vacuum Pump
- Water Pump
- Thermostat
- SMG Pump (if equipped)
- Every reservoir on the car
- Valve Cover Gaskets
- Upper Timing Chain Gaskets
- Alternator Bracket Gasket
- Vally coolant feedback pipe
- An assortment of interior trim pieces

So the above, even at a cheap(er) Indy is close to $5k in repairs. However, you can usually get a great deal on these cars for these reasons above.

If you're looking at a private party 545/550 it IS WORTH THE MONEY to drive the car to a BMW dealer with the current owner and pay for an inspection of the car. The list the dealer turns up with will probably be thousands upon thousands of dollars and for a private party who is unaware of how "notice" works in a legal context, should start dropping the price on the car in the quickness.