CVTBenhogan

Get the V8. The power feels so good and there is a big difference, particularly at speed. I intially shopped for a 530 and had the luck or good judgement to try the V8. No contest. With all due respect I feared the prospect of being smoked by a Toyota Camry.

CVT Benhogan

ivan545

My brother has a 2006 530 and i drove his car, compared to my 2004 545, i still like my 545 more, just my opinion.

octee

The acceleration between the 530 and 545 is a huge difference. The V8 is worth the price difference. I said it in a previous post but I had a 530 loaner and I felt a huge difference when I stepped on the gas pedal. I am into instant gratification and the 530 didn't do it for me.

As far as steering, I'd say they're about the same.

alpineweiss

545i. Don't make the mistake I did.

JWU42

I began my search looking at the 530 and ended up with a 545 and couldn't be happier - FWIW

jrsamps

There's no substitute for power. I love my 530 but wish I had a V8 -

jrsamps

There's no substitute for power. I love my 530 but wish I had a V8 -

UUronL

You may want to provide more detail about your situation. You mention the 545i, so I presume you mean to get a used 545i if you decide on the V8? I suppose it is also possible that you mean to get a new 550i since I know that some people who are new to the car do not realize there is a 550i. Which is it?

Also, if you plan on comparing a used 545i to a new 530i, then waiting until spring should mean an increase in hp for the 530i. There is a new naturally aspirated I6 on the way. Also, the biturbo I6 will find its way into the E60 as a 535i sometime next year. This should "stay with" a V8 car, and with a nominal chip tuning will handily flog one. Depending on your situation, you may want to consider the biturbo as it will be the tuner's choice.

Also, a new vs. used E60 can be a very important consideration. Some of the earlier E60s, (the ones with attractive prices) will not be compatible with certain things - bluetooth, Sirius, etc... and may have questionable service histories. The balance of the factory warranty will also be a lot less time than you'll likely want to have. They aren't cheap cars to repair. There are many compelling reasons to choose a new car over a used one in my opinion.

I personally don't regret for an instant the decision I made - I have had very fast cars over the years, but realized that in my situation and driving environment, the car that I bought was all I needed and could reasonably enjoy.

gbear2k

One thing I considered when looking at the 2 cars that I thought a lot of people might look at too:

Mileage. My 330i gets about 20-21, and that's with the 6 speed. The 545i gets around 19. Easy to pick the 545i. I had a 2001 M5 and it got similar mileage if I didn't step on it (rare). BMW V8's get good mileage.

Stuff. The 545i basically comes with the premium package. Consider that and also most used 545i's come well equipped.

That being said, I have a dealer friend who got me a 36k miles 545i for $35k. The 530's were only about 2k less at auction.

UUronL

Wow, 20-21mpg is terrible for a 330i - is that with the N52 engine? My 530i (6 spd manual) gets 24-27mpg (US) like clockwork - I used to keep a spreadsheet so I know. That is on my driving cycle, not some cherry-picked long trip or something.