530i vs 550i
08-24-2006, 08:22 AM
#41
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Buying a car in this price range is a pretty interesting experience. "It's only another $8-9K" is a very slippery slope, I've found. If you add $8-9K increments at this level, each increment puts you in a new category of car that you can consider, not only from BMW, but from Porsche, as an example (if performance is key). So, I can't comment on whether you should buy a 530i or 550i - it's really your call based on your financial situation.
I have an '07 530i. If I had bought an '04 or '05 5-series, I probably would have bought a 545 because I thought the corresponding model year 530's were a little underpowered.
For me, my car has plenty of power. I also have a 6-speed so I feel like I've got a little more control over that power than I would with an automatic. The main difference to me is the 550 has a lot more torque and pull from a standing start. I have the sport package and the car handles extremely well. I'm getting around 21-22 mpg in a mix of 50/50 highway and city driving. Hope that helps.
I have an '07 530i. If I had bought an '04 or '05 5-series, I probably would have bought a 545 because I thought the corresponding model year 530's were a little underpowered.
For me, my car has plenty of power. I also have a 6-speed so I feel like I've got a little more control over that power than I would with an automatic. The main difference to me is the 550 has a lot more torque and pull from a standing start. I have the sport package and the car handles extremely well. I'm getting around 21-22 mpg in a mix of 50/50 highway and city driving. Hope that helps.
08-24-2006, 08:37 AM
#42
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My Ride: 2006 BMW 550i "Ben Hogan's 5 Iron"
SilverGrey/Black Sport, L7, NAV, CW, AS, Split FR
2003 Audi A4 3.0 CVT "Part of the Moniker"
Silver/Ebony, Prem, CW, Star 17s
Its closer in $$ when you consider the few extra options with the V8. I like V8 power and there is a big difference in acceleration. The 550 looks better too with the staggered wheels and its reportedly sits lower too. Most of all a low 5 second car feels real cool.
That said, the new inline six is very nice and you'll save $500 bucks a year assuming 10K at $3.5 a gallon. No biggie. Since the twin turbo DI six will be out in probably six months, the attractiveness of the current six has fallen in my eyes. New engined car will be real fast.
I'd wait for the twin turbo or get a V8 if you want a rocket. If this isn't a priority, the 530 is a fine car.
CVT Benhogan
That said, the new inline six is very nice and you'll save $500 bucks a year assuming 10K at $3.5 a gallon. No biggie. Since the twin turbo DI six will be out in probably six months, the attractiveness of the current six has fallen in my eyes. New engined car will be real fast.
I'd wait for the twin turbo or get a V8 if you want a rocket. If this isn't a priority, the 530 is a fine car.
CVT Benhogan
08-24-2006, 09:34 AM
#44
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My Ride: 2007 E63 AMG | Obsidian Black | Schwarzes Nappa | Black BirdEye Maple | Premium II Package | Electronic Trunk Closer | Parktronic
Engine: RPi/Powerchips custom ECU tune, RPi Ram Air Kit (BMC filter, scoops), RennTech Sport exhaust, secondary cats, charcoal and resonator delete, custom AAA x-pipe
Exterior: 50% side windows / 35% rear window Formula One Pinnacle Series | Flat AMG hood emblem
Suspension: Renntech Lowering Module
Wheels/Tires: Radenergie R10, Falken FK452 245/30/20, Yokohama ADVAN Sport 285/25/20
-----------------------------------------
2005 545i Sport SMG | Ti Grau | Schwarzes Dakota | Anthracite Maple | Logic 7 | Nav
Engine: Custom AFE CAI, Superchips ECU remap, Sprint Booster, RDSport Dual Exhaust Conversion with Quad Pipes and X-pipe, 3 resonators deleted, 90mm tips!
Exterior: M-Tech Aero kit | M5 Mirrors | M5 Rear Bumper | Trunk Lid Finisher | Vorsteiner decklid spoiler | 50% Formula One Pinnacle Tint
Suspension and Brakes: Bilstein PSS9 coilovers, JBT BBK: 16" cross-drilled rotors, 8 piston and 15" cross-drilled rotors, 4 piston
Wheels: VIP Modular VR 02 20x9F, 20x10R | Toyo T1R 245/30/20F, 285/25/20R
Lights: PIAA 4150K Xtreme White Plus fog lights, AIB v3
MOST IMPORTANT: Hardwired V1; =)
ED Date: 4/7/05, Re-delivery date: 5/21/05
Originally Posted by Znod' post='326227' date='Aug 24 2006, 07:27 AM
I'm not a M5 lover. Don't like low tq/high hp engines; don't like the SMG (including the watered down launch control for US cars); don't like horrible gas mileage; and don't like usually being beaten in straight-lines by those in "my class." I'll keep my 545i for now.
08-24-2006, 09:47 AM
#46
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My Ride: 2007 E63 AMG | Obsidian Black | Schwarzes Nappa | Black BirdEye Maple | Premium II Package | Electronic Trunk Closer | Parktronic
Engine: RPi/Powerchips custom ECU tune, RPi Ram Air Kit (BMC filter, scoops), RennTech Sport exhaust, secondary cats, charcoal and resonator delete, custom AAA x-pipe
Exterior: 50% side windows / 35% rear window Formula One Pinnacle Series | Flat AMG hood emblem
Suspension: Renntech Lowering Module
Wheels/Tires: Radenergie R10, Falken FK452 245/30/20, Yokohama ADVAN Sport 285/25/20
-----------------------------------------
2005 545i Sport SMG | Ti Grau | Schwarzes Dakota | Anthracite Maple | Logic 7 | Nav
Engine: Custom AFE CAI, Superchips ECU remap, Sprint Booster, RDSport Dual Exhaust Conversion with Quad Pipes and X-pipe, 3 resonators deleted, 90mm tips!
Exterior: M-Tech Aero kit | M5 Mirrors | M5 Rear Bumper | Trunk Lid Finisher | Vorsteiner decklid spoiler | 50% Formula One Pinnacle Tint
Suspension and Brakes: Bilstein PSS9 coilovers, JBT BBK: 16" cross-drilled rotors, 8 piston and 15" cross-drilled rotors, 4 piston
Wheels: VIP Modular VR 02 20x9F, 20x10R | Toyo T1R 245/30/20F, 285/25/20R
Lights: PIAA 4150K Xtreme White Plus fog lights, AIB v3
MOST IMPORTANT: Hardwired V1; =)
ED Date: 4/7/05, Re-delivery date: 5/21/05
Wheels are fine. You will just need to get different front tire size (245/35/19). The rear tire size is okay (285/30/19).
08-24-2006, 09:55 AM
#47
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My Ride: 2006 BMW M5, Silverstone with black extended leather, brushed aluminium trim, Nav Pro, Logic 7, PDC, 35 % tint.
Originally Posted by kmslo530i' post='326046' date='Aug 23 2006, 10:28 PM
Right.....550 beats 530.....BUT...if you have a 545....well, then you should immediately move up to an emmy......right Joe??
That's what I did.
08-24-2006, 04:05 PM
#49
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Originally Posted by jiio' post='326328' date='Aug 24 2006, 10:47 AM
Wheels are fine. You will just need to get different front tire size (245/35/19). The rear tire size is okay (285/30/19).
are the 19's a simple bolt on straight from the box or a mechanic have to adjust something????
