Diagnosic

Hi

I have a 545 now (December 2003) and I'm considering to change to a used 550 (2005 or 2006). Will I feel the fact, that the 550 has more HP and more torque (+ 10 %)? I Switzerland I saw several used 550 and I'm quiet tempted to change, but I'm very much interested to have some input from you!

Thanks, regards
Thomas

swajames

I went from a 545 to a 550 and for me the difference was very noticeable. Where the 545 felt quick, the 550 felt fast and the additional power and torque is pretty apparent. The 550 pulls harder. That said, the quickest 0-60 V8 E60 times on here were set with the 545 but in day to day use my 2007 550 felt noticeably quicker than my 2005 545. If you make the switch I think you'll be pleased with one. I'm sure you'll notice the difference when you test the 550 after having driven your 545 beforehand.

Bimmer32

If you have a 545i now, I'd wait for the F10 or at least the V8 TT. That will ensure a greater power difference and a bigger smile on your face. If you can't wait, get into a lightly used M5 now.

AlexFW

The 550i is the same 545i with +30 Kg and +7-8% power . It's the same car, don't listen to those who say the 550i is another car .

Do you want more power ?
You can get 50 HP from mods on your 545i and it will be faster than the 550i .

kscarrol

I sold the 545 a few months ago and got the 550. I find it hard to feel a meaningful difference in terms of raw power between the two. The difference comes in things like the SAT on the new 550 versus my old Steptronic. My 550 also has the sports package as well, which I passed on back in Dec '04 when I ordered the 545, couldn't handle the early version of active steering. The interior and exterior changes are a nice plus as well but kep in mind these are changes with the LCI cars introduced in the fall of 2007. If this is a pre-LCI 550, I'd hold the 545 as others have said and wait for the F10 or mod the 545...

joojoobee

I have a 545, and though I know absolutely nothing about the 550, I'm pretty certain my car is better, stronger, and faster.

HPLouis

This is good advice right here.

lostleo550i

I've actually got both a 2005 545i (Sport) and a 2008 550i (Sport); they feel almost the same. The 550i does have a little more power though and just feels tighter. I guess I'm not much help, huh? I love them both!!! If I were you, I'd soup-up the 545i.

545isheff

that's a nice increase... what kind of mods?

AlexFW

It's a 15% increase: catback exhaust, catalysts, remap, air filter/airbox and if not 50 they are for sure 40 .
It's senseless trade a 545i in for a 550i, if you don't have a lease that is coming up .