545 versus 550
03-21-2008, 03:10 AM
#11
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Yes I think the majority is right: I makes no sense to have a 545 and to invest in a 550. I'm happy with the 545 and the difference between my car and the 550 is to small. So I will wait on new BMW models (V8 Biturbo) and in the meantime also looking out for maybe a used Alpina B5 or a Alpina B3 Biturbo.
Thank you very much for the very appreciated advise! For me this is one of the very best Forums!
Happy Easter!
Regards,
Thomas
Thank you very much for the very appreciated advise! For me this is one of the very best Forums!
Happy Easter!
Regards,
Thomas
03-21-2008, 03:23 AM
#12
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Originally Posted by Diagnosic' post='548555' date='Mar 21 2008, 12:10 PM
Yes I think the majority is right: I makes no sense to have a 545 and to invest in a 550.
Especially when you live in the a (small) country with strict limits like you
Happy Easter!
03-21-2008, 03:58 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Space Gray 550i, Light Poplar Wood, Anthracite Head Liner, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Front Ventilated Comfort Seats in Black Nasca Leather, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Night Vision, Lane Deviation Warning, Active Cruise Control, Heated Rear Seats, Folding Rear Seats, Power Shade w/ Rear Side-Shades, Rear Air Bags, Logic 7, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/USB Adapter. Car in BMW Body Shop, estimated completion 01/24/07.
Originally Posted by Bimmer32' post='548281' date='Mar 20 2008, 02:08 PM
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.
03-21-2008, 04:32 AM
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My Ride: M6 E63 Sapphire black
Z3 Coupe R4Turbo Hellrot, semi race. (670bhp)
Z3 Coupe V8Turbo design work ongoing, full race.
Sold: 545i Titanium Silver
Originally Posted by joojoobee' post='548418' date='Mar 21 2008, 03:05 AM
I have a 545, and though I know absolutely nothing about the 550, I'm pretty certain my car is better, stronger, and faster. 
Full exhaust and a remap. That is what I will do.
550 performance and my money still safe, stashed away in the pillow
03-21-2008, 06:09 AM
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i Sport
Carbon Black Metallic/Cream Beige
Manny tranny and other stuff
Recently gone, but never forgotten:
2005 Ford Mustang GT (hence the name)
Torch Red/Crimson
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2002 Chrysler 300M Special
Brilliant Black/Light Taupe/Dark Slate
Autostick and goo-gobs of neat features that I will sorely miss
Originally Posted by calpalmer' post='548567' date='Mar 21 2008, 06:58 AM
Most seem to think the F10 will have the 4.2V8, and that any prior MYs 550i's will not.
03-21-2008, 07:07 AM
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i
2006 BMW X3
I can't directly compare the 545i to a 550i but the 550i seems to have more low end torque and off-the-line punch than a 545i I test drove a few years back.
To compare a 545i to an LCI '08 550i, there is more than just the bigger motor. The iDrive is updated. I like the programmable buttons and faster response. The "quick access" buttons on the A/C into iDrive settings is also a plus. If you still have older iDrive SW, the new version has some added features such as POI search but you can add that to the 545i. I really like the updated interior and added leather. The iPod/USB integration is nice as are some new features (if you want them) such as Lane Departure Warning, Night Vision, etc.
There is also the new Sport Automatic with paddles. It takes a bit to get used to the new shifter but I like the paddles. I now use them and manual mode more often than not, even in city traffic.
Plus with the sport package, you now get the M5 look front bumper. That makes the 550i more sporty looking than older models or even the other '08 models.
To compare a 545i to an LCI '08 550i, there is more than just the bigger motor. The iDrive is updated. I like the programmable buttons and faster response. The "quick access" buttons on the A/C into iDrive settings is also a plus. If you still have older iDrive SW, the new version has some added features such as POI search but you can add that to the 545i. I really like the updated interior and added leather. The iPod/USB integration is nice as are some new features (if you want them) such as Lane Departure Warning, Night Vision, etc.
There is also the new Sport Automatic with paddles. It takes a bit to get used to the new shifter but I like the paddles. I now use them and manual mode more often than not, even in city traffic.
Plus with the sport package, you now get the M5 look front bumper. That makes the 550i more sporty looking than older models or even the other '08 models.
03-21-2008, 08:01 AM
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My Ride: M6 E63 Sapphire black
Z3 Coupe R4Turbo Hellrot, semi race. (670bhp)
Z3 Coupe V8Turbo design work ongoing, full race.
Sold: 545i Titanium Silver
Yes, a brand new LCI 550i is off course a nicer car than a 3-4 year old 545, no question about it.
But then, also nicer than a 3year old 550i as well
But then, also nicer than a 3year old 550i as well
03-21-2008, 08:19 AM
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My Ride: 2005 530i Individual, DVD Package, HUD, Bluetooth, Comfort Seats, SR, etc
If I were you I would spend as little as possible for the mods at this point, and just save up for the F10, cause at time of ordering we all get that crunch and that 1 extra option costs an extra $50 at a point in monthly payments, lol ....but if you have loads of $$ just go with the advice to buy a used M5 and then just get the newer one later ...if thats what you want.....
03-21-2008, 09:37 AM
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My Ride: 2011 535i space gray/black, 6sp manual, ZSP, DHP, Prem, Prem2, split-fold rear seats
SOLD: 2008 550i sport, 6sp manual, Carbon Black/Black, Active Steering, NAV, CWP, Heated and Folding Rear Seats, PDC, Logic 7, IPOD, Bluetooth
SOLD: 2004 545i sport, 6sp manual, 3/04 build date, Saphire Black/Beige, NAV, CWP, Heated and Folding Rear Seats, PDC, Logic 7, Bluetooth
I had the same dilemma. I've contemplated actually for several months whether to change my 04 545i sport to 08 550i sport. My dealer had the 550i, which I ended up buying, in stock for over 8 months. Just a couple of months ago they had $3000 incentives, so I decided to jump on the deal for $2500 under invoice. It's been very clear to me right when I first test drove the 550i back in July that it was a superior vehicle. I like the new suspension, exhaust note, extra torque/power, new interior, short manual shifter, quicker I drive, shortcut buttons and probably a few other things. I?m actually somewhat neutral on the M5 style body kit ? not really sure it looks so much better than the 545i sport; the same goes for the style 172 wheels vs. style 124. In retrospect, I'm glad I did make the switch, but I wonder if a better decision could have been waiting for the F10. However, the price for the new car was attractive, so that pushed me towards the 550i.
03-21-2008, 11:40 AM
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i Sport
Carbon Black Metallic/Cream Beige
Manny tranny and other stuff
Recently gone, but never forgotten:
2005 Ford Mustang GT (hence the name)
Torch Red/Crimson
Manny tranny and every option available for that year
2002 Chrysler 300M Special
Brilliant Black/Light Taupe/Dark Slate
Autostick and goo-gobs of neat features that I will sorely miss
Update your sig.