545 vs. 530
08-30-2005, 11:48 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
I often hear questions about the "benefits verses cost" for the 545 over the 530. I have had a 2006 530 loaner since mid last week and I just got my 545 back today so I have a back to back comparison.
The 545 sounds much deeper and louder, resulting in a much better sound experience.
The V8 is much more powerful, the 530 is no slouch, but the 545 is in another league.
The sport suspension is light years ahead for high speed or turns, this is also available on the 530 but it was not on the loaner. The standard suspension feels very good until you drive a sport suspension car.
Active steering is an unbelievable advancement. Combined with the sport package, the car feels 3/4's its size and weight.
The staggard wheel setup is unique to the 545 and looks much more sporting than the sport wheels on the 530.
The brakes were also a big difference, the 545 tugs you down more and feels like there is a lot more left.
The 530 was an auto, my 545 is a SMG. The SMG is just so much fun.
If you can swing the extra cash/payment, do it.
The 545 sounds much deeper and louder, resulting in a much better sound experience.
The V8 is much more powerful, the 530 is no slouch, but the 545 is in another league.
The sport suspension is light years ahead for high speed or turns, this is also available on the 530 but it was not on the loaner. The standard suspension feels very good until you drive a sport suspension car.
Active steering is an unbelievable advancement. Combined with the sport package, the car feels 3/4's its size and weight.
The staggard wheel setup is unique to the 545 and looks much more sporting than the sport wheels on the 530.
The brakes were also a big difference, the 545 tugs you down more and feels like there is a lot more left.
The 530 was an auto, my 545 is a SMG. The SMG is just so much fun.
If you can swing the extra cash/payment, do it.
08-30-2005, 11:54 AM
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My Ride: 2004 545iA Jet Black, Black, Sport, Prem Sound, PDC, Rear sunshades, integrated phone, Sirius, Huper Optik tint, Euro Reflectors
You got a 530 while I get a Lincoln Town Car. Not fair 
Have to agree with your observations as I recently drove a 530 as well. No compairison to the 545. While the 530 is no slouch, it lacks that something extra available on the 545.
Have to agree with your observations as I recently drove a 530 as well. No compairison to the 545. While the 530 is no slouch, it lacks that something extra available on the 545.
08-30-2005, 03:30 PM
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My Ride: 2006 530i Sport
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Originally Posted by pennetta' date='Aug 30 2005, 02:48 PM
I often hear questions about the "benefits verses cost" for the 545 over the 530. I have had a 2006 530 loaner since mid last week and I just got my 545 back today so I have a back to back comparison.
The 545 sounds much deeper and louder, resulting in a much better sound experience.
The V8 is much more powerful, the 530 is no slouch, but the 545 is in another league.
The sport suspension is light years ahead for high speed or turns, this is also available on the 530 but it was not on the loaner. The standard suspension feels very good until you drive a sport suspension car.
Active steering is an unbelievable advancement. Combined with the sport package, the car feels 3/4's its size and weight.
The staggard wheel setup is unique to the 545 and looks much more sporting than the sport wheels on the 530.
The brakes were also a big difference, the 545 tugs you down more and feels like there is a lot more left.
The 530 was an auto, my 545 is a SMG. The SMG is just so much fun.
If you can swing the extra cash/payment, do it.
The 545 sounds much deeper and louder, resulting in a much better sound experience.
The V8 is much more powerful, the 530 is no slouch, but the 545 is in another league.
The sport suspension is light years ahead for high speed or turns, this is also available on the 530 but it was not on the loaner. The standard suspension feels very good until you drive a sport suspension car.
Active steering is an unbelievable advancement. Combined with the sport package, the car feels 3/4's its size and weight.
The staggard wheel setup is unique to the 545 and looks much more sporting than the sport wheels on the 530.
The brakes were also a big difference, the 545 tugs you down more and feels like there is a lot more left.
The 530 was an auto, my 545 is a SMG. The SMG is just so much fun.
If you can swing the extra cash/payment, do it.
[snapback]165219[/snapback]
Troll *Cough*.
08-30-2005, 03:54 PM
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My Ride: 2006 530i Sport
Silver Gray - Black Leather - Anthracite Maple
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Rear sunshade
Sirius Radio
Autobahnd Roadblock (3M) film kit
Originally Posted by Evenflow545' date='Aug 30 2005, 06:38 PM
Amen.? ? 545 is in a different class.
[snapback]165350[/snapback]
Yup. The V8 sedan class.
08-30-2005, 08:13 PM
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My Ride: 2006 530 manual Sport, NAV, Premium, Sirius, Shades, Split Seat, Al Cube trim
Originally Posted by UUronL' date='Aug 30 2005, 04:54 PM
[quote name='Evenflow545' date='Aug 30 2005, 06:38 PM']Amen.? ? 545 is in a different class.
[snapback]165350[/snapback]
Yup. The V8 sedan class.
[snapback]165354[/snapback]
[/quote]Nothing bad to say about the 545....but a manual 530 with the sport package is more than enough fun, especially when I visit the gas pump (27.5 mpg during the past 2 tanks driving 40 miles daily each way over the mountains between Napa and Sonoma counties). I know the V8 isn't bad, but it makes my heart feel good to get 5 mpg better than my PT Cruiser beater.
08-31-2005, 01:17 AM
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Originally Posted by UUronL' date='Aug 30 2005, 04:30 PM
Troll *Cough*.
[snapback]165346[/snapback]
If it makes you feel any better, the 530 should handle better and be nimble due to the sizeable weight difference.
08-31-2005, 05:14 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
My only point was to help the many people that genuinely ask "should I get the 530 or 545." I happened to have had a 530 for about a week, but I own a 545, so a I figured I could give some advice from my point of view. I got the 545 so my point of view was leaning towards the 545 anyway. But the above were my reasons for getting it.
08-31-2005, 05:50 AM
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My Ride: On Order for European Delivery
550i SilverGrey Sports, Winter, Prem Pkg, Prem sound, NAV, HUD, comfort seats
>>> The staggerd wheel setup
What is this? Thx
(550 on order Euro Delivery 11/11/05)
What is this? Thx
(550 on order Euro Delivery 11/11/05)