545 vs. 530
08-31-2005, 05:56 AM
#11
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My Ride: Jet Black 545i
Tires are wider in rear than front.
Only reason I'd get a 530i is to save some clams on the purchase price and to save at the pump. Otherwise I'd always get the biggest engine I can afford.
Only reason I'd get a 530i is to save some clams on the purchase price and to save at the pump. Otherwise I'd always get the biggest engine I can afford.
Originally Posted by Cyclist' date='Aug 31 2005, 09:50 AM
>>>? 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)
[snapback]165530[/snapback]
08-31-2005, 06:35 AM
#12
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Originally Posted by heezy545i' date='Aug 31 2005, 04:17 AM
[quote name='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.
[snapback]165495[/snapback]
[/quote]I'm calm. I mean, come on - an unsolicited statement like this - he's obviously trolling for victims - whether he knows it or not. I'm not mad or harboring any ill will. I just don't think it's necessary.
08-31-2005, 07:30 AM
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im in this position now, trying to firm down a decision between the 530 and 550...though the 550 will have a clear power advantage at some point, i believe the weight difference is significant enough to make the 530 sport the better overall choice for me. I dont live anywhere where i can take advantage of regular 100mph+ speeds where i believe the 550 would clearly outshine the 530. With that in mind, i feel that the 530 is quick enough in acceleration and in the 60-85mph run when possible on NY highways...its never been a cost/benefit decision as the way im currently spec'ing my potential 530 is way past the cost of most owners normally spec'ed 545s. I just want to have enough power not to get in too much trouble, but plenty of fun when I want it...driving the 550 would challenge me in this aspect as we all could agree, if you have the power available, you will use it and that can be dangerous 
what it really comes down to is what is most important to the driver and i dont feel im sacraficing anything by choosing the 530 over the 550, the marginal difference in cost is not in my equation atleast
... of course i will say that i wish i had the option of the new 540 which i believe is the optimal engine choice for the E60, but im really sick of waiting for BMW NA
to allow me to buy what i want so i have to make a damn decision already, though i admit that i have had my heart set on SMG and the discussions lately are disheartening if it is no longer offered in the US. I feel that this would be a major defeat for BMW as they have dedicated so much into its development and especially in terms of M-division, where they have adopted it as the sole choice outside the US for the M5 and M6...no SMG will be a publicity nightmare from the car mags that are just waiting to pounce on BMW these days... lets hope that BMW doesnt back down....
what it really comes down to is what is most important to the driver and i dont feel im sacraficing anything by choosing the 530 over the 550, the marginal difference in cost is not in my equation atleast
... of course i will say that i wish i had the option of the new 540 which i believe is the optimal engine choice for the E60, but im really sick of waiting for BMW NA
to allow me to buy what i want so i have to make a damn decision already, though i admit that i have had my heart set on SMG and the discussions lately are disheartening if it is no longer offered in the US. I feel that this would be a major defeat for BMW as they have dedicated so much into its development and especially in terms of M-division, where they have adopted it as the sole choice outside the US for the M5 and M6...no SMG will be a publicity nightmare from the car mags that are just waiting to pounce on BMW these days... lets hope that BMW doesnt back down....
08-31-2005, 07:59 AM
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Originally Posted by pennetta' date='Aug 30 2005, 03:48 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.
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08-31-2005, 10:01 AM
#16
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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.
Originally Posted by Cyclist' date='Aug 31 2005, 08:50 AM
>>>? 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)
[snapback]165530[/snapback]
08-31-2005, 10:08 AM
#17
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Originally Posted by m630' date='Aug 31 2005, 10:30 AM
im in this position now, trying to firm down a decision between the 530 and 550...though the 550 will have a clear power advantage at some point, i believe the weight difference is significant enough to make the 530 sport the better overall choice for me.? I dont live anywhere where i can take advantage of regular 100mph+ speeds where i believe the 550 would clearly outshine the 530.? With that in mind, i feel that the 530 is quick enough in acceleration and in the 60-85mph run when possible on NY highways...its never been a cost/benefit decision as the way im currently spec'ing my potential 530 is way past the cost of most owners normally spec'ed 545s.? I just want to have enough power not to get in too much trouble, but plenty of fun when I want it...driving the 550 would challenge me in this aspect as we all could agree, if you have the power available, you will use it and that can be dangerous
what it really comes down to is what is most important to the driver and i dont feel im sacraficing anything by choosing the 530 over the 550, the marginal difference in cost is not in my equation atleast
... of course i will say that i wish i had the option of the new 540 which i believe is the optimal engine choice for the E60, but im really sick of waiting for BMW NA? to allow me to buy what i want so i have to make a damn decision already, though i admit that i have had my heart set on SMG and the discussions lately are disheartening if it is no longer offered in the US.? I feel that this would be a major defeat for BMW as they have dedicated so much into its development and especially in terms of M-division, where they have adopted it as the sole choice outside the US for the M5 and M6...no SMG will be a publicity nightmare from the car mags that are just waiting to pounce on BMW these days... lets hope that BMW doesnt back down....
what it really comes down to is what is most important to the driver and i dont feel im sacraficing anything by choosing the 530 over the 550, the marginal difference in cost is not in my equation atleast
... of course i will say that i wish i had the option of the new 540 which i believe is the optimal engine choice for the E60, but im really sick of waiting for BMW NA?
to allow me to buy what i want so i have to make a damn decision already, though i admit that i have had my heart set on SMG and the discussions lately are disheartening if it is no longer offered in the US.? I feel that this would be a major defeat for BMW as they have dedicated so much into its development and especially in terms of M-division, where they have adopted it as the sole choice outside the US for the M5 and M6...no SMG will be a publicity nightmare from the car mags that are just waiting to pounce on BMW these days... lets hope that BMW doesnt back down....[snapback]165561[/snapback]
That was my exact thinking as well. My driving is mainly commute, and half the time it's tedious and unenjoyable. Traffic knowns no time-of-day here... it's not like you can go out at night and the road is empty - it's still chock full of cars. You -might- be able to get on the car for a few seconds before you need to brake. Perfect example:
The other day I was going through the EZ Pass and an E39 M5 was beside me. I was in second gear and we tore out of there at about the same time (rolling starts). He got ahead of me, but after moving in front of me I was able to stay right behind him until we hit traffic. His car had an exhaust and I have no doubt that he'd cream me, but it illustrates how he couldn't make use of the power at his disposal and had to brake before things got interesting.
The US might get lucky here next year with a twin-turbo version of the 530i. You might do well to wait for that. The remapping on a car like that would reap insane rewards.
08-31-2005, 10:12 AM
#18
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Originally Posted by pennetta' date='Aug 31 2005, 01:01 PM
[quote name='Cyclist' date='Aug 31 2005, 08:50 AM']>>>? 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)
[snapback]165530[/snapback]
[snapback]165606[/snapback]
[/quote]Yeah, the look of the 545i from behind is unmatched. Do you happen to know if the rear axles are shorter on the 545i to accomodate these wider tires? I'm concerned that adding the same width to my car might make them jut out too far.
08-31-2005, 10:38 AM
#19
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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.
Originally Posted by UUronL' date='Aug 31 2005, 01:08 PM
[quote name='m630' date='Aug 31 2005, 10:30 AM']im in this position now, trying to firm down a decision between the 530 and 550...though the 550 will have a clear power advantage at some point, i believe the weight difference is significant enough to make the 530 sport the better overall choice for me.? I dont live anywhere where i can take advantage of regular 100mph+ speeds where i believe the 550 would clearly outshine the 530.? With that in mind, i feel that the 530 is quick enough in acceleration and in the 60-85mph run when possible on NY highways...its never been a cost/benefit decision as the way im currently spec'ing my potential 530 is way past the cost of most owners normally spec'ed 545s.? I just want to have enough power not to get in too much trouble, but plenty of fun when I want it...driving the 550 would challenge me in this aspect as we all could agree, if you have the power available, you will use it and that can be dangerous
what it really comes down to is what is most important to the driver and i dont feel im sacraficing anything by choosing the 530 over the 550, the marginal difference in cost is not in my equation atleast
... of course i will say that i wish i had the option of the new 540 which i believe is the optimal engine choice for the E60, but im really sick of waiting for BMW NA? to allow me to buy what i want so i have to make a damn decision already, though i admit that i have had my heart set on SMG and the discussions lately are disheartening if it is no longer offered in the US.? I feel that this would be a major defeat for BMW as they have dedicated so much into its development and especially in terms of M-division, where they have adopted it as the sole choice outside the US for the M5 and M6...no SMG will be a publicity nightmare from the car mags that are just waiting to pounce on BMW these days... lets hope that BMW doesnt back down....
what it really comes down to is what is most important to the driver and i dont feel im sacraficing anything by choosing the 530 over the 550, the marginal difference in cost is not in my equation atleast
... of course i will say that i wish i had the option of the new 540 which i believe is the optimal engine choice for the E60, but im really sick of waiting for BMW NA?
to allow me to buy what i want so i have to make a damn decision already, though i admit that i have had my heart set on SMG and the discussions lately are disheartening if it is no longer offered in the US.? I feel that this would be a major defeat for BMW as they have dedicated so much into its development and especially in terms of M-division, where they have adopted it as the sole choice outside the US for the M5 and M6...no SMG will be a publicity nightmare from the car mags that are just waiting to pounce on BMW these days... lets hope that BMW doesnt back down....[snapback]165561[/snapback]
That was my exact thinking as well. My driving is mainly commute, and half the time it's tedious and unenjoyable. Traffic knowns no time-of-day here... it's not like you can go out at night and the road is empty - it's still chock full of cars. You -might- be able to get on the car for a few seconds before you need to brake. Perfect example:
The other day I was going through the EZ Pass and an E39 M5 was beside me. I was in second gear and we tore out of there at about the same time (rolling starts). He got ahead of me, but after moving in front of me I was able to stay right behind him until we hit traffic. His car had an exhaust and I have no doubt that he'd cream me, but it illustrates how he couldn't make use of the power at his disposal and had to brake before things got interesting.
The US might get lucky here next year with a twin-turbo version of the 530i. You might do well to wait for that. The remapping on a car like that would reap insane rewards.
[snapback]165611[/snapback]
[/quote]I think you are over estimating the power of the M5, maybe he just could not loose you. Acceleration is best represented by the torque rating and the E60 545 has 330 ft/lbs the E39 M5 has 369 ft/lbs. I did not see a comparision torque curve graph, but I would guess the 545's is broader. The weights are similar so acceleration between the two are closer than you might think.
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