545 vs 550i (not speed)
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Leesburg, VA
My Ride: 07' BMW 550i
My question is not about what car is faster. My question is why did BMW move from 545 to 550 right the middle E60 production?
Does anybody know? Is it some kind problem with the engines, and they are tried to eliminated it.
Does anybody know? Is it some kind problem with the engines, and they are tried to eliminated it.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Atlanta, GA
My Ride: 2008 535i:
(8/07 Build) Metallic Bronze, Beige NASCA Leather, Ventilated Seats, Sport Pkg, Cold Wxr Pkg, Logic-7 Sound, HUD, Night Vision, PDC, Split Rear Seats, NAV, Premium Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Sport Auto Trans
Current mods: M-Aero Kit, JB4, Motorcepts 6000k HID Foglamps
Umnitza ICE-Lite 10w LED 6000k AE's
1992 Camaro RS:
Fully Restored w/Custom Interior, 5.0L V8, T-tops, OEM Z28 Foglamps, Inst Cluster, & Spoiler, Custom Sound, Too many engine mods to list
LCI - Life Cycle Impulse.
This is BMW's way of making design changes without completely overhauling the model.
Most of the changes are cosmetic or introduce new features/options. However, some involve slight drivetrain improvements (like the 545i to 550i conversion) or complete drivetrain overhauls (like the 530i to 535i conversion)
This is BMW's way of making design changes without completely overhauling the model.
Most of the changes are cosmetic or introduce new features/options. However, some involve slight drivetrain improvements (like the 545i to 550i conversion) or complete drivetrain overhauls (like the 530i to 535i conversion)
Senior Members
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
My Ride: 2008 535i:
(8/07 Build) Metallic Bronze, Beige NASCA Leather, Ventilated Seats, Sport Pkg, Cold Wxr Pkg, Logic-7 Sound, HUD, Night Vision, PDC, Split Rear Seats, NAV, Premium Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Sport Auto Trans
Current mods: M-Aero Kit, JB4, Motorcepts 6000k HID Foglamps
Umnitza ICE-Lite 10w LED 6000k AE's
1992 Camaro RS:
Fully Restored w/Custom Interior, 5.0L V8, T-tops, OEM Z28 Foglamps, Inst Cluster, & Spoiler, Custom Sound, Too many engine mods to list
LCI - Life Cycle Impulse.
This is BMW's way of making design changes without completely overhauling the production model.
Most of the changes are cosmetic or introduce new features/options. However, some involve slight drivetrain improvements (like the 545i to 550i conversion) or complete drivetrain overhauls (like the 530i to 535i conversion)
This is BMW's way of making design changes without completely overhauling the production model.
Most of the changes are cosmetic or introduce new features/options. However, some involve slight drivetrain improvements (like the 545i to 550i conversion) or complete drivetrain overhauls (like the 530i to 535i conversion)
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,212
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From: Miami
My Ride: 05 545/6
the n62 was updated for the e65 2006 update, and the E60s got the updated engine as well. BMW does that often since their engines are common across various platforms. 2006 also saw the updated 6 cylinder engines from the E90, so the E60s got those as well, even though the badges didn't change.
aside from a switch back to a bosch alternator on the V8, i don't know if anything else was rectified along with the upgrade.
aside from a switch back to a bosch alternator on the V8, i don't know if anything else was rectified along with the upgrade.
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Austin, TX
My Ride: 545i sport
Model Year: 2004
The updated engine fixed the water transfer coolant pipe issue among other things, I believe. BMW engine developement does not follow body/car developement cycles (necessarily). I believe the 550 pre-dates the E60 LCI
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From: Colorado USA
My Ride: 2004 545i, 6-speed Manual, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota Leather, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Lumbar Support
There is nothing wrong with the 4.4L engine. It was the basis for the Alpina's supercharged powerplant in the B7. Now, of course, it is the basis of the new twin-power turbo engines in the 550i, 650i and 750i cars.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Leesburg, VA
My Ride: 07' BMW 550i
I'm still learning about BMW V8 engines, because I had 3-series before only. So I know starter was a problem on e46 engines, so do you have problem with starter on V8 engine?
Senior Members
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
My Ride: 2008 535i:
(8/07 Build) Metallic Bronze, Beige NASCA Leather, Ventilated Seats, Sport Pkg, Cold Wxr Pkg, Logic-7 Sound, HUD, Night Vision, PDC, Split Rear Seats, NAV, Premium Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Sport Auto Trans
Current mods: M-Aero Kit, JB4, Motorcepts 6000k HID Foglamps
Umnitza ICE-Lite 10w LED 6000k AE's
1992 Camaro RS:
Fully Restored w/Custom Interior, 5.0L V8, T-tops, OEM Z28 Foglamps, Inst Cluster, & Spoiler, Custom Sound, Too many engine mods to list
I remember reading a few threads about starter/solenoid problems with the V-8's. Not many though.
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,718
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From: Massachusetts, USA
My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
Maybe your E46 had starter problems but my 2002 E46 with 117K on the clock has never had a starter problem (knock on wood).