545i versus 550- can't believe I'm not that drawn
08-19-2005, 03:36 PM
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I don't understand why I'm not drawn to the 550i as I would expect to be, as I'm always into more power. I'm turning my 01 Boxster S for an 05 soon because it has 280hp instead of 258hp (and PASM, redesign, etc.). However, after driving the 545i, I didn't say 'wow, if all it had was a bit more power' - I'm surprised that I feel I might very well be happy with the 545i if they are still available when I am ready to move on it.
I'm not getting one until February or March, so by then it is doubtful any 545i's are still around, and if so, the residual on them will be garbage (I have to lease - business owner, tax writeoff) so it wouldn't make sense. I'll get whatever is available, of course, but it just shocks me that if I were to move today on it, I think I'd be just fine and dandy with the 545i.
I'm shocking myself.
I'm not getting one until February or March, so by then it is doubtful any 545i's are still around, and if so, the residual on them will be garbage (I have to lease - business owner, tax writeoff) so it wouldn't make sense. I'll get whatever is available, of course, but it just shocks me that if I were to move today on it, I think I'd be just fine and dandy with the 545i.
I'm shocking myself.
08-19-2005, 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Evenflow545' date='Aug 19 2005, 07:52 PM
545 will hold its value okay.? ? ? One of the best and fastest BMWs ever made.? ? There's always a market for that.
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08-19-2005, 07:21 PM
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When I owned the early e46 323i I did not care so much that the 2.5L was later tuned for incremental HP. Althought the V8 is higher displacement and 35 more HP that's going to mean may be a 0.1 sec decrease in 0-60 times. Turning my perfect 545i in for a 550i would be the same as scraping my new computer for the next incremental improvement in processing time from Intel. I'm into more power, but it would have to meaningful before I trade-up. Now a M5, that's a good reason. 
08-20-2005, 06:53 AM
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I think going from 184 hp to 215 hp in a 525 would probably matter to me somewhat. Otherwise, it's a non-issue, basically.
Now, if we were able to go from 325 hp to 400+ hp? That would probably be a different story.
Saying that, I'll probably be passing by the BMW dealer this fall; stop in to have a "quick" look; and peel out with a new car and $10,0000.00 less cash, as per usual.
Now, if we were able to go from 325 hp to 400+ hp? That would probably be a different story.
Saying that, I'll probably be passing by the BMW dealer this fall; stop in to have a "quick" look; and peel out with a new car and $10,0000.00 less cash, as per usual.
08-20-2005, 07:03 AM
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Originally Posted by teutonictrio' date='Aug 20 2005, 01:36 AM
I'm turning my 01 Boxster S for an 05 soon because it has 280hp instead of 258hp (and PASM, redesign, etc.).?
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08-20-2005, 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by teutonictrio' date='Aug 19 2005, 06:36 PM
I don't understand why I'm not drawn to the 550i as I would expect to be, as I'm always into more power.? I'm turning my 01 Boxster S for an 05 soon because it has 280hp instead of 258hp (and PASM, redesign, etc.).? However, after driving the 545i, I didn't say 'wow, if all it had was a bit more power' - I'm surprised that I feel I might very well be happy with the 545i if they are still available when I am ready to move on it.?
I'm not getting one until February or March, so by then it is doubtful any 545i's are still around, and if so, the residual on them will be garbage (I have to lease - business owner, tax writeoff) so it wouldn't make sense.? I'll get whatever is available, of course, but it just shocks me that if I were to move today on it, I think I'd be just fine and dandy with the 545i.?
I'm shocking myself.
I'm not getting one until February or March, so by then it is doubtful any 545i's are still around, and if so, the residual on them will be garbage (I have to lease - business owner, tax writeoff) so it wouldn't make sense.? I'll get whatever is available, of course, but it just shocks me that if I were to move today on it, I think I'd be just fine and dandy with the 545i.?
I'm shocking myself.
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I agree the 545i is plenty quick and the 550i will be only slightly better in performance. But, it will have comfort access, a killer option and likely be more bulletproof in terms of reliability.
The residuals have dropped on the 545, which increased the monthly payments a bit. That said, dropping residuals can help if you intend to buy or release later. And, dealers right now want $2,500 over invoice for the 05 and this will drop as time passes.
CVT Benhogan
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