Morning all.

I'm looking to get into a 545I or 550I.

I have read all that I could find about the differences between the engine and very minor performance delta between the 2 cars and I'm not concerned. From what I read performance wise they are DIFFERENT by a bit but ill be happy with either.

Is the I-drive/Nav any better in the 06 + 550I? I beileve the CCC update was done in 2004?

Is comfort access (touch less entry and pocket start) available on the 545I? (a option Ide really like to have)

I searched everywhere for a model year change list (like I have found with my E46 M and others) on the internet but couldnt find much.

So is there any reason to take a 2006 Model over a 04/05 other then a slightly bigger motor and such? I'm looking for more along the lines of interior changes, improvements to the step trans, active steering and things like that.


I'm familiar with SEARCHING, used wiki, google and have even done a site:forums.e60.net search but couldnt really find a good thread discussing the 2 cars because all anyone wants to talk about is the damn engine

 

The engine is the only important difference, both of the cars are high end and have almost identical features.

 

Other than the Gen 3 iDrive that was debuted with the LCI, the CCC was the same from SOP through the LCI.

 

My choice was just to avoid the 04 545i, first year of a very complicated car. Not much difference between an 05 545i and an 06 550i.

 

What he means is, that the 2007 550 (I think September production*?) has the newer iDrive with shortcut buttons (it is also faster). In addition, the comfort seats (an option on the 545/ 2006 550) were made standard with the 2007 if you got the sport package (these seats are incredible). Many have said that the Active Steering feels better on later build 5-series cars (may have been software changes). Last but not least, the 545 is not as reliable as the 550 (not necessarily due to the engine, but other factors as well).

In short, finding a 2006 550 (especially with comfort seats) is difficult as the car was out only from Sept 05 through Feb 06 I believe - so a 2007 is your best bet.

*Jonathan, did the gen 3 iDrive debut with the 2007 or did they hold it back until Sept 2006 production?

 

Thanks so much everyone for all your input so far and this is exactly what kinda of information I have been looking for.

With your guys input and further research I have decided to choose a 550I

Now I just need to decide if I will opt for the gen III Idrive. I will have a hard time since I am really looking to get into a WHITE 550 and they seem to be REALLY rare. I will be on the look out every day.

I also sourced up this info on the Idrive if anyone else is interested.

http://www.bmwcca.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3088

Keep the info coming guys! thanks


Also it looks like comfort access (touch less unlock and key less start) is not available in the 04/05 models?

 

What are the factors that make the 545i less reliable? I am thinking about making an offer on a loaded one that is a CPO (I am thinking $30k for 29k miles) but if it makes sense to wait another year and look for an '07 550i CPO for just slightly more money, I would certainly consider doing that.

Jeff

 

I have an 04 545, and I'd like to know if there's any validaty to this. I mean is there proof that the first year E60 545 (04), had more problems than the 05. I'm just curious.

 

+1

i would like to know myself, being a fellow 04 545 owner. ive had the car for a little over 6 months and not had any problems whatsoever. Changed everything the service screen told me to do (Microfilters, and oil) but thats it.

 

Well, it would just be nice to have the 550, a newer model, than the 545. If you can afford the couple grand extra, then just sprout for a newer one. A tad bit bigger engine, improved iDrive. I think it's worth it.