545i vs. M3 Convertible Performance???
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Originally Posted by fishskis' date='Jan 12 2005, 07:06 AM
Thanks everyone; great comments....
Kt, though I have always loved convertibles, personally, I do not like the top down on the highway for long distances, so I won't miss that. And yes, the top's squeeking gets a bit annoying. And while I love the M3, the rough ride is something I think I may not miss. As for off the line, I have SMG, and I have always felt a bit of a initial lag from a standing start. Maybe I am just growing up, but I am looking forward to a little softer, more luxurious ride.
Incidentally, I live in L.A., so for me it is nice about 11 months a year (past 3 weeks excepted). The sunroof will have to suffice. I suspect I will miss it on occasion, but I am really looking forward to picking up the 5 in Munich in a few months.
BTW, am I the only one who is shocked that the 545 actually weighs less than the M3?
Kt, though I have always loved convertibles, personally, I do not like the top down on the highway for long distances, so I won't miss that. And yes, the top's squeeking gets a bit annoying. And while I love the M3, the rough ride is something I think I may not miss. As for off the line, I have SMG, and I have always felt a bit of a initial lag from a standing start. Maybe I am just growing up, but I am looking forward to a little softer, more luxurious ride.
Incidentally, I live in L.A., so for me it is nice about 11 months a year (past 3 weeks excepted). The sunroof will have to suffice. I suspect I will miss it on occasion, but I am really looking forward to picking up the 5 in Munich in a few months.
BTW, am I the only one who is shocked that the 545 actually weighs less than the M3?
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From: Los Angeles. CA
My Ride: 2004 545i 6 spd Sports Package | NAV | PDC | Logic 7 | BT retrofit | SW V13.3
Originally Posted by skaffa' date='Jan 12 2005, 06:28 AM
[quote name='fishskis' date='Jan 12 2005, 04:06 PM']BTW, am I the only one who is shocked that the 545 actually weighs less than the M3?
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I thought that it was typo! Had to check.Skaffa
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[/quote]Convertibles always weigh more. There is additional structural support that needs to make up for the lack of the B and C pillar.
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From: Brooklyn, NY
My Ride: 2005 545i SMG Alpine White/Black Leather, Sport, Logic7, Cold Weather, Navigation
The reason the E60 is lighter is koz it has that revolutionary all aluminum chassis. Aliminum = Light, Light = Faster 
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From: So Cal
Originally Posted by 530iii' date='Jan 12 2005, 01:36 PM
I thought the 0 to 60mph on an E46 M3 was a half second quicker? 
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Originally Posted by heezy545i' date='Jan 12 2005, 05:59 PM
[quote name='530iii' date='Jan 12 2005, 01:36 PM']I thought the 0 to 60mph on an E46 M3 was a half second quicker?
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[/quote]The coupe is definitely quicker - 333 hp vs 325 is basically a wash, but the coupe is 3460 lbs vs 3803 for the 545. The 'vert is about the same weight as the 545 so the performance is the same. I was pretty much even with an M3 'vert when we were on the highway - maybe I was just pulling away a hair. The 545 is tough to beat at hwy speeds.
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From: Helsinki, Finland
My Ride: -04 530D
Originally Posted by Alpine545' date='Jan 12 2005, 11:48 PM
The reason the E60 is lighter is koz it has that revolutionary all aluminum chassis. Aliminum = Light, Light = Faster
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Only front from A-pilar.Skaffa
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From: Naperville/Illinois/60564
My Ride: First Vehicle: 2004 545I, Silver Gray Metallic Exterior with Gray Interior & Poplar Wood Trim, Steptronic, Active Steering, Sports Suspension w/Dynamic Drive, Logic 7, Heads-up Display, Voice Input, 6 Disc CD Changer in Glove Box, Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Seats, Fold-down Rear Seats, Professional Navigation System, Winter Package with Heated Steering Wheel and Rear Heated Seats, Rear Side Airbags, Powered Sunblind for Rear Window, Manual Rear Side Sunblinds, Universal Remote Control, Interior/Exterior Anti-dazzle Mirrors, Satellite Tuner Prep, Passport SR-1 Remote Radar Detector, Aux Stereo Input, Wood shift knob, XM Radio
Second Vehicle: 2004 X5 4.8IS
I traded-in my 03 M3 conv. for a 545. I wish that I could have both cars, but by far for all around driving pleasure, I like the 545. It's much more comfortable and in most instances just as fast. My wife refused to ride in my M3 because of the roof noise and ride. She couldn't believe that a $67k car squeeked so much.
Everyone wanted to race me when I drove the M3. I came close to getting in trouble several times (M3's attract police) but fortunately, dodged several bullets. I would say that the 545 is more stealth. The only real complaint that I have had with the 545 was the runflat tires. As has been reported in a number of sites here in the E60 forums, the runflats become very loud after a few thousand miles.
Anyway, I think you will really enjoy your new 545 and will be surprised how quickly you adapt to the change in dynamics.
Everyone wanted to race me when I drove the M3. I came close to getting in trouble several times (M3's attract police) but fortunately, dodged several bullets. I would say that the 545 is more stealth. The only real complaint that I have had with the 545 was the runflat tires. As has been reported in a number of sites here in the E60 forums, the runflats become very loud after a few thousand miles.
Anyway, I think you will really enjoy your new 545 and will be surprised how quickly you adapt to the change in dynamics.