Greetings once again -

I joined this forum about a year ago, when I first began to ponder trading my beloved E38 for a new 5 series car. HOwever, I decided against it at the time. Since then, the car has started having more maintenance issues, and I think its time to pull the trigger.

That being said, I know I want either a 2007 550, or a pre-owned 545.

2 questions emerge in my head.

(1) I suppose my main curiosity is whether the 550 is worth the $20K more than a nice pre-owned 545. I'm going with a car with manual transmission, sport package, etc. As money is always a consideration, I'm curious to get the impressions of this wise board. I know Blackbird (and others) have had both. All thoughts encouraged.

(2) Is there any issue with the '04 545 cars? I thought I recalled seeing some history of computer or electrical issues. I found a sweet 1 owner car with low miles, but want to know if there is anything to be wary of with that model year before doing my homework.

I tried a quick search before posting, as I am sure this has been addressed, but found little in my search. I'm sorry if I am raising a much debated topic.

Thanks to all in advance.

Pete

 

I went through the same challenge you are contemplating now...I decided on the 550 for a few reasons:

1. much smoother ride - the best 545 felt much rougher than the 550 (my opinion)
2. cost - I found a brand new 550 and the 10K difference was a no brainer in exchange for the new warranty and added refinement of the engine (notice I said 10K not 20K)
3. the 550 comes with a couple of options that may or may not be on a 545 that I like - BT and PDC.

Be aware that there are some 'grey market' 545i that were released from NJ via dealer only auctions - they were returned for reasons the original owner found unbearable (albiet some of the reasons can be pretty trivial)...the problem is when these cars find themselves sold into a state that doesnt have a strict lemon law (like TX). The seller is suppose to disclose, but if they havent this critical information can sometimes be lost forever (using TX again, they dont stamp the owners cert.)

The choice is always a personal one though...good luck with yours!

 

I always like new so about all I can say is that, if one is price conscious, then, say, a two year old 545i, saving $20,000, would be a very good deal. The 545i's are faster too. Oh, and be sure and get a Step. I would not get a manual in either car because of the bad gearing. In either car the Steps are faster. Also, I assume you are talking about a CPO--mostly for the warranty. But, of course, you can get after market extended warranties if you want one. By the way, finding a good 545i manual in will be a hard do. Those who buy manuals are thinking they are going to go fast. So, you can be pretty sure a manual has had much more than typical abuse.

Some of the early 545i's had a problem or so--which I can't remember. And, I forget the date. But, there is a date earlier than which a software upgrade will not allow MP3 play.

 

545i's have PDC and BT--at least "fully" optioned ones do. BMW didn't do a thing that is noticeable ride-wise IMO. For $10k, I'd go new for sure too. But, I also would if the "correct" difference actually is $20k.

 

Having owned an early ( Nov '03 ) build 545, I can say that my 550 is quite a bit more car, in my PERSONAL opinion.

Perhaps I needed a S/W upgrade, but I found the accelerator wasnt as responsive, as well as the 550 being quicker and more nimble.

I notice a smoother ride, (maybe its because the 545 had runflats) and the 550 seems a little tighter and better fitting.

So definitely, if you can spend the extra, the 550 is the way to go

Good luck, cant go wrong either way !!

 

I know that they were options on the 545 but when your looking used they may or may not be there. With the 550 PDC and BT come standard. Also, 20K seems to be too much disparity in pricing. I said 10K because that was my experience and I would say that isnt too much different that what is around the general market.

 

Znod, maybe your 545 is faster, but I highly doubt that the 545s are faster than the 550s.
35 extra HP means something.

 

Right on all counts, I think.

 

Yeah, I was really kidding without adding a . I do wish we could get some member confirmation though. We need someone to get a decent time or so with a 550i. But, of course, the mag times have been good.

 

As you have probably seen, the stick 545s (and SMG) do not hold their value as well as the autos. That makes for a huge savings on a used 545/new 550.

However, as you will probably see, the 04 545s (like most first year BMWs) have their share of problems. The 05s seem to be better (from what I've read here).

A neighbor of mine had an 04 545 and just returned it from lease. Loved the car but in the end, he calculated that it went into the dealer 15 times over the course of the lease.

That said, I think an 05 545 will provide you with a nice savings - unless you are planning on leasing and then with the great residuals and money factors you can get yourself a brand new 07 550.