550i vs. 545i
11-19-2006, 08:14 PM
#11
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If buying a used 545i, I would suggest getting a week 9 car (production in 9th week of 2005) as I remember there being some improvements after this date. Also, try to get one with comfort seats (std on the new 550i).
I have a post week 9 car and have had zero problems.
I have a post week 9 car and have had zero problems.
11-19-2006, 08:49 PM
#12
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My Ride: 2007 E63 AMG | Obsidian Black | Schwarzes Nappa | Black BirdEye Maple | Premium II Package | Electronic Trunk Closer | Parktronic
Engine: RPi/Powerchips custom ECU tune, RPi Ram Air Kit (BMC filter, scoops), RennTech Sport exhaust, secondary cats, charcoal and resonator delete, custom AAA x-pipe
Exterior: 50% side windows / 35% rear window Formula One Pinnacle Series | Flat AMG hood emblem
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Wheels/Tires: Radenergie R10, Falken FK452 245/30/20, Yokohama ADVAN Sport 285/25/20
-----------------------------------------
2005 545i Sport SMG | Ti Grau | Schwarzes Dakota | Anthracite Maple | Logic 7 | Nav
Engine: Custom AFE CAI, Superchips ECU remap, Sprint Booster, RDSport Dual Exhaust Conversion with Quad Pipes and X-pipe, 3 resonators deleted, 90mm tips!
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ED Date: 4/7/05, Re-delivery date: 5/21/05
Originally Posted by Znod' post='358220' date='Nov 19 2006, 06:31 PM
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.
. 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.
11-20-2006, 05:18 AM
#14
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My Ride: 2014 X5 xDrive 5.0 M Package Carbon Black Metallic/2008 M Roadster Imola Red
Originally Posted by vegastrashed' post='358275' date='Nov 19 2006, 10:49 PM
Best time I've seen reported so far for a 550i is 5.0 by brian1225. He borrowed my G-Meter for a week and went to town with launching his car. He could only do it once. All the other times he was getting 5.1 and 5.2. Brian's is a 550i Step. Hollywoodtrash on the other hand, his best is 5.1 and he's got the 550i SMG.
11-20-2006, 05:41 AM
#15
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Originally Posted by Znod' post='358220' date='Nov 20 2006, 02:31 AM
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.
. 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.
0-whatever is interesting but not typical?
11-20-2006, 10:40 AM
#16
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My Ride: 2008 550, Carbon Black Metallic, Natural Brown Dakota Leather, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Power Rear and Manual Side Sun Shades, etc.
Retired - 2004 545 SMG, Black Sapphire Metallic, Auburn Dakota Leather, Cold Weather and Sports Packages, Power Rear and Manual Side Sun Shades
Originally Posted by lawguy' post='358366' date='Nov 20 2006, 05:44 AM
Thanks to all of you for your thoughts...I really appreciate it. 
- Pete
- Pete
I have an '04 545, and cannot compare to the 550. But, I am very happy with the car. If you go with the 545 make sure the dealer upgrades the software to the newest available version. The software upgrades have corrected most of the issues that early 545's had.
11-20-2006, 01:33 PM
#17
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My Ride: 07' 550i sport; Sapphire Black/Auburn; sport package; steptronic; navigation with R.T.T.I.; heads up; cold weather package; Logic-7; BMW MOST ipod kit; Motorola V3 snap-in adapter; rear heated seats and rear shades; anthracite headliner; sirrius sat. radio; M-aero kit; OEM style 166 Wheels with 245/35-19 front and 285/30-19 rear Michelin PS2s.
Just pulled the same trigger myself. I also just responded to your IM about the pictures of my car. I had an 01' E38 740i sport and I loved the car. I went with the 550i sport because the new 7 is just too big and it is frankly very unexciting (relative to other BMWs) to drive even with the sport package and I just can't justify the cost of an M5 right now. The car is a touch more luxurious than I expected (takes off from a light in a very relaxed manner and the suspension is somewhat soft even with the sport package which gives a nice highway ride). I have never driven a 545i so I can't compare, but a 30 ft./lb. difference in torque is way more noticable than a 35 horsepower increase - case in point, the 745i was slower to 60 than my 740i with an additional 45 horsepower because it had not one drop of additional torque. I have driven a 740il sport and the 550 is much quicker. Surprisingly though, it doesn't feel that much quicker off the line than my old 740i sport (5.9 0-60). But again, that car had a special torque converter and higher gearing courtesy of the folks at the M division. It also had Dinan software which made the throttle mapping very aggressive. The 550 feels stronger in the midrange than the 740i sport and it is more comfortable. I can't imagine a car person not being happy with a new 5.
Good luck,
DRP
Good luck,
DRP
11-20-2006, 02:28 PM
#18
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Originally Posted by lawguy' post='357983' date='Nov 19 2006, 09:11 AM
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 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
Go 550 all the way.. Yes issues with the 545. I held on to my 540 till the 550 came out. Plus you get alot more HP in the 550 vs the 545.. it a noticable difference. May i suggest a 6 speed?
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