550i vs. 545i!
07-06-2009, 07:41 AM
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Hello!
I'm in the process of buying an E60! I've had many BMW's in the past and I really want another V8 powered 5 (I've had 2 540i/6's)! I've owned each generation of the 5 except the E60. Anyway I'm trying to decide if paying a little more for an early 550i/6 speed is really worth it compared to a 545i/6 speed. I checked the faq's and tried searching but couldn't find much.
What are the differences (other than 35 bhp)? Do you think it's justifiable to get the early 550 over the 545? My criteria is basically a 6 speed, 60k miles or less and probably nav.
I'm in the process of buying an E60! I've had many BMW's in the past and I really want another V8 powered 5 (I've had 2 540i/6's)! I've owned each generation of the 5 except the E60. Anyway I'm trying to decide if paying a little more for an early 550i/6 speed is really worth it compared to a 545i/6 speed. I checked the faq's and tried searching but couldn't find much.
What are the differences (other than 35 bhp)? Do you think it's justifiable to get the early 550 over the 545? My criteria is basically a 6 speed, 60k miles or less and probably nav.
07-06-2009, 07:44 AM
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Originally Posted by mnmike' post='933994' date='Jul 6 2009, 11:41 AM
Hello!
I'm in the process of buying an E60! I've had many BMW's in the past and I really want another V8 powered 5 (I've had 2 540i/6's)! Anyway I'm trying to decide if paying a little more for an early 550i/6 speed is really worth it compared to a 545i/6 speed. I checked the faq's and tried searching but couldn't find much.
What are the differences (other than 35 bhp)? Do you think it's justifiable to get the early 550 over the 545? My criteria is basically a 6 speed, 60k miles or less and probably nav.
I'm in the process of buying an E60! I've had many BMW's in the past and I really want another V8 powered 5 (I've had 2 540i/6's)! Anyway I'm trying to decide if paying a little more for an early 550i/6 speed is really worth it compared to a 545i/6 speed. I checked the faq's and tried searching but couldn't find much.
What are the differences (other than 35 bhp)? Do you think it's justifiable to get the early 550 over the 545? My criteria is basically a 6 speed, 60k miles or less and probably nav.
07-06-2009, 07:55 AM
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Having owned both, get the 550i, without a doubt. Many issues were finally addressed with the simple number change. The advantage with the '07, additionally, was the inclusion of comfort seats. The sport seats suck.
07-06-2009, 07:57 AM
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Originally Posted by 1600' post='934012' date='Jul 6 2009, 11:55 AM
Having owned both, get the 550i, without a doubt. Many issues were finally addressed with the simple number change. The advantage with the '07, additionally, was the inclusion of comfort seats. The sport seats suck.
07-06-2009, 08:05 AM
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It's good to get feedback as the numbers don't always tell the whole story.
From what I remember of the E39 days, the first year (in the US) for the 4.4 540i was underrated. Dyno's consistently showed higher hp for the early cars despite the advancements and higher posted numbers for the later 540i's (282 vs 292). I had a 97 which dyno'd at 270 rwhp with a cat-back. At 15% drivetrain loss that equals around 318 bhp - and I doubt just exhaust could give that much of a gain. Compared to a 99 with dinan software, dinan intake and dinan cat-back which only came up with around 265 rwhp.
Anyway, a couple bhp isn't a big deal, I mainly just want to see if the 06's were much improved? Thanks for the responses so far!
From what I remember of the E39 days, the first year (in the US) for the 4.4 540i was underrated. Dyno's consistently showed higher hp for the early cars despite the advancements and higher posted numbers for the later 540i's (282 vs 292). I had a 97 which dyno'd at 270 rwhp with a cat-back. At 15% drivetrain loss that equals around 318 bhp - and I doubt just exhaust could give that much of a gain. Compared to a 99 with dinan software, dinan intake and dinan cat-back which only came up with around 265 rwhp.
Anyway, a couple bhp isn't a big deal, I mainly just want to see if the 06's were much improved? Thanks for the responses so far!
07-06-2009, 08:49 AM
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I've noticed nav isn't that common. I would've thought by now people wouldn't buy a 60k car without it? It seems to be more common on the 550 at least.
07-06-2009, 08:56 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Having owned both, I can confirm that the 550 is indeed quicker, but the 545 is definitely closer than it probably ought to be given the 35 hp difference. The 545 seems to make a little more of its 325hp than the 550 does of its 360hp. You'll have a great car either way, but the deals on the 545 now will be incredible. Personally, I think the extra refinements in the later E60's are a bigger deal than the additional HP so if money were no object I'd recommend the 550, but for the better developed car rather than just the extra power.
