From what I can find, a 545i/6 speed with 50k miles I could have for 22-25k. A 550i/6 speed (the first year, not in warranty and w/o LCI) is at least 30k. If I want a 550i with LCI or an M5, more like 35-40k minimum - and the M5 in this case will be out of warranty and have higher mileage.

I just think the 545i is a really incredible deal right now and I'll likely go with it. I like the sounds of the quicker revving V8 and I don't mind the sport seats (prefer them to be honest).

 

I own a 545 and love it. I have driven the 550 and find very little diff in the two. I would say it depends on you budget. either way you will not go make a bad choice.

 

you prefer sport seats? for some reason i can not get used to them yet.. wish i can upgrade for comforts. it looks like comfort seats is really the only noticable difference beetween pre LCI 545 and 550, but price difference is like 8K

 

No, BMW installed them - it was ordered with them from new back in 2004.