Which to Buy 08 530i or 05 545i
12-11-2010 | 08:34 PM
#12
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 58
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From: Calgary, Canada
The 2006 and later 530i is sweet. The upgraded engine has plenty of power (even more fun with a six speed) and the fuel economy is fantastic given the size and performance of the vehicle. You'll be happy with it, and you won't be groaning every three days when you have to fill the 545 up. Expect one fill or less a week.
12-11-2010 | 08:34 PM
#13
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 114
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From: Houston
add +350lbs to the 545 (~35hp) plus out of warranty.
i like my 530i. it is not as fast as the 550i, but i've driven the 535i and it is a much closer comparison than *forum* members want to accept. the 335i, on the other hand, is a surprise compared to the 535i.bmw gets shit for mileage, in severe city expect 4-5mpg less than ratings in any of the 5 series. i get about 16mpg in my 2007 530i (255hp), but when i got a loaner 750i with the v8, i only got 11mpg in the same city settings; it's rated at 14.
i like my 530i. it is not as fast as the 550i, but i've driven the 535i and it is a much closer comparison than *forum* members want to accept. the 335i, on the other hand, is a surprise compared to the 535i.bmw gets shit for mileage, in severe city expect 4-5mpg less than ratings in any of the 5 series. i get about 16mpg in my 2007 530i (255hp), but when i got a loaner 750i with the v8, i only got 11mpg in the same city settings; it's rated at 14.
12-11-2010 | 08:40 PM
#14
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5
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The 530 is facelifted as its an 08 whereas the 545 is a 05 so not facelifted.
Thanks a lot for your answers I did not expect so many in such a small period of time. Just because the 530 is facelifted and has all the options I think I will opt for that one instead of the 545i. I honestly just need a cruiser that will perform well in the city and with 272hp I think Ill be alright. I already have my eyes set on a nice sports coupe that should be in the driveway before 2012 so a performance coupe and a cruiser sedan is more than enough.
Thanks again and ill keep you all posted with some pictures once its home. I already ordered the Mtek kit now looking for some shoes, coilovers and a few other goodies...
Thanks a lot for your answers I did not expect so many in such a small period of time. Just because the 530 is facelifted and has all the options I think I will opt for that one instead of the 545i. I honestly just need a cruiser that will perform well in the city and with 272hp I think Ill be alright. I already have my eyes set on a nice sports coupe that should be in the driveway before 2012 so a performance coupe and a cruiser sedan is more than enough.
Thanks again and ill keep you all posted with some pictures once its home. I already ordered the Mtek kit now looking for some shoes, coilovers and a few other goodies...
12-12-2010 | 05:35 AM
#18
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
add +350lbs to the 545 (~35hp) plus out of warranty.
i like my 530i. it is not as fast as the 550i, but i've driven the 535i and it is a much closer comparison than *forum* members want to accept. the 335i, on the other hand, is a surprise compared to the 535i.
bmw gets shit for mileage, in severe city expect 4-5mpg less than ratings in any of the 5 series. i get about 16mpg in my 2007 530i (255hp), but when i got a loaner 750i with the v8, i only got 11mpg in the same city settings; it's rated at 14.
i like my 530i. it is not as fast as the 550i, but i've driven the 535i and it is a much closer comparison than *forum* members want to accept. the 335i, on the other hand, is a surprise compared to the 535i.
bmw gets shit for mileage, in severe city expect 4-5mpg less than ratings in any of the 5 series. i get about 16mpg in my 2007 530i (255hp), but when i got a loaner 750i with the v8, i only got 11mpg in the same city settings; it's rated at 14.
12-12-2010 | 07:39 AM
#20
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Everett, WA
My Ride: '05 545i Sport
I have an '05 545i which I am very happy with, although I don't daily commute in it.
I regularly see between 18.5-21.5mpg (27mpg on the freeway) hand calculated mileage, a friend has the '05 530i and is in the same mileage range... I think you'll find that the biggest deciding factor will be maintenance, the V8 is reliable but is a little more maintenance intensive than the bulletproof straight 6. I bought my car with 58k miles, I'm at 71k miles now and have had my car for a year, I've replaced the water pump, battery, windshield washer pump and have an alternator bracket o-ring that I need to replace because I leave little puddles of oil where ever I park. Most people would have a pretty big shop bill by now but I've done all my own work and most of the diagnosis that I can on my own, not everyone is capable of this.
Don't try and fool yourself, there is a big difference between the feel of a 530i vs. 545i, you will always have a grin from the V8.
I regularly see between 18.5-21.5mpg (27mpg on the freeway) hand calculated mileage, a friend has the '05 530i and is in the same mileage range... I think you'll find that the biggest deciding factor will be maintenance, the V8 is reliable but is a little more maintenance intensive than the bulletproof straight 6. I bought my car with 58k miles, I'm at 71k miles now and have had my car for a year, I've replaced the water pump, battery, windshield washer pump and have an alternator bracket o-ring that I need to replace because I leave little puddles of oil where ever I park. Most people would have a pretty big shop bill by now but I've done all my own work and most of the diagnosis that I can on my own, not everyone is capable of this.
Don't try and fool yourself, there is a big difference between the feel of a 530i vs. 545i, you will always have a grin from the V8.