jsal

I prefer to buy new.

However, If you buy a 545i, in the 10-20k range, your overall warranty period will be longer I believe (certified pre-owned). Also, would the maintenance agreement still be in affect?

You are probably saving in the 15k range already. Tires are not covered anyways (unless you get the old Dunlops replaced).

So, financially you are still better off with a used car if you trade them in 4-5 years. If you keep them for 8-10, I think you are better with a new one.

ipse dixit

I honestly can't believe people say they can really feel a difference in acceleration/power/speed between the 545i and 550i.

Sure, the 550i gets an increase in hp/torque (from 325/330, respectively, to 360/360), but the 550i is also heavier than the 545 (about 50 to 60 lbs heavier in steptronic form).

Thus, the corresponding power/weight ratio is very similar and only ever so slightly in favor of the 550i on paper, and probably not at all in the real world.

Bottom line: both cars are plenty fast and driven back to back no one in their honest, right minds will be able to discern the difference. Heck, I bet if you re-badged a 550i and put a 545i emblem on it, people would say, "Heck, this thing is faster than the old 545i!"

In any event, my suggestion, would be to find the E60 with the options that you want, brand new and not CPO'd. That can either be a 545i brand new on the lot or a made-to-order 550i.

Ray Hull

[quote name='lawguy' date='Nov 10 2005, 01:26 PM' post='196283']
Greetings, mates.

I'm currently driving an '01 740il sport (E38) and very seriously considering moving to an E60 model. A year ago, i nearly bought a 545i, but when I heard the 550i was in the works, I decided to wait. The local dealer here in Kentucky doesnt have any 550's coming which are not already purchased - meaning I cant really get a test drive any time soon.

I was curious whether anyone here might have driven both enough to comment on whether there is a discernable difference in the manner in which the cars perform, i.e., accelerate.

I suppose my main question is whether its worth paying for a new 550, vs a preowned 545....

I tried to search for a similar post topic but did not see one. Forgive me if this has been discussed/debated previously.

Thanks, in advance....

- Pete


Hi Pete,
Having just traded, blindly, my 98 540i 6 spd, for a new 04 545, I have to say that I am UNimpressed with the torque. I am accustomed to lugging it around town, and find that the new torque curve requires lots of downshifting; ity's much more like the old M5 engine--top end spin. Not my idea of urban bliss.


I don't know how the 550 improves the around-town grunt, but I strongly suggest that you find a way to test drive them--you will notice immediately the difference.

Cheers,
Ray Hull

smcd

A 10% increase in power with a 1.5% increase in weight is noticeable by most drivers, particularly BMW drivers.

I would call a 10% power:weight increase pretty significant. People spend big bucks for less.

- Sean

swajames

Ray, I would have expected that you should be able notice a difference vs your 540. The 545 makes its (higher) peak at a couple hundred rpm lower rpm than your 98 540, the car is a bit lighter and the top end spin is just a bonus, pushing out another 40 horses or so.