Differance b/w 530i & 545i
06-11-2009, 08:07 AM
#21
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My Ride: 2005 545i /w Sport pkg - SMG - Nav - Premium pkg - PDC - Ready to begin my modding! =)
Originally Posted by sdg1871' post='903208' date='Jun 7 2009, 04:16 AM
Go for the 545.
There's no substitute for power.
There's no substitute for power.
+1 if you were camparing at 535 vs a 545 power would be close, but between a 530 and 545.....no question, get a 545! If your main concern is gas milage cost, why are you looking at a high end luxury/performance car???
06-11-2009, 02:08 PM
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My Ride: Titanium Gray 550i, Cold Weather Package, Premium Sound Package, Sport Package, Shadowline trim, Parking Distance Conrol, Xenon, Adaptive Headlight Control, Navigation System, Satellite
Originally Posted by pakattack' post='898000' date='Jun 2 2009, 01:40 PM
Hey,
I am new to the board and am purchasing a bmw for the first time (I have been a avid Lexus) and have a few questions
I am looking at a 04-06 5 series and was wondering what the differances (besides the engine) is between the 530i and the 545i?
Secondly I was looking at a car that has idrive and was told that it should automatically have navigation to? is this true because the one I am looking at doesnt seem to have navi but has idrive??
Lastly, my buddy told me that theres two types of leather that bmws come with ( a better one and one not soo good)?? Is this true and how do I know which is which?
and is there anything else i should be looking for when looking at these two models??
Thanks for your guys help, any input would be greatly appreciated!
I am new to the board and am purchasing a bmw for the first time (I have been a avid Lexus) and have a few questions
I am looking at a 04-06 5 series and was wondering what the differances (besides the engine) is between the 530i and the 545i?
Secondly I was looking at a car that has idrive and was told that it should automatically have navigation to? is this true because the one I am looking at doesnt seem to have navi but has idrive??
Lastly, my buddy told me that theres two types of leather that bmws come with ( a better one and one not soo good)?? Is this true and how do I know which is which?
and is there anything else i should be looking for when looking at these two models??
Thanks for your guys help, any input would be greatly appreciated!
to the best E60 Forum!Just a suggestion, don't limit yourself looking at the Autotrader, visit all the BMW dealerships in your area. You might find a great deal that has not been advertised. This is also the best way to compare the two.
Whichever E60 model you get, you'll be happy 
Good luck!
06-11-2009, 02:34 PM
#25
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My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Titanium Silver. Bridgestone 760s on Weds Bavaria II 18" wheels, standard sport pack size. Sport, AT. Latest job - NGK Iridium IX plugs installed.
Be sure to look at the difference in standard equipment by downloading pdf's of 5 model brochures for that year. Whenever you see a car advertised with "sports package" make sure that it has the complete sports package including tires/wheels.
I'm biased towards the 545i but I can see reasoning for the 530, especially if you live in a big city and do a lot of sitting in traffic. I use just as much gas going 50 miles out of town as I do going back and forth to work..
also your insurance rates, registration, etc. could be significantly lower with the 530. If you have financial concerns, worth looking into.
Finally, if you have financial concerns, be aware that when it comes time for, your $25k car was originally a $50k+ car. Parts and service will be expensive..if you get a CPO from BMW you might consider an extended warranty which might save you some $$ in the long haul.
I'm biased towards the 545i but I can see reasoning for the 530, especially if you live in a big city and do a lot of sitting in traffic. I use just as much gas going 50 miles out of town as I do going back and forth to work..
also your insurance rates, registration, etc. could be significantly lower with the 530. If you have financial concerns, worth looking into.
Finally, if you have financial concerns, be aware that when it comes time for, your $25k car was originally a $50k+ car. Parts and service will be expensive..if you get a CPO from BMW you might consider an extended warranty which might save you some $$ in the long haul.
06-11-2009, 02:47 PM
#26
Make sure to get either an 07 or 06 530 if you decide that way. The power difference is 255 v. 225 for the 05 and 04s plus a 7k redline v. 6500k redline plus just a better overall engine with wider torque curve, earlier torque and more torque and hp. Trust me this is the minimu power you would want in a bmw. 255 with the weight of the 530 is pretty fun and quick to drive. It has to be driven in a completely different way than a turbo car or a v8 car. YOu have to drive it at high rpms to get any power out of it.
It is 400 pounds or so lighter than the 545/550 so the 255 is somewhat decieving when compariing the two. It would be more like 280 if you took into accoutn the weight. However torque is much less.
I have a lot of fun with the 530 2007. Get some light wheels, the RPI scoop and filter and a nice exhaust since the exhaust tips look like crap but after that it will look no different than a 545/550i, the I6 is smoother than all heck and i6 sounds amazing. Also if you can get into an 07 530 v. a 04/05 545 then it is 2 years newer which is signifigant barring mileage differences.
It is a tough call. THe lightness of the I6 car makes it more agile if you are one to do more twisty driving but not as high speed. If you like the low end torque then a v8 is a must.
I think the 535 is the perfect car, unfortunately came out a year after I bought mine but it is light and has tons of low end torque.
It is 400 pounds or so lighter than the 545/550 so the 255 is somewhat decieving when compariing the two. It would be more like 280 if you took into accoutn the weight. However torque is much less.
I have a lot of fun with the 530 2007. Get some light wheels, the RPI scoop and filter and a nice exhaust since the exhaust tips look like crap but after that it will look no different than a 545/550i, the I6 is smoother than all heck and i6 sounds amazing. Also if you can get into an 07 530 v. a 04/05 545 then it is 2 years newer which is signifigant barring mileage differences.
It is a tough call. THe lightness of the I6 car makes it more agile if you are one to do more twisty driving but not as high speed. If you like the low end torque then a v8 is a must.
I think the 535 is the perfect car, unfortunately came out a year after I bought mine but it is light and has tons of low end torque.
06-11-2009, 04:05 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by pakattack' post='898000' date='Jun 2 2009, 12:40 PM
Hey,
I am new to the board and am purchasing a bmw for the first time (I have been a avid Lexus) and have a few questions
I am looking at a 04-06 5 series and was wondering what the differances (besides the engine) is between the 530i and the 545i?
Secondly I was looking at a car that has idrive and was told that it should automatically have navigation to? is this true because the one I am looking at doesnt seem to have navi but has idrive??
Lastly, my buddy told me that theres two types of leather that bmws come with ( a better one and one not soo good)?? Is this true and how do I know which is which?
and is there anything else i should be looking for when looking at these two models??
Thanks for your guys help, any input would be greatly appreciated!
I am new to the board and am purchasing a bmw for the first time (I have been a avid Lexus) and have a few questions
I am looking at a 04-06 5 series and was wondering what the differances (besides the engine) is between the 530i and the 545i?
Secondly I was looking at a car that has idrive and was told that it should automatically have navigation to? is this true because the one I am looking at doesnt seem to have navi but has idrive??
Lastly, my buddy told me that theres two types of leather that bmws come with ( a better one and one not soo good)?? Is this true and how do I know which is which?
and is there anything else i should be looking for when looking at these two models??
Thanks for your guys help, any input would be greatly appreciated!
Get nav and most 8s will have this option. Its handy. A tom tom would look odd in a bmw. Sports is a must for any choice.
The leather doesn't differ I think. Just the adj and comfort thru more padding. I wish I got the comforts now.
That said glad I got the active steer.
Good luck and welcome.
06-11-2009, 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Frank5er' post='908228' date='Jun 11 2009, 05:08 PM
to the best E60 Forum!Just a suggestion, don't limit yourself looking at the Autotrader, visit all the BMW dealerships in your area. You might find a great deal that has not been advertised. This is also the best way to compare the two.
Whichever E60 model you get, you'll be happy Good luck!
06-11-2009, 08:29 PM
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fyi, not all 545i's came with PDC, my car doesn't have it, although it was generously spec'd otherwise.
I picked up my 04 about a month ago and just under 20K with 65k on the clock. Alot of car for the money. You will use that torque more then you think.
I picked up my 04 about a month ago and just under 20K with 65k on the clock. Alot of car for the money. You will use that torque more then you think.
06-11-2009, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by DKNewYork' post='906177' date='Jun 9 2009, 10:55 PM
545i. Love the power.
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