chbrules

I really wanted to get those first-class airline seats that come in the 550i. The 550i might be too pricey for me used, perhaps not.

I'm a disgruntled 335ci owner. Within 4 months I've had a list of problems with my car ranging from the fuel pump crapping out to the cruise control not working, and now it's in again because the brakes failed. I figure I may be able to get top dollar for it early next year and I'll settle on a used 2007 550i black on black.

The problem is, the cheapest I see right now is over $48k. That's fine, I can do that, I can even do low 50's. But some of the prices are high 50's and even 60's! I have to consider the 545i as an alternative, but I'm worried it won't be nearly as appealing and fun.

Is there anywhere I can find plenty of info and pictures on the 545i? I want to see how it compares. Maybe I should take a visit to my local dealership too.

Thanks guys!

jet190rs

i believe both have the same standard seats, and same optional seats.

before lci, the 545 and 550 had:
standard seats
optional sports seats,
optional comfort seats

after lci, the 550 has:
standard seats
optional comfort seats (renamed multi-contour seats)

pukka

You will probably have to wait awhile before the 2007 prices drop since the 2008 MY is just past its mid-point. For most people, a 2008 550i is in the $70k - $80k range, so high 50's to 60's is pretty accurate.

NY550i

Did the 545i have the comfort and sport seating? By looking at the seats from a 545i and 550i they were different.

I have the comfort and sport seating and it was probably one of the most comfortable seats i have ever been in... definitely get it.

SergeyM

Not exactly.

545 and 2006 550 - standard (very bad), sport (bad), comfort (great)
2007 550 - standard (bad), multi-contour (former comfort) - great
Early 2008 550 same as 2007 550
Newer 2008 550 - new seats. Do not know much about them.

Sport/multi contour are a part of the sport package
Comfort seats were optional in 2004-2006.

In your case if you get 2007 550 with the sport package you will get the seats you want.
BTW my 2007 has residual of $47K. So high $40s are doable for 2007 550. Note that my car has basic options only. A loaded one will be well over $50K.

iversonm

The only difference is the headrest. It was redesigned for improved whiplash protection. The rest of the seat is unchanged, and the sides of the headrest still fold out like the previous model.

chbrules

What do you guys see a 2008 550i priced at by spring '09?

I went and sat in one when I picked my 335i up today. My sales guy wasn't there so I didn't test drive it, but oh man those seats were freakin awesome. I'm not too partial of that funky new stick they have on the transmission, though. Other than that, the car looked and felt amazing. That sports package really does something for the 5'er.

I'm glad to see that the '08 model gets better fuel economy too.

pa550

Where are you?

chbrules

Long Beach, CA. My dealership is down in Orange County in Newport; Sterling BMW.

iversonm

Mine looks normal to me...



On a more serious note, I assume that the model you sat in is the base transmission. The $500 Sport transmission has a much improved shifter, IMHO.