My 545i is in the shop today for, hopefully, software upgrades to remedy some odd entertainment system issues and the likes-to-hang-in-first-gear issue.

My loaner is an E60 525i. I thought it would be interesting to drive a 525, after spending the last 2 weeks in a 545.

Honestly, there is more pickup than I thought there would be. Sure you have to give it more throttle, but it's really pretty decent. So I'd expect the 2006 inline 6's to be even better yet.

I did feel a difference in the ride quality. My 545i does not have the sport package, but definitely feels smoother. Im not sure if this 525 has the sport package or not. I should look to see if I can figure that out.

The 525 doesnt have the heated steering wheel, so it has the 'thin' wheel. mmmmm I really like my thick wheel!!

What really blew me away was the gas milage as reported on the car computer. I was getting 37-38 on the highway. I would anticipate that the gas milage on a 525 is probably a good 10 mpg or more better than on the 545, although my 545 only has 1500 miles on it and may 'loosen up' a bit yet.

 

You'll be plesantly suprised even if you drive a 2.2 litre 520i E60 ( but I think it's not avaliable in the States). The important thing to note here is that BMW don't make crap cars. All their cars from the smaller engine straight up to the top model of the range are good cars each one with its own pros and cons.

Anyway its nice to here a 545i owner giving credit to a smaller engined E60. Remember that in many parts of the world taxes are so high that most people only buy the smaller engine cars. BMW make sure the don't make mistakes especially with their engines in particular their inline straight 6 is the best (in my opinion) 6 cylinder engine in the world

 

Look at the door and window trim is it black or chrome. If it's black it has the sports package

 

Bart001,

Can you explain what you mean by "likes-to-hang-in-first-gear"?

Under what conditions etc...

 

I really wanted the 545, but the extra $10,000 wasn't in the budget since I wanted Nav, Sports Pkg, and Premium pkg.

So I test drove the 525i and I was also amazed how much "get up and go" it had for a 2.5 liter 6 cylendar. That test drive was enough for me to buy it.

Again, I'd love the v8 in a 545, but you're right, the 525 does not suck.

 

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If memory serves, you get the premium package with a base no options 545i...

 

Hanging ing first gear would mean; staying in first too long and the engine reving higher that is supposed to before it shifts to second.

 

My 545 is also at the dealer this week to add Sirius, and I got the '06 525 as a loaner. Your post is my feeling exactly, almost word for word. I expected the 525 to be a dog from an acceleration standpoint but it definitely holds it's own. It seems to be a little airy at higher RPMs, but that's to be expected.

And I also miss the thick steering wheel!