Hello all, I have been an observer of the forum for a few weeks and wanted to go ahead and start posting!

I live in the midwest (kansas) and will be upgrading my wifes 3 series to a 545 or 550 at the end of this week.

I wanted to ask all of you which vehicle you would buy if you had to do it all over again, the 2005 545i or the 2006 550i?
I am purchasing used obviously and know the differences between the two for the most part...HP etc..

I have my mind set on a 550i just because its newer but not sure if it really matters from a value standpoint. I can get the 545 for around 22 or so and the 550 for 26 or 27. I have a friend that is a dealer and frequents the Dallas BMW financial auctions.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to getting ideas on MODS. My initial WANTS for mods are M-tech kit, 20" wheels, Exhaust (which sounds best??)

Thanks,
Jake

 

The 550i with out a doubt. You should have a vehicle without many of the niggling defects of the 545i, more hp and one more year of warranty.
The price seems incredible. Are our vehicles worth almost nothing as used ?

 

WOW thoes are some incredible prices!!! If the prices hold true I would get the 550. If he has any more at that price tell your friend he's got another buyer!! Thats what I paid for my 04 545i... a 550 for the same prce would be a killer deal.

 

Damn! you are very lucky to get those prices!!! wow...
Yes, GET THE 550i of course! no doubts.

Maybe I should contact your dealer that I am also looking for a 550i

 

Hey JD, you can't go wrong with either car, so drive them both, check out options, make your choice, and then ENJOY!!

 

The prices are great at the off lease auction. I have bought a few 3"s from him in the past and they are in great shape. Most people that lease a BMW take great care of it to avoid any trumped up charges when they turn in the lease so you get a great vehicle.

You can get a pretty good idea of what a car you are interested in would go for at auction by going to KBB.com and punch up the vehicle and figure trade in value, thats obviously what a dealer would pay on trade which also happens to be what he can buy the car for at auction. If you go above 50k miles on the car it will also drop..here is an example of trade in value of a 550i with sport and nav options with 45k miles...
condition Excellent
$28,300
Good
$26,595
Fair
$23,500
Here is the same car with 55k miles....
condition Excellent
$25,650
Good
$23,945
Fair
$20,850

They pay higher for the warrantied vehicles because they certify them and charge like 8k more. If anyone is interested in shopping let me know, I am sure he could find something. He just called and there arent many 550's at this sale yet but hopefully that will change.

Jake

 

Both cars are great, I doubt that you would feel/see the differences in performance , just get the best one in terms of condition, service history , and personal preferences/options.

Good luck

 

The best jump would be to a LCI 535i if the LCI 550i feels too expensive.

 

Thanks, thats what I had surmised as well. I just want a nice ride with as much horsepower as I can afford.

I like the looks of a lot of the 5's on here...especially the low and mean with the wide lipped wheels..very nice!

Any suggestions on mods to make me the envy of my community (isnt hard to do in Wichita Kansas..ha ha)?

Again I am thinking....exhaust (something throaty), wheels, M-tech body kit, performance chips or enhancers?

Any ideas and where to find the best deals on these items would be great.

Thanks guys,
Jake

 

Are these 550i ?