Making the jump...545 or 550?
05-27-2008, 06:47 AM
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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
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
05-27-2008, 06:57 AM
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My Ride: 2010 M5 alpine white, black full leather, etc.
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 ?
The price seems incredible. Are our vehicles worth almost nothing as used ?
05-27-2008, 07:14 AM
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My Ride: 2012 535i xdrive M-Sport Dark Graphite II 2004 545i Black Sapphire Metallic-Retired 2001 525i Titanium Silver Metallic-Retired1994 325ic Convertible Boston Green-Retired 1985 325es Dolphin Grey-Retired
Originally Posted by jdhart73' post='589123' date='May 27 2008, 10:47 AM
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
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
05-27-2008, 07:35 AM
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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
Yes, GET THE 550i of course! no doubts.
Maybe I should contact your dealer that I am also looking for a 550i
05-27-2008, 08:20 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
Hey JD, you can't go wrong with either car, so drive them both, check out options, make your choice, and then ENJOY!! 
05-27-2008, 10:05 AM
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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
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
05-27-2008, 10:16 AM
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My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
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
Good luck
05-27-2008, 10:19 AM
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Originally Posted by jdhart73' post='589123' date='May 27 2008, 05:47 PM
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 am purchasing used obviously and know the differences between the two for the most part...HP etc..
05-27-2008, 11:04 AM
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My Ride: 2005 545i- Titanium Gray
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
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
05-27-2008, 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by jdhart73' post='589283' date='May 27 2008, 12:05 PM
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
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