Nabbed a 545i
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 599
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From: Bay Area, CA
My Ride: 545i Sport Auto (see sig)
Check it out...
Pulled the trigger on a lease yesterday. I decided that although I would like the performance of the 550i, the lease rates were so good now that it was difficult to turn down. Plus I get the 550i in three years if I stick with the lease anyways.
Also factoring into my decision was the fact that I can buy at any time if I want, and if decent superchargers start popping up for the 545i, I just may do it and keep the car until the next 5-series iteration.
As can be seen from my sig, I am going to pimp this ride. Wheels&tires&exhaust are already ordered.
I'm going to talk to my audio guy tomorrow. The audio is definitely going to be the most involved project. I specifically didn't get premium sound&nav because I'm going to put in a near competition quality aftermarket system (with iPod integration of course, and good-quality nav if I can fit it).
If I stick with the lease of course these mods will have to come out in the end. Wheels and exhaust should be simple, I'll try to have the audio shop not do anything irreversible.
As you can see from the pics my previous car was a Lexus GS400. It's got a lot of power and drives great, but the 545i is something else. I am telepathically connected to the road. It is unreal.
The only thing that isn't working right is Bluetooth. And this is Sprint's fault, because Sprint's only Bluetooth phone, the LG PM-325, is crippled in ways that make integration with the Bimmer's system impossible. A disappoinment, considering I picked up this phone just today. Will be returning it tomorrow. (No, I can't move from Sprint because they're the only ones with decent reception at home and office and have great prices).
The iDrive is great. Those neanderthals at the car magazines who rap it are simply smoking crack.
Pulled the trigger on a lease yesterday. I decided that although I would like the performance of the 550i, the lease rates were so good now that it was difficult to turn down. Plus I get the 550i in three years if I stick with the lease anyways.
Also factoring into my decision was the fact that I can buy at any time if I want, and if decent superchargers start popping up for the 545i, I just may do it and keep the car until the next 5-series iteration.
As can be seen from my sig, I am going to pimp this ride. Wheels&tires&exhaust are already ordered.
I'm going to talk to my audio guy tomorrow. The audio is definitely going to be the most involved project. I specifically didn't get premium sound&nav because I'm going to put in a near competition quality aftermarket system (with iPod integration of course, and good-quality nav if I can fit it).
If I stick with the lease of course these mods will have to come out in the end. Wheels and exhaust should be simple, I'll try to have the audio shop not do anything irreversible.
As you can see from the pics my previous car was a Lexus GS400. It's got a lot of power and drives great, but the 545i is something else. I am telepathically connected to the road. It is unreal.
The only thing that isn't working right is Bluetooth. And this is Sprint's fault, because Sprint's only Bluetooth phone, the LG PM-325, is crippled in ways that make integration with the Bimmer's system impossible. A disappoinment, considering I picked up this phone just today. Will be returning it tomorrow. (No, I can't move from Sprint because they're the only ones with decent reception at home and office and have great prices).
The iDrive is great. Those neanderthals at the car magazines who rap it are simply smoking crack.
Contributors
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,591
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
My Ride: Gone: 2004 525i Jet Black, Built 03/04, Premium Package, Black Dakota Leather, Halogen to Euro Spec Bi-Xenons Retrofit, Dark Poplar Wood Trim, Steptronic Breyton Spirit Reps 20x9F 20x10R - Nitto NT555 245/35/20F-275/30/20R, M5 Front Bumper, H&R Sport Springs, Chrome Grills, 20% Tint, Euro Reflectors, Debadged, Aux Input, CIP v19.x
congrats, keep us updated..I'm extremely interested on how your aftermarket sound upgrade will come together 
Contributors
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 0
From: Winter Park, FL
My Ride: 2005 545i (SMG)
Titanium Gray
Black Interior, Anthracite Trim
M-tech kit
Sport Package
Premium Sound
Satellite Radio
Active Cruise
Comfort Seats
Navigation
Folding rear seats
Keep us informed on that audio system.
I'm particularly interested to see how you get a decent headunit installed.
I did see one guys pics of an Alpine Nav headunit installed in the factory radio location.
If you want aftermarket Nav.... don't waste your time looking at ANYTHING else but Alpine.
Unfortunate part is, though.... Alpine CD players are not the highest sound quality out there. But their Nav is lightyears ahead of the competition.
I'm particularly interested to see how you get a decent headunit installed.
I did see one guys pics of an Alpine Nav headunit installed in the factory radio location.
If you want aftermarket Nav.... don't waste your time looking at ANYTHING else but Alpine.
Unfortunate part is, though.... Alpine CD players are not the highest sound quality out there. But their Nav is lightyears ahead of the competition.
Members
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Olathe, KS USA
My Ride: 2005 530i, SMG, Silver Grey, Black leather w/anthracite trim, Premium, Sport, Cold, Rear Fold Down Seats, Rear Seat Heating, Xenons. Mods: 545i chrome grill, Euro Red Reflectors and 20% window tint. Coming Soon: Dual LCD monitors w/DVD and Subwoofer install.
Originally Posted by Merzbow' date='Apr 25 2005, 12:44 AM
The only thing that isn't working right is Bluetooth. And this is Sprint's fault, because Sprint's only Bluetooth phone, the LG PM-325, is crippled in ways that make integration with the Bimmer's system impossible. A disappoinment, considering I picked up this phone just today. Will be returning it tomorrow. (No, I can't move from Sprint because they're the only ones with decent reception at home and office and have great prices).
Matt
Banned
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,882
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay area
My Ride: '05 545i, silver gray, black leather with anthracite maple wood, sport package, premium sound, navigation, cold weather package, electric rear sunshade, folding rear seat, satellite radio prep, PIAA 4150K fogs, red rear reflectors, hardwired Valentine One
Nice--congrats!