NEW 545
09-28-2004, 11:17 AM
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My Ride: 2006 BMW M5, Silverstone with black extended leather, brushed aluminium trim, Nav Pro, Logic 7, PDC, 35 % tint.
I have just ordered a new 545 and I wanted some advice. I have ordered with Nav & Park Distance. I live in Canada and the 545 comes with standard 17" Continental all seasons. My question is, should I get the sports package with 18" sports tires, or are the all seasons good enough. I do put winter tires on for the snowy season. You cannot drive more that 140 km/hr here. Are the sports tires a good investment?
09-28-2004, 11:36 AM
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Get the sports package, but the run flat tires are a problem, due to noise and ride quality
I read on bmw magazine the you should not order the 18 rims and tires and get the 17's with continental (I believe this can be done at the time of order of your E60)
Then spend the money you save on the runflats and 18's and spend it on after market rims and MIchelin pilots
I read on bmw magazine the you should not order the 18 rims and tires and get the 17's with continental (I believe this can be done at the time of order of your E60)
Then spend the money you save on the runflats and 18's and spend it on after market rims and MIchelin pilots
09-28-2004, 11:48 AM
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My Ride: [i][b][u]Since 19 august 2004[/u][/b][/i]: [color=red][b]530i[/b] High Executive[/color], Silvergray with beige interior, Popular wood, Servotronic, Sportssuspension, electric foldable and dimmed mirrors, dimmed interior mirror, pappelmaser braun wood, cupholders, styling 123 18" wheels, Logic 7, Steptronic, alarm class 3, electric sunscreen in the rear and suncreens for sidewindows, Comfort seats, heated seats, Xenon with headlightwashers, Adaptive corner lights ALC, Advanced airconditioning, lightpackage, Nav Pro, 6 cd changer, side airbags rearseats, bluetooth siemens S55, chrome kidneys, gearlever with wood, voice recognition retrofit, front windshield with green band.
Waiting for trunkopener button from Hobi :)
Although the funflat tires are more noisy and more bumpy, for the looks they look superb with the sportsuspension.
09-28-2004, 11:52 AM
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My Ride: 530i, Silver Grey, Black Dakota, Steptronic, Premium, PDC, Logic7
I have the standard 17" continentals and have had no problems. Very solid and quiet at all speeds I have driven them at. Noticed a small slip over a downhill bump once while cornering at about 160kmh, but easily controllable and not sure anything would have done better. Like you say, it is rare to take the car up to very high speeds.
I haven't driven them in snow and probably won't very much because we just don't get very much snow and we also have a Subaru. I don't want to have to change to winter tires just for the rare time that I get caught out in the snow.
Since you are changing tires anyway though, you should just consider whether you want the sports package.
If you don't get the sport package, make sure you order the comfort seats.
I haven't driven them in snow and probably won't very much because we just don't get very much snow and we also have a Subaru. I don't want to have to change to winter tires just for the rare time that I get caught out in the snow.
Since you are changing tires anyway though, you should just consider whether you want the sports package.
If you don't get the sport package, make sure you order the comfort seats.
09-28-2004, 12:05 PM
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My Ride: 04 545A Dynamic Drive Pkg (Active Steering; Active Stabilization) Sport Pkg, Premium Sound, CD Changer, Rain sensor wipers, Red Rear reflectors
I have the Sport package and dynamic drive package. I wish I didnt get the sport pack because as others have said 18" wheels are not comfortable. go with the std tires and add dynamic drive.... so you will have a quiet and comfortable ride and when you want to charge in and out of corners or highway on/off ramps, the dynamic drive thingie keeps the body roll in check.
Though the sport steering wheel is much nicer than the std issue (but I suppose you could replace that)...
I'm thinking of changing out the run flats with Pilot All seasons... if I get a flat tire I'll press SOS and get it towed.
Where about in Canada do you live? I'm in Toronto.
Though the sport steering wheel is much nicer than the std issue (but I suppose you could replace that)...
I'm thinking of changing out the run flats with Pilot All seasons... if I get a flat tire I'll press SOS and get it towed.
Where about in Canada do you live? I'm in Toronto.
Originally Posted by KenTO' date='Sep 28 2004, 01:17 PM
I have just ordered a new 545 and I wanted some advice.? I have ordered with Nav & Park Distance.? I live in Canada and the 545 comes with standard 17" Continental all seasons.? My question is, should I get the sports package with 18" sports tires, or are the all seasons good enough.? I do put winter tires on for the snowy season.? You cannot drive more that 140 km/hr here.? Are the sports tires a good investment?
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09-28-2004, 12:05 PM
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I recommend the SP and the run flats. Mine are not noisy. They may get that way as they wear, but at this point (6450 miles), no noise. The main reason for the SP is the Active Steering. I might let you take away my 18" wheels, but not the AS. The combination is good. Even though you cannot drive more than 140 kmh, the handling under that speed can be exhiliarating.
09-28-2004, 12:29 PM
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It's a matter of what's most important to you. I value handling performance over everything else. For me, the enhanced handling of the sports package is the only way to go, especially with its Active Steering and DSC. But for some, the firmer suspension settings and 18-inch wheels mean an unacceptably harsh ride.
One thing's for sure, if you go with the sports package and its 18-inch wheels, you will need snow tires.
One thing's for sure, if you go with the sports package and its 18-inch wheels, you will need snow tires.
09-28-2004, 12:39 PM
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Welcome to the board! There are basically two reasons I'd recommend the Sports Package. First if you like to 'throw the car around a bit', you must get the sports package - it is just a blast. The active suspension is incredible. The active steering is cool, but you do lose some road feel. Second, if you like the looks of the lower car and larger wheels get the SP.
Avoid the runflats at all costs. If you read the carmag reviews, these forums, and especially the reviews at tirerack.com, these are godawful tires. They are incredibly heavy, noisy after 10,000 miles or so, tramline badly and ride like rocks. If you get the SP, be sure to get some aftermarket tires. I've got the Goodyear F1's on 19 inch wheels and the ride is considerably better than the runflats on 18's.
If it snows much where you are, I would definitely get summer and winter tires. If not, all-seasons should be fine.
Avoid the runflats at all costs. If you read the carmag reviews, these forums, and especially the reviews at tirerack.com, these are godawful tires. They are incredibly heavy, noisy after 10,000 miles or so, tramline badly and ride like rocks. If you get the SP, be sure to get some aftermarket tires. I've got the Goodyear F1's on 19 inch wheels and the ride is considerably better than the runflats on 18's.
If it snows much where you are, I would definitely get summer and winter tires. If not, all-seasons should be fine.
!