I have had a Silver Gray 545 on order with SMG,Nav Sport etc. since 20 the Dec.
my dealer made a mistake and ordered mine with poplar wood instead of Black Maple which I wanted so I have to wait another 4 weeks or so before I get the Car. I wonder if I should renegotiate the deal in ligt of the upcoming 550.
I am leasing the Car.

They may also update and improve the SMG with the 550. They may even use the M5 7 speed SMG.. Does any one know the skinny on the new 550. When is it coming to the US? and what are the specs? and how much more expensive will it be if any.

 

welcome mtek

there is no real info on release date, but it's looking like it will not be available until sept-oct at earliest, probably when the usual Model Year would change over in the US

...there will not be a 7speed SMG III option for the 550i, the M5 probably will just begin deliveries in the US in the fall so the E60 would never get this yet if ever, which i doubt

... if you are leasing, its probably not worth the wait as there will be no major change other than the 4.5 to a 4.8L, and there will be a price increase as BMW has to now start making room for a potential 540i, so i am guessing they will move the price up a bit more than the difference we will see between the 745i and the new 750i

...and there are many members here who would tell you the 545i is more than adequate in power

 

welcome aboard, mtek !

 

Welcome aboard, mtek !

 

545i is more than enough. 550i is nice to have, but it'll drink more dino juice like a demon.

 

Welcome Mtek. Only you can decide, but it must be killing you waiting, especially since the car has already been delayed. I agree that the current 545 is an awesome car, and several people in this forum have pointed to potential (probable!?) new car glitches with the 550. I am waiting for the 550 later this year mainly because of the milage I wanted to reach before selling my current 540.

I doubt the M7 gear box will show up in a 550. That gear box is designed for the V-10 motor and output, but could probably me modified. I would expect an updated version of the 545's SMG, maybe, hopefully. I wonder how long the current E60 SMG has been around.

I would love to hear of any negotiation you have with your dealer. Especially if they acknowledge its availability. Last week my dealer had no knowledge of it, which makes sense. How may 545's do you think BMW would sell if they were talking about a 550 to come in eight months to a year. Most of the speculation I have read (in this forum) is availability this fall in Canada and the US. Surely Europe too.

Good luck with your decision. You can't go wrong, really.
Mark

 

Nah, you're leasing! Forget it go for the 545i.

Why do you HAVE to wait to 80K? just cause? or is there a specific reason?

Sorry if I seem noisy but this is like the 4th or 5th time i see you refer to that so.

 

WHAT!!! you're dealer isnt that bright are they? Cant they just swap the trim out? Its pretty easy... dont have to order a whole new car for that...

 

I cancelled my 545 order and now waiting for 550i. Dealer confirmed it is coming and available in the October time frame as a 2006 model. I think it will be worth the wait.

 

Dealers always say that the 545s are rare and this justifies a price closer to MSRP. I suspect they will use this excuse with the 550. You will probably get a better deal on the 545 now than waiting for the 550. If someone is getting a car in August, like I was supposed to get in 04 you are better waiting for the new MY and the 550.Doubt there will be much difference. Maybe I'll go out with a hair dryer and and a 0 I bought off the internet and mke my 545 a 550 .