New Guy but not new to BMW - Which Car?
04-19-2008, 03:40 AM
#11
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My Ride: 1997 BMW E39 528i/5m
348/N6SN (Aubergine/Sand Beige Montana Leather)
0468 Ski Bag
0494 Heated Front Seats
0971 5 Series Mats
0465 Fold Down Rear Seats
0488 Lumbar Support
0677 Premium Hi-Fi System
JUst make sure to get one with the Sport pack and you will be a very happy camper. The e60 is just starting to rippen, it has reached the age where there is alot of aftermarket stuff, and the E39 hasn't 'fallen out of favor' but just consider that Dinan is phasing out there E39 products, if that tells you anything. While I drive an E39 everyday, I have spent some time driving the E60 and both are true Bimmers and you should be happy with sither one. Have you also considered the `03 E39 540i/6 with the Sport Pack? Those are in the low 20's now, so you could still upgrade with the $ you have left.
04-19-2008, 05:06 AM
#12
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My Ride: 11 550i Sophisto Gray/Oyster Black/Anthracite, Sprt Trns, DHP, IAS, SP, PP1, PP2, CWP, HUD, DAP, AVSP, SF RS, CA, ACC - Euro Del
I would get a 2004 545 with the sports package. It is a great fun to drive car. That would be a great value in today's market. I would look for one that had comfort seats, Nav, and the Logic7 audio system.
04-19-2008, 06:02 AM
#13
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I have owned
2002 540 6 speed
2001 M Roadster 5 speed
2003 M5 6 speed
2000 A6 Stage 3 2.7T 6 speed
and now a 550 6 speed
there are pluses and minues with all of them - One thing is constant, I will only drive manuals - I don't care about faster shifts and drinking coffee when I drive, I care about REALLY driving.
as a daily driver, a spirited driver and road trip car, I find the 550i to universally fill all the roles I want it to
al
2002 540 6 speed
2001 M Roadster 5 speed
2003 M5 6 speed
2000 A6 Stage 3 2.7T 6 speed
and now a 550 6 speed
there are pluses and minues with all of them - One thing is constant, I will only drive manuals - I don't care about faster shifts and drinking coffee when I drive, I care about REALLY driving.
as a daily driver, a spirited driver and road trip car, I find the 550i to universally fill all the roles I want it to
al
04-20-2008, 02:43 PM
#14
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Well I guess my next question is how big is the difference between the 545i sport and the 550i. I understand the added ponies, but I guess is it a noticeable improvement? 545i/6 are getting to be very reasonable in price, with a few light mods it could be a very fun/luxurious DD, or do I wait until the 550i drops in price, when will that be...?
04-20-2008, 05:52 PM
#15
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My Ride: 2011 550i AW - every option
Originally Posted by 1esquire' post='563860' date='Apr 18 2008, 04:23 PM
I got the 545 used last November w/6spd and love it. I was looking at similar cars to you. I also considered the CTS-V (which you can find dirt cheap these days), an E46 330 w/perf pkg (ZHP), and the Volvo S60R. Don't be fooled by the bland looks of the Volvo. They depreciated like a rock, but with a 300HP/300tq turbo and a 6spd, they are very fast. Also has the AWD which is nice in winter. Nonetheless, the suspension is not the sportiest, the looks aren't the sportiest, and the "space ball" shifter is plain cheap and ugly. Oh, and the Volvo's radio sucks.
The 545 w/sport package is a much better overall vehicle and is very sporty and fast in my opinion. I have really enjoyed it.
Some days I wonder if I should have looked at the E39 M5, but overall I'm very happy. The good part is that even though my car is a 2004, becuase it is the current body style, people always think it is brand new. That's a nice benefit about the E60.
good luck.
The 545 w/sport package is a much better overall vehicle and is very sporty and fast in my opinion. I have really enjoyed it.
Some days I wonder if I should have looked at the E39 M5, but overall I'm very happy. The good part is that even though my car is a 2004, becuase it is the current body style, people always think it is brand new. That's a nice benefit about the E60.
good luck.
Was in the exact same position, but was looking at an E60 M5. I dont like SMG much, and the cost difference between a used M5 and a 545i was huge. I love this car more than any car I've ever had. Its my first BMW, and definitely not my last. The 6spd MT is awesome. I'd like to know about some good mods that dont cost an arm and a leg too.
Z
04-20-2008, 05:58 PM
#16
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My Ride: 2011 550i AW - every option
Originally Posted by AlB' post='564169' date='Apr 19 2008, 10:02 AM
I have owned
2002 540 6 speed
2001 M Roadster 5 speed
2003 M5 6 speed
2000 A6 Stage 3 2.7T 6 speed
and now a 550 6 speed
there are pluses and minues with all of them - One thing is constant, I will only drive manuals - I don't care about faster shifts and drinking coffee when I drive, I care about REALLY driving.
as a daily driver, a spirited driver and road trip car, I find the 550i to universally fill all the roles I want it to
al
2002 540 6 speed
2001 M Roadster 5 speed
2003 M5 6 speed
2000 A6 Stage 3 2.7T 6 speed
and now a 550 6 speed
there are pluses and minues with all of them - One thing is constant, I will only drive manuals - I don't care about faster shifts and drinking coffee when I drive, I care about REALLY driving.
as a daily driver, a spirited driver and road trip car, I find the 550i to universally fill all the roles I want it to
al
Could not have said it better myself. Manual is a must.
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