New guy with pictures
Hi guys,
I'm from NorCal and had been looking for a nice 545i for about 8 months. The search was slow because I had to have a 6-speed manual transmission and also didn't want a black car. The manual transmission was a must because it's all I've ever driven, and I just don't enjoy autos even though they've gotten so good in the last decade.
I almost bought a CPO '05 from a local dealer, but then noticed at the last minute that it had had extensive paint work done, so I walked away. I widened out my search to non-CPO cars that still had a factory warranty in place, and finally found this '06 550i in Texas. I got the service records, CARFAX (for what it's worth), and a helpful guy on this forum ran the VIN and got the options for me. Finally, I had an inspection company go out to road test it and look it over. Everything checked out, so I worked out a deal and had it delivered 1800 miles to my door about a week ago.
Other than needing some going-over with the clay bar and Porter Cable, the car's immaculate and everything works. It's under warranty for 15K more miles or until 1/2010, and I may try to extend. I've put about 800 miles on it already. I love how it drives, and it is so deceptively fast for such a large car. It's also getting 25-26 mpg on the freeway (!). My two little kids love it too - they have been squeezed in the back of a 993 for the past few years.
So that's the car. It's got Sport Package, Active Steeering, 6MT, Nav, Head-up display, Logic7, sunshades, etc. I'm really enjoying it so far, and this forum seems like a great group.
Getting a good detailing:

All cleaned up:

I'm from NorCal and had been looking for a nice 545i for about 8 months. The search was slow because I had to have a 6-speed manual transmission and also didn't want a black car. The manual transmission was a must because it's all I've ever driven, and I just don't enjoy autos even though they've gotten so good in the last decade.
I almost bought a CPO '05 from a local dealer, but then noticed at the last minute that it had had extensive paint work done, so I walked away. I widened out my search to non-CPO cars that still had a factory warranty in place, and finally found this '06 550i in Texas. I got the service records, CARFAX (for what it's worth), and a helpful guy on this forum ran the VIN and got the options for me. Finally, I had an inspection company go out to road test it and look it over. Everything checked out, so I worked out a deal and had it delivered 1800 miles to my door about a week ago.
Other than needing some going-over with the clay bar and Porter Cable, the car's immaculate and everything works. It's under warranty for 15K more miles or until 1/2010, and I may try to extend. I've put about 800 miles on it already. I love how it drives, and it is so deceptively fast for such a large car. It's also getting 25-26 mpg on the freeway (!). My two little kids love it too - they have been squeezed in the back of a 993 for the past few years.
So that's the car. It's got Sport Package, Active Steeering, 6MT, Nav, Head-up display, Logic7, sunshades, etc. I'm really enjoying it so far, and this forum seems like a great group.
Getting a good detailing:

All cleaned up:

Originally Posted by mrfva' post='734982' date='Nov 30 2008, 03:07 PM
to the forum and congratulations on your new purchase! What a great find! 
Tell me more about that lift/jack in your garage.

I want one of those jacks!!! ...oh wait, I need a garage first haha
Welcome to the forums, and what an excellent way to introduce yourself with the pictures
Originally Posted by Speed_Force_E60' post='734984' date='Nov 30 2008, 03:11 PM
+1
I want one of those jacks!!! ...oh wait, I need a garage first haha
Welcome to the forums, and what an excellent way to introduce yourself with the pictures
I want one of those jacks!!! ...oh wait, I need a garage first haha
Welcome to the forums, and what an excellent way to introduce yourself with the pictures
Contributors
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,341
Likes: 0
From: SFV California
My Ride: 2006 530i Alpine White on Black interior, Sport and Premium Package, Steptronic, Navigation, Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Mtec V2.1 angel eyes,Hoen Fog Lights, Full M-Tech kit, ACS pedals, LED plate lights, CF Steering Wheel badge, CF Titanium trim, OE
to the forums!!



, I need one of those jacks too