I would re-think the SUV thing. Just because you're in city driving does not mean the rocking, bucking, and swaying of an SUV is acceptable. Even an X3 (small and excellent among SUVs) does all that. I am having a great experience with my 545 in the city, but that doesn't mean everybody will. If you aren't happy, then obviously feel free to trade out.

Get a nice sedan with a V6. If you want solid comfort, predictability, better mileage, and acceptable performance, get a Maxima or Accord. For more money, get a Lexus. If you don't use, or even enjoy trying to use, the 545's handling in your driving situation, then it obviously isn't worth it to you.

 

Have you tried to talk dealer into loaning u a 545 for an extended period to see if u can prove u have a problem of some kind in ur car. U might try ur sales person to get this going rather than service department. I cannot believe your car is normal compared with all the fine experiences with the V8 in the x45s in any tranny form. As u say, u may have an engine (or ECU), or tranny problem, but u need to convince both urself and the dealer of this. A long test in another 545 ought to do the trick.

 

Hi folks,

I just traded in my car for an Acura MDX SUV. Took $10k off my 545i

There is no car out there that even compres to the 545i, I took several cars on drives including the caddillac, Lexus, MB, Acura. There is just nothing even close to the BMW either in styling or driving dyanmics.

Also got to put 150 miles on my car today, and the car was a dream with cool temperatures outside and scant traffic on the streets. There is however the lag when I lift of the gas pedal and then hit it hard.

The car drives better when the pedal is pressed down and you wait for the throttle response instead of continuing the downward movement of the gas pedal, in which case it suprises you with a lag and sudden gush of force.

I have also had situations when the RPM revs up but the car doesn't seem to be moving with any power.

My usual commute is 10 miles with 45 traffic lights (not kidding). The car grumbles in traffic.

I promise I will be back on the board in 2 years with a 550i ED program, hopefully all the quirks will be fixed.

 

I dumped my 545 for a 330i stick....the 5 Step tranny drove me crazy.

 

Why didn't you trade it for 550i instead? The new V8 will be more powerful and hopefully not as much problems that you experienced with your 545i.

Well, you have already traded the car for an Acura. Congrats though.

 

Well, there's no turning back now. Hope your new ride serves you well. 45 trffic lights? I think you're better off riding a bicycle.

And like you mentioned; see you in a couple of years, but please do pop in every now and then.

 

It's just that I don't want to hope the 550i is better and problems have been fixed. I want to know for sure. Which is why I wll wait till 2007.

 

Well as I was finishing up the paper work on an Acura MDX the dealer finally suprised me with 141 miles on the Acura I was about to pick up.

After a brief argument I cancelled the deal.

So I have my Car Back!

And as if in spite my car started to rattle on the way back.
Both driver and passenger front side.

 

So, welcome back
Get 330i with stick instead. It'll be cool or an M3.

 

I feel for you. I also almost (I still mey) sold my 545i due to engine tapping issues. However, loosing power was never an issue (SMG?). I called BMWNA several times, took my car to different dealers, set appointment with the Field Service Enginner 2X.
Finally, I am getting BMW to authorize repair on my car, after proving to them that my noises were abnormal, thanks to people in this board.

The point is, if you fight and make some noise, BMW will take good care of you. Hope you stay in the brand.