blackcab

545, Jet Black, Black Interior, Anthracite Maple, Step-tronic, Sport Package, Comfort seats, Rear Air bags and Sat. Prep. Will be manufactured in mid Feb.

alohalc

very good story but a expensive one . the reason why you bought the 545 is exactly the reason why i didn't test drive it. the price diff was over $10k back then but now is only around $5k . i know i'll get a 545 if i waited a few months :'(.

CVTBenhogan

Hi there,

Congrats on your moment, which I experienced as well. I'll add the following gushing comments.

From a exterior design standpoint, the front quarter panel is my favorite and is perhaps the most unique styling feature. The short overhang, the contours wraping the hoodline and the flange directly behind the front wheelwell are just excellent. The best angles (bangles) are at the drivers door handle position, just glance towards the front and towards the back. Its awesome if you have the lower ride height of a sport package and 18s wheels!!!!!!

And yes, the 545 is the best way to configure the car. The added power with a sport package really defines the 5er and creates a sports car feel. Sure the 530 is nice, but the valvetronic V8 is something else and makes childsplay of justifying the extra 5-6K.

Long live Chris Bangle!!!



CVT Benhogan

kryptokat

Sigh! Same story. I test drove the 545i at the dealer just for fun. Previous test drives of the 3 series and 530 were unimpressive, not worth the extra $$$. Had no intention of buying the 545. Wanted to get the practical Maxima fully loaded for $35k. Not after driving the 545 though. The only car that has the power and torque to make me (and passengers) scared sick in the gut. The other BMWs just don't do justice to this car. Now I have spent $68k for the 545i.

Sensible decision? drive one and you will know.

JDN

Who says it has to be a sensible decision? Just get it for the fun. A Yugo makes more sense, but where's the fun?

pennetta

I was one of the few that liked the new styling from the start. The front end looks lower, I liked the flamed surfaced side, and like the look and bigger size of the truck(can now hold four golf bags). I liked the bigger interior, especially in the back. I like Idrive which enables me to customize more things without going to the dealer. I love the SMG, which is what made me look at the 545 vs. the 530 in the first place. I figured if I was going to be paddle shifting I wanted more power. Also the 545 w/sports package has the staggard wheel set up with 275's at the rear which look great. Also the active steering and dynamic drive suspension make the car feel about 500 lbs lighter.
I rationalized the extra cost by asking myself how much more per week would you pay to be driving the 545 over the 530 and then looked at the difference in the monthly lease price.

tab545

I drove the 545 manual/sport and the 530 automatic non-sport (that was the 530 they suggested I drive), in that order. It was a mistake. It didn't give the 530 a fighting chance. I needed the 545 back! Thanks for the post, and welcome.

Hormazd

Well after drving a 1990 Honda Accord for 14 years, it was 545i 6spd all the way from the start. The car wasn't even available until Jan 04 and Nav was not available until March 04. I just waited and ordered the car I wanted and picked it up in Munich in July.

ornament

Blackcab, welcome aboard.
Great story and I really like your passion because I feel exactly a same way... Started from 530 and finally reached to 545. Only the difference from you was to place an order of 545 with steptronic but I was attracted by SMG during the waiting and at the final moment I replaced my order with SMG. I've been waiting for my car for long long time now.....but...just 10 more days...

fq1

545, Jet Black, Black Interior, Anthracite Maple, Step-tronic, Sport Package, Comfort seats, Rear Air bags and Sat. Prep. Will be manufactured in mid Feb.
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I went with Sapphire, Auburn, poplar, step, CWP, L7, rear heat/folding, comfort, and sat prep. Manufactured mid Feb, delivery March last week.