Hello,

I bought a used 2005 545i that came with the M-Tech Aero Package. I'm planning to get rid of this vehicle for the new facelift E60. My question is will my M-Tech kit fit the new facelift 5er?? I really hope it fits because I can transfer the kit to the new car and re-install the original kit to the 545i before I sell it. (I'm glad I asked the original owner for the stock kit when I bought the vehicle).

BTW, this is an awesome site!!!

FJ

 

If you plan on getting the 550 with sport package the aero kit is included.

 

Actually looking into the 535i. I was instantly convinced after test driving the 335i the other day.

 

Looks like it will fit without any troubles...

 

It will be interesting to see what the cost of a 535i Sport with optional equipment at the same level offered on the 550i Sport (with the Aero kit and 19's included) will be. I wouldn't be surprised if a 535i so equipped would be close-in on price. If that were the case, getting the 550i Sport would be a no-brainer. Faster car with a greater resale value.

Lou

 

but.... Fuel consumption is worse and CO2 emissions higher...
and we all have a responsibility towards the(our) environment, right?
-- [I am not trying to be funny]

Bearing this in mind, in a few years perhaps the residual value of the smaller engine will be higher...
It's like that in Europe today and maybe the tide will change in the US as well...

 

Interesting to hear you chaps in the states saying that a 550i will have stronger resale value than the 535i.....just shows the difference in markets from one side of the pond to the other. In the UK, used 550i's go for similar money as used 535d's........I imagine that if the 535i does find its way to UK shores that It will be a similar story.......shows you the impact of high fuel prices

 

I will check for you

 

I was focused purely on the initial acquisition price of the car and performance, but if you factor in other economics (such as mileage), I don't think that should tip the balance back to the 535i.

I don't know the EU mileage differences, but in the US, when you compare the EPA mileage estimates, the 550i automatic is listed as 17 mpg City and 25 mpg Highway, and the 335i automatic (which is a smaller and lighter car than the 535i will be) is listed at 20 mpg City and 29 mpg Highway (which is the same as the 530i is now). The 550i mileage is only -10% or so less than the 335i, and I believe that the spread will be less with the new engine (which I have read really sucks gas when you get on it). Gasoline prices in the US are much less than Europe, so the economics will differ, but the additional cost of the 550i over the life of the car is not that great

At the cost of these cars, the main focus of most people, myself included, is not on mileage or CO2 emissions. It's on performance and driving enjoyment, and I believe that's worth paying a little more to get.

Lou

 

Agreed. Plus diesel engines are supposed to have a lower maintenance cost and last longer than gasoline engines. It's too bad the 535d is not offered in the US (it may get here next year though). I've read nothing but good things about its performance.

Lou