Mod my '04 530i or buy '05 545i
#1
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Bone stock 530i - no sports package
I'm now a proud owner of my first e60!
I just bought an '04 530i with 60k (no sport package), but now have an option to trade up to an '05 545i with only 25k (with sport) for another $10k (Canadian).
Trying to decide whether to keep my 530i and upgrade my suspension for $2k and maybe get some nice rims for $3-4k or go with the 545i.
Any thoughts?
If I stay with the 530i, what's the best suspension set up for something akin to an e46 with a sports package (my other car)? I want a firm sporty ride, but nothing bone jarring. Regarding lowering, I'd like to go with a height that gives me the best look with my factory '17's in the winter, but also looks good with my summer 18's or 19's (when I get them).
I just bought an '04 530i with 60k (no sport package), but now have an option to trade up to an '05 545i with only 25k (with sport) for another $10k (Canadian).
Trying to decide whether to keep my 530i and upgrade my suspension for $2k and maybe get some nice rims for $3-4k or go with the 545i.
Any thoughts?
If I stay with the 530i, what's the best suspension set up for something akin to an e46 with a sports package (my other car)? I want a firm sporty ride, but nothing bone jarring. Regarding lowering, I'd like to go with a height that gives me the best look with my factory '17's in the winter, but also looks good with my summer 18's or 19's (when I get them).
#2
Contributors
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Orange County, Ca
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 530i
Originally Posted by Dudenhagen' post='458652' date='Aug 14 2007, 11:40 AM
I'm now a proud owner of my first e60!
I just bought an '04 530i with 60k (no sport package), but now have an option to trade up to an '05 545i with only 25k (with sport) for another $10k (Canadian).
Trying to decide whether to keep my 530i and upgrade my suspension for $2k and maybe get some nice rims for $3-4k or go with the 545i.
Any thoughts?
If I stay with the 530i, what's the best suspension set up for something akin to an e46 with a sports package (my other car)? I want a firm sporty ride, but nothing bone jarring. Regarding lowering, I'd like to go with a height that gives me the best look with my factory '17's in the winter, but also looks good with my summer 18's or 19's (when I get them).
I just bought an '04 530i with 60k (no sport package), but now have an option to trade up to an '05 545i with only 25k (with sport) for another $10k (Canadian).
Trying to decide whether to keep my 530i and upgrade my suspension for $2k and maybe get some nice rims for $3-4k or go with the 545i.
Any thoughts?
If I stay with the 530i, what's the best suspension set up for something akin to an e46 with a sports package (my other car)? I want a firm sporty ride, but nothing bone jarring. Regarding lowering, I'd like to go with a height that gives me the best look with my factory '17's in the winter, but also looks good with my summer 18's or 19's (when I get them).
I have an '04 530 and now i wish i got the 545, I just crave more power.
Your best bet is some coilovers for suspension so that you can vary the height with your 17s or 18s or 19s, otherwise probably get some H&R sports springs
#3
Senior Members
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Socal-90601
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I should have gotton the 530 for an extra 30 hp..if I had the option to get a 545 and could afford why not. But my non sport basemodel does well in mpg and handeling. Under 3500 you can have a decent suspension and rim tires package
I have the H&R Sport springs with Koni sport adjusables. Lowered nicely and rides factory smooth.
Ofcourse after hearing a 545 with quad exhaust I want one
Id say 10K for a year newer and 40K less miles and you get a V8 sounds like a deal
I have the H&R Sport springs with Koni sport adjusables. Lowered nicely and rides factory smooth.
Ofcourse after hearing a 545 with quad exhaust I want one
Id say 10K for a year newer and 40K less miles and you get a V8 sounds like a deal
#5
Senior Members
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2007 BMW 550i w/SMG - JetBlack - Dinan Software - Dinan Exhaust - Anthracite Trim - Anthracite Headliner - Sport Package
545 hands down
There is not enough mods that will ever get you the torque of the V8's
There is not enough mods that will ever get you the torque of the V8's
#6
Contributors
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 2,903
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2007 E60 530i
Color: Jet Black/Black Anthracite
STEP | Sport | Premium | NAV | Logic 7
EXTERIOR:
M-Tech Kit | M5 Mirrors, Trunk Finisher | Jet Black Kidney Surrounds | Madico Charcool Tint 54%, 35%
LIGHTING:
Euro-Headlights | Euro-LCI Tail Lights | AiB V3.0 | Solaris Invisi-bulbs | OEM LED Plate Lights
PERFORMANCE:
Porterfield R4-S Brake Pads | K&N Air Filter
WHEELS & SUSPENSION:
Work VS-XX 20x9, 20x10 | Toyo T1R 245/30/20, Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 295/25/20 | KW V2 Coilovers | Rogue Engineering 15mm Spacers
Originally Posted by JetBlack' post='458708' date='Aug 14 2007, 02:04 PM
545 hands down
There is not enough mods that will ever get you the torque of the V8's
There is not enough mods that will ever get you the torque of the V8's
#7
Senior Members
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I say go 545i if you can other wise upgrade the 530i with some DINAN or DMS remap and save some money it will get you close to 300hp and still have the inline 6. I would say 550 over 545. let us know Good luck./.
#9
Contributors
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Newnan, Georgia
Posts: 1,769
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 545i
Production date: 02/04
Color: Black Sapphire Metallic
Trim: Anthracite
Options: Sport package with STEPTRONIC, Premium Sound, Rear Sunshade, Xenon
When I was deciding, I drove a new 530 and a used 545i with 16k......no question 545i. you feel the difference in power.
#10
Members
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Houston, Tx.
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Black/Black 2004 530i w/ Premium & Sport Pkgs.
+1 on the 545. When I was shopping for my 530 I avoided test driving a 545 b/c it was more than I wanted to spend at the time. (plus finding jet black/black was kind of hard for awhile) I LUV my ride but I did drive a 545 the other day and have to say the car does spring to life differently. Hopefully the Dinan 530 remap & other mods suggested by Dinan530i will keep me happy.