kccougar

I'm retiring my E39 M5 and looking to buy a 2004 or 2005 545i in the next few weeks. One of the first items on my list will be to change wheels - I've always loved the style 172 wheels from the 550i. I assume they fit without issue, correct? I noticed already that at least one poster here (kWang) has the same wheels. I think I am a new enough member here that I can't send messages. If kWang reads this (or others with the same wheels), can you post additional photos of the 545i with the 172 wheels? And let me know if you are running the stock suspension and what size tires are on the wheels. Thanks.

socale39

I too came from an E39 M5 and I have to say that I think you'll like the 545. Although the power isnt as "beastly", the overall feel of the E60 is a well balanced and refined machine. The only reason I went to the E60 was because I had high mileage on my M5 and it needed some repairs. Instead, I decided I could sell as-is and buy a 545i which the wife could drive (she can't manual) as well and so I bought a 04 545i SMG. The rest is history and having owned the car now for over 2 years its really hard to say which car I enjoyed the most. Unlike the E39 which has its fair amount of issues, the E60 has been flawless but the raw power and excitement of the M5 just cannot be compared.

As for the wheels here is something for reference:


I personally went with the VMR VB3 wheels because they look like the OEM CSL wheels found on the M3 and they arent as popular as the 172s. Here are some pics of my 545 with a few exterior mods