ferizzo

Hey y'all,

My brother-in-law is looking to get a BMW '05 545i and so I've started doing some research on it. I figured I'd ask on here as well to get some opinions on what your take is/are on the car and alternatives. Now I've spoken to my b-in-law and he would prefer a manual (although he would consider an auto), four doors, RWD/AWD (he lives in NYC but travels to Maine a lot) and some sportiness. My sister already has an RX300 so they have a car for the snow already. I've suggested to him that irregardless of what he gets that he should consider getting snow tires anyway for the winter because it makes a huge difference. Anyway, here is the little info I have on the car and its competitors but would appreciate your feedback:

Research on E60 545:

- 04s had issues with the Dunlop run-flat tires on the sport package. Many people seem to be complaining about the road noise and comfort of these tires. Some specifically mention that the problems begin within the first 10k miles of driving. Might be worth inquiring whether this problem has been fixed with the 05 models and/or what is BMW's stance on addressing these issues.
- Bluetooth technology allows for hands-free speakerphone capabilities with certain model phones.
- Many seem to complain that BMWs are expensive to maintain once out of warranty.

Comparable cars:
- Infiniti M45. Only the M35 comes in AWD (M45 is RWD only). Good power in either trim but relatively heavy compared to some of the other cars. Only comes in Auto.
- Mercedes E500 (should definitely consider the sport package because MBs are known to be soft rides). This car can be had in RWD or AWD. I believe they only come in auto however.
- Cadillac STS/CTS. You mentioned the STS but I always thought of that car as a big boat (the V8 weighs in at a hefty 4250lbs as we discussed). The only CTS that might be worth considering if you want some performance would be the CTS-V, which has the 400hp Corvette engine in it. This may be more performance than you care for but the price would not be very high (50k I believe).
- Lexus GS430. Great Dealership reputation. Reliability seems to be top of the line. Some may think the car is boring and doesn't quite compare to the sportiness of a BMW. Model will be redesigned soon (or should be). Has very good power but does not have a manual option.
- Acura RL. Nice car but lacks the prestige of any of the models mentioned above. Finally comes in AWD (vs the previous model that came in a FWD platform) but unfortunately does not offer a V8 or a manual transmission.
- Audi A6. Nice AWD car. Beautiful car but no manual. On the heavy side with the V8 and the AWD system.

dom

I'd personally take a 545 or E500.

biker

G35x?
I think there's very few makers that put an MT into their AWD version of the car and it seems that most of them put the AWD version in the lower tier car.

The 530 will offer the BMW x drive starting this summer.

BstonBruin

my first choice would definitely be the E500. I like all the cars that are listed above, even the new GS model which should be out soon looks really nice, sporty and aggressive. If he chooses any of those cars that you mentioned, its more than likely that he'll be very happy with his choice.

Christoph

F23A4

Save some $$$ and get a CTS-V.

BstonBruin

saving money....how?

cob3683

Tell him to wait for the 550i or he will regret buying the 545i.

F23A4

Even before rebates, the CTS-V is T H O U S A N D S less than the base on a 545i. And God forbid you add options to it.

Infamous425

stick or not the bimmer is the worst looking one out of all of them

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

If you want AWD and an MT, Audi is your best bet. The reliability won't be any worse than its German competition and Audi's interiors are an industry standard these days. Plus, V8 engines are available.

Look into the S4. Good power, V8 engine, MT tranny, AWD, world class interior, mediocre German reliability. Looks like it has everything that your brother-in-law is looking for.

ferizzo

Well he doesn't mid the looks (actually it has grown on me as well) so this isn't an issue.

When is the 550 coming out? I don't think he'll regret getting the 545 and not waiting for the 550 because he wouldn't necessarily care about not having the slightly extra power.

He wants a nice luxury sedan with some balls and handles well. His preference is an eight cylinder engine so that's why I didn't really mention the G35x (although I think its a great car). The G35x is also more of an entry lux car, like the TL. He isn't an image type of guy but he does want a "lux" car (sounds weird I know).

The CTS-V is a great car but like I said initially it might be "too much" car for him. I told him to check it out though because he may like it much better than the 545i. He is not against it but he likes the prestige of the BMW over the Caddy. I don't know enough about the cars but for perf I'd take the Caddy in a heartbeat, but for overall (perf, looks, prestige, etc) I probably would get the 545i.

Then again maybe he should just get a slightly used M5 CPO!

ferizzo

Great point and something I considered, but the S4 is a little small (probably similar issue to the CTS-V). He has a two year old daughter so the car still needs to be comfortable for the family. Unfortunately the A6 no longer offers a manual and the S6 doesn't currently exist. The S4 is a great package but again, a little on the small side.

Oh and I forgot to mention that the car will have to last 5-10 years, which I know is asking quite a bit from a german car! I have stressed this enough...believe me!

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Well, before he discounts the S4, have him actually go and see it. It's sufficient size for a family (at least in my opinion) and anything larger will detract from the "sporty" experience.

If he is really looking for a reliable AWD car with a touch of sportiness, then the RL and new GS should definitely be near the top of his cars to consider. If he really really really needs the V8 and MT, he needs to be willing to give some on the size since only Audi offers both in conjunction with the AWD.

Guess it just comes down to his priorities.

Minch00

I'd recommend the M45 out of everything listed. 56k FULLY loaded, best looking of the bunch, IMO, sweet powertrain, plenty of room, nice gadgets, RWD......... what else you could ask for......

ferizzo

easy...a manual tranny. He is willing to look at both auto and manual but his preference would be a manual...I have heard good things about the M45 though. Even the STS got good reviews compared to the 545, I just am not sure that boat can hang with the 545 performance wise...then again, the hell do I know!

I appreciate everyone's input. CGTS, AWD is not a necessity just something that has been mentioned in our conversations. Actually, he is a very responsible driver and we both feel that a RWD car with snow tires should be enough for him. I will mention the S4 to him (I am a fan).

F23A4

Same here. I went from to in a remarkably short time, over the E60. (Unlike the new Maxima where I'm still at the initial..perpetual... stage.)

Minch00

Meh, I'm not sure why you guys are so stuck on a luxury car with a manual. A sports car, yes. A home on wheels, nah. But, to each his own I guess.

Python2121

"irregardless isn't even a word"
"yeah it is, it means without lack of regard, DICK"

^^who knows what thats from

i say 545, but they are all nice

iTimmy

If he can stretch his budget just a bit he could get into a benz CLS500- even though its an auto that would be my choice of a mid-level luxury sedan.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Well, if you take AWD out of the equation, then the only other car with a V8 and an MT is the 545i. I still think the BMW is way overpriced and rather ugly...

ferizzo

Up yours! Just kidding! I hear you...I used to think it was ugly too but it grew on me. I really like it now although I still prefer the E39.

Tireguy, funny you should mention it but my uncle-in-law just bought a CLS5 in the Dominican Republic! WTF, all my in-laws are ballers and I ain't shit! Oh well, someday my time will come...I hope!

SeCsTaC

only car that meets all his expectations are the Audi S4. Next up would be the 545i which i think looks great althouh a lot of people hate it, and then the M45! Good all around car, V8, loaded, sporty (from what i've read) etc.

Sarlacc

Sadly the 545 is the only one that has Stick....its only advantage.

Its has the worst interior for a 60g plus car. fucking abomination.

mio

ask him to wait for the new M5~

TLer

I personally like the look of the new Infiniti M45 sport edition. That car has some serious road presence.

55M2G7L

the new M5 is going to be pretty impressive, v10 500hp, id w8 for that, id hate to se the sticker price on it though

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Sticker will be far and away above the price of the last generation one.

55M2G7L

yea i agree with that, i wonder what itll be 6 digit figure maybe?

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

I would guess just a hair under the 6 figure range. The last one cost upwards of $80k optioned out, so a $10k rise in base price for the performance increase might be feasible.

55M2G7L

knowing bmw i wouldnt be surprised to see the price very close to $100000, this thing better put up some good number, but with 100 more hp than the last one, we gotta believe its gonna

cob3683

There is no way that they price it 20,000 more than the E55, its direct competitor. Possibly 90,000 for a fully optioned model but I honestly believe it will be around 80,000 to start. If it reaches 100,000 people will know the difference but they better justify pretty damn well why it is 20,000 over an E55 and 40,000 over a 545i.

But then again, I still cant believe that they priced the 6 series 10,000 too much.

55M2G7L

remember its BMW, no matter how expensive they get people will always buy there cars

cob3683

F23A4

...can't argue against that statement.

ferizzo

I am guessing the new M5 will be low 80s to start but I doubt it will hit the 100k mark. I agree that people would still pay it but they would lose customers to the E55 and maybe even the RS6if they hit 100k. Actually they'll start competing against the higher end MBs at that price range. Remember, the E39 M5 started at 70k (actually I thought it was high-60s but bare bones) so I can't imagine the new M would be 90+ to start.

On that note, while he can afford it I don't think he wants to go up to an M5 (unless its a CPO 2003 M5). This will be his everyday car and while BMW reliability isn't great in general I doubt that the M5 is more reliable than the 545 (not to mention that at least the 05 545 has a year under its belt for figuring out some of the 04 gremlins). Unfortunately with more electronics in new cars we are going to see all sorts of issues. If reliability were the only concern then I would suggest the new GS to him (but again, its a first year production model).

Rob L

Anyone who buys a car based on image/prestige is a fucking tool. The lack of "prestige" isn't a negative with the RL since it keeps the price lower than it would be if it had the same jizz unleashing reputation that BMW and MB cars have.

If the RL were a MB or BMW it'd cost 60 grand EASY. The interior and quality is that good.

darrinb

545, or if he can get a cts-v if hes a hp guy

ferizzo

He went with a black 2005 545 six speed with the sport package. He took one for a test drive and loved it. He really wanted the manual so his choices were limited. He had been debating the manual and so he read and checked out some of the other vehicles mentioned but it came down to him really liking the BMW. Hopefully he will geto to enjoy it and not have to take it to the dealer often.

biker

Not a bad choice - BMW has had two years to work out the kinks. Just tell him to be ready for software updates every 6 months - the whole car runs on software.

ferizzo

Thanks biker, I will keep that in mind and let him know!