e61 545i / 550i - any good?
Discussion
I'll be honest - I LIKE diesels. I actually enjoy the power delivery - yes really! But after a couple of weeks of eyeing up 530ds and 535ds I have realised that on the mileage I do (3,500 per annum) there simply is no point in going derv as I will not get the car up to speed very often etc etc.
So, if ever there was a person who could afford to wallow around in a v8 its me! Anyone have any experience of the 545i or 550i? Are they likely to be as dynamically good as my e39 530i (great car but underpowered for my liking)? Anything to watch? Basically, convince me that big v8 power is the way forward...
So, if ever there was a person who could afford to wallow around in a v8 its me! Anyone have any experience of the 545i or 550i? Are they likely to be as dynamically good as my e39 530i (great car but underpowered for my liking)? Anything to watch? Basically, convince me that big v8 power is the way forward...
Would also be keen to learn of opinions re 545i and 550i, particularly Tourings. My daily is an E39 540i touring auto whilst my other half drives F11 520d touring manual. Have had the E39 for 3+yrs, now at 175k and absolutely bulletproof thus far, and a much preferable drive to either E61 or F11, the latter I regard as inferior to E61. E61 bought new 2009 and F11 new last May.
As the E39 at best covers 4/5k per year fuel not a major issue.
However a 545i/550i will become its logical replacement when that time comes.
Do have other cars for pleasure but wont bore you on that subject!!
As the E39 at best covers 4/5k per year fuel not a major issue.
However a 545i/550i will become its logical replacement when that time comes.
Do have other cars for pleasure but wont bore you on that subject!!
I had a 545i from new for 4 years for the wife's daily driver. Loved the car, great engine, but lazy gearbox on the pre-LCI cars (which suits nature) and poor fuel economy (20-24mpg average).
Make sure you get Pro-Nav, xenons, bluetooth phone setup.
No major problems during ownership I recall in 45,000 miles.
550i is the better car though, all have better newer gearbox obviously and extra power for same economy. There are some rare manuals and SMG cars out there, not sure they'd suit the car.
Make sure you get Pro-Nav, xenons, bluetooth phone setup.
No major problems during ownership I recall in 45,000 miles.
550i is the better car though, all have better newer gearbox obviously and extra power for same economy. There are some rare manuals and SMG cars out there, not sure they'd suit the car.
Lazy gearbox? My 545i Touring has a much more alert gearbox than the E39 540i Touring which preceded it, or the E46 330i Touring I had (all auto, of course).
I'm rather fond of my current 545, though it's my second and I didn't keep the first one long. Despite ostensibly being the same car, the options make quite a difference; the first one had sport suspension with 18" wheels, the current one has standard suspension with dynamic drive and 18" wheels. The ride's much better but it doesn't roll in corners; perfect. I also didn't much like the colour scheme of the first one.
I owned the E39 540i Touring at the same time as my first E61 for a month or two and it felt really quite slow in comparison. Don't think the E61 is a thrilling drive though; it's so refined and disguises speed, but it's also lovely and effortless. It's definitely a good replacement for the E39, depending on choosing the right spec. Has the same feeling of doing everything adeptly while still being quite fun to hurl about.
What's the right spec? I very much like the comfort seats (both of mine have had them); there are various different qualities of leather and my current car has Exclusive which also covers the armrests and is much higher quality. The black interior looks much better than beige or grey because the plastic on the door trims looks less obvious. Get one with as many toys as possible because plenty was available on the spec sheet.
If you buy one, check everything works. The E39 was hardly a simple vehicle but the computery stuff in the E60 adds an extra layer of complication.
I'm rather fond of my current 545, though it's my second and I didn't keep the first one long. Despite ostensibly being the same car, the options make quite a difference; the first one had sport suspension with 18" wheels, the current one has standard suspension with dynamic drive and 18" wheels. The ride's much better but it doesn't roll in corners; perfect. I also didn't much like the colour scheme of the first one.
I owned the E39 540i Touring at the same time as my first E61 for a month or two and it felt really quite slow in comparison. Don't think the E61 is a thrilling drive though; it's so refined and disguises speed, but it's also lovely and effortless. It's definitely a good replacement for the E39, depending on choosing the right spec. Has the same feeling of doing everything adeptly while still being quite fun to hurl about.
What's the right spec? I very much like the comfort seats (both of mine have had them); there are various different qualities of leather and my current car has Exclusive which also covers the armrests and is much higher quality. The black interior looks much better than beige or grey because the plastic on the door trims looks less obvious. Get one with as many toys as possible because plenty was available on the spec sheet.
If you buy one, check everything works. The E39 was hardly a simple vehicle but the computery stuff in the E60 adds an extra layer of complication.
I've got a 2007 550i touring (manual), so can offer an opinion:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Before buying it I was looking at 535d's and spent several months looking for one in the right condition and spec and in all honesty I was struggling with the whole diesel thing. I needed a big car, but wanted a sports car and as good as the 535d is, it just didn't sit well with my sports car desires.... then a fellow pistonheader mentioned he was thinking of selling his beautiful looking 550i touring and I just couldn't resist.
I haven't regretted it. For me its almost the perfect all rounder for someone needing a large car - its big and practical (especially in touring form), it's luxurious and fast - that big V8 engine is fantastic. I see it as a Jackal and Hide car, its confortable pottering around town, easy munching up the motorway miles but when you want to give it some pastie it turns into a snarling beast. I've got an Eisenmann exhaust on mine which the previous owner had fitted (he'll be along soon to comment i'm sure!) which enhances the burbly v8 soundtrack on startup and accelerating.
The downside? Well obviously fuel economy isn't great but I don't think its that bad either. I average about 24-25 but it does depend on the journey - I get around 30mpg on a motorway but can drop nearer 20 around town and country lanes. I reset my trip computer in November and was averaging about 27-28mpg until about a month ago. Since then I've done hardly any long jouneys and its now gone down to just short of 25mpg.... but if you only do 3500 miles a year then its nothing to worry about. Due to a change in work I've done far more miles than I intended doing (about 13k since I bought it in May) and unfortuntley can only see that continuing.
Do it, you know it makes sense!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Before buying it I was looking at 535d's and spent several months looking for one in the right condition and spec and in all honesty I was struggling with the whole diesel thing. I needed a big car, but wanted a sports car and as good as the 535d is, it just didn't sit well with my sports car desires.... then a fellow pistonheader mentioned he was thinking of selling his beautiful looking 550i touring and I just couldn't resist.
I haven't regretted it. For me its almost the perfect all rounder for someone needing a large car - its big and practical (especially in touring form), it's luxurious and fast - that big V8 engine is fantastic. I see it as a Jackal and Hide car, its confortable pottering around town, easy munching up the motorway miles but when you want to give it some pastie it turns into a snarling beast. I've got an Eisenmann exhaust on mine which the previous owner had fitted (he'll be along soon to comment i'm sure!) which enhances the burbly v8 soundtrack on startup and accelerating.
The downside? Well obviously fuel economy isn't great but I don't think its that bad either. I average about 24-25 but it does depend on the journey - I get around 30mpg on a motorway but can drop nearer 20 around town and country lanes. I reset my trip computer in November and was averaging about 27-28mpg until about a month ago. Since then I've done hardly any long jouneys and its now gone down to just short of 25mpg.... but if you only do 3500 miles a year then its nothing to worry about. Due to a change in work I've done far more miles than I intended doing (about 13k since I bought it in May) and unfortuntley can only see that continuing.
Do it, you know it makes sense!
Thanks for the feedback guys. On another note, I have seen an e60 540i manual which I rather like the look of. A bit of an oddity the 540i though, as they ran that engine against the 545i and the 550i didnt they? I know it wont be a slow car but I wonder whether it is worth looking at a 540i when there are other more powerful and equally unfrugal options out there....?
The 540i was introduced when the 545i was replaced by the 550i. It still has about 300bhp so it's more powerful than the old E39 540i. I've barely seen any for sale, ever, so it's not exactly a common option. Fills the gap between the 530i and 550i (numerically and in power output) but wasn't offered in Touring form.
Weirdly the US market didn't get the V8 540i but instead got the similarly powerful twin turbo 535i (engine from the E90 335i); V8 for Europe not the US seems the wrong way round!
Weirdly the US market didn't get the V8 540i but instead got the similarly powerful twin turbo 535i (engine from the E90 335i); V8 for Europe not the US seems the wrong way round!
Only caught the BM disease about 1996 when bought M535i from a friend, original owner,now 60k miles total. TBH only this and tourings currently on road, apart from Westie and TVR. Drove a multitude of company bread and butter Fords over the years and had to have something interesting for weekends etc.
Jobbo said:
The 540i was introduced when the 545i was replaced by the 550i. It still has about 300bhp so it's more powerful than the old E39 540i. I've barely seen any for sale, ever, so it's not exactly a common option. Fills the gap between the 530i and 550i (numerically and in power output) but wasn't offered in Touring form.
Weirdly the US market didn't get the V8 540i but instead got the similarly powerful twin turbo 535i (engine from the E90 335i); V8 for Europe not the US seems the wrong way round!
Well, I didn't know that ... in many many months of searching for 535d's and 550i's (nor since) not once did I see a 540i. Perhaps, because my saved searches were "535d" and "550i"!Weirdly the US market didn't get the V8 540i but instead got the similarly powerful twin turbo 535i (engine from the E90 335i); V8 for Europe not the US seems the wrong way round!
philmots said:
If you fancy a deal against my 335d anytime just get in touch...
Averages about 32. On a motorway run it will do early 40's which is where the derv's really come into their own.
Thanks for the offer again, but if I do change it will probably be to 2 cars - a work horse and a sports car. I'll bear it in mind though.Averages about 32. On a motorway run it will do early 40's which is where the derv's really come into their own.
Can't comment on the E61 but I have an E60 550i which I bought 5 months ago, having previously run a 535d for nearly 2yrs. I have to say, the 550i is one of the most complete cars I've ever owned and my only regret so far is not having bought one instead of the 535d 2.5yrs ago!
Everything except fuel is good value IMO, based on the performance on offer.
I had a view that 22mpg would be possible overall, which I still believe had my driving mirrored what I had done in the 535d previously, only due to the birth of our daughter recently we've stuck very much close to home so currently averaging 19.6mpg but easily see 32mpg on steady legal run.
LCI cars are much better build quality IMO and Sports Auto is a fabulous upgrade over standard LCI auto.
Check out my garage for running costs of this one and BMWLand for a 550i thread I've got running over there.
Everything except fuel is good value IMO, based on the performance on offer.
I had a view that 22mpg would be possible overall, which I still believe had my driving mirrored what I had done in the 535d previously, only due to the birth of our daughter recently we've stuck very much close to home so currently averaging 19.6mpg but easily see 32mpg on steady legal run.
LCI cars are much better build quality IMO and Sports Auto is a fabulous upgrade over standard LCI auto.
Check out my garage for running costs of this one and BMWLand for a 550i thread I've got running over there.
Well.... the deal is sealed! I am picking up my e61 550i this Saturday morning! I have to admit to a pang of regret at changing up the e46 330d - maybe that means the 550i is the wrong car for me LOL
I spent most of last month looking at 530d sports and did really want the sport look. I have misgivings at going SE because it does look quite humdrum in comparison. the interior however is lovely (Comfort Seats). The one upside of the SE looks I guess is the q car factor - I plan to remove the badge (not least because in South London I figure it could make it more of a target) and for reasons best known only to myself my "personal" reg is WOI 530 (it came with the 330 and I kind of like it). So, more accidentally than deliberately, my new car will be taken for a 530. I know it's a bit juvenile but Im kind of looking forward to surprising a few Audi A5 drivers...
I spent most of last month looking at 530d sports and did really want the sport look. I have misgivings at going SE because it does look quite humdrum in comparison. the interior however is lovely (Comfort Seats). The one upside of the SE looks I guess is the q car factor - I plan to remove the badge (not least because in South London I figure it could make it more of a target) and for reasons best known only to myself my "personal" reg is WOI 530 (it came with the 330 and I kind of like it). So, more accidentally than deliberately, my new car will be taken for a 530. I know it's a bit juvenile but Im kind of looking forward to surprising a few Audi A5 drivers...
I had BLU 520T on my old, blue 540i Touring for a similar reason 
Having lived with the SE for a couple of years, the interior is the same (though more airy without the black headlining) and the subtle exterior makes people mistake you for ummarked police on the motorway. Which is far better for making progress than a deeper front bumper
Having lived with the SE for a couple of years, the interior is the same (though more airy without the black headlining) and the subtle exterior makes people mistake you for ummarked police on the motorway. Which is far better for making progress than a deeper front bumper
Cheers.
Even though I havent even really had a chance to properly drive it yet, I am already planning to book it in for a CKS remap (405bhp) and sprintbooster next week. Do you think that is a bit previous? It is only about £500 for the two so seemed a bit of a no brainer to me? EDIT: It is a pre-LCI so no sports auto. Might make a difference to suggestions...
Even though I havent even really had a chance to properly drive it yet, I am already planning to book it in for a CKS remap (405bhp) and sprintbooster next week. Do you think that is a bit previous? It is only about £500 for the two so seemed a bit of a no brainer to me? EDIT: It is a pre-LCI so no sports auto. Might make a difference to suggestions...
i have a 535d and looking back i could have saved money on the purchase price, and all the issues with derv's (cleaning of the particle filter, cost of derv) and mine averages 22.9 mpg.....wife has a local run of 8 miles per day to do. But best MPG was 33 on a run.
Id opt for a 550i or a 545i with over 60k on the clock as you dont do the miles.....
no benefit going for less miles.
Id opt for a 550i or a 545i with over 60k on the clock as you dont do the miles.....
no benefit going for less miles.
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