E60 545i 6 Speed

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bornagainbmwfan

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I may be days away from coming back to BMW. I currently have an 03 E 500 with everything on it. Unforunately MB does not offer man. trans. and that is something I miss.

I used to drive Bmer only - but the 7 was the biggest turnoff ever.

Looking at the E60 545i 6 speed and feeling its performance, I am almost convinced that its time to come back. If only we could get MB's luxury with Bmers performance...

Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about their 545i? Any reason why I should or shouldn't go through with this?

Sam

Formerly 00 M5, 01 X5, 01, 740, 97 540
 
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epj3

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Since you seem to own some nice cars with very good performance (ie M5), I would wait a few months until the new M5 is released.
 
frolf

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Hey Sam, welcome to BMWboard. I haven't driven the 545 yet, but i drove a 645 today that was loaded with everything, and the new active steering is REALLY REALLY cool
 
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pargolf

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I recently bought a 545i 6speed. I have owned BMW's for years and seriously considered switching camps to the E500 or CLK500 before buying the 545i. In my opinion, the E500 is a great design but not as much fun to drive as the 545i 6speed. The design of the 545i looks better to me everyday and the performance is outstanding. Once you have acclimated to the active-steering and Idrive, driving the 545i becomes extremely intuitive. I highly recommended the 545i 6speed.
 
glassman

glassman

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The active stering is great. I drove the 530 first and was less than impressed. When I drove the 545, it was like a different car. I hear the M5 is going to have over 500 horsepower. I can't imagine how much fun that car will be.
 
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bornagainbmwfan

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Thank you for your replies and recommendations. EPJ3, I took your reply and went to Beemer in CLT, today. The sales person recommended the same. Getting one might be the challenge. I ll wait for the M5 - I ll be back.

Sam
 
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Heezyo2o

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I've had a six-speed 545i for about a month and can tell you it's incredible to drive. I considered an e500 too, but after spending time with this car, I can't really see myself driving the Benz.
 
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Heezyo2o

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If your even thinking about the switch, you know that you want more of a driver's car. The e500 is a fine car, but quite different from the 545i.

There have been complaints about the interior and I-drive, but I honestly enjoy both. In fact I find myself missing I-drive when I'm driving other cars.

If you go over to mbworld.org, they will tell you to keep your e500, but here you'll be told to get the 545i. You really have to get in the car, take it out for a drive and find out for yourself.
 
bahnstormer

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in terms of looks the e500 walks all over the ugly 545i
in terms of performance and driving, i'd take the 545i 6spd
wait for the m5 to come out and we'll see how it does VS
the e55 =]
 
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wolverine

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Opinion on 545i 6sp

I ordered a 545 6sp for European delivery about a month ago - i cancelled my m5 order when I found out it would be SMG only. I've driven five or so demos and I think it is the best handling sedan made today (m5 excepted). The car will almost hold its own against a 911, and I love the active steering and suspension. I have yet to hear of a person who has bought a 545 who is not incredibly impressed with the performance. I would go for it if performance is your thing. The looks and I drive are about the only negatives people consistently talk about. I actually like the looks. I'm getting the Sirius radio which has individual station buttons, so my main gripe about the I drive is eliminated. If you want a manual transmission, and need a sedan, I think this car is the best there is.

bornagainbmwfan said:
I may be days away from coming back to BMW. I currently have an 03 E 500 with everything on it. Unforunately MB does not offer man. trans. and that is something I miss.

I used to drive Bmer only - but the 7 was the biggest turnoff ever.

Looking at the E60 545i 6 speed and feeling its performance, I am almost convinced that its time to come back. If only we could get MB's luxury with Bmers performance...

Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about their 545i? Any reason why I should or shouldn't go through with this?

Sam

Formerly 00 M5, 01 X5, 01, 740, 97 540
Click to expand...
 
Wallie05

Wallie05

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What's this about the M5 only being offered with SMG? That sucks if BMW does that. Might as well get an E55 if you want an automatic supercar, I'd rather get a full auto than pretend to shift to impress my friends (oops, no clutch). The next M5 is ugly to boot....

Ideally, I'd go with a previous gen. M5. Simply stunning.
 
Wallie05

Wallie05

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CosmosBlack said:
The SMG is NOT an automatic...
Click to expand...

Yeah sure, keep kidding yourself [scream] . It sure as hell isn't a manual. Who does the actual shifting, you or the computer? The onboard computer senses the flick of the SMG stick and tells the car to shift. Also, there is a FULLY AUTO mode on the SMGs. It's like the Tiptronic (VW/Audi) or BMWs Steptronic, only a little more realistic because of the motion; instead of going up and down like on those models, you can pretend to shift through the gates.

Bottom line, if my mom can drive it, it's not a manual.
 
CosmosBlack

CosmosBlack

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Wallie05 said:
Yeah sure, keep kidding yourself [scream] . It sure as hell isn't a manual. Who does the actual shifting, you or the computer? The onboard computer senses the flick of the SMG stick and tells the car to shift. Also, there is a FULLY AUTO mode on the SMGs. It's like the Tiptronic (VW/Audi) or BMWs Steptronic, only a little more realistic because of the motion; instead of going up and down like on those models, you can pretend to shift through the gates.

Bottom line, if my mom can drive it, it's not a manual.
Click to expand...
Well...From your response, I know there's no point of me debating over this with you.
Just do some research, read up... [cheers]
 
CosmosBlack

CosmosBlack

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#19
My original comment was "SMG is NOT an automatic".
And the link you posted contradicts yourself...

However, if you think you are right and I am wrong, it doesn't matter to me...

Case closed.
 
Wallie05

Wallie05

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Case re-opened....If it please the court.


"You can choose between two shift modes, the sequential ("S") mode or the automated ("A") mode."

"There is no need for a clutch, clutch pedal or torque converter."

"A Mode provides the convenience of an automatic transmission for start and stop driving, while S Mode provides lightning fast gear shifts even with the accelerator pedal fully depressed."

Can you read? Do you even know what c-o-n-t-r-a-d-i-c-t-i-o-n means?

PS

My original comment was: "I'd rather get a full auto than pretend to shift to impress my friends (oops, no clutch)." [clap]
 
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