6 Months Later, things I like/dislike about 545i

Here are my two cents on what I like dislike about my 545i sport SMG after 6 months. Some of the issues are minor so dont be offended.

Likes.

Fast as hell.

SMG is a blast and somewhat challenging to do perfectly.

No perceved body roll.

Active steering seemed silly on paper but turned out to be great. Driving cars without feels ancient.

Impressive stopping power.

Fantastic handling for a car this size.

Logic 7 sound system will please audiophiles.

Navigation was flawless even when entering an address 3 countries away. Perspective view is great.

HID high beams are impressive. Best I have seen.

Dislike.

The gear number on the dash is too little to read quickly. Should have gotten the heads up option with the SMG.

Exhaust note is too low for my taste. Its hard to tell the shift points if you cant hear the engine.

No good phones from Nextel with Bluetooth that will work

Dont know how to turn off navigation mid way. Any tips are welcomed.

You have to manualy turn on the auto wipers every time you need them. Whats the point?

No way for the doors to automaticaly unlock once key is removed.

Standard size water bottle does not fit in cooled armrest.

Idrive is a bit too slow.

Legal disclamer on the screen is anoying.

Smg in standard mode shifs too slow. Car does not retain the sport setting once you restart. Have to push it every time.

Sirius Satellite sounds like crap. Not BMW's fault.

No volume display. Why?

I keep having to explain to my 4 year old that the wide screen in the dash will not play Madagascar eventhough it says DVD on the drive.

Thanks to all on the forum who convinced me that this is the best car in its class. Without a doubt!!

Reply » 6 Months Later, things I like/dislike about 545i

Speaking of not being able to turn off the nav.. check out this Top Gear review of the M5:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...q=top+gear+bmw

pretty funny

Reply » 6 Months Later, things I like/dislike about 545i

Great video...

There is a way to disengage navigation, I did it with voice control during my ED but I can't remember the command just now.... might want to try the manual or "options" within nav.

Reply » 6 Months Later, things I like/dislike about 545i

Agree with all your likes. Here are some comments on your dislikes:

HUD doesn't have the gear number. It really, really, REALLY needs it for the SMG because sometimes you lose track of what gear you are in. Would be nice to have a tach on the HUD as well. However, overall, the HUD is sweet...I love it.

Well, the car *is* a luxury car as well as sport. You can barely hear the engine much less the exhaust.

Wiper don't bug me...it works very nice with the auto-sensing but the do need engaged for this to work. After all, you don't want them turning on accidentally, I think (carwash?).

Cooler armrest is a bit gimmicky...a 12 oz can of soda or beer fits but that is about it.

IDrive is always too slow...dunno why BMW can put some speed into it.

Agree about Sport mode on the SMG...get annoying having to press the button all the time...it's position should be memorized like your seat settings.

Sirius sounds fine to me but I'm no audio freak.

Reply » 6 Months Later, things I like/dislike about 545i

What do you mean by disengage navigation? Do you mean how to stop guiding to a destination? If so, there is an icon the left side of the screen for that purpose. Two clicks of the I-drive button and its done.

I also agree that the sirius sound quality is a little disapointing.

I too like active steering, although I was skeptical of it at first.

I think auto unlocking of the doors when key is removed could be a safety issue. I turned off the 5mph auto lock function party because I didn't like the double pull of the door handle to exit the car.

I'm fine with the auto wiper function, but it doesn't rain much here.

Speaking of gear display, I'd like that for steptronic in headsup or dashboard too.

The legal disclaimer is a pain, but at least we have nav functionality while in motion, which some cars don't have.

I don't see a need for a volume display.

Very happy with the car overall too. 9 months old and hasn't been to the dealer yet.

Reply » 6 Months Later, things I like/dislike about 545i

Does anyone think, that in the future with a software upgrade, they might introduce the gear number for SMG in the HUD. Thats one of the first things it should have displayed to begin with!!!!!

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