05' 545i vs. 07' 530i, which one should I choose?

HI All, I have so far looked at the left over NEW 05' 545i (148 miles) and some new 07' 530i and 550, now I have made my selection down to the 545i and the 530i, here are the details of each one:

07' 530i: dealer is asking for 59,790.80 Plus tax, tags, 99.00 processing fee, 695.00 freight.
Vehicle Options
Code Description Code Description
0620 Voice activation 0205 Automatic transmission
0438 Wood trim 0ZFM Floor mats
0609 Navigation system 0639 BMW Assist
0403 Moonroof 0496 Heated rear seats
0697 DVD Area coding, North America 0322 Comfort Access
0524 Adaptive light control 0ZFA First aid kit
0ZPS Premium Sound Package 09AA Transport protection
0522 Xenon headlights 0416 Rear sunshades
0ZPP Premium Package 0415 Power rear sunshade
0ZSP Sport Package 0925 Shipping package
0441 Smoker's package 0818 Battery switch
0508 Park Distance Control 08SP CO2 control
02VB Tire pressure monitor 0ZCW Cold Weather Package
0655 Satellite radio

05' 545i dealer is asking for $59950, not sure if that include everything (t&t) yet. will know by Monday.
Color 354 Titanium Silver Metallic N/C
Upholstery LCSW Black Dakota Leather N/C
Options ZCW Cold Weather Package 750.00
248 Heated steering wheel N/C
494 Heated front seats N/C
502 Retractable headlight washers N/C
ZPS Premium Sound Package 1,800.00
672 6 disc CD changer N/C
677 Premium hi-fi system N/C
ZSP Sport Package 3,300.00
217 Active steering N/C
226 Sports suspension N/C
229 Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) N/C
300 Space-saver spare N/C
339 Shadowline trim N/C
481 Sport seats N/C
591 18" Light-alloy wheels Star Spoke (style124... N/C

205 Automatic transmission N/C
415 Power rear sunshade N/C
416 Power rear sunshade with rear manual side windo... 575.00
609 Navigation system 1,800.00
620 Voice activation N/C
693 Satellite radio preparation 75.00
Net Total 64,100.00
DESTINATION CHARGE 695.00
GAS GUZZLER N/C
Total Suggested Price 64,795.00

to me, the 545 sounds like a better deal if the price include everything. but 07's has more options on it, comfort access and so on.....
also, heard about the problems with the 07's , not sure if this one is fixed already.

what are you guys are paying for the new 07's 530, how much we can get off the price?

Thanks guys!

Reply » 05' 545i vs. 07' 530i, which one should I choose?

what problems have you heard of with regards to the 2007?

thanks

Reply » 05' 545i vs. 07' 530i, which one should I choose?

Hi, I have heard there is some sort of problems with the rear shocks and BMW is trying to fix them, but there is a wait list on that. I will get more details from the dealer on Monday and post it here.

Reply » 05' 545i vs. 07' 530i, which one should I choose?

Rear shocks recall is the last thing you would want to worry about; probably a bad lot of parts from the supplier.

The 2005 is 2 model years old. I do not understand when you say leftover. Has the car been titled as a loaner? Is it a demo car? Is it a CPO car? How much free warranty/maintenance comes with it?

From what I understand, the MSRP of the 545 was around $65K and the dealer is asking for $60K for a car which is already two model years old! IIRC, there were special incentives on the 2005 545. Further the Euro Delivery price of a 2007 550 is going to be less than what the dealer is asking you. I see absolutely no point in buying the 2005 at $60K. At $55K with a CPO warranty, I might be interested. What you should do is price out the car you want using the pricing stickies in the ask a dealer forum. You will get an idea of the dealer cost and also the European Delivery price. It is relatively easy to get a car at $1500-$2000 over the Euro delivery invoice which typically translates to 10-12% off the US MSRP. So you can get the 2007 550 at the same price as what the dealer is quoting you for the 2005 545!

Also if you are planning to lease the 2005 model year lease will probably cost you more than the 2007 550 lease.

Unless you are in an absolute hurry, I strongly recommend that you do a European Delivery. You will save yourself a bundle.

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