I realize this is an interesting place to post this question, but this is the board I visit the most and I have a lot of respect for the CL Members....

That said....

I've made my decision to return to the darkside. The question is, pick up an 05 545 now at an incredible lease deal (money factor .00115), or wait for the 550 (and the end of my lease on the GS in Feb).

The pros of the 545 are
I can get out of the Lexus now (yes, it is killing me)
I can get a great deal

The cons of the 545 are
Active Steering (becomes optional on the 550)
Color choices (I'm stuck with black on black AGAIN)

The pros of the 550 are
New DSC
Color I want (the new blue)
More power

The cons of the 550 are
Have to wait until Feb (I'll order in Dec)
About $200 more per month

Anybody have advice here?

What matters most is what you can afford and what will make you happy.

i'd say be patient and wait for what you REALLY want, because you know after you've had the 545 for a few months you're going to wish you waited for the 550....

and just a question, why is it "killing" you to get out of the lexus???

I would wait. Give you something to look forward to.

Jonny

It sounds like you're just going to be settling for the 545 when you really want the 550 that will have everything you want. I'd say wait.

Just curious, why is your Lexus killing you?

i was going to ask the same question?

I believe it's these (although "killing" seems to be too strong a word here).

550 later, it's worth the wait & extra $ IMO.

I would wait also.. February will be here before you know it and the excitment inside will be priceless.. Good Luck..

Tony

I don't care much for either car. IMO almost all of the Chris Bangle designs s - -k, but if it boils down to a choice between the two under the terms you listed here, wait and get the 550. Why? It is the color you want, the power you want, the electronics you want, and apparantly a lease price you can still afford even if it is $200 more than the 545....otherwise we have to assume you would not have considered it. Also, one last advantage.....by waiting for the 550...ordering it in December and getting it in February, you will lessen ( but not eliminate ) the chances you will have of taking a brand-new car out in snowstorms with messed-up roads with sand, salt, gravel, and abrasives. That will not do the paint and trim any good....trust me. You don't want to get a brand-new car at the start of an Illinois winter and have to face three or four solid months of that crap on the roads.....and even aside from the question of what the sand and salt do, most BMW products come with high-performance dry-weather tires that are miserable in snow.

Doug, I'd get the 550. Now understand, NEITHER car is a bad choice and the speed, luxury and amenities are better than most cars.

But I think you would RATHER have the 550 and if you had the 545, you would be like "damnit" if you saw a 550.

Congrats on 1k posts

Thanks guys. I think I will wait for the 550.

Of note, the tires on the GS have feathered (just like they do on G35 coupes - even though I can't see it of course). I get a nice thump thump thump at low speeds and while braking. This of course is driving me nuts. To make it worse I have a set of brand new OEM tires sitting in my basement - but since I've got plenty of tread left on my current tires, and the snows will be on shortly, i'm being stubborn and not switching them. Thus the car is killing me.

u really want the 550, but wow 200 a month is a lot...

200 more may sound like a lot, but some guys make a lot of money. As long as you live responsibly, meet your obligations, and can afford one, IMO there is nothing wrong with spending money on a new car once in a while. It is one of the classic enjoyments in life. I myself get a new ride usually about every 5 years or so...a reasonable interval. That is one of the main reasons we have this CAR CHAT forum which is so popular....to discuss new cars. Chris Bangle BMW's may not be my cup of tea, but some people obviously like them.