2005 BMW 545i Reviews

BMW's 545i with M package is not the real deal. The real M5 model won't get here until mid-year and is going to cost substantially more than this dressed-up 5 Series.The "M-lite" has a few of the bits, some of the body trim and a sportier suspension package ... and it is a beauty.As a base proposition the 545i is impressive. Add on the $3000 M Sport package and it actually represents good value, not something that is often said about BMW's extensive options list.The best of the add-ons is definitely the sportier suspension package, which adds an additional level of confidence to an already impressive handling deal.In addition, there is a set of M-badged light alloy 18-inch rims shod with 245/40 rubber, an attractive aeropackage, sport steering wheel, M-badged door sill finishers and a stylish aluminium dash treatment.Even without the extras, the 545i is an impressive argument that luxury, refinement and style need not lack muscle.At $151,900, the 545i is priced for what it is -- an upper end vehicle. Importantly, it delivers on what it promises.Much has been said and written about Chris Bangle's particular design theme which has, if nothing else, kept BMW under discussion through the renewal of its entire model range.On the 5 Series, the often confronting Bangle surfaces and folds actually look good, very good in fact. It may be the scale, it may be the final refinements of an idea, for whatever reason, it works.The first impression of the 545i's interior is one of space, luxurious space.Front and rear passengers are treated equally generously with ample shoulder, head and leg room.In typical BMW fashion the seats are supremely comfortable with a huge range of adjustment for the driver and three memory positions to ensure that once you have found a suitable spot you can go straight back to it.The aluminium strip treatment on the dash is a welcome change from the usual wood. The look is sporty and modern without being in the least "cheap". While the look and feel are important, to BMW, and many of the marque's faithful, it is the car's manners and performance that are the key indicators of success or not.The 245kW 4.4-litre V8 has the urge to lift the 545i's considerable 1635kg away from stationary with impressive verve on the way to governed 250km/h top speed.The big sedan will get to 100km/h in a claimed 5.9 seconds, but its real talent is using the 450Nm of torque through an impressive mid-range for quick acceleration when overtaking or merging.As a highway cruiser, it is simply superb. The active steering is as clever as it is useful.An electro-mechanical actuator adds positive or negative steering angles to the driver input, depending on speed. It means the steering ratio varies between 1:10 and 1:20 as speed increases with 1.7 turns lock-to-lock for agility at parking speeds and three turns for stability at highway speed.

To me, it can be overly complex and distractive to the driver.So I went for a long lesson; the one that BMW owners attend, with information about how the system works and what it can do and a hefty book as homework.For an owner, or prospective owner, of a BMW fitted with iDrive, get prepared for some lessons because that's possibly the only way you'll get to appreciate how the system works and what it has to offer.Not everyone may need the exhaustive list of iDrive options fitted to the BMW 5-series and 7-series, including systems such as audio, television, ventilation, navigation, communication and comfort.By the same token, not everyone is taken by the styling of the 545i.What everyone would appreciate is the car's ride quality and startling performance.Though the sedan looks a bit bulky – it's a pinch heavier than a Falconthe 4.4-litre V8 pumps out a hefty 245kW of power and a meaty 450Nm of torque at 3600rpm.Matched to a six-speed auto box, with sequential change if you want it, the performance is outstanding.The 545i also has superb handling, thanks to an active suspension system that works in concert with BMW's similarly active steering set-up.Turn off the stability program and the big sedan lightens up beautifully, producing controllable oversteer with excellent steering feel.Keep the stability program on and the big car holds a line through the corners with a near-flat stance. It is quite a remarkable and confidence-inspiring mount.The big surprise through all this is how the passengers were virtually unaware of the car's speed and cornering prowess.It remains quiet, unfussed and its performance potential is very understated.Of course, the 545i has all the necessary trimmings.Aside from a host of functions that can be tailored to the owner, the car sits on a long wheelbase for excellent rear head and leg room.The seats are perforated leather, with optional cooling air fans in the front seats that dry your sweaty back while you make that business call on the hands-free phone.The sound system is one of the best on the market, with a graphic equaliser that powers 10 speakers.There's a sunroof; "comfort" seats with ventilation and electric lumbar, bolster and thigh adjustments, rain-sensitive wipers and 10 airbags.The cabin design resembles the "edge" styling of the exterior, so it's restrained only by the dark colours chosen by the interior decorator.It's a great car, but don't think all the goodies it offers comes at an affordable price. At $150,000-plus, it's the perfect express for the executive in a hurry.