arunp

I wanted to find out if there are any 06 GS430 owners who previously owned a BMW 545I. What do you think about the GS compared to the 545i? I just sold my 2005 545i and am picking up my GS430 next week. What do you miss the most about the 545i and what do you like/dislike about the GS430? Any help will be greatly appriciated.

Thanks

Tony

Aince there are no responses it makes you wonder if the ex 545 owners bought infinitis or some other brand besides GS430. I am in the same boat you are. I like sporty but not all the headaches. I hope several others have migrated here from BMW.

nardeezy

I don't know whay you gave up your 5 series. Unless you really had to give up the 545 I would've waited until the 2007 GS models were released, they're supposed to have more power.

GS4_LEX

I think the comparison between the two is the closest comparison we have in terms of size and price point. But the build quality and the reliability does not even come close. I had several BMW's since 2001 and I have not been impressed with service, reliability and customer service. You might ask my would i want to go back to BMW if I am that unhappy with them. Well I always like the style until the new 5 Series appeared and made me step back. The 745Li i had was a piece of junk perhaps it was because of the first year, but it was just plain crap. That was lemoned and moved me towards the 540i Sport which I liked but the interior is not a comparison to Lexus's quality or comfort. Then again I like Sport. Hence the reason I stayed with BMW but then purchased a 2003 GS430. I enjoyed the car and modified it but even with coilovers,rims and additional mods, it was the handling that lead me back to BMW. I then purchased the 2003.5 M3 Convertible and I enjoyed the hell out of that car until the winter months came along and every squeak and squabble came out. They fixed it like 10 times but in the end they told me it was what I had to deal with(part of design). I bought a hard top and that solve most of the issues( $2000.00 fix). But little issues after little issues after two new motors and a few frustrated years later I was ready to leave it. Hence the 06 GS430 - I could have waited for the 2007 model to fix any new discovered problems and the new motor but I wanted something now and I have not looked back. I will wait for the new motor and if that is as impressive as I hope then I will consider one then. Until then I will put my new wheels on, wait for the Coilovers and Aero Kit when they start shipping after the Tokyo Show.

I will get two of my friends to log on as me and give you their impressions with their 06 GS430's and you will notice a pattern of why BMW owners who aren't married to the name have left. Mike and Michael owned a 2004 545i Sport with SMG and 2005 545I sport with 6 speed. Both drove the M45 as I did and both walked away to get the GS430. Because in the end, customer service will prevail and smart people will make smart choices.

BMW needs to step up and get it done. Until then I will have to move away from a product that I did enjoy in terms if drivability. They have a handling that cannot be compared but a horrible service and bad 5 series design that matches.

I am very excited to see what the new M3's will be like. I hope they don't screw that one up.

doug_999

I could see being totally frustrated and leaving the brand. In late 2002 I was NOT frustrated but wanted something different so I went with a GS430 from my 2000 540ia. I really missed my 540 however and am now back in the BMW family. Of the two BMWs I had prior to this, I only had a clutch issue with my 325. That was the single problem in 7+ years of ownership (1995 325i and 2000 540ia).

I'm not knocking you arunp, like I said, I have read the horror stories from some people and I could see being pushed out. What I don't understand is how many of these cars (545s and M3s) are just perfect but there are some that are just nightmares (mabye a rouge band of bad dudes that work for BMW on certain days?)

Oh yea, of note, the dealer network can make a huge diff - but on my side, my BMW dealer is far more competent and reasonably priced than any of the Lexus dealers I've tried. I've heard just the opposite from many people so it is location dependent. I have however REALLY missed the full maintenance provided by BMW as the Lexus dealers are always trying to get you to do services that are not required.

Anyway, the GS430 is an incredible car - keep us up to date on how you like it.