2004 BMW 545i 6-Speed Road Test

We pulled to a stop in front of the international terminal, a place I've come to know like a second home in recent years, with no police cruiser in tow. The

After the exciting drive, the 545i was no worse for wear, having been designed to withstand day-in and day-out torture average luxury cars could never hope to endure. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

545i was no worse for wear, having been designed to withstand day-in and day-out torture average luxury cars could never hope to endure. I know, as I've owned a variety of BMWs some of which were 5s, the first which lasted systematic punishment for 418,000 kilometers without even a valve job before I sold it to a friend. From what I understand it's still dishing out thrills to this day, some 15 or so years later.

I'm quite sure I would have missed my flight if it weren't for the 545i, and the willingness of numberless traffic lights that came to my assistance. Instead Shawn left me at departures and drove it off to a photo session, and I climbed comfortably into my business class cabin.

Life is very good in a 545i, and in my opinion could only get better in the new 507 horsepower V10 equipped 2005 M5. But such is rarified company, the outgoing M5 considered by most automotive journalists, including yours truly as the benchmark sports

After seeing and feeling what the 545i is capable of, it might just be time for another BMW in my garage. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

sedan. With that in mind, I'll be doing very well to stretch my car allowance into a 530i let alone an M5 or 545i, but it's healthy to have aspirations.

My trip home from the airport a few days later was much more relaxed, allowing me to reflect on our last drive together. It was as if the car and I went through something extraordinary, a moment of adrenaline inducing angst mixed with feelings of power, control and self-confidence, both having seized the moment and against all odds beaten down the antagonist, and finally, through it all had somehow bonded, man and machine. I think I have to rethink my priorities. It might just be time for another BMW after all.