dsummersm3

I'm thinking about purchasing an'04 545 CPO 6-spd of corse. it's a CPO car, good until 6/2/2010. It has 43,000 miles it.

I'm just curious about the reliabilty of these cars. I'm looking for comments, good and bad. I'm just worried about the expense of fixing this bad boy after the CPO is up.

I currenlty have an E34 535 - 5spd that have been a tank. I have spent very little on maintaing it. I'm thinking that with all the bells and whistles on the E60s that it may become too expensive to maintain for years to come.

So, anyone with a high mileage 545 that can comment on what's been an issue? Very reliable? Stupid little issues?etc....

TIA

Dan

juan2mini

Dan
I went from a 1995 e34 to a 2004 e60. I still have my e34, it has been (and still is) a wonderful automobile. I don't see my e60 being a wonderful automobile after 13 years. I have had no real issues with my 545i, just the usual early production computer glitches. The engine, transmission and handling are great. The fit and finish is not good as my e34. Also, I don't get the bank vault feel when I close the doors or trunk. I did purchase the extended warranty from BMW after 4 years. I will not keep my e60 when that runs out. I love the e60, I just need that security blanket of a warranty. If I had to drive to Canada tomorrow I might take the e34.

jsal

Don't want to talk to soon, but a side from the known problems I dealt with under warranty (tires, door seals, computer upgrades). I have been very happy. A side from a Battery, tires, upgrades and oil, I have not spent much. Although my 75k service is coming up in a few thousand miles.

Steveadp

I have an 04 545i and I had a E39 528i that was bullet proof. I put 135k on it and never had an issue. This car so far has been great. Some annoying noises from the engine but was told it was normal on the 04/ Door and sunroof seals, brakes ( expensive) and oil changes are all. I plan on doing my own maintance to keep the cost down. Im going to keep it out of warranty, I have 56k on it.

The drivability of the e60 is awesome. I love driving the car everyday.

njmarro

Can't give you a ton of info on long term reliability, I have owned my 04 545i for 4 months now, and purchased it similar to your experience. 41k at purchase CPO until May 2010. So far so good, if have put 7k miles on it without any problems at all. I have driven it on some longer trips but more city driving and have been greatly satisfied with the power, comfort and the reliability of it. I moved up from a 00 E46 328CI that I owned from 2003-on that was absolutely flawless, so I am hoping that my new E60 will prove to be a solid performer like my old E46 was. Good luck with your choice

UTVol545i

I've only had mine since early November... I've got 67K on it now and fortunately I have a CPO (maintenance and repairs) to 100K or Feb. 2010 (obviously next Feb. will come before 100K miles).... I've had to take it in a few times for minor stuff (sensors and thermostats had to be replaced) ...

My last visit to the dealer came up because I was draining the battery due to my many short trips during the week (my gym and office are very close to my house). I got a trickle charger to alleviate that issue. Battery was draining and then setting off dynamic drive and active steering malfunctions...

If I'm honest, I will have to say I will be a bit nervous once my CPO runs out...just because of cost of repairs should they arise. However I knew what I was getting into when I bought this car and would do it again in a heartbeat. I will defintely be keeping this car for a while (and I have a backup car in case something terrible happens, knock on wood) .. I'm also going to be picking up an e39 540i m sport pretty soon as well...

I will say I absolutely love the car, it performs beyond my wildest expectations, just an amazing machine. I will disagree with the previous poster in that I definitely get that bank vault thunk and feel when get in and out of this car and the trunk...

za3879

Hey -

I now have 105k on my 545 and I cant say that I didnt have any problems. Ive had to replace a control arm due to pothole damage, an emissions sensor, and a battery + alternator (all after my 100k warranty) and front struts. None of this was cheap, let me tell you. I think I just faced a lot of bad luck at once, but since all of that has been handled, the car is a rock. Just maintain it well and timely.

Here's a breakdown:
Battery: 250
Alternator: 1200 incl labor
Control Arm: 500 incl labor
Emissions Sensor: 500 incl labor
Front struts: 1000 incl labor (I had the dealer match other installation charges I was quoted so i got lucky, and I bought my struts online for 410).

Now I have to buy new rims because all of them are cracked from pothole damage.
To be honest, no matter what - all of it is worth it and I never think twice about it because I love her dearly.

skylolow

Cost is really going to depend on how much of a DIY you are.

There is some things that are going to require dealership service or a shop with the right equipment for software realated items. If you got to go too a dealership you know it isn't going to be cheap. Like the guy above an alternator for $1200. You can do it yourself for less then $250 and replace your serptine belt while your at it. Thing that sucks on these cars is if you have a major problem like your tranny goes out. At that point your talking about big $$$$$$$$$$ and I'm not talking like 3K.