2004 545i or 2005 530i?
10-23-2005, 10:58 PM
#11
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I'd definitely choose the '04 545 over the '05 530. I think the '05 530 still has the old engine with not as much horsepower. Some E60's have more problems than others. Just hope you don't get a lemon. I've read some E60's taken back by BMW because of all the problems. Not sure if the number is higher for 545's than the other models. You might be able to find out if the 545 has been in for any major issues. I had to choose between an '06 M3, '06 530 and 05 545 and i chose the 545. The '06 530 had the newer engine but didn't have the kick the 545 did. If / when you test drive the 545, you'll know what I'm talking about. You get a year less of warranty but you can always purchase an extended warranty. Good luck on your decision.
10-24-2005, 12:15 AM
#12
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My Ride: 2004 530I Black/Black, Premium/Sport, Navigation
2005 545I Silver/Black, Premium/Sport, Logic 7, Navigation
Don't go with the early 2004 one. i had to trade my 04 530i for a 05 525i to stop my almost montly bmw dealership visit.
10-24-2005, 06:40 AM
#13
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My Ride: 2006 530i auto, premium, NAV.
I've noticed so far that there were 3 recalls for the 04' 545....Foudn those in the Internet AUto Guide... Were there more than 3 recalls?
10-24-2005, 08:36 AM
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As mentioned, the one issue would be that some '04 models had problems. I would prefer the 545 vs. the 530 given the fun factor.
I would find out if it was a buyback from BMW due to problems - if so, stay away. Also, if you are planning to keep it for a long time, look into whether you can get it under the BMW certified program. I think the coverage is similar to the original warranty but for 6 yrs./100K miles. I would do a topic search to confirm this.
Another thing you may want to consider is leasing a new 530i. That way you get more horsepower, your exact options, a longer warranty and the lease rate is very low (0.00140 I believe). I think forum members have been able to negotiate $1500 over invoice or look into Costco which I heard has a good purchase program.
Best of luck!
I would find out if it was a buyback from BMW due to problems - if so, stay away. Also, if you are planning to keep it for a long time, look into whether you can get it under the BMW certified program. I think the coverage is similar to the original warranty but for 6 yrs./100K miles. I would do a topic search to confirm this.
Another thing you may want to consider is leasing a new 530i. That way you get more horsepower, your exact options, a longer warranty and the lease rate is very low (0.00140 I believe). I think forum members have been able to negotiate $1500 over invoice or look into Costco which I heard has a good purchase program.
Best of luck!
10-24-2005, 08:45 AM
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You may want to check the build date of the 2004. I have an 04 545, built in August 2003, so it is an early production model. Driving the thing is addictive, but unfortunately it is also addicted to the service center. Total piece of crap. Dealer claims all these early issues are resolved so I would feel more comfortable with a newer model.
10-24-2005, 08:59 AM
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My Ride: 535D Sport Auto
Originally Posted by crgoda' date='Oct 23 2005, 08:37 PM
Hello,
I am in the market for a 530i, but came across a 545i 2004 with 9000 miles for $44k. Has Nav, logic 7, run flats, xenon, etc....?
The same dealer has a 530i 2005 for $42k with 11,000 miles with similar packages, incl. Nav, xenon, etc..
Which one would you take?
I am in the market for a 530i, but came across a 545i 2004 with 9000 miles for $44k. Has Nav, logic 7, run flats, xenon, etc....?
The same dealer has a 530i 2005 for $42k with 11,000 miles with similar packages, incl. Nav, xenon, etc..
Which one would you take?
[snapback]187795[/snapback]
The age/mileage will make no difference to the quality of the car. The extra bhp will. 
10-24-2005, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by crgoda' date='Oct 23 2005, 10:00 PM
[quote name='DINAN530i' date='Oct 23 2005, 09:32 PM']click here
this is my friends Dealership if this is the one your speaking off, let me know i can talk to him about getting it for a lower price, No Sport package tho, a must for me
this is my friends Dealership if this is the one your speaking off, let me know i can talk to him about getting it for a lower price, No Sport package tho, a must for me
[snapback]187818[/snapback]
That's the dealership!
But the one I'm thinking is the other 545i 2004 Stock #:24718. Blue Orient color. 10690 miles.
[snapback]187822[/snapback]
[/quote]I will say somehthing, and i am friends with the dealership, my father has bought a lotus from there as well as my moms MB, i would call BMW any dealer and give them the VIN to see if it has been in an accident. The first e60 they wanted to sell me was invloved in a 13,000.00 dollar front end collision. I asked the dealer if it had every been hit and he stated no and showed me a car fax report stating so. But carfax only reports if the damage is more than 20% of the car value and 13,000.00 although a hi amount is not 20% so it goes unlisted. The only way BMW will know if its been hit is if they repaired it at a BMW dealer. SO although i am friends with them there is still a caution there. I will not buy from them anymore due to that issue. I think the price is too low so that tells me there not tellin you something. Buyer Beware. Even more so with the 545i's in O4...let me know what yo deciede, i can go look at it if you wish and see. let me know thanks
Brian
10-24-2005, 01:17 PM
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i just know that the cars they sell are not always as they seem. Alot are bought from repo's or auctions. They have been hit or repaired forsome reason, thats why the cheap sticker. even a 04 545i will go for 50000.00 at its cheapest. 44000.00 should raise an eyebrow. Its up to you but that dealer tried to selll me a car that had major front end damage and they claimed it didn't so i returned the car and got my money back and went to a REAL BMW dealer. you get what you pay for. Its just my .02. I'll go look at it if you want and see for you and myself
10-24-2005, 02:41 PM
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My Ride: 545i Sport Auto (see sig)
Personally I would stay away from all low-mileage recent luxury vehicles. Chances are significantly higher that you will experience lemon-like problems than with a new car because so many low-mileage turn-ins are buy-backs due to service problems. And I'm willing to bet that these buy-backs aren't shipped to Germany to be diagnosed and fixed.