dshoemaker

Ok - so I've been looking and looking and looking and I think I finally found the right car.

2004 545i, comfort seats (with adjustable headrest), sport package, cold weather package, Logic 7, and (I think but have not comfirmed) bluetooth.

It has 62,000 miles on it. I don't have the carfax, but I was told it was a one owner lease return.

$21,995. What do y'all think? Is this a fair price? It's not at a BMW dealer, though. It's at a smaller, "European/Lexus" dealer.


What concerns should I have when the car gets that many miles on it? I owned a 98 5 series and had major issues with the cooling system after 80k miles.

rkinra

Looks like this car is missing sports package... I would seriously think twice before I bought a 545/550 w/o sports package.

Also, I've seen 2004 545i for less than $20k. You should also consider an aftermarket warranty... It will at least cover the major components of the car.

MacoBMW4life

doesn't look like it has sports pkg - for the miles it has and w/o sports pkg seems a bit overpriced (bad market right now) do more research. If you really want a 545 look into a 2005 prod. Also if u can spare the extra $$$ try to find a CPO'd to 100K - gives u a piece of mind in case something goes wrong. The dealer should print you a carfax, if they have nothing to hide why wouldn't they print it out for you?!
Overall these are really nice cars, but you definitely want the sport pkg - changes the look of the car and handling.

alexnyc

do not buy it for that much,firstly this one does not have sport package,even if it had you should not pay more than 15K,also i would stay away from 2004 545-in my opinion those were worst 5ers if you compare them to up to 2003 or post 2007,and finally i'm absolutely convinced that you can pick up nice 2007 550 sport for about 30k-now that's a CAR!

vlad_b

if the one on the picture is the one you want to buy - everyone is right, it doesnt have a sport package. it doesn't look really good + it's 2004 it's a first year of production.. i have 2005 and still had issues.. i would look more if i were u

dshoemaker

Thanks for all of the advice!

It has the seats that have the power thigh support. I thought that was the way you knew? I'll check with vin with the dealer to make sure. I checked pricing on KBB and Edmunds and it seems in line, but you're right - it's a buyer's market right now....

dshoemaker

What kind of issues did you have with your '05? What do you mean by "it doesn't look really good" - do you mean compared to one with the sports package?

dshoemaker

Thanks for the info. I've searched autotrader and cars.com for up to a 1,000 miles from my home. There are none with this mileage even close to 15k. What was the issue with the '04 models vs. 2003 or post 2007? Are you saying I should only be looking at 2007 and above?