Buying a used 545i
08-29-2006, 06:39 AM
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I'm considering buying a used (probably 2005 but maybe 2004) 545i and I was wondering if there were any problems with these cars that I need to look out for, any common service issues or malfunctions? I want to make sure if the car doesnt have a lot of warranty left that any and all problems are found immediately!
Thank you!
Thank you!
08-29-2006, 07:05 AM
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I would recommend getting a week 9+ production 2005 as it seems to have addressed many of the problems found on earlier cars.
Another idea - there was a fantastic lease deal Feb-July 2005 on 545s, so you may want to consider taking over a lease (try swapalease.com) and buy it at the end of the term
It might be difficult, but also try to find one with comfort seats.
Another idea - there was a fantastic lease deal Feb-July 2005 on 545s, so you may want to consider taking over a lease (try swapalease.com) and buy it at the end of the term
It might be difficult, but also try to find one with comfort seats.
08-29-2006, 07:35 AM
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I would avoid the '04, probably, although most of the more common problems are fairly minor and have likely already been addressed by the previous owner.
I mean mine has 18,000 miles on the odometer, and it still runs. What more could you ask for in a $65,000.00 car?
I mean mine has 18,000 miles on the odometer, and it still runs. What more could you ask for in a $65,000.00 car?
08-29-2006, 07:44 AM
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Originally Posted by LowOrbit' post='328228' date='Aug 29 2006, 10:05 AM
I would recommend getting a week 9+ production 2005 as it seems to have addressed many of the problems found on earlier cars.
Another idea - there was a fantastic lease deal Feb-July 2005 on 545s, so you may want to consider taking over a lease (try swapalease.com) and buy it at the end of the term
It might be difficult, but also try to find one with comfort seats.
Another idea - there was a fantastic lease deal Feb-July 2005 on 545s, so you may want to consider taking over a lease (try swapalease.com) and buy it at the end of the term
It might be difficult, but also try to find one with comfort seats.
08-29-2006, 08:30 AM
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My Ride: 2007 E63 AMG | Obsidian Black | Schwarzes Nappa | Black BirdEye Maple | Premium II Package | Electronic Trunk Closer | Parktronic
Engine: RPi/Powerchips custom ECU tune, RPi Ram Air Kit (BMC filter, scoops), RennTech Sport exhaust, secondary cats, charcoal and resonator delete, custom AAA x-pipe
Exterior: 50% side windows / 35% rear window Formula One Pinnacle Series | Flat AMG hood emblem
Suspension: Renntech Lowering Module
Wheels/Tires: Radenergie R10, Falken FK452 245/30/20, Yokohama ADVAN Sport 285/25/20
-----------------------------------------
2005 545i Sport SMG | Ti Grau | Schwarzes Dakota | Anthracite Maple | Logic 7 | Nav
Engine: Custom AFE CAI, Superchips ECU remap, Sprint Booster, RDSport Dual Exhaust Conversion with Quad Pipes and X-pipe, 3 resonators deleted, 90mm tips!
Exterior: M-Tech Aero kit | M5 Mirrors | M5 Rear Bumper | Trunk Lid Finisher | Vorsteiner decklid spoiler | 50% Formula One Pinnacle Tint
Suspension and Brakes: Bilstein PSS9 coilovers, JBT BBK: 16" cross-drilled rotors, 8 piston and 15" cross-drilled rotors, 4 piston
Wheels: VIP Modular VR 02 20x9F, 20x10R | Toyo T1R 245/30/20F, 285/25/20R
Lights: PIAA 4150K Xtreme White Plus fog lights, AIB v3
MOST IMPORTANT: Hardwired V1; =)
ED Date: 4/7/05, Re-delivery date: 5/21/05
The VIN will tell you what production week vehicle. The only difference I know of is that the 05 545s have more wood than 04 545s.
08-29-2006, 08:36 AM
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My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
Originally Posted by Evenflow545' post='328238' date='Aug 29 2006, 06:35 PM
I would avoid the '04, probably, although most of the more common problems are fairly minor and have likely already been addressed by the previous owner.
I got my car changed for that.
So atleast it has to be a > Dec. '04 fabricated one.
If you get the VIN it's easy to find out when it's built.
08-29-2006, 08:39 AM
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My Ride: CURRENT
2005 M3 - Silver on black, Leather, Sport Package, SMG, PDC. (wife)
2004 545i - Black on Gray, Leather, Steptronic Transmission, Sport Package, Navigation, Active Steering.
I got my 04 545 (October production) used with only 10K miles, and the only things I really had done on it was to have a firmware upgrade (thanks to all the posts here on how to get the dealer to do it free) as well as Bluetooth activated. Car is GREAT!!!
08-29-2006, 04:42 PM
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My Ride: 2005 545i Orient Blue
Originally Posted by LowOrbit' post='328228' date='Aug 29 2006, 11:05 AM
I would recommend getting a week 9+ production 2005 as it seems to have addressed many of the problems found on earlier cars.
Another idea - there was a fantastic lease deal Feb-July 2005 on 545s, so you may want to consider taking over a lease (try swapalease.com) and buy it at the end of the term
It might be difficult, but also try to find one with comfort seats.
Another idea - there was a fantastic lease deal Feb-July 2005 on 545s, so you may want to consider taking over a lease (try swapalease.com) and buy it at the end of the term
It might be difficult, but also try to find one with comfort seats.
08-29-2006, 04:50 PM
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My Ride: 2005 545i Black Sapphire Metallic, black leather, w/ sports pkg, cold weather pkg, Logic7, steptronic, navigation, satellite radio, electric rear shade, folding rear seat, Razr/Cingular phone
Try to get one with a build date of 3/05 or newer - that seems to be the first month for ability to add the new Ipod interface, plus I think there are other benefits that I just cannot remember now (maybe Bluetooth is standard?). I bought a CPO 2005 3/05 build date, and am still loving the car!