2004 545i?
01-11-2011, 02:08 PM
#21
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My Ride: 2004 545i - 2001 325i
Does this year of the 545i have any real major problems? Im car shopping right now and was originally looking for a 04-05 530i but theres none available at the moment that is up to my standard. I am looking at a 04 545i that is still in pretty mint condition, inside and out. I want to know hows the gas mileage on this bigger engine car compare to the 04-05 530i? Should i be patient and wait until the perfect 04-05 530i come along? Or will the 04 545i be a better choice?
Great car i have a 2004 545i bough it with 90k has close to 100k now no major issues except for the two recalls performed by the dealer and a couple of leaks the coolant temp sensor a $30 fix and a small oil leak my biggest problem is the hick-up of the tranny around the 38 -40 mph i just never took care of it because its barely noticeable and i have no idea how much can it be to fix it. I will not bother me and car runs amazing.
I hope it helps
01-12-2011, 10:24 AM
#22
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My Ride: 2005 545i /w Sport pkg - SMG - Nav - Premium pkg - PDC - Ready to begin my modding! =)
That was pretty much my reaction when I met him to work on his car. It was a "whoaaaa" moment. Lucky guy lives super close to work.
Then again, I guess my commute now is less than 8 miles to work, just that I drive everywhere in my E60. Should probably take my other car, but it's just so hard... lol.
Then again, I guess my commute now is less than 8 miles to work, just that I drive everywhere in my E60. Should probably take my other car, but it's just so hard... lol.
+1 My 05 has 47K on the odometer....and I thought I was doing good. WOW, 37K
01-21-2011, 06:47 AM
#23
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Wow- some great posts above. What a forum and pool of info.
I have an early 2004 545i. 124,000 miles. I did put in the Ipod system -$710 and have an generation 5 ipod -works great but as already stated will not change a new iphone due to current too low. We do still play the new iphone. I do not have any Blue tooth module. Purchase at 43,000 in 2008.Stick shift and I do get 27-28 on the highway. I drive at least 10mph over and 50% is at 75mph and 50% 80mph. I do drive aggressive if I need to pass.
Problems - always electrical -this failure and that failure. I had to replace my battery $185 at auto zone. BMW had to register the battery on the next oil change and as I knew the mechanic he told me that it was above spec. (so don?t let BMW tell you otherwise)-solved for 30,000 miles and then again. Untill the alternator died. That fixed $1200(at BMW) all electric solved. I did have the Passenger Airbag sensor problem -fixed under recall. It took 6 months to get my recall. BMW wanted to charge me for it.
Pipe under radiator cal went. $46 and I installed it myself. One clamp needed at the radiator and some fluid. Coolant tank went ($146). Oil on brake vacuum pump - 368.98 with discount -I installed. I did have a new clutch at 102,000miles -beware if it goes down to the rivets you will need a new flywheel as they -I'm told should not or could not be skimmed. I am trying to recover the money for the Pump as this is now a recall. I do have a great relationship with my dealer as he knows I will check up and do the repairs myself. He tells me what?s wrong and I decide if he'll do it or me.
My latest is an oil leak from both cam covers. I need help at this point. BMW have quoted $2700 to reseal engine. I do check my oil regularly but can smell the oil on the exhaust as the cover underneath is pooling the oil. Anyone done this job or know of a post.
I have an early 2004 545i. 124,000 miles. I did put in the Ipod system -$710 and have an generation 5 ipod -works great but as already stated will not change a new iphone due to current too low. We do still play the new iphone. I do not have any Blue tooth module. Purchase at 43,000 in 2008.Stick shift and I do get 27-28 on the highway. I drive at least 10mph over and 50% is at 75mph and 50% 80mph. I do drive aggressive if I need to pass.
Problems - always electrical -this failure and that failure. I had to replace my battery $185 at auto zone. BMW had to register the battery on the next oil change and as I knew the mechanic he told me that it was above spec. (so don?t let BMW tell you otherwise)-solved for 30,000 miles and then again. Untill the alternator died. That fixed $1200(at BMW) all electric solved. I did have the Passenger Airbag sensor problem -fixed under recall. It took 6 months to get my recall. BMW wanted to charge me for it.
Pipe under radiator cal went. $46 and I installed it myself. One clamp needed at the radiator and some fluid. Coolant tank went ($146). Oil on brake vacuum pump - 368.98 with discount -I installed. I did have a new clutch at 102,000miles -beware if it goes down to the rivets you will need a new flywheel as they -I'm told should not or could not be skimmed. I am trying to recover the money for the Pump as this is now a recall. I do have a great relationship with my dealer as he knows I will check up and do the repairs myself. He tells me what?s wrong and I decide if he'll do it or me.
My latest is an oil leak from both cam covers. I need help at this point. BMW have quoted $2700 to reseal engine. I do check my oil regularly but can smell the oil on the exhaust as the cover underneath is pooling the oil. Anyone done this job or know of a post.
01-21-2011, 08:31 AM
#24
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I am the 2nd owner of a fairly new to me '04 545 w/ 36,000 miles. The car has been solid and I haven't looked back once thinking that I made a mistake with the purchase. I just hope that the 545 ages significantly better than our 1993 850ci. That car was ridiculously expensive to maintain.
Just take your time and keep emotions out of your purchasing decision. There will always be another one just beckoning you to buy it if this is not the one.
Just take your time and keep emotions out of your purchasing decision. There will always be another one just beckoning you to buy it if this is not the one.
01-21-2011, 11:07 AM
#25
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But I dnt think its so bad on gas even though its a V8
01-22-2011, 07:33 PM
#27
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My Ride: 545i/6
ok, some other things to look for:
Tension arms will need to be changed at about 70k miles
Control arms will need to inpected at same time, possible replacement
transmission will need to be serviced, pan/filter is one piece, replaced if it is leaking.
Figure on a alternator around 85k miles
Battery every three years, it is probably due if it wasn't replaced in the last two years
look for valve cover seals by 85-90k miles
Tires (rear)look for excessive wear on the inside (camber)
Brakes, 545's have soft brake pads from the dealer, and the rotors are soft, look for last complete brake service, also look for rotor warping on fronts
Hope that helps.
Tension arms will need to be changed at about 70k miles
Control arms will need to inpected at same time, possible replacement
transmission will need to be serviced, pan/filter is one piece, replaced if it is leaking.
Figure on a alternator around 85k miles
Battery every three years, it is probably due if it wasn't replaced in the last two years
look for valve cover seals by 85-90k miles
Tires (rear)look for excessive wear on the inside (camber)
Brakes, 545's have soft brake pads from the dealer, and the rotors are soft, look for last complete brake service, also look for rotor warping on fronts
Hope that helps.
01-24-2011, 06:27 PM
#28
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My Ride: Stock for now
I am getting 21.6 MPG on my 04 545i because the car does not go slower than 80 on the freeway to and from work. No issues so far and its has 71k on the clock. Great car as a DD and even better on longer trips.
04-27-2012, 11:46 AM
#29
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Does this year of the 545i have any real major problems? Im car shopping right now and was originally looking for a 04-05 530i but theres none available at the moment that is up to my standard. I am looking at a 04 545i that is still in pretty mint condition, inside and out. I want to know hows the gas mileage on this bigger engine car compare to the 04-05 530i? Should i be patient and wait until the perfect 04-05 530i come along? Or will the 04 545i be a better choice?
04-27-2012, 12:08 PM
#30
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Ogg, are you still looking for a mint condition 2004 545i? I have one that that Im selling. Let me know I send more details....
ONLY Miles 78K, cars is garaged... selling because we are expected twins in August
No scratches No dents
Production Date 4/04
Sports Package
Premium Sound Pkg
Cold Weather Pkg
4.4-liter V8 - Manual transmission 6 speed
Heads Up Display
ONLY Miles 78K, cars is garaged... selling because we are expected twins in August
No scratches No dents
Production Date 4/04
Sports Package
Premium Sound Pkg
Cold Weather Pkg
4.4-liter V8 - Manual transmission 6 speed
Heads Up Display