545i Questions!!!!!!!
#1
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hi everyone, I am in the process of looking for a 2005 545i. I have a couple questions and hope you guys can help me out.
1. What was the last month in 2005 they produced the 545i? ( i am guessing July )
2. What differences are there on the 2005 545i vs. the 2006 550i? ( besides the engine )
ex: gauges, steering wheel, leather, wood trim, nav software, compartment & storage areas, oem tires, brakes, body style alterations even if minimal, bluetooth,
3. I have read on this and other forums of a problem with the 545i burning through tires very quickly, what caused this problem and did bmw fix the problem.
4. Lastly, more of subjective question but if the budget was tight to get the 2005 545i, would there be any compelling reason the pinch for the 2006 550i equally outfitted?
Thanks in advance![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
bmwccc
![Help](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/help.gif)
1. What was the last month in 2005 they produced the 545i? ( i am guessing July )
2. What differences are there on the 2005 545i vs. the 2006 550i? ( besides the engine )
ex: gauges, steering wheel, leather, wood trim, nav software, compartment & storage areas, oem tires, brakes, body style alterations even if minimal, bluetooth,
3. I have read on this and other forums of a problem with the 545i burning through tires very quickly, what caused this problem and did bmw fix the problem.
4. Lastly, more of subjective question but if the budget was tight to get the 2005 545i, would there be any compelling reason the pinch for the 2006 550i equally outfitted?
Thanks in advance
![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
bmwccc
#2
Contributors
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX USA
Posts: 4,144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by bmwccc' post='295907' date='Jun 11 2006, 12:08 PM
Hi everyone, I am in the process of looking for a 2005 545i. I have a couple questions and hope you guys can help me out.
1. What was the last month in 2005 they produced the 545i? ( i am guessing July )
I believe that's right.
2. What differences are there on the 2005 545i vs. the 2006 550i? ( besides the engine )
ex: gauges, steering wheel, leather, wood trim, nav software, compartment & storage areas, oem tires, brakes, body style alterations even if minimal, bluetooth,
Biggest difference is additional wood trim, front and rear.
3. I have read on this and other forums of a problem with the 545i burning through tires very quickly, what caused this problem and did bmw fix the problem.
There was a problem with Dunlop run flats produced in 2003 and 2004. Dunlop stands behind the problems.
4. Lastly, more of subjective question but if the budget was tight to get the 2005 545i, would there be any compelling reason the pinch for the 2006 550i equally outfitted?
25 reasons -- more HP -- at the expense of MPG, but who's counting?
Thanks in advance![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
bmwccc
![Help](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/help.gif)
1. What was the last month in 2005 they produced the 545i? ( i am guessing July )
I believe that's right.
2. What differences are there on the 2005 545i vs. the 2006 550i? ( besides the engine )
ex: gauges, steering wheel, leather, wood trim, nav software, compartment & storage areas, oem tires, brakes, body style alterations even if minimal, bluetooth,
Biggest difference is additional wood trim, front and rear.
3. I have read on this and other forums of a problem with the 545i burning through tires very quickly, what caused this problem and did bmw fix the problem.
There was a problem with Dunlop run flats produced in 2003 and 2004. Dunlop stands behind the problems.
4. Lastly, more of subjective question but if the budget was tight to get the 2005 545i, would there be any compelling reason the pinch for the 2006 550i equally outfitted?
25 reasons -- more HP -- at the expense of MPG, but who's counting?
![Smile](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/smile.gif)
Thanks in advance
![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
bmwccc
#3
Senior Members
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Albany, NY
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'd say generally, the 2005 will offer more reliability, after 12 mos or more of production...but that may not obtain in practice.
My 2004 was a left-over, bought new last fall, and has been satisfactory so far, except for a cold temp-related i-drive glitch that they have yet to nail down (because the weather has gotten warm).
Depending on what specifications you want, I'd DRIVE one to be sure it all fits. It's a very different car from the e-39/540 6 spd.
Cheers,
Ray Hull
My 2004 was a left-over, bought new last fall, and has been satisfactory so far, except for a cold temp-related i-drive glitch that they have yet to nail down (because the weather has gotten warm).
Depending on what specifications you want, I'd DRIVE one to be sure it all fits. It's a very different car from the e-39/540 6 spd.
Cheers,
Ray Hull
#4
Contributors
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 6,554
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2014 X5 xDrive 5.0 M Package Carbon Black Metallic/2008 M Roadster Imola Red
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by bmwccc' post='295907' date='Jun 11 2006, 12:08 PM
4. Lastly, more of subjective question but if the budget was tight to get the 2005 545i, would there be any compelling reason the pinch for the 2006 550i equally outfitted?
Thanks in advance![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
bmwccc
Thanks in advance
![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
bmwccc
#5
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hello,
I am not sure when the 545s were stopped being produced but I do Know that in week nine (3/05) the 545i's started getting some running changes along with the 525 and 530 and their new engines.
Some of these changes were Ruthenium(metalic look) on the ac dials(9/04 on 545i) and ruthenium on the vents(3/05)
soft stop
hill holder feature for manuals
rain clearing brakes
I can't recall if there were any more changes but a quick search for "week 9" or week nine changes will get you a lot of info. including the details of the above mentioned changes. If possible a post 3/05 car would be desirable.
I have been lurking here for some time in search of info for a 2005 545i also and have just acquired a 3/05 build, black sapphire on black dakota with anthracite trim, sports, logic 7, and manual transmission . Good luck with your search.
Nischal
I am not sure when the 545s were stopped being produced but I do Know that in week nine (3/05) the 545i's started getting some running changes along with the 525 and 530 and their new engines.
Some of these changes were Ruthenium(metalic look) on the ac dials(9/04 on 545i) and ruthenium on the vents(3/05)
soft stop
hill holder feature for manuals
rain clearing brakes
I can't recall if there were any more changes but a quick search for "week 9" or week nine changes will get you a lot of info. including the details of the above mentioned changes. If possible a post 3/05 car would be desirable.
I have been lurking here for some time in search of info for a 2005 545i also and have just acquired a 3/05 build, black sapphire on black dakota with anthracite trim, sports, logic 7, and manual transmission . Good luck with your search.
Nischal
#6
Contributors
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX USA
Posts: 4,144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Ray Hull' post='296101' date='Jun 11 2006, 08:37 PM
I'd say generally, the 2005 will offer more reliability, after 12 mos or more of production...but that may not obtain in practice.
Since then, my '04 has been as trouble free as my '97 540 is (still in the family).
#7
Contributors
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Los Angeles. CA
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 545i 6 spd Sports Package | NAV | PDC | Logic 7 | BT retrofit | SW V13.3
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I would get the 550. Why? Not for the extra HP. They drive almost the same. Because you will have a higher quality product. They do not announce or make public the little things they fix month after month on the assembly line. There are even structural changes in later E60s (don't know when) to score higher in NCAP tests.
Look at this post where I report the quality issues with my May 04 production car.
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=27367
Look at this post where I report the quality issues with my May 04 production car.
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=27367
#8
Contributors
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Silver Grey, Sport Package, R. Shades, Cold Pkg, Sat. Rad., Prem. Sound.
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by bmwccc' post='295907' date='Jun 11 2006, 12:08 PM
Hi everyone, I am in the process of looking for a 2005 545i. I have a couple questions and hope you guys can help me out.
3. I have read on this and other forums of a problem with the 545i burning through tires very quickly, what caused this problem and did bmw fix the problem.
Thanks in advance![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
bmwccc
![Help](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/help.gif)
3. I have read on this and other forums of a problem with the 545i burning through tires very quickly, what caused this problem and did bmw fix the problem.
Thanks in advance
![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
bmwccc
#9
Senior Members
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Posts: 546
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you can get a slightly used 545 for 45-48k, and a 550 costs 70k, and you're concerned about cash, that's a no-brainer.
If you don't care about money, get the 550.
If you don't care about money, get the 550.
#10
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by bmwccc' post='295907' date='Jun 11 2006, 10:08 AM
3. I have read on this and other forums of a problem with the 545i burning through tires very quickly, what caused this problem and did bmw fix the problem.
isn't causing the problems, it's these specific tires. My 2005 545 (built 7/05)
w/Sport Package has them and true to expectations, they began making
the most horrible noise after 8000 miles when doing more than 35-40 mph.
Sounded like wheel bearings going...yea, that bad. The car also
began to handle terrible, tracking even the most subtle undulations
in a paved surface. At times, I had to wrestle with the wheel.
OK....now the good news is that Dunlop will pay for a full set
replacement ONCE, and only if the mileage is under 20K (apparently,
even though there is NO warranty on these tires, Dunlop expects
them to last 20K miles). According to my service rep, Dunlop
has reformulated the tire and that's why they're doing a replacement.
Right. So I asked my service rep if I can get another replacement
set if the same thing happens. Nope. Apparently, Dunlop is not
THAT confident to replace more than one set. My bet is that it's
the same tire and with two sets, you'll get past 20K one way or
another......and that's what you would've gotten with a set
of Dunlops w/out problems.
I wanted the dealer to put on Bridgestone runflats, but he wouldn't
budge - anything other than Dunlops and I get to pay. It was a
pretty easy decision after that.
If you really want to read about the problems with these tires,
check out the Tire Rack website for a ton of reviews:
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/SurveyComme...gConditions=All