I can honestly say that just hanging on these boards tells you there are more issues with the 04 and 05s. But those aren't hard facts. So a quick turn to Consumer Reports shows the 04s and 05s (they only rate the 6-cylinders) had more issues (nothing serious, but more) and they have often said that the V8 was not recommended because it had worse reliability than the 6-cylinders. Now you can slice and dice the CR data any way you want (it's even possible to read it in such a way that makes the 05 look less reliable), but in the end just take a gander at the posts here and you will see.

 

ok but what about 540i ?
what do you think guys about that model
I can get 2007 540i with perfect condition and great inside
but 540i ... should I look for 550i ? the power difference is so big ?

 

Where are you that there's a 2007 540i? Maybe overseas.

 

where am I ?
here in Europe
you know its big place - Europe - and yes there was 540i in 2007
and even right now
hel yeah Mr BMW fan

 

It would help if you would update your profile to include your location.

 

I checked out a car with the gen 3 Idrive and its a must have I think.

I will begin my search for a white 550I at a good price, I got my work cut out for me as the white ones are really really rare in the 550.

 

White is probably the least popular color for BMW period (black/silver owning the market). I'm not sure why this is the case as they always turn heads. Good luck - and remember, finding the perfect car is half the fun.

 

The theory is that first year productions of a brand new line will have potentially more "kinks" than a second or third year + of that line. Again, the theory being that while these cars are extremely well engineered and undergo a long and rigorous testing regime, that nothing really tests a car like having 10,000+ cars driving around in all condition types, under all types of driving styles, etc.. So what this means that by year 2 of that line, the thought it that they would further improve and fine tune the car to address some of the issues discovered during the first year. Or something along those lines.

The thing is, though.. BMW engineers are good, so I personally think the first year "flu" is more exaggerated in more economic car lines, say... Fords, or what have you. Of course, this is what I keep telling myself since I recently purchased an 04 545 .

So far, in the 3 months I've had it, I've replaced the M-ASK unit, the oil pump, the water pump, and I need new headlights as the wiring in my headlights are all cracked from the heat. I've had two very minor leaks, one oil and one water. With that said, I've had way more fun and have gotten more enjoyment out of this car in the three months, than basically everything I've owned up to this point. So yes, while my bank account isn't very happy with this purchase, my brain and right foot are still giddy as hell over the car .

Once I start my new job, my kid comes (due March 12th!), and things settle down I expect I'll be buying a more recent, still under warranty 550. My big advice I can give is, spend a bit more up front to get a car still under warranty (CPO or original), you'll still have as much fun but your bank account won't be so bitchy about it in the end!

 

There really are three choices: the 545, 550 and LCI 550. The difference between the first two is largely the engine and the contents of the sports package, the LCI 550 adds of the benefits of a better ride and upgraded interior.

 

+1
And a few other goodies