Regarding the random error messages and electrical issues as well as the increased emissions etc... I would say the alternator along with any one of the MPM's or mini computers in the e-bank up front... My issues with check engine lights and increased emissions came from a mini computer in the e-bank up front.

 

Things to look for
Altenator
Battery
PCM
Water under the spare tire in trunk and sides behind the carpeting in the trunk

 

This may sound stupid but try letting your car go empty on fuel ? And try a different gas station.

 

Well ... the dealership STILL has my car. It's been a month and almost a week. They claim to have located the problem (about a week and a half ago). I don't recall the name of the part, but it is before the computer and controls the voltage of each device and makes sure the signal is sent at the right time. The service advisor said the part was $145. They say if that's not it, it's the main computer. I have not heard from him since that phone call. I have a feeling something else happened or they found something not so good! I am in no hurry since I still have their 2010 328 ... but I almost forget what my car looks like!

It's a big difference going from the 545i to a 328i. Of course the interior room is smaller. The 6 speed manual vs. the 6 speed auto is rediculous; I miss shifting through the gears! Gas milage is much lower than I suspected too. I was getting around 23.5MPG in the 545, and get only 18.3 in the 328!

Oh well, wanted to pass along an update (kinda).

 

WTF 23.5mpg? you driving like grandma I vote alternator.

 

Good luck, I starting to think harness. Doesn't the dealer have a line they can call for tech support?

 

Chinpokumon,

I am watching this thread very closely since I have the exact same problem, but am out of warranty and haven't found a shop I trust to look at it.

I purchased a 2004 545i 6spd manual in April09 with 70k miles. The car currently has 100k miles. At random times over the past 1 1/2 years the car has refused to start just as you described - no crank, no feedback, just a faint click. With no explanation the car will start after continuous attempts. The problem then goes away for months at a time.

A few times the car has lit up the dash and then stalled. Sometimes it will restart, sometimes it takes 20 minutes of trying. Last month it happened to me twice in the same day, once on a major highway in traffic, and I no longer have confidence to take it out during rush hour. I am fortunate to have another car to drive, but I really want to take the 545i out. I have been using it to run errands around the neighborhood and it has been starting 9 out of ten times.

I was getting ready to replace the crankshaft sensor since that seems to be a code that has been consistent over the last 18 months. I may hold off to see what the fix is for your car. In the past I have had codes for the thermostat, cam sensor, engine misfire, crank sensor, ignition (something) and at least one or two others I can't remember offhand. They have all gone away on their own except the crankshaft sensor error.

Please post what the solution is and if it works or not. I can't believe we are the only ones to suffer this issue.

 

lincvert, I have the same problem too.

Chinpokumon, is the problem fixed?

 

Same problem here,

They are replacing my alternator.

 

https://5series.net/forums/topic/106...__pid__1273266

having problems myself, 65k...