andersonevans

Massive oil leaks at the alternator, dead alternator wire, a bad alternator, slipping transmission, bad water pump, all within the last six months and with fewer than 100k. I wish I had my E39 540I back 200k never an issue. Makes me want to go buy a FORD!

jjsigpi

I feel your pain... i've been through all the above and much, much more...

KLR4LIFE

The 545i 4.4 was a test engine for the 550i 4.8. The 545 has so many problems that if they were to recall it they mind as well give you a new car. Some people dont run into as many problems as other but if you own a 545 you NEED a warranty.

pjinca

I don't think it's that bad really. I've had 4 Jeep Grand Cherokees, which came with a wonderful 7yr/70000 mile powertrain warranty. Conveniently enough it seemed the transmission was almost guaranteed to implode between 70k and 80k miles (3 of mine did and it's a $5k repair). Then there were the Nissan Maximas I owned (also 4) that had the lovely interference engines, this was a "special feature" where when the timing belt snapped between 60-100k miles the valves would hit the pistons destroying the heads typically about a $2500 repair. Hondas and Acuras also had this "feature". Compared to those, I'll take a few leaks and an alternator any day of the week.

Hyper_545i

The 545 and the 550 share a lot of the same issues. Although there were some improvements to the 550, there are still issues associated with the high mileage on both models.

e6t.lab.rat

No major problems here with my '05 545. I love this beast! The only real issues I've had thus far was the water pump, but maintenance on this is hit and miss. Some last well over a 100k while others, like mine failed at 65k. You never know with water pumps. Regarding the tranny maybe it's time for a tranny fluid change, and never believe a "lifetime" fluid exists. Maybe extended but not lifetime imo. It's unfortunate this all happened in six months but look at it this way, at least it won't be untill another 8-9 years this happens again. You wish you had your E39 back but, you wanna go and buy a ford?... (F)ound (O)n (R)oad (D)ead... or (F)ix (O)r (R)epair (D)aily sorry just had to and not hatein' on fords

krzyschicago

Funny that you mentioned Ford. Google "MT82 transmission" to see how Mustang's owners struggle with some piece of crap transmission Ford put in 2010+ Mustangs.

But seriously, sorry to hear about your problems. I have read about people having problems with their 545's, but I think it all comes down to the particular car. Have had mine for 4 years now, and I think it is a great car. Bought it with 50.xxx miles, and now over 100.000 miles. During those years I replaced battery, CCV valves and fixed mechatronic leak. There is a small oil leak from valve cover gaskets, but nothing major, and will deal with it later.... Great car if you asked me.

Stephen Max

I guess that's why I got mine so cheap. I have found it quite satisfying to fix one leak after another, but I like working on cars. My car is leak free now. Still have to do the valve seals and decarbon the SA ports. Yay!

Stanley Siringoringo

I have a 2004 545i with 119,900 miles and really no major issues. I just switch out vacuum pump and oil switch but that a given. This is my daily driver 3 days out of the week is a 50 mile commute and 2 days out of the week is a 80 mile commute (round trip). I think bottom line everyone knows these vehicles is about maintenance that's why they have their 5 year 50k mile warranty. Interested on getting rid of it?

healthservices

Hmmm 8 year old car with cutting edge tech at the time. Who would have figured...


LOL