Exactly! Get some sleep now while you can!!

 

I have a 2005 545i which I am thoroughly enjoying. I have had the tires replaced and the door gaskets replaced due to Service Bulletins. Other than that the car has been trouble free, with 40,000 miles on it currently. I bought it used from a BMW dealer with the CPO warranty. I like the warranty because it give me peace of mind for big ticket repair items. However, my previous car was a 2000 328i with the CPO warranty and I never needed to use the warranty. But one never knows.
The 545i came out in 2004 and was replaced by the 550i in 2006 with the main difference being the engine size. I think Mercedes came out with the E500 so BMW had to increase the engine size to keep up with the competition.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome,
Congrats, and hope all goes well with both events, especially with your new child arriving.
Definately get a CPO or purchase it before the standard expires...the car will be fine.

 

Make sure you check and see if your car seat can be installed with the LATCH system in the car.

I think I remember some threads where folks with folding rear seats had difficulty installing car seats using LATCH. Of course you can always install using the seat belts. Mine doesn't have folded seats abnd no problems using LATCH with the Britax, and with a Graco infant seat.

Enjoy your car. As other's have stated, no major problems that have not been resolved by BMW.

 

excellent choice 545 daddy to be

 

Hi guys

I replaced my 328 coupe with a blk 545 when my 2nd child was about a year old, my wife said she didn't care which car as it didn't have a fin on it (she knew which car I was after and she wanted me to get a Golf GTI....)

Of course it's got a fin!

And now in the weekend my little girl won't ride in our SUV she wants to go in the "Shark car"!!!!

Brilliant.

You'll love the 545

Cheers
Stu

 

First off congrats on the addition to the family, second, congrats on the choice of vehicles. I have no experience with the SMG, but for the car it self...... What a blast! Fun to drive normally or when the mood strikes, devilishly . Although, I would not condone doing that with any additional occupants, especially little ones. Enjoy.

 

I really appreciate the comments both on the car and the new baby. I was a little leary about all the electronics stuff such as the idrive since the z4 is not as complicated. This is my third bimmer and I have been satisfied with them so far.

I trust my dealer but the information you get from fellow owners by far outweigh anything they tell me. My real concern with this car is the tranny. My wife says it's fine with her but she knows I've always wanted a 5 series ( m5 to be exact)

Are the paddles easier to use than bumping the knob? Thanks again. I'll post pics upon delivery!

545idaddy

 

Congrats on the new additions to the family. I have an '04 545 with SMG and I love it. As others have stated, it takes a bit to get used to - not as smooth as auto or steptronic (I had steptronic before the SMG), but I would not go back now. Definitely drives more like a sports car (especially when sport button is pushed!). Both paddles and shifter are easy to use. Just make sure you push the paddles the right way!! Paddles are convenient and fun to use, but I probably use the shifter more frequently. Enjoy!!

 

Thanks srs! I'll be in your town in Feb. Is the Biltmore Inn a nice place?