Originally Posted by Al/545i' post='1056326' date='Nov 16 2009, 05:17 PM

I am going through the same thing, Got a '04 545is for 23k with 39k on it, blk on blk 6sp manual (also the reason I bought it). I had (still have) a '95 352is and it has lasted me for 75k / 7 years and it always started and drove and I did all the work myself. Now with the 545i I am scared of electrical glitches, although I drive the car like it is meant to be driven every day (might as well if I'm paying insurance on it).

I do already have a i-drive glitch (doesn't turn on every now and then), did a search here and it looks like it has happen to others and a software upgrade may fix it. But as of now I hold my breath every time I start the car.

I would gladly trade the i-drive for a normal radio... If BMW was to make a car with least amount of electronics, even roll up windows, I would be first in line to buy it.....

Originally Posted by response_surface' post='1051908' date='Nov 10 2009, 05:27 PM

thanks guys, your words of encouragement really do help.

Originally Posted by response_surface' post='1051886' date='Nov 10 2009, 04:51 PM

i just bought a 2005 545i sport. lovely car... paid a mere $26K, was a lease return from a 60 yr old woman, has 34k on the clock, it is flawless, not a scratch anywhere inside or out. it has a 6 spd manual...the main reason i bought it.

unfortunately........i've been reading all the reported problems in this forum.

it handles the curvy roads of northern cali with ease. it handles as well or better than my 300zx twin turbo, which was a HUGE surprise. i guess it will continue to do that until all that active steering and suspension BS starts to go wrong. and how about that valvtronic hooey...how long until i need 4 cams 75 rockers, 2 new servos and 2 new heads???? at 75K...100K miles?


so now i'm afraid to drive it. i've had it for a week, put only 50 miles on it. i'm just so afraid that something will go wrong with it. i'm also aware that you can't even walk into a BMW service dept without having at least $1000 chunk taken out of your ass.

i almost worked up the courage to drive it to work today but decided to drive my stone cold reliable F250 diesel truck instead. tomorrow i'll either drive the truck again or ride one of my motorcycles.

i feel like this car is a dead albatross hanging around my neck (ancient mariner). i even cringe at the thought going into my garage b/c i will have to look at it.

my cd player shuffles for no reason when there is no CD in it. i've read here that can be a symptom of a bad battery..checked the voltage last night with a high quality instrument...says 12.12 volts....is that a low reading, i mean voltage is voltage right? it starts up with authority, doesn't seem like a bad battery would start it so well. the cd player has to be an omen of what is to come, this thing will haunt me forever.


now all i can do is regret the 26k that is no longer in my savings acct. maybe i don't have the guts to be a BMW owner and should just go back to driving a nissan.

this is buyers remorse and fear of german car gremlins all mixed together, i've never felt so bad after buying a car as this.

what the hell is wrong with me? WTF!!!!!!

comments please.

Originally Posted by response_surface' post='1052509' date='Nov 11 2009, 01:07 PM

thank you sir! that makes me feel much better, nice to read something that states that the 545i is a reliable car! now maybe i can let go of my twin turbo Z without any regrets.

Originally Posted by lospice1' post='1056526' date='Nov 16 2009, 10:45 PM

What a surprise! I still miss my Fairlady Z TT. It was way ahead of it's time and still has some of the best ergonomics to this day. I modded mine to stage 3 and had absolutely no problems. That car was bulletproof.

Things change and that was about 10years ago and I need a 4 seater now. My 545 is as close to the joy of the Z as I could get. Just get an extended warranty and drive it!

W

Originally Posted by Schu Dog Nite' post='1056753' date='Nov 17 2009, 09:03 AM

sell the Z for 6k, get a great warrantee for 2k and use 3k to mod up your e60. Take the 2k left over buy a decent suit, take a road trip to some place like Vermont and bring your favorite CDs. Get a nice dinner, a good glass of your favorite booze/wine and engage a kindred soul whom you fancy. Take a deep breath and relize life is a one lap race and money is dirty paper, RIDE THE WAVE WHERE IT TAKES YOU!!!! enjoy life and most certainly enjoy your damn car, its a experiance not just transportation my man.

Originally Posted by pjinca' post='1056774' date='Nov 17 2009, 09:27 AM

If it scare you that much I will gladly take your car off your hands - for nearly $500