Looking at an 04 545i / Have 2 questions.
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 98
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From: San Mateo, CA
I'm looking an 04 545i, SMG, with Nav, Sat, CWP, Sport, Shades.
There wasn't a manual in the car and I couldn't find the information on line.
On the dashboard display, there is a symbol with the shape of a car and a left and right turn arrow above it. What does that mean?
The car has 36k miles on it and it looks like the tires have been replaced. They are M&S tires, I think Bridgestone. They are very loud. Is this normal? It seems to be loud in the front left.
This was the first car that I've driven with SMG. I've read posts regarding SMG, and will reserve my opinion on it until after I have 30 days of driving under my belt...
The car is still under warranty and even has an extendend maintenance agreement after the 4 year / 50k miles warranty.
Is there anything specific I should be looking for?
Thanks,
Chris
There wasn't a manual in the car and I couldn't find the information on line.
On the dashboard display, there is a symbol with the shape of a car and a left and right turn arrow above it. What does that mean?
The car has 36k miles on it and it looks like the tires have been replaced. They are M&S tires, I think Bridgestone. They are very loud. Is this normal? It seems to be loud in the front left.
This was the first car that I've driven with SMG. I've read posts regarding SMG, and will reserve my opinion on it until after I have 30 days of driving under my belt...
The car is still under warranty and even has an extendend maintenance agreement after the 4 year / 50k miles warranty.
Is there anything specific I should be looking for?
Thanks,
Chris
Contributors
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,672
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From: New Orleans, LA USA
My Ride: E90 M3
Model Year: 2011
Manual available on this forum...
http://www.e60.net/information/2004_..._Manual_US.pdf
As for the noise, check to see if they are runflats. Many have reported increasing noise as these tires age...
As for the code, you can go into iDrive and see the exact message. In iDrive, at the main screen, press the knob down once and that will bring you to the car menu with a number of sub-menus to choose from. One of those will be Service or something to that effect. Spin the knob to highlight the option and press knob down to select. Now push the iDrive knob forward until you have highlighted the top menu. Can't recall the exact words but spin the knob until you see Check Control Messages. Press the knob to select. In there you should see text of what the code means.
http://www.e60.net/information/2004_..._Manual_US.pdf
As for the noise, check to see if they are runflats. Many have reported increasing noise as these tires age...
As for the code, you can go into iDrive and see the exact message. In iDrive, at the main screen, press the knob down once and that will bring you to the car menu with a number of sub-menus to choose from. One of those will be Service or something to that effect. Spin the knob to highlight the option and press knob down to select. Now push the iDrive knob forward until you have highlighted the top menu. Can't recall the exact words but spin the knob until you see Check Control Messages. Press the knob to select. In there you should see text of what the code means.
Contributors
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,363
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
My Ride: 2007 E63 AMG | Obsidian Black | Schwarzes Nappa | Black BirdEye Maple | Premium II Package | Electronic Trunk Closer | Parktronic
Engine: RPi/Powerchips custom ECU tune, RPi Ram Air Kit (BMC filter, scoops), RennTech Sport exhaust, secondary cats, charcoal and resonator delete, custom AAA x-pipe
Exterior: 50% side windows / 35% rear window Formula One Pinnacle Series | Flat AMG hood emblem
Suspension: Renntech Lowering Module
Wheels/Tires: Radenergie R10, Falken FK452 245/30/20, Yokohama ADVAN Sport 285/25/20
-----------------------------------------
2005 545i Sport SMG | Ti Grau | Schwarzes Dakota | Anthracite Maple | Logic 7 | Nav
Engine: Custom AFE CAI, Superchips ECU remap, Sprint Booster, RDSport Dual Exhaust Conversion with Quad Pipes and X-pipe, 3 resonators deleted, 90mm tips!
Exterior: M-Tech Aero kit | M5 Mirrors | M5 Rear Bumper | Trunk Lid Finisher | Vorsteiner decklid spoiler | 50% Formula One Pinnacle Tint
Suspension and Brakes: Bilstein PSS9 coilovers, JBT BBK: 16" cross-drilled rotors, 8 piston and 15" cross-drilled rotors, 4 piston
Wheels: VIP Modular VR 02 20x9F, 20x10R | Toyo T1R 245/30/20F, 285/25/20R
Lights: PIAA 4150K Xtreme White Plus fog lights, AIB v3
MOST IMPORTANT: Hardwired V1; =)
ED Date: 4/7/05, Re-delivery date: 5/21/05
My coment
This means that the car is parked in neutral. You should park it in gear.
Originally Posted by ctsang1234' post='393301' date='Feb 19 2007, 04:08 PM
On the dashboard display, there is a symbol with the shape of a car and a left and right turn arrow above it. What does that mean?
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 98
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From: San Mateo, CA
Originally Posted by vegastrashed' post='393308' date='Feb 19 2007, 04:30 PM
My coment
This means that the car is parked in neutral. You should park it in gear.
This means that the car is parked in neutral. You should park it in gear.
Now, I have to figure out how "norma" the tire sound is.
Senior Members
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Albany, NY
My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
My 04 545 sport 6-spd @20K miles has been trouble-free, except for freaky need of a new i-Drive display, new thumpflats and a de minimus recall or two. However, SMG presents its own problems. I'd be cautious, even if it does have the extended warranty, if you intend to hold onto this car past warranty. SMG repair prices are breath-taking.
Good luck,
Ray Hull
Good luck,
Ray Hull
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Originally Posted by Ray Hull' post='393342' date='Feb 19 2007, 05:45 PM
I'd be cautious, even if it does have the extended warranty, if you intend to hold onto this car past warranty. SMG repair prices are breath-taking.
Good luck,
Ray Hull
Good luck,
Ray Hull
Well not lets hope it doesnt need repairs... why would it? its a manual tranny... the computer probably uses the clutch better than a regular human can... only potential probme would be the Hydraulics on the clutch... and if thats good then its all good. *knock on wood* *fingers crossed* etc etc etc
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 98
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From: San Mateo, CA
Originally Posted by 1600' post='393469' date='Feb 20 2007, 08:22 AM
Don't buy an 04 545i with an earlier date. Just warning from someone with experience.
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From: nyc
My Ride: 2010 M5 alpine white, black full leather, etc.
That date maybe OK, but look at the service history very carefully. Listen for rattles. SMG is now phased out probably because of reliability questions. I had steering problems among many other small annoying issues that made me dump the vehicle.
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From: Chicago
My Ride: 2006 BMW 550i "Ben Hogan's 5 Iron"
SilverGrey/Black Sport, L7, NAV, CW, AS, Split FR
2003 Audi A4 3.0 CVT "Part of the Moniker"
Silver/Ebony, Prem, CW, Star 17s
Originally Posted by ctsang1234' post='393301' date='Feb 19 2007, 08:08 PM
I'm looking an 04 545i, SMG, with Nav, Sat, CWP, Sport, Shades.
There wasn't a manual in the car and I couldn't find the information on line.
On the dashboard display, there is a symbol with the shape of a car and a left and right turn arrow above it. What does that mean?
The car has 36k miles on it and it looks like the tires have been replaced. They are M&S tires, I think Bridgestone. They are very loud. Is this normal? It seems to be loud in the front left.
This was the first car that I've driven with SMG. I've read posts regarding SMG, and will reserve my opinion on it until after I have 30 days of driving under my belt...
The car is still under warranty and even has an extendend maintenance agreement after the 4 year / 50k miles warranty.
Is there anything specific I should be looking for?
Thanks,
Chris
There wasn't a manual in the car and I couldn't find the information on line.
On the dashboard display, there is a symbol with the shape of a car and a left and right turn arrow above it. What does that mean?
The car has 36k miles on it and it looks like the tires have been replaced. They are M&S tires, I think Bridgestone. They are very loud. Is this normal? It seems to be loud in the front left.
This was the first car that I've driven with SMG. I've read posts regarding SMG, and will reserve my opinion on it until after I have 30 days of driving under my belt...
The car is still under warranty and even has an extendend maintenance agreement after the 4 year / 50k miles warranty.
Is there anything specific I should be looking for?
Thanks,
Chris
IMHO, its safer to avoid an 04 E60 as many here experienced first year teething issues, mostly electronic. If the toe goes into the water, I'd listen for excessive squeaks (door seal issue) and engine smoothness (valvetronic issue).
Assuming the car has the sports package, its going to ride firmer than most cars. Something you get used to and something I like. That said, the wheel camber setting of the sports package tends to wear the inner portion of tires and runflats get progressively louder as this occurs. Check the tire type and look for this type of wear.
Many here like SMG, but think about driveability from a daily perspective. SMG has gone away for this reason and a better solution (i.e., DSG) is coming. Steptronic is a fine tranny and makes for a faster E60.
Lastly, never test drive the car on a wet, cloudly or windly day, as its more difficult to hear sounds and feel vibrations.
Food for thought.
Good luck.
CVT Benhogan