So I'm looking at buying an e60 as a daily driver. I'm not new to the BMW scene as I currently a 740i and a 733i. Unfortunately I'm selling both cars, but I cant complain about an upgrade lol. I'm leaning towards a 545i but I have also thought about and xi too. But I figured the v8 probably gets the same fuel mileage, and I really want the power. What is the realibility like on the v8, any issues that I should know of, is their problems with the automatic transmission, what are they like in the snow, and I would like to get a sport package too so what should I look for??? I am also considering the smg transmission too... What are they like for reliability, any issues, what is the life expectancy, is there any difference with mpg, and if I did look into buying one, what do I look for regarding possible issues???

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

I also forgot to mention, why we there so many 2004 models for sale???

 

What kind of budget do you have? Your probably better off getting a 08+ since most members want to do upgrades for pre-lci that LCI already have.

 

Dont get smg, it's useless and get might get you in trouble.. And 4wheel drive is not nesesarry. I have rw drive
and i wasnt stuck even once. Im from Finland and we have lots of snow in wintern.. I love to drive it in the snow

 

So far my budget is about 17g.

 

Do get the v8...

 

I have 04 545i with SMG and I think its great!! Its really a very nice compromise between the auto and the six speed. I can't speak to its reliability because I haven't owned it very long but I did purchase an extended warranty. It's blast to drive and I highly recommend it. Especially if you can find low mileage one. Mine was a one owner, serviced locally with 65k miles. I paid 17K.

 

Tel25,

That's a good deal you got on the V8, 65K miles, with SMG, especially with the extended warranty. I wouldn't dare to touch the SMG without forking out the extra dough for the warranty. Read too many horror stories about them when I started searching for the E60 2 years ago.

Congrats and please do go out and enjoy your V8.

 

As for your fuel mileage comment .. I am not sure I agree. If "gets the same" means.. within 4-5 MPG different.. then yes.. otherwise no. Also, not sure if you're comparing with a 535xi or 530xi .. if you mean 545 -- there is no xi/AWD option for that.

As for the need for AWD, only you can answer that. I am guessing in Finland they apparently do a great job at clearing the roads or the snow is packed in like ice with not too many hills. Here in DC/Virginia.. you can have the best snow tires in the world and your ass will be calling for help or walking.

 

If you can drive manual shift, then i strongly recommend you buy 6 speed vs an automatic. Too many problems with the e60 automatics, and VERY costly to repair.

Just do a google search on e60 automatic transmission issues and a plethora of sites will pop up with tons of people having problems.

Manual is the safest way and best way to go.