Im looking for a 545i right now and ive come across a few. Well most of them have give or take 100,000km not miles, im in Vancouver Canada. Well from a price point perspective the 2004 ones are obviously cheaper and alittle more afordable for me. I know its the first year the car came out, is it a big deal though? Or does it not really matter? Thanks!!

 

As far as I know, these models don't differ from each other so you can be looking for both.

 

I'm pretty sure 05 comes standard with Bluetooth.

and if you like a car that handles, please make sure to test drive a sport model.

 

I think there's been a few things about the 2005 545 particularly that would lead some people to try for the '06 550 instead. That said, I don't want to confuse you with my recollections - instead, just do an extensive search of this forum
(trust me, you will want to have done this extensive search - if you don't and get the 545)

 

I decided not to go with the 550i because of the price difference and the extra cost for the gas, its really kind of out of my price range!!

 

Gas will cost the same whether you pour it into a 545 or a 550. MPG figures are identical AFAIK.

The premium that you'll pay for a 550 will pay for itself in reduced amount of issues/problems/trips to the dealer etc.

And don't skip out on reading up on this car - whichever you decide to get. Search for Iceman's thread on the leaking gasket - at least know what you may (or may not) be up against.

 

Well the 550i is 4.8 instead of 4.4 and it has more hp so i would assume it is worse!!

 

I have a 05' 545 and knock on wood i dont have any problems. Partly do to the fact i now live in texas, were the highways are pot hole free. Not like were i use to live in brooklyn, ny. P.S (i miss cruising around in bk). Back to the subject ! The only thing i dont like about this car is the active steering.

 

Whatever model you choose, opt out of one that is loaded with electronics features like ARS, etc. It will only cause you issues the older the car gets. Big costs aren't usually associated to engine problems, but to electronics that fail. I got mine as bare bones as possible! BMW is a driver's car, not a gadget-fest imo. You want a sport package? Make it yourself. It'll be better quality in the end and give you less headache.