I recently sold my AW E46 325i which I loved but wanted something with more room. So I test drove a 545i AW also that is a 6spd with sport ,cold weather, and premium packages. It has 84k miles and guy is asking $17,495 and is a private seller. It has the brown/black interior as well. Is this a reasonable price? Anything I need to look out for on these cars?

Thanks! I attached a photo of the car I'm looking at as well.

 

The engine lack an oil cooler, and the high oil temps on the engine can be known to cause leaks due to heat.

I'd be weary of a car with any type of smoke, or that burns any oil. these might be hard to diagnose before driving the car for a few days, and hard before you buy.


In general, the 550 improves over many of the problems of the 545. With that mileage, a 545 might be a regrettable choice over a 550

 

Few things to watch out for:

Let the car idle for 3-5 min, then rev it up. If you see smoke - valve stem guide seals. Common and very expensive.

Any coolant leaks visible? If so, make sure it's not the coolant transfer pipe, as it is a few thousands in repair.

Check vacuum pump for leaks. Very simple, 2 min job. Just touch the bottom of it and see if there's any oil (it's on the upper timing case cover, passenger side). If there's oil you are probably looking at 3 things: oil pressure sensor ($10 part), vacuum pump outer gasket ($10), vacuum pump itself (~$400 part, or you can try finding a gasket for it, as BMW does not sell it, and resealing it, which might or might not work).

Obviously check valve cover gaskets for leaks, as they are PITA to change.

 

Wow, a lot of things I didn't know about between this and the other above post. Thanks to you both!

I did notice the VC gaskets appear to be leaking slightly. I drove it and the car felt strong. It had a vibration in the rear which felt like an out of balance tire(s).

 

I do all my own work at least, I've been working on cars for years. I just did a tn of stuff to my 325i before I sold it. I was hoping to find something not needing work right off. I love this car, maybe because I have a hard on for Alpine White. I guess I should probably keep looking.

 

I purchased a MY 2005 545i Sport Dec 23, 2011 with 67,000 miles. I had to replace the battery within a couple of days. There was a slight water leak at the temp censer that sits on the side of the radiator. Cost: $125.00

When I purchased the car I also purchased a 3 year full 36K mile extended warranty. the cost was $4,120.00.

In the following months, I had a leak on one valve cover and on both chain covers. Cost was about $1,400.00. The seal behind the alternator began to leak, cost: About $900.00. The hydraulically controlled front Sway bar was leaking, cost was $2,200.00.

I discovered that the wheels on the car were style 123. 8 in. front and rear.The 124's are staggered or 8in. front 9in. in rear. Through this forum I found an individual who had put M5 wheels on his 07 535i.The take off 124 style wheels had a brand new set of Michelin Pilot AS plus tires. Cost was $1,400.00. BMW wheel alignment $270.00.

All but the wheels and alignment.were covered under the warranty.

The car is VERY strong, the engine and transmission perform beautifully. No regrets.

For peace of mind I would take the car to an authorized BMW dealer or a known quality Independent, pay the fee for inspection and relax. Go to www,nada.com and or www.Kellybluebook to get a sense of the value of the car. Get emotional about the car AFTER the purchase.

P.S. I am not in the habit of buying warranties but I felt that I must on this vehicle and it has more than paid off.

 

I bought my 545i used and it has been dead-on reliable.

Get it checked out first, but don't worry about all of the horror stories if it checks out okay.

If the guy is selling it because he has let a bunch of stuff go, look for another car. Just like what they say about buying a 911, get the newest one you can afford, then maintain the crap out of it.

 

Do not do it! I strongly suggest getting a 550i... too many repairs to list on the 545i. If you can wait a little longer and step in a LCI 550i (i'm not sure of your price threshold) then do that!!

 

He has only had it for 6 months or so and is losing his job. He is in a hurry to sell force have it looked at. I may just keep looking.

 

When I sold my 325i I was also in your shoes as reading this forum had made my mind to buy 550i but instead I found 05 545i with 93k miles and bought it in August 2011 for $18.500 Since I changed battary $ 300, clutch $1500, battary saftey terminal $300, needs valve cover $700 and just reached 103k
I spent more money on upgrading it and still can't stop doing it as I'm fallin Love
I think if the car is good taken care, sound and not abused get it for the prize