Shlooky

After my 528 e39, I looked at the E60's and decided to go with the 545i. it's been reliable, more so than the e39 and really like the car. it's more flexible and extremely customizable.

The only thing I strongly suggest to buy is a 6 speed manual 545i/550 or a 530. The automatic transmissions are the worst ever and you will (80% chance) experience the sputtering effect in 5th gear and hard slams from 2 to 1 like someone rear ended you. Some people have solved the problem by replacing the mechatronics or the transmission itself, easily a $7K job or if you are lucky by simply replacing or topping off the transmission fluids.

Since you are buying a manual, you're set

Cheers

Mike_K

Where are you guys that you're finding these high mileage cars for this kind of money? The gentleman that just bought my previous '06 550 6MT paid $15,000 out the door and the car was in mint condition with 90k miles. I would never pay anything close to 20k for a 545 because the 550's can be had in great condition with low miles for a few thousand more and whatever difference you pay up front you'll more than make up for in lower cost of ownership.

The 545, nice as it is, has earned it's reputation. People need to consider that the 4.4 had problems in almost every application whereas the 4.8 just hasn't.

Dsblk93gt

I looked all over and the only 550i in my price range had a salvage title. I wish I could have gotten a 550i.

Excession

I don't get it?

Isn't the 4.8 just a long stroke 4.4 + oil cooler? and looking at the high mileage thread seem to be quite a few 4.4's with high miles and few complaints.

Just wondering if it's a deserved reputation? or is it due to the bad rep of a couple of models (7 series, X5's)

KLR4LIFE

The 4.4 had a lot of problems that BMW fixed in the 4.8. The 4.4 doesnt have an oil cooler but the 4.8 does. The 550i has its problems also but not nearly as much at the 545i.

jm545i

What are you basing the statement "had a lot of problems that BMW fixed in the 4.8" on?

I've heard people say that, but so far have not seen anyone actually backing it up with anything other than anecdotal evidence and conventional wisdom from places like this. I don't doubt that the cars got better as time went on, but that's always the case. The oil cooler is one addition, okay, but I don't think anyone has any kind of reliable stats to back up massive differences in reliability between the two. Mine has been dead reliable (knock on wood) - it's not a daily driver, but I've had virtually no problems, and specifically no engine issues.

Sleep with a calm mind with your 550, but I covet the CIC navigation from late models much more than the 4.8 due to reliability concerns!

pjinca

Honestly, people get WAAAAAAY too freaked out with the prospect of maintaining their BMWs. Relax, get the car you want either checked out and get a 3rd party warranty OR buy one CPO. Even for things that aren't covered under CPO it isn't that bad if you're willing to do things on your own or have a buddy that can help. Most of the work on my car I do myself, when I need help I have friends I can call on. In return I help them with their cars if they need it. You can search for deals on parts. You just have to be brave enough to tackle things on your own. The only things I have handed off to an Indy have been electronics (My CCC unit died and I replaced it and added AUX port while I was at it).

Good luck, an enjoy the dang car. The 545/550 is a great car. The most you'll have to worry about is oil leaks in the engine, which happen to ALL BMWs eventually, just seems the 4.4 and 4.8L are more prone to them in weird places. That said, there's a TON of info here on where they are (look up member Healthservices posts) and how to fix them. That way you won't be raped by a mechanic you will know exactly whats involved.

Dsblk93gt

So far it's been ok but I do have a weird rattle/knock sound in the 1400-2200 range that sounds like valvetrain noise maybe. No clue but its driving me nuts. Car has tons of power and handles nice. Just this damn noise. It's not there under wot but is obvious at part throttle.

545IblupasdU

People are basing info without knowing the facts on a particular car you are buying, you can get a 545 that has already been serviced for the problems it used to have, things like the coolant pipe and those little leaks might already been taken care of since the car would most likely have more than 60,000 miles on it,once done its pretty much smooth sailing with regular maintenance.