My brother is considering a 2004 545i with the STEPTRONIC Sport Package. This package includes active steering.

We both drove the car, and it's handling felt quite "different" to the new 2007 550i I am driving (with SP and AS) and wondered if the difference in feel was because of a different type of Sport package that was available in that 545 than is available in the current 550i?

More importantly, are any of you aware of any "known" problems with the 2004 545i? I have searched the forums and find no indication of an ongoing problem with this vehicle.

The car looks and drives great, and is selling for $37,000 with 48,000 miles on the odometer. It qualifies for the Carfax buy-back guarantee although it was in an accident two years ago with moderate damage. An extended warranty is available and will be purchased as part of the deal.

Thanks in advance for any imput on this vehicle.

 

The 2004 was the initial year for the E60, and so those cars may require software reprogramming. I know that a few software updates have been made which affect the feel of Active Steering, so this may be responsible for the differences you perceive.

Speaking personally here.... I would not buy the first year model of anything related to technology. That means cars, computers, whatever...
So if it were me, I would look for a used 2005 or later E60 rather than a 2004. But that's just me, admittedly a little paranoid.

 

I just dumped my 545. Too many nagging small issues to deal with including bad seats, tires, steering lock up,rattles, harsh ride, etc., etc. I turned it in for a new 550i. It is a completely improved vehicle. Have a look at the 335 turbo. Its a mini beast! Also I traded mine physically flawless with no accidents and 18,300 miles on it for $37,000. Your price seems pretty high.

 

I have a March produced 2004. There were some early issues that have been satisfactorily cleared. The car has been trouble free for quite a while and is running well.

 

I have a late 2003 production 545 and have had only one problem with the car....cup holders replaced. Great car!

 

My only question is do you really want to buy a car with a history of "moderate damage"?

 

There are enough 545's out there that you should not need to settle for one that has been hit. I didn't like the active steering at all, because it takes away all the road feel. Your price seems high for all those miles. I would continue looking, as you probably could do better.

Happy New Year

 

Agree with Fairfield - even for a car with no accident history, the $37K seems a tad high given it has 48K miles.

 

when I waslooking around for my 530i , I noticed some 545i's which were certified preowned had around 38,000 mile silver grey color for about $42000.