New member with 2004 545i
12-27-2006, 05:16 PM
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My Ride: 545i DINAN
Model Year: 2004
Engine: E60
Hi All
I just became the owner of a 2004 545i, born during October of 2003
It is a relatively basic version (non sport) with Steptronic...
I've been looking for available add-ons like satellite radio (it has the "shark fin") or navigation-system, but there doesn't seem to be anything at places like Bavarian Soundworks or BAV auto. All I've been able to find are the tack-on devices like Sirius universal receivers and Garmin GPS stick-ons. There is some wiring in the trunk, drivers side, behind a panel that looks like thin radio coax (2 each) with an additional 4 wire plug nearby.
Also,
There seems to be a real lack of any performance parts (suspension and exhaust) for this version of the 5 series.
Did I screw up? Do folks normally leave these OEM stock? Or is 2004 just too new for the cool stuff to arrive?
I am a former Alfa owner (modified everything) and more recently Audi (again, lots of modification and add-on parts available)
Thanks for any helpful information and guidance.
Jim Smith
I just became the owner of a 2004 545i, born during October of 2003
It is a relatively basic version (non sport) with Steptronic...
I've been looking for available add-ons like satellite radio (it has the "shark fin") or navigation-system, but there doesn't seem to be anything at places like Bavarian Soundworks or BAV auto. All I've been able to find are the tack-on devices like Sirius universal receivers and Garmin GPS stick-ons. There is some wiring in the trunk, drivers side, behind a panel that looks like thin radio coax (2 each) with an additional 4 wire plug nearby.
Also,
There seems to be a real lack of any performance parts (suspension and exhaust) for this version of the 5 series.
Did I screw up? Do folks normally leave these OEM stock? Or is 2004 just too new for the cool stuff to arrive?
I am a former Alfa owner (modified everything) and more recently Audi (again, lots of modification and add-on parts available)
Thanks for any helpful information and guidance.
Jim Smith
12-27-2006, 05:35 PM
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My Ride: 545i Sport
Model Year: 2004
Engine: N62
Jim 
Don't worry, superchargers will be arriving next year. Big brake kits, coilovers,
M5/M6 wheels or aftermarket, body kits, spoilers, Mtech... etc
12-27-2006, 05:55 PM
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Location: New Orleans, LA USA
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My Ride: E90 M3
Model Year: 2011
Originally Posted by hjimsmith' post='371636' date='Dec 27 2006, 08:16 PM
Hi All
I just became the owner of a 2004 545i, born during October of 2003
It is a relatively basic version (non sport) with Steptronic...
I've been looking for available add-ons like satellite radio (it has the "shark fin") or navigation-system, but there doesn't seem to be anything at places like Bavarian Soundworks or BAV auto. All I've been able to find are the tack-on devices like Sirius universal receivers and Garmin GPS stick-ons. There is some wiring in the trunk, drivers side, behind a panel that looks like thin radio coax (2 each) with an additional 4 wire plug nearby.
Also,
There seems to be a real lack of any performance parts (suspension and exhaust) for this version of the 5 series.
Did I screw up? Do folks normally leave these OEM stock? Or is 2004 just too new for the cool stuff to arrive?
I am a former Alfa owner (modified everything) and more recently Audi (again, lots of modification and add-on parts available)
Thanks for any helpful information and guidance.
Jim Smith
I just became the owner of a 2004 545i, born during October of 2003
It is a relatively basic version (non sport) with Steptronic...
I've been looking for available add-ons like satellite radio (it has the "shark fin") or navigation-system, but there doesn't seem to be anything at places like Bavarian Soundworks or BAV auto. All I've been able to find are the tack-on devices like Sirius universal receivers and Garmin GPS stick-ons. There is some wiring in the trunk, drivers side, behind a panel that looks like thin radio coax (2 each) with an additional 4 wire plug nearby.
Also,
There seems to be a real lack of any performance parts (suspension and exhaust) for this version of the 5 series.
Did I screw up? Do folks normally leave these OEM stock? Or is 2004 just too new for the cool stuff to arrive?
I am a former Alfa owner (modified everything) and more recently Audi (again, lots of modification and add-on parts available)
Thanks for any helpful information and guidance.
Jim Smith
As for the NAV, you may be lucky, but will again have to check with the dealer using the VIN. Because there were delays in rolling out the NAV system, many early cars came wired for it for later install. Being an Oct 2003 build, you may be in that number. Do a search here but it is something like option UA6 or something to that effect.
Not really aware of suspension options as I have never searched. Most have opted for the sports package with the active roll stabilization. I'm sure there are options out there.
As for exhaust, many member here have upgraded to after-market exhausts and I'm sure they'll chime in with their opinions.
01-05-2007, 05:23 PM
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My Ride: Fully loaded Dinan Tuned E60 545i Sports Sedan, featuring Dinan high flow intake system, Dinan free flow exhaust, Dinan high flow throttle body, Dinan Stage 3 Performance Engine Management Software, Dinan camber plates, Dinan carbon fiber strut tower brace, Dinan 19" lightweight forged wheelset, Dinan/Brembo GT big brake system, Dinan Polished Aluminum Pedal Kit, BMW "M" footrest, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT's, OEM rear deck spoiler, OEM sun/wind deflector, OEM illuminated BMW door sills, debadged (official "Dinan 5 badging"/emblem earned).
Originally Posted by hjimsmith' post='371636' date='Dec 27 2006, 09:16 PM
Also, There seems to be a real lack of any performance parts (suspension and exhaust) for this version of the 5 series.
Did I screw up? Do folks normally leave these OEM stock? Or is 2004 just too new for the cool stuff to arrive?
I am a former Alfa owner (modified everything) and more recently Audi (again, lots of modification and add-on parts available)
Thanks for any helpful information and guidance.
Jim Smith
Did I screw up? Do folks normally leave these OEM stock? Or is 2004 just too new for the cool stuff to arrive?
I am a former Alfa owner (modified everything) and more recently Audi (again, lots of modification and add-on parts available)
Thanks for any helpful information and guidance.
Jim Smith
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