Hey everyone. I currently drive a 2010 Ralliart. Which I love but recently started getting flack from the wife about how much it costs vs how much we actually ever drive it. So I started looking around for something cheaper but a bit bigger to fit the kids in. Low and behold a 2005 black 545i pops up for 15k and the cigs started turning...

I contacted the guy and seems like its in really good shape. Then I called several BMW shops to ask what I should look for during a test drive and they have me a laundry list of crap that could be wrong with the v8. Valve cover seals, cam seats, tranny pan seals, timing cover seals. Bad water tank and hoses and the infamous electric water pump. Pretty much scared the crap out of me, but I still haven't been able to shake the idea of having a more grown up car that still looks pretty awesome.

So I come to you in hopes of swaying me towards the decision and allaying all fears and paranoia. Previous cars have been 2004 STI, 2002 Bugeye, 2010 Ralliart , 545i sport?

Regardless I have to sell my car first so guess ill see if there's even any interest.
Thanks for the time and future info!

 

I feel you man, I just bought a 2004 545i black also with the auburn interior, Navigation. Thing is FAST and drives nice BUT I drove like 30 mins away and $20 worth of gas was gone. SMH what did I get myself into...... It does look like it has a leaking valve cover hope its just a gasket.....

haven't even put the car on the road yet so idk my fingers r crossed.

 

Does it have the sport package? If so, stay away because of active steering issues.

 

Crap. Yes. What's bad when it breaks? No power steering or does it mess everything else up too

 

There are so many threads related to your question. Just type 545i and go through it you see hundered of threads. But every one has its own opinions.but if you buy used car over 100k miles expect to spent 2-3k a year to maintain it properly. In case of 545i I would say you need that much just for parts a year. This car costed 70k new and it is 15k now but parts still cost the same keep this in mind. once you get into it you gonna love it.