In the market for 545i as a daily driver

SLEEP3R · 01-03-2015, 12:16 PM

Hi all,
I am currently a 2009 BMW 335i owner that has done tons of work on that car. I was debating for a long time on whether or not to sell it and get an e9X m3 but with the value of those cars not dropping I just can't see myself getting another car note with a wedding on the horizon. So I'm deciding to keep my e92 and turn it into just a fun weekend track car.

With that said I am looking for a good looking daily driver sedan and my attention was turned a 545i. They look extremely affordable and Im not sure how to take that. I am seeing 2004 models go anywhere from $7,000 to $9,000 with mileage from 85k - 150k. What I want to know is about the reliability. I already know about BMW maintenance cost but I'm not to worried about that. I just need to know if this model is notorious for certain mechanical problems like transmission issues or something that would break the bank to repair. The 335i were notorious for HPFP issues but with the extended warranty i got mine replaced for free.

Also Do they turn to crap after a certain amount of miles? Some people said that about the 335i but Im approaching 90,000 miles and I have had no major issues besides the wastegate rattle which I fixed myself.

I wanted hear from the 5 series forum on whether it would be a good buy or not.
Thanks in advance.

Seven11 · 01-03-2015, 04:30 PM

PASS!

valve seals

coolant pipe

blocked secondary air system

just pass!

SLEEP3R · 01-03-2015, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seven11

PASS!

valve seals

coolant pipe

blocked secondary air system

just pass!

is it the same with the 530i's?

thanks for the reply

Chihuahua · 01-04-2015, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLEEP3R

is it the same with the 530i's?

thanks for the reply

No.

Stay away from the 545i. Get a 530i, '04 or '05 (those two years are still powered by M54)

SLEEP3R · 01-06-2015, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle B

No.

Stay away from the 545i. Get a 530i, '04 or '05 (those two years are still powered by M54)

Thanks, i will look into the 530i's.
I had a feeling there was a reason why the the 545i's where selling for so cheap.

Seven11 · 01-07-2015, 01:52 AM

i had a 745i, the same engine as the 545i...

and let me tell u, i still celebrate the day it sold!

and i had it while it was still under factory warranty! I can't even imagine doing all that again without a warranty. But at least right now they know how to fix all the common problems. But back then when I owned it, it would be at the dealer for weeks without any idea how to fix it, waiting for some guy from germany to come and fix it. Only reason i didnt care is that i would be driving a new 5 series as a loaner.

01-03-2015, 12:16 PM	#1
SLEEP3R Private 7 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 2009 e92 335i Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Huntsville, AL iTrader: (1)	In the market for 545i as a daily driver Hi all, I am currently a 2009 BMW 335i owner that has done tons of work on that car. I was debating for a long time on whether or not to sell it and get an e9X m3 but with the value of those cars not dropping I just can't see myself getting another car note with a wedding on the horizon. So I'm deciding to keep my e92 and turn it into just a fun weekend track car. With that said I am looking for a good looking daily driver sedan and my attention was turned a 545i. They look extremely affordable and Im not sure how to take that. I am seeing 2004 models go anywhere from $7,000 to $9,000 with mileage from 85k - 150k. What I want to know is about the reliability. I already know about BMW maintenance cost but I'm not to worried about that. I just need to know if this model is notorious for certain mechanical problems like transmission issues or something that would break the bank to repair. The 335i were notorious for HPFP issues but with the extended warranty i got mine replaced for free. Also Do they turn to crap after a certain amount of miles? Some people said that about the 335i but Im approaching 90,000 miles and I have had no major issues besides the wastegate rattle which I fixed myself. I wanted hear from the 5 series forum on whether it would be a good buy or not. Thanks in advance.
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01-03-2015, 04:30 PM	#2
Seven11 Private 51 Rep 89 Posts Drives: X4m Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: California iTrader: (2)	PASS! valve seals coolant pipe blocked secondary air system just pass!
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01-07-2015, 01:52 AM	#6
Seven11 Private 51 Rep 89 Posts Drives: X4m Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: California iTrader: (2)	i had a 745i, the same engine as the 545i... and let me tell u, i still celebrate the day it sold! and i had it while it was still under factory warranty! I can't even imagine doing all that again without a warranty. But at least right now they know how to fix all the common problems. But back then when I owned it, it would be at the dealer for weeks without any idea how to fix it, waiting for some guy from germany to come and fix it. Only reason i didnt care is that i would be driving a new 5 series as a loaner.
	Appreciate 0 Quote