Should I buy a 545i.

So I bought this 545i 2 years ago from bmw in Sterling VA. I traded my 2001 530i in for it. Was a sad day but couldn't resist. So yes its a fast fun and amazing handling car and easily fit my 3 kids and wife in it comfortably. But at 100k I had to spend 3k on valve cover gaskets timing cover gaskets and alternator gasket oil leaks. And yes control arms on these suck. But all in all Its a love hate. I love it soooo much when it runs right. So much so I beg to do errands and It makes me look like the perfect husband.👍👍. When it fs up I want to blow it up which has only happen 4 times once with the oil leaks, once with coolant y connector under throttle body, once with coil which was a easy 20 dollar fix, and now the suspension. But its faster than most mustangs handles better than a Subaru thanks to dynamic drive and sounds amazing. So yes buy one but get a warranty it will be worth it.

[Vontharau]

If you maintain the engine regulary, it is basicly bulletproof - 4.4 engine has legendary status in germany.

[reginaldbowls]

To anyone thinking about buying one I recommend swapping the thermostat for a 90C. And changing your oil earlier than recommended.

[porscheguy]

My wife has a 545i and like you said, when it’s running good it’s a great car but when it has problems it’s a pain in the ass. So far I’ve been able to do all the work myself but it wasn’t fun or cheap. One lightbulb for the xenon headlights can run $100. I had to replace the alternator and did the alternator mounting bracket gasket at the same time. It’s a $3.50 part but was a pain to replace. Now the ARS Active Roll Stabilization is acting up and the passenger side sits lower than the driver side and the tire rubs on the fender when going over curbs into a driveway for instance. From what I can find the system has to be reset and unless I can get the BMW diagnostic software it can only be done at the dealership. It’s stupid how expensive some parts are. Otherwise it’s a good car especially for it’s time. Compared to new cars it’s not necessarily the fastest but we’re still faster than 9 out of 10 cars that try to beat my wife off the line.

[angelreborn]

i had the 645ci...for 10 years...and sold it when it reach a great car., ...i drove it daily....the stock suspension is to soft...i upgraded it to Bilstein B8 shocks with sport spring with E63 M6 lighter forged Wheels....it drive great with these setup..only issue is the maintenance....numerous coolant leak...oil leak...power steering change all the transmission clutch plate...including the mechatronic overhaul... if you drive hard daily....which i did....i drive daily with the speed of 200kmh till 250kmh...thats when the problem starts with the sport buttan...changed 6 times the radiator sold it and got the F10 M5 for more power....

[tjkoko]

I got one, same thing tons of oil leaks, water pump etc, looking back it would have made more sense to have the entire engine dropped from the beginning and have everything resealed including the valve seals and carbon cleaned the engine. valve covers was like 2gs alternator bracket gasket was 1g etc etc

[damionfunchess]

My Mother have a 545i and it's smokes when its sit up you can't stay in a drive Thru without it smoking my sister have a 745 and they told her that it happin to all old Bmws and my mother is going to get her's fix this week and Her total is going to be 3000$-5000$ but it's ether that or a new car.

[ctg]

I know this is an older video but how much did it cost you to get the valve cover gaskets replaced?

[Mashmarriner]

Americans have it class. I don't even wanna think how much that type of mileage a day would cost in the UK in a V8. 😂.

For £120 to fill up my V8 Mercedes. I'll be lucky to get 250 mile in a tank. 😂.

[skalban]

Long story short, get one. Just dont get ripped off. Make sure its been maintained and have proof. Your better off buying one with 110k than 30k miles. At 110k mile, with receipts, most of the common issues have been fixed. And at 110k they go for 8k dollars. So you get a mid 13 family sedan for 8k. My s2k was 26k and ran a 13.8 and only fit 2 people.. barely. And didnt handle as well.

[europeanartz]

I've seen this car at katies cars and coffee before! I've got a 545i 6 speed manual with 140k on it, its fun to drive but yea also a love hate relationship lol. I also have a muffler delete on mine as well, sounds sick

[FeasableOption]

Great car, maintenance/up keep can be expensive though. same w/Audi. Hope you're still enjoying it!

@Mike Alban So you'd recommend this car a lot?
I'm planning to buy a 2004 BMW 545i with 130.000km (~81.000miles) mileage for 9500€ (~$10.000). It has the 4398cm3 V8 engine producing 333HP.
But I'm afraid of how reliable it is with this mileage and how often have to service the car..

[Rugerman]

Amazing video!
Great info and detail love the exhaust

[skalban]

The shop I used got the gaskets from BMW. Control arms anywhere that sells meyle or lemforder.

[doomhammer]

I had an e39 540i with 400 000km (around 250k miles) and the only magic with those 4.4liters is to have the more reliable non vanos engine and I changed the motor oil every 10 000kms. Not once was for instance the timig chain replaced. We took it apart after 400k kms and it looked stunning. Mobil 1 5W50 oil magic I guess :D

[wolfydinero]

I am having the same problems right now, where do you suggest buying parts from. I have oil leaks and control arm issues

[yol]

got a 530i two owners at 109k miles, first owner had for 12years with regular upkeep, 2nd owner had for a couple years, and just drove it, ive had to replace The rack and pinion, steering angle sensor, horn, oil/trans pan, oil sensor, oil housing gasket, motor mounts, control arms/ball joints/tie rods, tune up, brakes, and only spent just over 5k🤦🏿‍♂️

[joesteel]

ever try amsoil? I hear it's great. Do you like this better than your 2001 530I?? I'm actually considering a 2003 530i if i can find a low mileage one.

[skalban]

Awesome.Yeah I go every Saturday if the weather is nice. I will keep a look out for your car next time I go.

[heather]

i have the 04 545i 6 speed and love it just gotta take care of it and it will take care of you