2004 525i vs 2005 545i

[dominyc718]

Hi, just registered to the forum but always got on here whenever I had any questions I needed answers to. But I would like some feedback to this. I currently own right now a 2003 BMW 325i sedan. I had it since 98k miles now having a little over 148k. So I enjoyed this car from the second I bought it, but its time to get an upgrade.

I’m looking at the BMW 5 series 2004-2007. Right now I see 2-3 that peak my interest. A 2004 525i with 90k miles for $9,300 miles by a woman private seller whose kept it really clean, a 2005 545i with Sports Package and 110k miles for $8,900 from another private seller, and another 2004 545i with 84k miles from a dealer for $10,000.


I read / heard mixed signals about the 5 series for those years. Can any of you help me out? What are the pros & cons of both 525i & 545i? Comparisons? Is gas mileage that much of a difference from 525i to 545i? Common issues??? Im trying to decide which one I should go for. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks for all those who took the time to read this.

[Stück]

E60 garbage is E60 garbage.

Do you want I6 repair bills or V8 repair bills?

The M54 I6 is very reliable. The N62 V8 is without doubt the worst engine BMW had made in the last decade.

Couple a terrible engine with a garbage chassis and you've got a big old pile of garbage.

[stephenkirsch]

My family owns 3 M54 engines, two in a 3 series and 1 in a 5 series. They're great. On reliability i have to recommend the 525. It's 0-60 time won't be impressive, so maybe look for a 530 instead?

[dominyc718]

E60 garbage is E60 garbage.

Do you want I6 repair bills or V8 repair bills?

The M54 I6 is very reliable. The N62 V8 is without doubt the worst engine BMW had made in the last decade.

Couple a terrible engine with a garbage chassis and you've got a big old pile of garbage.

Lol thanks for going straight to the point...

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My family owns 3 M54 engines, two in a 3 series and 1 in a 5 series. They're great. On reliability i have to recommend the 525. It's 0-60 time won't be impressive, so maybe look for a 530 instead?

Speedwise I wouldnt mind, i guess i got out of that whole speedster phase... I might end up with the 525i cuz I really dont want a headache' from constant problems lol...

[Inicent Child]

im sorry but if those two are garbage then the m54 is garbage as well.

You can have good and bad experiences with either cars. I do however recommend the 550i if you had the additional money.

[dalTXz4]

E60 garbage is E60 garbage.

Do you want I6 repair bills or V8 repair bills?

The M54 I6 is very reliable. The N62 V8 is without doubt the worst engine BMW had made in the last decade.

Couple a terrible engine with a garbage chassis and you've got a big old pile of garbage.

Care to back all that up with real data? Have you really driven a e39 and a e60 back to back?

[dominyc718]

Care to back all that up with real data? Have you really driven a e39 and a e60 back to back?

That was my same reaction when I read that lol

[mr ilia]

This is not a true story.

E60 garbage is E60 garbage.

Do you want I6 repair bills or V8 repair bills?

The M54 I6 is very reliable. The N62 V8 is without doubt the worst engine BMW had made in the last decade.

Couple a terrible engine with a garbage chassis and you've got a big old pile of garbage.

[Stück]

A E60 is little more than a E39 with a revised queer looking collection of bodywork. I6 drivetrain is basically identical, as is the suspension. Yes they added Dynamic Drive/Active Steering but those are just band aids to help control a sloppy pig weight chassis. Yes I drive them all the time. I work on BMW's for a living, and take them apart for salvage too. E60's are junk cars, especially the early years. You could not give one to me to use as a personal car, not even a M5. I'd keep the S85, but then hand you back the junk car.

If you are dead set on a E60 your money would be best wasted on a M54 530i with a 6spd manual. That is going to be the most reliable, best to drive of the bunch.

The N62b44 is without a doubt the worst engine BMW has made in the last decade. Every single one of them is junk junk junk.

Honestly in Houston, E60's are a brotha car, for the man that can't afford the ever popular E65/E66 sevenfauxfhive. (every one of those are junk too) That and the occasional Indian dude. Everyone else knows they are garbage and unloaded them as soon as they could on the unsuspecting.

Straight and simple a E60 isn't an upgrade over your E46 just because its newer and the numbers on the trunk are numerically higher.

[E39Chris525i]

If you really really really want the 545i for its sheer power than research 'valley of death'. Set aside extra coin for the repair. OP was is your budget?

[dominyc718]

A E60 is little more than a E39 with a revised queer looking collection of bodywork. I6 drivetrain is basically identical, as is the suspension. Yes they added Dynamic Drive/Active Steering but those are just band aids to help control a sloppy pig weight chassis. Yes I drive them all the time. I work on BMW's for a living, and take them apart for salvage too. E60's are junk cars, especially the early years. You could not give one to me to use as a personal car, not even a M5. I'd keep the S85, but then hand you back the junk car.

If you are dead set on a E60 your money would be best wasted on a M54 530i with a 6spd manual. That is going to be the most reliable, best to drive of the bunch.

The N62b44 is without a doubt the worst engine BMW has made in the last decade. Every single one of them is junk junk junk.

Honestly in Houston, E60's are a brotha car, for the man that can't afford the ever popular E65/E66 sevenfauxfhive. (every one of those are junk too) That and the occasional Indian dude. Everyone else knows they are garbage and unloaded them as soon as they could on the unsuspecting.

Straight and simple a E60 isn't an upgrade over your E46 just because its newer and the numbers on the trunk are numerically higher.

I originally posted the thread for some honest detailed straight up feedback as to why i should or shouldnt buy one over the other or none at all...obviously i had some questions if i took the time to post on here... And whats assuming i cant afford anything more? Just cuz im looking at some under $10k does not mean I cant go higher... I have 3 good paying jobs

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If you really really really want the 545i for its sheer power than research 'valley of death'. Set aside extra coin for the repair. OP was is your budget?

I actually considered the 545i because of some old forums posts ive read about the horse power and the extras added to it, but have a personal friend who told me that those cars could be a nightmare if pockets are not ready.

I really have no set budget. I can go as far as $15k but was browsing those around $10k. No need for me to spend extra if i dont really need to.

I was also looking at 2006-2009 Acura TL, TSX, 2007 Lexus IS300 but really wanted to stick with BMW, but if shouldnt, i wont go for it...

[Stück]

I never made any assumption as to your budget, frankly I seriously don't care. I was stating a statistical observation about the individuals I see owning the cars you're looking at in MY locale.

[dalTXz4]

I never made any assumption as to your budget, frankly I seriously don't care. I was stating a statistical observation about the individuals I see owning the cars you're looking at in MY locale.

Oh now you don't like them because they are a "Brothas" car. LMAO ... I guess if we are making stupid assumptions we can assume you can't afford an E60 because you drive an old E39. As fas as values go here are recent auction #s for 2005 745i vs. 2005 545i vs. 2001 530i/6

2005 745i

10/16/13	DALLAS	Regular	$12,000	83,645	Above	WHITE	8G	A	Yes
10/09/13	SAN DIEG	Regular	$11,000	76,626	Above	BLUE	8G	A	Yes
10/22/13	ATLANTA	Regular	$9,200	106,857	Avg	Gray		A	Yes
10/09/13	DALLAS	Regular	$8,600	122,779	Avg	GRAY	8G	A	Yes
10/04/13	DALLAS	Regular	$8,250	112,503	Avg	GRAY	8G	A	Yes
10/08/13	PENSCOLA	Regular	$8,000	124,300	Avg	GREY	8G	A	Yes
10/17/13	TX HOBBY	Lease	$7,900	95,978	Avg	WHITE	8G	A	Yes
10/02/13	SF BAY	Regular	$7,500	134,091	Avg	GRAY	8G	A	Yes
10/22/13	NEWENGLD	Regular	$7,300	118,031	Avg	SILVER	8G	A	Yes
10/09/13	NJ	Regular	$6,900	131,846	Avg	BLK	8G	A	Yes
10/16/13	NY	Regular	$6,500	132,153	Below	BLACK	8G	A	Yes

2005 545i

10/08/13	GEORGIA	Regular	$12,200	78,868	Above	WHITE	8G	A	Yes
10/02/13	NJ	Regular	$11,100	68,674	Above	BLUE	8G	A	Yes
10/10/13	ATLANTA	Regular	$11,000	78,554	Above	SILVER	8G	A	Yes
10/03/13	CENT CAL	Regular	$10,400	75,717	Above	GREY	8G	A	Yes
10/17/13	CHICAGO	Regular	$10,200	103,663	Above	GRAY	8G	A	Yes
09/25/13	SF BAY	Regular	$10,000	82,297	Avg	BLACK	8G	A	Yes
09/25/13	CALIFORN	Regular	$9,500	83,342	Avg	GRAY	8G	A	Yes
10/02/13	CALIFORN	Regular	$9,000	117,546	Avg	GRAY	8G	A	Yes
10/08/13	ORLANDO	Regular	$8,800	116,328	Avg	WHITE	8G	A	Yes
10/17/13	FRDKBURG	Regular	$8,500	92,530	Avg	1376408	8G	A	Yes
10/09/13	MINNEAP	Regular	$8,100	122,143	Avg	BLUE	8G	A	Yes
10/10/13	MISS	Regular	$8,000	134,218	Avg	WHITE	8G	A	Yes
10/01/13	NYMETSKY	Lease	$8,000	82,469	Avg	BLACK	8G	A	Yes
10/08/13	ATLANTA	Regular	$7,900	141,980	Avg	BLACK	8G	A	Yes
And finally your 2001 530i/Manual	10/04/13 PA Regular $5,500 98,261 Above GRAY 6G M Yes 07/03/13 SAN DIEG Regular $4,500 146,191 Avg BLACK 6G 5 Yes 07/23/13 DENVER Regular $4,400 113,694 Avg SILVER 6G 5 Yes 06/19/13 SAN DIEG Regular $3,000 145,956 Avg BLACK 6G 5 Yes 10/22/13 NYMETSKY Regular $2,950 139,372 Avg BLUE 6G M Yes 08/08/13 NEWENGLD Regular $2,200 185,517 Below GRAY 6G M Yes

[Stück]

No statistics exist for my E39 as it doesn't exist, of course you would know that if you were an enthusiast, and not just some butt hurt jackass because he drives a car someone else says is garbage. Your Z4 is a queermobile too

I don't drive what I do as any sort of status symbol, and my dislike of the JUNK cars has nothing to do with the demographic that buys them here & now. They are junk. Ignorant people pay too much for junk all day. Ignorant people also don't realize they are buying junk. I don't pretend my E39 is worth a lot, hell the audiophile sound system in it is worth more than the car.... I own and drive it because its a phenomenal example of what BMW used to mean.

Hopefully the OP isn't one of those people and he buys something worthwhile instead.

[dalTXz4]

Have you ever thought that the reason there are no stats for your car is most people will not spend a lot of money modding a $3000.00 car? 59d1222316403-30-wheels-pimped-out-cadillac-hot-photo-hip_hop_cars_big_rims.jpg
But some will LOL.

[Stück]

I haven't spent much money at all "modifying" it.

Again though, an ignorant statement from a non-enthusiast driving a pair of queermobiles

You don't even have any idea whats in it, or why it doesn't exist.

[SpeedsterBek]

Listen to what Stück is saying. Get an 530i/6 if you must have the E60. Otherwise, stay away.

Maybe get an E90, 330i/6?

[Stück]

Good lord, E90 is even worse but please don't get me started.

Listen guys, I'm sorry if you don't like my delivery but at least I won't lie to you. I base my point of view off all day every day personal experience with these cars. All day every day.

I'm not trying to act better than anyone else because my vehicular net worth based on auction values is higher than anothers. Who the hell cares.

If you like the aesthetics of the E60 I think you're blind, that aside it honestly is a piss poor example of a BMW at any price.

[dalTXz4]

Your Z4 is a queermobile too

Id

Sonny Crockett called and wants his Testarossa vents back. miami-vice-420x300.jpgmiami-vice-420x300.jpg

[Stück]

The strakes on my E30 look nothing like a Testarossa thanks, never heard that before though (not), what are you 12? My E30 would rape your E60.

[dalTXz4]

Well the E60 is the best selling 5 of all time so I guess there are a lot of "Blind" people out there...

[Stück]

No, I think there are a lot of stupid people out there. Scratch that, I know beyond a question there are. All you have to tell those people is that it is the latest and greatest and instantly they will buy it. Its not rocket science.

[dalTXz4]

If I wanted a "fast" car I would have one and it would not be some 1/4 century old BMW...

[mr ilia]

It is not the car that is "junk", it is about an owner who makes the car "junk".
I'd buy any BMW and not be afraid of the repairs only because I'd be fixing myself. if you're not prepared to work on the 10 y.o car, then it would feel like bad car, as repair bills can be huge.

[dalTXz4]

Well you should be a marketing guru instead of a BMW salvage man if you're so market savy...