2005 545i --- help needed!

[Alsabrook]

I'm new to the form and to BMW ownership in general. A friend of mine is selling their 05 545i that has been stored for the last 3 years and I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy it before the day is out. It's an extremely low mileage car (50k) and has always been adult owned. The car has not been started in 3 years and while I know I'm in for a new battery and dropping/cleaning the fuel tank, I'd like to get an idea from someone more familiar with BMW's than I am. Should I go ahead and plan on replacing the injectors as well? Thanks in advance!

[maxell0405]

Don't do the injectors at the outset - they are probably fine and replacement is not cheap. But do change the oil and the fuel filter. I would add a bottle of techron to the new fuel and I would also remove the valve covers and treat the cams with oil before cranking, although that is not strictly necessary. I would run techron for two or three tanks to clean up the fuel pump and injectors. Good luck.

[dworthy]

Depending on how the vehicle was stored, you may also need new brakes too. I would take a close look at every piece of rubber to ensure it hasn't dry rotted while in storage.

[bmwdirtracer]

How much fuel is actually in the tank? If it's only a little (like 1/4 tank or less), I'd personally just fill it up with fresh premium. If the tank is more full, then I recommend you pull up the rear seat, open both sides of the tank, and suck the old fuel out with a siphon pump or similar item. Dropping the tank is NOT the way to go, with a BMW., The injectors don't need replacing, either. Do buy two new fuel tank seals, if you open the two top ports to drain the tank.

[Alsabrook]

Thanks guys! I laid eyes on it last night and it's actually in pretty decent shape. I got a rude awakening when I went to buy a battery for it and was told that we'll have to have it towed to the dealer to have the new battery installed. I'm not sure if they're playing the old "you're a dumb girl" trick, but according to our closest BMW mechanic said the same thing. Looks like we'll be hauling it over there on Saturday. It's definitely going to need new brakes, but hopefully we'll get lucky on the injectors. All of the rubber except for the top windshield molding looks good.

FWIW, the mechanic said our biggest concern should be the variable valve timing actuators. I come from a background with American performance cars so I'm a little outside of my comfort zone on this one.

[dworthy]

They are correct about the battery, or you will end up having to get a new one in a year or less. The DME controls the voltage regulator, and over time as the battery ages, it requires more juice. So if the DME thinks you have a 4 years old battery in the trunk, it will be overcharging it in no time flat.

[bmwdirtracer]

+1 -- however, you can install the battery yourself; a BMW computer just needs to register it in the car's computer. The new battery will work just fine if you install it though. Just make sure you use the same type and rating of battery. If you currently have a BMW battery, and it's black, you need to buy an AGM battery of the same amp rating. If the current battery is white, you do not HAVE to have AGM, but it is a better battery. You can get the battery registered next week or so, you don't have to have the car towed....

Oh, and any good BMW / European specialist shop can register the battery, you don't HAVE to go to the dealer.

[rocket64]

I was just wondering if the computer on all bmw's need to be reset?

- - - Updated - - -

After battery change.

[bmwdirtracer]

No, absolutely not. This began somewhere right around the E60 and E65 cars. That's when the DME started deciding the strategy for charging the battery, specifically with the intent of increasing fuel mileage. But when this protocol / system is present, it's important that the battery change be registered in the DME.

[jclausen]

The car could have a agm or lead acid battery, when registering the battery, it will also say what type was installed. Typically the agm battery has a black case and should say agm on it. You can retro fit the agm, which is a better battery, but you have change the information thru ista or using a an auto logic

[BavariaMotorist]

Anything else that ought to be checked for wear or replaced? I assume all fluids need to be flushed and replaced.

[MarcoZandrini]

Definitely check the tires for cracking and other signs indicating issues. I'd flush the cooling system as you don't know what the condition of the coolant was when the car was parked. You might do a vinegar flush followed by a distilled water flush, and then BMW coolant and distilled water.

[Lukitas]

I would run Chevron Fuel system cleaner and then when i get home do an oil change.

Chevron Concentrated: http://amzn.to/2bvd7rG
Oil Filter (OEM Mann HU7155x): http://amzn.to/2bvdanm