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.

[@Vontharau47]

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

[@s2kalban]

IIXMCMXCI V I agree. its everything around it that goes bad. I have seen guys with over 250k on theirs. I already miss it

[@reportingforbbws]

Should I get one ?

[@reginaldbowls7180]

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

[@reginaldbowls7180]

Oh and the CCV valves

[@porscheguy09]

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.

[@s2kalban]

Ryan Lange. I miss the hell out of It now. Sold it last year. And my alt gasket went bad all at once on a -5 degree day while going 70 on a highway and it looked like I blew the motor with all the oil and smoke that came out the car. Had to have it done at a shop because I needed it back asap. They did the valve covers, upper and lower timing covers, and the gasket for 1400. Had it back 2 days later. Then coil died and car couldn't get to 45mph for its life. Got new Bosch coil from autozone 20 bucks ran great for a year then coolant resivoir exploded. That was 90 bucks plus 20 for bmw blue coolant. The alternator went bad in VA Beach 4 hours from home. Had it towed to Norfolk to have another 900 dollar bill. But they did new belts and resealed the vac pump for brake booster. Best part was the owner drove it back to me here in WV. THEY DIDNT WANT ANY MONEY FOR THE DELIVERY. But damn had to give them 300 cash. I wish they were closer. But all that b.s. was worth it when awd cars couldn't hang with me on back roads and rt challengers got whooped on the highway. Good luck with yours hope it treats you good.

[@s2kalban]

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

[@Rugerman205]

Amazing video! Great info and detail love the exhaust

[@tjkoko2001]

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

[@angelreborn1283]

i had the 645ci...for 10 years...and sold it when it reach 300KKM.....its 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 leak...error.....i 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 fan.............finally sold it and got the F10 M5 for more power....

[@FeasableOption]

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

[@s2kalban]

Yes still loving it. And yes in 2 years I have about 5k in upkeep. But to keep it driving like a BMW its worth it. And thanks.

[@damionfunchess4911]

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.

[@heather201018]

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

[@matt_s0mm85]

Do you still have it?

[@ctg2142]

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

[@wolfydinero2285]

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

[@s2kalban]

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

[@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.

[@europeanartz1989]

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

[@s2kalban]

Sorry for the late response but yes love katies and loved this car. And ive actually seen. A couple of your vids that made me wish i got more of the exhaust. Hope you still have it. Enjoy.

[@reportingforbbws]

Should I buy one with 143k miles ?

[@1247346]

great car man 👌👌

[@s2kalban]

Thanks.

[@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

[@s2kalban]

Doom Hammer I was originally looking for a e39 540i after selling my 01 530i. The e39s have the best body lines and easy to work on a lot less electronics. But I got such a good deal on this. But now its gone I'm looking to get a e39 again maybe a m5 while they are still cheaper... Kinda.

[@doomhammer]

Mike Alban I am also saving up on an e39 M5. Wish you all the best in the future ;)

[@s2kalban]

Doom Hammer you too. And good luck on your purchase.

[@doomhammer]

Mike Alban kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZm3ZHmIgtlng7M just for reference :) not english but you dont need a language for V8s ;) Back to the e60 and basically the same with the e65s those were the models where all the "new" electronics were installed so those BMWs are going to suffer.

[@thomasf.1014]

I like ur car! :)

[@s2kalban]

Thomas f.254 Thanks man. Think its being sold today.

[@yol4203]

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 rotors..... only spent just over 5k🤦🏿‍♂️

[@yol4203]

@Gg Boy yea

[@yol4203]

Still holding up good

[@Mashmarriner69]

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. 😂.

[@shitcreekwarrior8794]

So 335i/340 vs 545i/550i? Yes I know there's a price and slight reliability difference. But power and cost to tune up and wich would have best trannt and motor to be built on

[@s2kalban]

The 335i all the way. Just tune and bolt ons 420hp. But more components that could go wrong. Reliability i always say na is best. You added the 340i so then the f10 550i should be added in as well. It is a beast with a tune. Only bad thing about the 5 series are all the extra electronics.

[@Gskaterboy96]

have you had white smoke from your exhaust? before? because mine has that happening, and i believe it is that the engine is running hot because i have a bad coolant leak, or i need to replace the vacuum lines and ccv pipes.

[@Acid_Assassin]

head gasket leak?

[@joelcromwell5983]

there's a diaphragm behind your intake manifold. my guess its that needs replacing, about 70 bucks plus three or four hours labour.

@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..

[@s2kalban]

Márk Végh Yes only if you get a ppi. At a good shop. Check maintenance history. And current issuses. Got mine at 72k miles from BMW. Had oil leaks around 100k then alternator at 150k miles but always starts and runs and runs strong. Always puts a smile on my face.

Thank you for your reply! PPI is a good advice! I can imagine that it'd put smile on my face every time I drive it, I'd use it as my daily driver, I just afraid a bit that it'll take up too much money to maintain... It really looks like a good deal but it also makes me hesitate a bit. I'm more into Audi but it seems to have an unbeatable great value for this price.

[@s2kalban]

Márk Végh I use mine as a daily. I drive 104 miles a day. I change my oil every 5k miles with liqui moly. And everything still going strong. These cars need to be driven and not just to the store and home I see more people on the forums with more issuses and a lot less mileage because they dont drive them as they should be. Short trips are hard on these cars. Im at 154k miles now still on factory valve seals water transfer pipe water pump and thermostat. And stock clutch. And I drive it pretty hard. B6 B7 s4's dont come close. And remember its still a high end car and will test your love for it but so will a car you had to get because you were settling.

[@acuratl1vroom470]

ive owned my 2004 545i since it had 21,000 Kms and now has 190,000 Kms . Its a beast of a car turns heads in even 2017 drives strong but..... you better save some money for repairs....valley pan seals,all gaskets,valve stem seals, make sure you buy one with service history and you shoud be fine buddy, I also own a2007 550i luv them both.

[@TheRedcroatian]

@@s2kalban What the F is PPI? Thanks

[@MidasPrime]

I want to get a e60 545i.

[@acuratl1vroom470]

Spend a few thousand more and get a 550i M ........or if ts not in your budget then try and find a nice low mile 545i either way great cars with basicly no difference but having the Sport package is a must....

[@dogetothemoon223]

acuratl1 vroom What do you mean no difference? They have different engines with a different displacement which is a big difference.

[@s2kalban]

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.

[@domtoretto3280]

didnt handle as well? LOL you are drunk. a stock non m car has no chance at out handling an s2k. especially not a 5 series.

[@s2kalban]

Dom Toretto. You are wrong my friend. First of all I owned a 2001 s2k for 3 years and this 545i for 3 years. So Im not just taking a guess like you are. Second you need to look at the options on the non M 5 series. Sport package so it lowered from the factory and the S doesnt have that option. Has dynamic drive so it levels itself in corners using hydraulic controled sway bar the S doesnt have. And has active steering which the S doesnt have. Im selling the 5 series and getting my wife a new car but will end up getting a s2k again. So while the S is a fun car the 5 series with the options mine has will beat it in 1/4 mike, in MPG, and handling all based on personal experience. But the S2k is still a great platform to build a crazy fast reliable car so thats why I am going back. the 545i takes way to much money for little gain and less reliability to make more power over stock. 👍

[@mybrickhead]

Should I go for an 04 with 209,000km for $5k CAD? Is that near the end of the lifespan for these cars?

[@Nsixty3]

Ikno you sold the car but would you honestly recommend anyone to get the 545/550 even if they don’t repairs on their own?

[@s2kalban]

E Money 100 percent. I still miss mine. They are amazing cars. But honestly pay the extra money and get one that has either a warranty or most of the maintenance already done.

[@JBasco20]

i have an 2004 545i and mine was sagging like yours... I replaced the struts, springs, pads, & mounts and it made a HUGE difference.

[@s2kalban]

Josh Basco if i keep it i was going to do the same. With HR springs. But Im at 152k miles now so its only worth about 5k and full overhaul is around 2k. Tough to swallow. Plus still have stock smg clutch and valve seals.

[@reportingforbbws]

Is it worth it found a same model for 4400 brand new tires and water pump

[@cupidstunt22]

Such a cool car! Still got it?

[@Viso2K]

Reding comments i dont think

[@anthonyk]

Oil burning?

[@demiraliu6823]

I have a 2004 545i 91k currently I love the car.. but once and a while blue smokes comes out from the exhaust not alot but enough for u to see it . any clue from what ?

[@s2kalban]

Demir Aliu Blue smoke is burning oil. If it happens after sitting at a traffic light or a short stop and you see it when you pull away from the stop its your valve seals. This is a very common problem with these cars. Or you r cable covers could be leaking on your exhaust manifolds this happened to me. Hope this helps

[@demiraliu6823]

Mike Alban it happens not on the light if I let's it idle for 10 min or 15 and when I drive off smoke comes out .. any idea where should I strat to fix the problem. thanx for ur time

[@s2kalban]

Demir Aliu That is 100 percent valve seals oil leaks into combustion chamber at idle and burns out on acceleration. I've been lucky so far and that's one of the only things I haven't had to fix. Good luck.

[@demiraliu6823]

is it a must to be fixed?

[@s2kalban]

Demir Aliu For now your fine and still can drive it daily but will get worse and cause further issuses so I'd fix it soon.

[@tripplecee_6268]

I'm looking at 04 545i rn with 142k miles . You wouldn't recommend it?

[@s2kalban]

Chris Flores I would for the right price and good ppi. I wouldn't buy that from a used car dealer. But from a owner with receipts of work that has been done and no issues I would. That mileage a lot of work should already have been done. Valve cover gaskets, timing cover gaskets, vacuum pump reseal, alternator bracket, and if not yet real soon the coolant transfer pipe. Just really get a good mechanic to look it through.

[@tripplecee_6268]

Mike Alban because I don't know much about beamers bro. I heard those are more delicate when it comes to mechanical problems and stuff. And well I offered the guy 2,800 for it and he said he was down , so ima go check it out today. But know that i know what to look for . It really helps man 👌 thanks

[@dabmandabman6083]

Hey dude, what car do you have now? May I ask.

[@s2kalban]

Dab man Dab man funny you ask. Im back in a s2000.

[@Gskaterboy96]

Also is your car facelifted?. because i was wondering if i had to buy a new headlight for my car, because i want to replace the front bumper and hood.

[@s2kalban]

SHARP Vids. I have the M bumper. but you dont need to change your lights at all. I did both of mine because a deer broke one.

[@s2kalban]

SHARP Vids The white smoke is usually bad valve seals. Its about a 5k dollar job. But there is a guy on bimmerfest thatll do it for 2500. He lives i NY. Many people have used him.

[@Gskaterboy96]

Dam alright cool Thanks!!

[@thomasstanton1111]

SHARP Vids who is it? I think I need mine done

[@tyreeroberson2264]

Mike Alban hey man, what was the name of those headlights you replaced em with?

[@LoneWolfHustle]

I found a 2005 with 38,000 miles. Is it worth the buy?

[@s2kalban]

No..... my buddy has a 05 with 60k and has had twice the problems I've had over his 8 years of ownership. To be honest I'd rather get one with 100k that had all the gaskets changed and maintenance done. Buy from a enthusiast website not shady dealer. Even a Bmw dealer just want to unload it. Youd pay 5k for it or pay 10k for the 38k mile one and put another 7 to 8 k in maintenance in the next 2 years.

[@sevendouce]

the alternator doesnt have oil nor does it have a seal that oil can leak out of

[@deaami6130]

www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/MISC/BODY-The_Infamous_Alternator_Bracket_Oil_Leak_on_the_E65_BMW_7-Series/BODY-The_Infamous_Alternator_Bracket_Oil_Leak_on_the_E65_BMW_7-Series.htm Youre welcome.

[@tonytonez5561]

In the n62 it does

[@spicysnowman8886]

Bmw runs oil through the alternator bracket

[@dominickarango1010]

I drive my car 1 a week an only 15 miles still siting at 83k

[@Dubatron]

iam about to get a 545i with 13043 it should have had a valve job already right?

[@s2kalban]

Warren Claggett. No guarantees. mine has not had the valve seals done yet and it just hit 148k. Its really how well the previous person took care of it mainly oil changes done on time.

[@lecsinszky]

545i and 550i have the same problem valve sealing!! 20000km or 200000km / miles it will appear. Smg is the same not the best transmission of BMW. I think ( my opinion) e60 540i is great If you Want V8 but If you need a good car buy n54 engine BMW . ( 530i,525i,528i,and the turbo n54 535i). ( its my opinion I own several e60 include 545. Now i own 535d remap , decat, dpf off, but im in Hungary not USA , in US I never buy Diesel car.)

[@nkosirooms9615]

These cars are owned by someone else before you. The experience will depend on how the person before you took care of the car .Did they pass all the heavey bills to you.

[@BMWReviews]

Nice, I have a 645Ci, and also had to repair the alternator, and headgasket cover sealing (245,000km). Both sides. Check it out on my channel!

[@bimmerlife5452]

im getting 550i twin turbo 6MT

[@chrise4659]

Lol bmw does not make such a car unless someone built an e60 or swapped the f10 which I highly doubt. In either case, it would be cheaper to go with an f10 m5 6mt for 36k

[@broken.bimmer4119]

ChrisE46 they do make it. F10 550i do come in manual but are very hard to find.

[@s2kalban]

Did you get it.... i hope you got a warranty as well lol. Very nice car when it runs.

[@bimmerlife5452]

Mike Alban lol no bro I actually backed out changed my mind

[@chazwesley99]

appreciate you trying to share... but lighting was killing me... have no idea what you are looking at.

[@s2kalban]

chazwesley99 then move on. Yes couldnt see much of engine bay I said that in video. Read comments and catch up. Thanks for you opinion.

[@bambinobmg5106]

I got the 535xi instead it's faster and has better fuel economy

[@s2kalban]

I thought about getting a 535i but they have the same if not more issues. And stock vs stock they are the same for quickness. But the 535i loves bolt ons.

[@bambinobmg5106]

+Mike Alban hell yea i noticed 545i sounds better

[@kenjicarino9244]

Don’t, unless you have a crap ton of money

[@s2kalban]

struts are fine. upper control arms not so good.👎.

[@gabexkouki1207]

I hate how people say bmw engine take a shit after 100k miles. Any car can withstand hundreds of thousands of miles it just takes maintnence. My uncle has a 257k mile 535i and nothing has happened because he cares for the car.

[@s2kalban]

Trill_a_G yes that's what this video was about it had 165 k when I sold it and still going hard. I didn't use cheap oil or parts. But the crap that surrounds the engine is sometimes crap. Like the coolant resivoir that is plastic. The cheap water pumps that explode with out notice. But every car has its quirks.

[@tlautz5126]

Trill_a_G that j assume is n54 engine which is bullet proof all forged internals and insanely overbuilt

[@jamesgoussanou]

i don't know why but it sounds like you have a hole in your pipes maybe its just me..

[@s2kalban]

Maybe because it doesnt have mufflers. Or because i kept it with 2 pipes and not 1 like most people do so has a little gargling rasp on start. makes very little sound if any at idle when warm.

[@s2kalban]

Just listened to it again it is the ac compressor rattling it finally went up and now rattle is gone.

[@jamesgoussanou]

yee you're right cause with my car i only have one pipe that splits completly in back a and b there not even the ones that came with the car

[@LvlupJinx]

Is it turbo?.

[@s2kalban]

Nope. Na. 4.4 v8

[@DZayyy]

No

[@granthouse1046]

Worst car ever money pit 545 2005 transmission oil leaks cc until take it to thw junk yard

[@crazystang69s75]

these cars are junk.owned 3 of them get the 2006 and up 550i

[@s2kalban]

crazystang69 s. They definitely arent junk they just have there common issues like any other car. Yet they are so fun to drive which almost makes up for there flaws. I have owned so many cars from stock to swap to track builds. This is all of those plus family car all in one. Hate it when its broke love it when its not.

[@crazystang69s75]

Mike Alban I agree with you but bmw could have done a better job that's all they are fast and comfortable and for what you can buy one for mow days you get alot of car for the money I guess^it's like a high maintenance girl friend lol

[@jaydenandrade4012]

U say there junk but u had 3 of them u must've been good cars if had 3 of them lol

[@VictorMartinez-re2uc]

+Naysia Dreams nah the car is junk go with a 3 series my 2005 545i is nothing but trouble

[@SS-ug1qy]

crazystang69 s are u saying 550i is reliable? How u know ? I found one really liked it but was scared of reliability on v8 and was wondering if I should get one with n54 would it be more reliable.

[@tsnaha]

There junk

[@griddlegravy3668]

POS!

[@berkan266]

after 100,000+ miles on BMWs they become garbage.

[@s2kalban]

Berkan Disagree. Only if you buy blind. You need a ppi and records of maintance. All cars are garbage if not maintained during ownership. Yes they have their quirks but all cars do. Mine had 159k and still ran like a champ. Just small fixes needed like control arms and a.c. compressor. My 530 I had 178k. My friends m5 has 209k on a e39. Brother in laws 335 I had 140k. Just saying.

[@berkan266]

Mike Alban youre right on saying that all cars have problems if not maintained properly even though I agree with you on that its just that most BMWs are good on performance but not reliability it's kinda sad when a nice bmw could be less reliable then a 97 civic.

[@s2kalban]

Berkan I can't lie mine has let me down twice in my 3 years of ownership. Which is why I bought a 01 Accord lol. But yes civics were built to be reliable and BMW were built to be the Ultimate Driving Machine. So my next BMW I will daily the Honda and have the BMW for my fun days.

[@dogetothemoon223]

Not if you take care of them. I had a Toyota Camry that was an absolute garbage, even though I was under an impression that Toyotas are hard to kill and are extremely reliable. Had to replace the engine after 100,000 and the replaced engine started leaking oil like crazy after about 10,000 miles. I had Hondas that were an absolute electrical nightmare. I had many Bimmers and Audis as well, replaced the gaskets, no leaks, not problem. The only real problem German cars have is their automatic transmissions, that's why I try to stick with the manuals.

[@mrboostification]

typical reaction of a person buying a 400 000 km fast car for cheapest price they can find.