2003 545i - Advice please ....

[Chazaxl]

Hi,

Was looking at a replacement for my company car that I am about to forfeit with a move elsewhere.

Took a liking to a few cars but then drove a 2004 525i SE - lovely car - at a dealer for £12995 - 85K Miles with FSH and very good option list.

Since looking at finance options Ive managed to get a personal loan to cover the cost of the car (and a bit extra). Ive noted that I can get a 545i from around £9500 upwards - privately and dealers ....

So, currently looking at a good spec 2003 model for around £10K privately. Miles are around 75K, FSH with the last stamp being from an independent garage.

I need to give the seller some commitment of sorts - the car is around 200 miles from me. I would love to go down on Tuesday (Im not working on that day) but wont have cash until later in the week. The risk, if I don't decide, he may sell it on which is reasonable enough. He wont hold the car on the basis of me - we have discussed a small holding deposit scenario - he is not in a rush to sell (he is moving from own car to company car - has already got his other car ...).

So, back to the questions - what to look for? Any advice on a good independent in the North West area?

Ive heard the 2005 onwards models are better but they cost a fair bit more ... should I extend my budget or take the 2003 model and perhaps look at an aftermarket warranty - are there any good ones that are worth it?

Thanks all.

PS, E39 540I, not bad either - and can be found a fair bit cheaper .... worth looking at or is the E60 worth it? I dont mind the look of them at all, probably one of the few that like them ...

Thanks in advance.

[christer]

I moved from an E39 540 to an E60 550. The 540 is a great car and if budget is a problem - would say it is much better value. You should get a very good one for 5k or less. If we look away from the budget though, the 550 bloes the 540 away in every respect - making the old car feel sluggish in not just outright speed and acceleration. Part of this is ofc down to the fact that most E39's have aging suspension etc ect but if you have the money I think its more than worth it. Having said that, the 540 is a great car and can be 'refreshed' if necessary without spending anywhere near the balance of the budget. Go and drive some to see if the price differential is worth it to you

[gizlaroc]

I wouldn't be surprised if an early, 03 or 04, E60 felt more tired than a 2002 or 2003 E39.
All the early E60 sports I have been in have felt crap come 80k miles, really tired suspension wise. I'm sure the run flats have aged the bushes etc. far sooner than expected.

[Chazaxl]

Thanks. Ignoring the E39 versus E60 discussion - whats the general verdict?

Seems 2 core problem areas that some have is a surge problem with the autobox and then a seal leak that requires a part of the motor to be stripped. Otherwise, perhaps issues with I Drive but other than that, supposedly a good all round performance motorcar.

[rassi]

Are you looking for an E60 525i or 545i?

[turbo-ww]

rassi said:

Are you looking for an E60 525i or 545i?

Fuel consumption especially....

[Chazaxl]

Sorry, 545i, didnt realise I wrote 525i in the post ....

[Hell27]

Good independant - BMTec in Salford / Manchester (very close to Manchester Victoria) are excellent. Used them for years, ex BMW trained, very professional and very reasonable prices.

[Chazaxl]

Hell27 said:

Good independant - BMTec in Salford / Manchester (very close to Manchester Victoria) are excellent. Used them for years, ex BMW trained, very professional and very reasonable prices.

Thanks - appreciate the info.