BMW 545i Problems by Year

We compared every BMW 545i model year from 2004–2005 using 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. No 545i year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

2model years
122complaints
0recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

200420054478
Owner complaints per model year, BMW 545i. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200578——AirbagLimited data
200444——AirbagLimited data

* Complaints compared with the median 545i year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common BMW 545i problems

  • Air bagsworst: 2005
    5243%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2005
    2621%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2005
    2319%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2004
    1714%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2005
    1411%
  • Brakesworst: 2005
    1411%
  • Steeringworst: 2005
    97%
  • Seatsworst: 2004
    65%
  • Lightsworst: 2004
    65%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2005
    65%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2004
    43%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2005
    32%
  • Body & structureworst: 2005
    32%
  • Other / not specified
    22%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2005
    22%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2005
    22%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2005
    22%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2005
    11%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2005
    11%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW 545i should you avoid?

None of the BMW 545i years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common BMW 545i problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (52), electrical system (26) and transmission & drivetrain (23). Airbag complaints peak in the 2005 model year.

How many recalls has the BMW 545i had?

0 recalls across 2004–2005.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.