There are no safety recalls for the 2005 BMW 545i, but owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA.
2005 BMW 545i problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Air Bags | 37 | |
| Power Train | 15 | |
| Electrical System | 14 | |
| Seat Belts | 9 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | |
| Steering | 5 | |
| Wheels | 4 | |
| Seats | 4 | |
| Tires | 3 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
| Service Brakes | 3 | |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 6
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 2
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
- Structure › Body — 2
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Equipment › Mechanical › Integrated Jack/Leveler/Stabilizer — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 86,400 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2005 BMW 545i complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · at 122,195 miles · reported Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 BMW 545I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the contact became aware of a ball of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed crank casting and the protective crank casting valve. The contact was informed that the failure was similar to an undisclosed manufacturer's recall, however the contact's VIN was not…
Electrical System · reported Nov 30, 2021
The wiring inside of the headlights has dried up and fallen off, leaving bare electrical wire. The resulting was both of the headlights became non operational at night. To replace the headlights in the car with all the factory features is about 3200.00 for parts alone. I know of others who have had this happen, and everyone i know who owns one, has the same exact problem. The vehicle in question barely has 125,000 miles on it. I feel the manufacturer should repair these vehicles at no cost to the owners.
Electrical System · reported Jul 15, 2021
At approxamitately 1:20pm on July 13, after being parked for a little over an hour I was told that my car was burning. 911 was called immediately and the owner of the establishment went outside and called to the firemen at the station on the other side of the street. Their response was immediate. Response was so quick that damage was limited to the right rear. Which seems that the fire started in the area directly foreward and above the battery
Electrical System · at 127,000 miles · reported Sep 14, 2020
While driving to work during morning rush hour in a busy highway the car just stopped running. No odd sounds no shutting no clunking. It was like some just turned the key off. I made it to the side of the highway and had to wait two hours for a tow truck to show up. Most of the week previous to this my car would not start at random times even though my battery was good and I had gas. The problem was the dme had water ingress from a poor location where the dme and metronic computer and the intergraded power module are located and stored. They are in a sealed plastic box under the cabin fresh…
Air Bags · at 150,000 miles · reported May 25, 2020
Driving approximately 50 MPH an accident occurred where there was oil in road. My car lost control and veered into a guard rail on the highway. My car was subsequently totaled and none of my air bags deployed in the crash.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2005 BMW 545i have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2005 BMW 545i as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 BMW 545i?
Owners report air bags problems most often (37 reports), followed by power train (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 86,400 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.