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EnginePart report

2005 BMW 545I Engine Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
3%of 78 total for the year
Median mileage
141,098miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2005 BMW 545I, 3% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 141,098 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Certain Bmw models including e60 2005 545I almost all require valve seal replacement due to faulty manufacturing defects. This results in oil leaking into the engine and secondary air injector causing smoke to emit out of the tailpipes. Although my car passed al computerized smog checks, it did not pass the new visual test because of these faulty valve stem seals. This occurs afte idling the engine for 10 minutes. The repair costs for this are about equal to the retail value of the car. Every mechanic I've spoken to believes this should be recalled.”

NHTSA complaint #11014948, filed 2017-08, 160,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11576234, filed 2024-03, 122,195 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200523%
20041023%

Other parts of the 2005 BMW 545I

Air bags
34 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
15 complaints
Electrical system
14 complaints
Brakes
10 complaints
Seat belts
9 complaints
Steering
5 complaints
Seats
4 complaints
Wheels
4 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Equipment
3 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW 545I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology