2005 BMW 545I Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,020miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2005 BMW 545I, 6% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,020 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.
“On may 12th, I was driving my 2005 545I Bmw at 8pm with my wife and two children on the highway. The display indicated a windshield wiper malfunction (would not turn off or control speed of wipers). After a few more miles, I noticed there was no communication to any of the steering column controls, nor did the turn signals work (would not stay on unless held down). …”
NHTSA complaint #10330465, filed 2010-05, 51,050 miles“I have 2005 545I Bmw, last week I received recall on braking system asked to take my car to dealer and get it fix. Took the car to dealer and they replaced the defected part. They checked everything and mention everything is fine. Today at approximately 1:30 pm I have received active steering malfunction message . I was driving the car and while driving message popped up. Fluid level looks fine but did not get it checked by anyone yet. Bmw needs to do something with their cars as they seems to have a lot of issues. I also recently replaced the smg pump as well as engine module.”
NHTSA complaint #10370303, filed 2010-12, 58,990 miles“Frequent electronic malfunctions (averages 1 per hour). Car will engage cruise control with no warning. Occasionally will increase the cruise control by 5 mile per hour increments. Will randomly spray & wipe windows. Frequently unlocks doors & will not allow them to be locked again until the car is stopped & turned off. Makes frequent emergency calls (often 3-4 times in an hour). Moves & adjusts steering wheel while driving. Activates turn signals. Activates 4 way flashers. Rolls up & down windows with no warning. …”
NHTSA complaint #10472992, filed 2012-08, 50,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Bmw 545I. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very stiff and the power steering deactivated warning lamp illuminated. The contact mentioned that after restarting the vehicle, all of the warning lamps illuminated and an electronic malfunction warning message showed up before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10510213, filed 2013-05, 120,000 miles“2005 Bmw 545I steering malfunction light illuminated, stalled without warning, windshield wipers didn't work when it rained, headlights shut off at night time, and check engine warning light illuminated. The navigation system went blank, the turn signals did not work. The steering column motor was replaced. The consumer believed there was a serious electrical problem with the vehicle. The check engine light illuminated because water was found in the luggage compartment which had damaged the wires.”
NHTSA complaint #10168026, filed 2006-09Related service bulletins
- 10194296Apr 1, 2021Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking…
- 10151323May 1, 2016ELV Does Not Release. The customer complains of a no-crank, no-start situation. The condition may be intermittent. The ELV (Electric Steering Lock) warning is shown in the…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
- 10147941Jan 1, 2014ELV Does Not Release. Cause 1: The steering column is held against the steering lock because of torque from the steering gear. In such cases, a yellow check control warning (CC…
- 10036979Jun 1, 2010Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW 545I
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW 545I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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