MYRModel Year Report

2005 BMW 545I

○ Not enough data
2005 BMW 545I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:40.820Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
78
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

47% of complaints

Complaints per year

2004: 44 complaints 2004 2005: 78 complaints 2005 78
2004: 44 complaints 2004 2005: 78 complaints 2005 78
2004: 44 complaints 2004 2005: 78 complaints 2005 78

2005: 78 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200444
200578

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

47% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-05-25

Also filed under Structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 BMW 545I. The contact was driving 15 MPH when the air bag restraint warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the passenger restraint mat sensor malfunctioned.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-27

Power train

19% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My BMW 545I 2005 has experienced problems with mechatronics for some time. One day I was driving home and my car has down shifted from high 4TH gear to 2ND and caused me to drive into a ditch.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-12-22

An excessively harsh 2-1 downshift when decelerating to a stop, or transmission "Bangs" Into gear when accelerating from a full or a "Rolling" Stop (Vehicle did not come to a complete stop).

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-17

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Electrical system

18% · 14 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

At approxamitately 1:20pm on July 13, after being parked for a little over an hour I was told that my car was burning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-07-15

Service brakes

13% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Seat belts

12% · 9 reports

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2007-09-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-01-04 BMW airbag light illumination
  2. I
    2008-01-04Engineering analysisClosed 2008-12-31 BMW airbag light illumination

Buy-smart checklist

2005 BMW 545I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 37 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2005 BMW 545I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 BMW 545I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 BMW 545I have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.