Advice on 2004 645Ci

[pmarcian]

I have a chance to pick up a 2004 645Ci SMG. There is a link below. I saw that certain build dates have different features and problems and I'm interested in hearing about them. I like that the car was a one owner and there is no accident history but I'm concerned there doesn't seem to be any maintenance history - at least not listed on the carfax. Also, I'm somewhat familiar with SMG but would like to know specifically how it applies to this car.

I would appreciate any suggestions or advice other owners have.

Thanks.

Paul
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-...1%7C240%3A1308

[cobradav]

MY04 was first year of production. Several first year issues mostly in electronics (no bluetooth, no HUD, some features not working such as MP3). Several tranny and vanos issues that got worked through but depending on owner, may not have been addressed (or even known). Sometimes some owners pressed to get some of the missing features either through updated hardare or software updates. I would think by now MY05 or even MY06 prices are down so low that I would not even bother with '04. By builds dates of March 2005 most bugs had been worked out.

Although I do not have SMG it is usually considerd to be reliable but certainly not the stuff a M version of SMG would be. Either shift manual or auto and a sport mode for quicker throttle tip in, but thats it.

I was not aware that carfax even addressed maintenance records. FOr that I believe you need a VERY cooperative BMW dealer. Or an [Oops!] owner like me that has every invoice, repair record, diagnostic report ever done on my car in paper and electronic form, PLUS a running log in a spreadsheet:)
_______
US '05 645 Coupe|Silver Grey|Chateau|Sport|Logic 7|HUD|Cold Pkg|SAT|AUX|BT w/ snap-in adapter|MP3|V1|CIP 31.00.00


www.bimmerdrivers.com

[pmarcian]

Thanks for the info. You're right about carfax. It's only good if the shop does the input. But here's an example (including body damage).

01/04/2007 9,048 BMW of Bayside
Bayside, NY
718-229-4400
www.bmwbayside.com Thermostat replaced
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Front wiper blades/refills replaced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated

08/15/2007 New York
Inspection Station Passed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection
View what was inspected


08/16/2007 13,514 BMW of Bayside
Bayside, NY
718-229-4400
www.bmwbayside.com Cabin air filter replaced
Battery/charging system checked
Safety inspection performed

09/11/2007 Automotive Parts Supplier
Flushing, NY Parts requested to repair damage after
an accident or other incident
Left side front door assembly
Radio
CARFAX recommends checking these repairs during your pre-purchase inspection.

CARFAX began reporting information from this source on 09/21/2006.


10/02/2007 BMW of Bayside
Bayside, NY
718-229-4400
www.bmwbayside.com Electrical system checked

08/01/2008 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Middle Village, NY Title issued or updated
Registration issued or renewed
Registered as
personal vehicle
Passed safety inspection
Registration updated when owner moved
the vehicle to a new location

10/06/2008 25,440 New York
Inspection Station Passed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection
View what was inspected


10/17/2008 25,796 BMW of Bayside
Bayside, NY
718-229-4400
www.bmwbayside.com Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Front wiper blades/refills replaced
Electrical system checked

[cobradav]

Thanks for the info on carfax. I guess all my experience with carfax had been on the 8 series with no maintenance reports on the cars I had looked at (20 or more). However, several owners had excellent BMW maintenance documentation that they retained and were able to provide.

I wonder just how much effort there is on the part of the dealer service departments to do that. I'll have to ask my SA.

Have you thought more on looking at MY05/06? I am at 82k miles and the smiles just keep acomin'! I am off to another round of drives on the Tail of the Dragon with fellow 6ers (some Ms as well) in a little more than 2 weeks. Some of my best times with this fantastic car.
_______
US '05 645 Coupe|Silver Grey|Chateau|Sport|Logic 7|HUD|Cold Pkg|SAT|AUX|BT w/ snap-in adapter|MP3|V1|CIP 31.00.00


www.bimmerdrivers.com

[pmarcian]

One 2006 with excellent maintenance records/receipts but had some accident damage. The 2004 was nice though. One owner, paint and interior looked new, and just generally well maintained. Appreciate your advice.

[E60]

it had no MP3 (which can be installed btw), bluetooth, and HUD. They are just as reliable, fun, and cheaper than later years.

[koorosh]

The 2004 model year did not have MP3 capablity, You can have your TCU reprogrammed by your dealer for a small fee or for free if you have a good service advisor, HUD was not available. Your service advisor can provide you with "Vehicle History Report" for your car. Just provide them with the last 7 of your VIN. It's confidential information but may be released to current owner of the vehicle since the previous owner's information should have been updated, otherwise privacy policies prohibit the information to be provided;

Koorosh

[koorosh]

Do not buy an SMG unit specially the 04 and 05 models, the best price is not always the best deal. Look for an 06 BMW 650i CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) unit with 0.9% fiancing. Unreported accidents are never reported to Carfax. BMW CPO cars are your peace of mind.

Have a local BMW dealer do a detailed inspection for about a couple of hundred.

I can locate you a clean CPO unit if you are interested, call me at (323)422-4956

Koorosh