2004 BMW 545i 6 Speed Manual E60
BMW launched the Davide Arcangelo designed E60 generation 5-series in 2004 as a replacement for the aging E39 5er. The new 5-series was thankfully spared the nauseating Bangle-butt of the E65 7-series but it was given a thorough massaging with flame surfacing and other 2000s BMW design language. Find this 2004 BMW 545i offered for $13,300 CAD ($10,627 in USD at time of printing) located in Vancouver, BC, Canada via craigslist.
The E60 generation BMW 5-series is a big car, perhaps not as massive as the 7-series, but don’t expect it to handle like a 3-series. However, if you wanted a 6-speed in a big cruiser, this was about the best way to get it in the mid 2000s if you didn’t want a Cadillac CTS-V. The BMW may be a bit slower (and not offer a limited slip rear) compared to the CTS-V but it offers a much more nicer driving experience in terms of comfort and interior quality.
Under the hood is a 4.4 liter V8 pushing 328 horsepower and 332 ft-lbs of torque into a 6-speed manual gearbox. You could pickup a BMW 335i that pushes about the same actual power into the ground, but the E60 fits 3 adults in the back seat and has a healthy V8 burble.
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I've got a question for the BMW fanatics here on DT. Which drives better and is less expensive to maintain – a 2002 325xi wagon or a 2000 X5 4.4i?
For the same money, you could go with an '05 Volvo XC90 w/ the Yamaha V8! If you need the AWD, I've never driven a more confidence inspiring vehicle and I've embarrassed a couple of X5 4.4i's in the process. The Ultimate Snow Machine and if you have kids nothing beats the 3 adjustable center row seats.
Did you really say "more nicer?" I remember when my now-9 y/o had similar trouble with adverbs and adjectives; it was like nails on the chalkboard to my ears!!!
These were pretty handsome with the M sport body package. Veritable unicorns, I found a 6sp with the kit for sale about 3 years ago; it was sold within two days.
Dr D: "More nicer." Yowch. Yeah, I guess I did say that…busy week, no chance for proof reading, blah-blah-blah, mostly I blame it on a public school edmuaction.
-Vince
After the E39 I've just never much liked the E60, particularly the interior.
Also do your research on maintenance issues relative to the N62 motor.
Thank you for your replies.