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Market Auction

2004 BMW 545i Touring (E61)

At a Glance

"Baby M5" | Recent Mechanical Overhaul | Market Auction - Seller Created Listing

  • Mileage~128,700
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine4.4L
  • LocationCardiff

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

MARKET AUCTION

Days
HRS
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CURRENT BID£1,000
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MARKET AUCTION

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

With a 4.4L V8, cavernous boot, isofix points and remarkably ulez/caz compliance this car spoke to the heart and the head. Long family journeys, weekend drives and load lugging are shrugged off by this ~328bhp V8 wagon in effortless style and pace.

I bought the car last year on a 'drive and improve' basis and have invested in the mechanicals and cosmetics. Unexpectedly for sale only due to a change in circumstances - (the dreaded company lease) arriving and no storage space for additional cars. With the E39 now a bonafide classic, the far more usable E61 is coming of age nicely. Chris Harris having bought an E61 M5 will do no harm to the reputation of these big engine 5 series wagons. The 545i hits 60mph in ~5.7 seconds, just ~1 second slower than the M5, it does have a lot of performance, like a baby M5.

As a 2004 car it falls into a lower tax bracket (£415 for 12 months) and has an MOT until October 2025.

Market Auction

Charles, the seller, has created this listing themselves using our free Market Auction tool. Unlike our Curated Auctions, we haven’t photographed the car or written the listing, however we have completed 3 important security checks for your peace of mind.

V5C Checked

Charles provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Charles provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

V5C Checked

Charles provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Charles provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Black Sapphire Metallic with a subtle 545i badge. The car flies under the radar to most but receives an approving nod from those who know what is housed under the bonnet.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels are a refurbished set of 18 inch Style 135 alloys with a matching set of Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 6s. There is a proper space-saver wheel in the boot and no run-flats to spoil the ride. The car has just had a 4 wheel alignment in February 2025.

Bodywork

The bodywork is generally very presentable. There are minor scuffs at the corners and on the rear bumper commensurate with on street parking. I've tried to take fair photos of all aspects of the bodywork - it was just about the sunniest day in months when I took the photos so apologies for the glare. There is no obvious corrosion. The split-rear tailgate operates as it should.

Paint

The paintwork is good. There have been some touch-ups to stone-chips and the like, but no major re-painting that I am aware of. In my opinion the car would benefit from a proper mop/polish and detail. I was planning to do this once the winter was over.

Glass and Trim

There are no major chips or cracks in the windscreen. There are no leaks. The car does not have a sunroof.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The interior is a supremely comfortable place to spend time. All controls are easily to hand and well laid out as a BMW should be. There is an aftermarket apple carplay headunit which makes daily use easy.

Seats and Carpets

There are no major issues with the carpets or seats. There is some minor wear to the drivers seat as would be expected of this mileage but the bolsters are still supportive. The front seats have multiple adjustment options to find the perfect driving position.

Dashboard

The dashboard in this 5 series shows no signs of any major damage or scuffs, with no warning lights displayed. The cup holders can take some persuasion to pop out. The car has front and rear parking sensors which are great. You can set the inside mirror to dip to aid with parking - nice features when you're using a car every day.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel presents in good condition. The black automatic gear selector has some wear to the plastic cover but these are replaceable should you wish.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The car has had a significant mechanical refresh during my ownership. The major concern with the N62 V8 engine is ageing valve stem seals. I've had this work completed in January 2025 by a specialist.

Engine and Gearbox

The valve stem seals and alternator bracket were attended to by a specialist in January 2025. At the same time all spark plugs and coil packs were replaced with Bosch items. To do this work the cam covers come off so these have had new gaskets and been resealed. The previous MOT oil leak advisory was attended to with a new sump gasket. A reconditioned prop shaft was fitted (original making some noise on engagement). In December 2024 the gearbox and diff were serviced - the gearbox wasn't slipping or slow I just wanted to know it had been done. The car had an oil and filters service in October 2024 at 125930 miles. The only modification I'm aware of is that some baffling has been removed from the back box to release a bit more sound from the V8. This wouldn't be my typical practice but it does sound fantastic. It isn't intrusive or noisy at speed. I believe this is why there is some corrosion on one of back boxes. An easy swap back if you wished.

Suspension and Brakes

The car has springs at the front and self-levelling air suspension on the rear. It is currently functioning well with no known issues. The car has had a recent (February 2025) 4 wheel alignment.

The Drive

The car starts, runs and drives extremely well. It starts easily from cold and has a smooth gear change. The manual shifter function and sport button work without any issues. The car gets up to temperature and does not overheat. It does not use coolant or oil. I have run the car on V-Power or Momentum during my ownership.

Electrics and Other

The car is fitted with an aftermarket apple carplay unit which fits perfectly in the original iDrive space. You are able to swap between the original iDrive screen and the carplay screen easily to access all functions. The orginal head unit is boxed and will come with the vehicle. The car has air conditioning.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

A V8 BMW Estate with recent mechanical refresh and investment. I was drawn to the strong history of regular servicing which came with the car.

The car is supplied with the original dealer pack and service book. The original service book has 13 stamps from covering 2005 - 2016. There are invoices for further servicing in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. There are receipts for servicing consumables in 2023 and 2024. The previous owner was an RNLI engineer and I am a surgeon - I do basic servicing on my own cars as it enhances the ownership experience.

There is a comprehensive file of receipts which come with the vehicle. There is an invoice in January 2025 for the amount of £2380.64 for the replacement valve stem seals, alternator bracket gasket and all new Bosch spark plugs and coil packs amongst a few other jobs. Most recently the car went to Sytner BMW Cardiff in February 2025 for a general recall pertaining to an electric cable in the boot. The car had a health check whilst it was there with the only advisory being for rear brake pad thickness - remarkable for a 20 year old car.

The car will be supplied with the original head unit, an unused spare key (working) with the original dealer supplied BMW keyring. Any inspection is welcome in Cardiff should you wish. As with all good cars writing the advert makes you consider whether you really wish to sell!

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From Trade Classics:

This is a Market Auction listing, meaning we have not visited and photographed the car - instead the seller has supplied the images and written the description. However we’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID that matches the V5, and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPi that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

Viewings are welcomed, so please get in touch with us via the 'contact us' page - we just need to speak to you first on the phone, have you register on the site, and also send in valid photo ID before confirming a suitable time to visit.

Like all our auctions, if there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - the Buyer's Premium is not refundable in any instance, just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details
  • Model 545i
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 2004
  • CC 4398
  • Mileage 128,700
  • Colour Black
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # WBANH32030BL19004
  • Engine # 53143214
  • Last Service 19-10-2024
  • MOT 03-10-2025
  • Former Keepers 8
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 0-1
  • Vehicle Registration RJ04NVC
  • Driver’s Side RHD
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Estate
  • Auction ID 20025
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Cardiff

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    Auction Ends Thu 27th Mar at 7.50pm
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a 545i like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Cardiff

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