Review of the 2003 BMW 5 Series
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Upcoming redesign notwithstanding, the 5 Series is an excellent midsize luxury car, whether you choose the high-performance 540i or a comparatively basic 525i wagon. If you can afford one, we'd highly recommend it.
- Safety | Reliability
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Pros
Thrilling to drive, superb ride quality, upscale interiors, wide range of trim levels, clean exterior styling.
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Cons
Some confusing interior controls, demanding manual transmission, high-end models are pricey.
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What's New for 2003
This is your last chance to get a traditionally styled 5 Series -- next year, its styling becomes more closely aligned with the…
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Full 2003 BMW 5 Series Review
What's New for 2003
This is your last chance to get a traditionally styled 5 Series -- next year, its styling becomes more closely aligned with the controversial 7 Series. For now, BMW will offer a DVD-based navigation system for the existing 5 Series -- but alas, you must still give up an in-dash CD player if you opt for the nav system. Besides that, rear head protection airbags (optional last year) are now standard across the line. Additionally, all six-cylinder models get a standard moonroof. Standard on the manual-shift 540i (and optional with the automatic) is a new sport package that includes 18-inch wheels, a revised sport suspension, front and rear spoilers, visible exhaust outlets, black side molding, a black headliner, titanium-ringed gauges and an M footrest for the driver. Finally, the 525i gets a new alloy wheel design, and its premium package now includes rain-sensing wipers.
(4 out of 5)