2004 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

Love / Hate

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I love and hate this car. the signalers still drive me nuts, there is no temperature gauge, cabin storage, can't set the radio because of the stupid I-Drive, cup holders from Hell, can't see the speedometer through the steering wheel, Setting the climate control is almost impossible (I-Drive again), Nothing about the controls is intuitive (I previously drove an Infiniti, which practically drove itself). That said, I have never driven a car that handles anywhere as well as this BMW 530i. Just give me an open road, a Valentine 1 radar detector and I am a very happy boy. I have owned this car for over 4 years and have no plans to trade or sell it. I hope to put another 100,000 miles on it!
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Best certifed used car I have ever owned

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I remember hearing the words "the ultimate driving experience" and I can tell you that my 2004 530i bought in 2007 with 19,138 miles on it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned....hands down! I have had no problems with this car and it drives effortlessly. Great gas mileage and fun to drive at high speeds.
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Feels like wind on wheels

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I bought this car at a great price after someone took the hit of depreciation. I have never been more pleased with a car. The only problem I had with the car is the SES light came on after 2 months, gave me a P0102 code. Changed the MAF sensor for $150 and it hasn't complained till now. Dealer wanted 400 bucks for a 10 minute job. Can be expensive to fix, but well worth it if you can afford it. The car handles awesome and you are always under control, even when you think you are not. The engine is smooth and surprisingly quiet. I have low profile performance tires and road noise from them is way louder. I usually change my car every year, but i think this one is gonna be with me for a while.
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Transmission fault

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Transmission fault came on and then i have to stop in the middle of the road to restart for light would go off . This is the worst BMW ever the car only have 85k . and my friends has a kia with more miles and there no problems with his car even the BMW shop tried to fix the car but they fix the wrong thing, i hate i ever got this car
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Great car but unexpected problems

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Bought brand new in 2004 and I still use it now. At first fule smell inside and dealer couldn't fix the problem till now also annoying sound from the roof like plates hitting 1. After 2 years I had to replace my suspension system for a cost of $2,200 (done by dealer) but I had to change all rft tyres because of that on my account for aboutt $2,400 2. After 3 years gearbox had to be replaced for a cost of around $7,000 (done by dealer) 3. After 4 years again I had suspension sys problem 4. Ac not cooling and compressor should be replaced for a cost of around $2,200 5. Oil level is always low according to computer screen but oil level is ok 6. Left front passenger window doesn't close any more
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1st 5 Series

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Bought this car used, I adore this vehicle. I smile and actually giggle every time I click the door open. I have had a 3 series in the past and was hesitant about going to a car so much bigger. I was wrong. It handles like a demon when accelerating. The rear wheel drive in Wisconsin does require special care, but the way it conforms to me and the heated seats and steering wheel more than make up for it. I have every intention of holding on to this car for many years to come. The previous owner took such care of it, one would never believe it was used. Love, love this car, just pray it does not break in any way, expensive to fix.
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DON'T BUY ONE

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I bought this 2004 545i in Oct 06. It had 48k miles on it and was in near perfect condition. I had problems within a month of driving it. The default light for almost every system alarmed. After 4 visits I bought a new $170 battery which fixed all the problems BMW could not. Recently the transmission default light came on. BMW offered to fix it for $8200. Ridiculous!
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The best I have driven

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I am currently driving a 530i. It is very reliable car and so far nothing has been changed or broken. Excellent handling and comfort. I love the car and every time I drive it, it is truly a superb experience. I am a one happy owner. Of course there is still a room for improvement ... M5.
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The best car for the buck - used

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is my 4th Bimmer, 2 530's, 1 325 - junk, and 1 X3 - junk... but the 530 is awesome. No problems with 50K, just normal wear and tear but the front control bushings needed replacing at 20K, engine is solid and performs gutsy for an I6, the comfort has so many option that you can't go wrong and the feel is sporty but luxurious, tight, but comfortable, tight as you want it, with all the variations in the seat controls, and all the controls are also on the passenger seat. After 2 yrs. I just found a new control for the back rest to tilt, huh, that was cool. I love the temp/ac/heat controls. You can out the screen on ac and watch the ventilation automatically fluctuate, get one!
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545 IA bargain

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)

Review

Was able to get hold of a 2004 545 IA with 24k miles for US $28k. After having a couple of Impreza WRX rally cars and STI I decided to go comfy. I have found that the 545 is just superb. Great power (miss the turbo though), a little slow on the take offs due the heavy weight but more than happy with all the equipment and comfort. Tried the 525 and 530 - simply no comparison. V8 all the way!
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