1 of 1 people found this review helpful
By A.Ortiz on 06/20/05 02:19 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
The look of the car is attractive.The looks are not worth the troubles and headaches of the vehicle. It has too many electrical problems.The windows roll down automatically while the ignition is turned off. The car also beeps like it's going to flat line when the car is in motion. The dealers do not know how to fix these problems. They reset the computer for the beeping sound and put a new motor in the doors for the windows and the same problems still occur. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer for service and repairs 7 times and I just scheduled an appointment for an 8th time in 2 weeks.
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By EASYED on 06/12/05 13:23 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
The sports package tires and rims do not meet the rough roads (potholes,etc.). Expect out of pocket costs (new tires/new rims )potentially after 25,000 miles. Out of pocket costs could near $3,000. Also, three recalls to date, which are not what I expected in a $60k vehicle. Cupholders are terrible!!!
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By jlma on 06/05/05 00:24 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
I am delighted by my 530. It is a joy to drive it. I look for out of town trips in order to really feel the car. It has had no problem, other than a cracked windshield, caused by a stone that a truck tire sent flying into the glass.
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By JMZ on 05/30/05 18:13 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Like the looking and performance. Marked 225 hps but feels stronger than Infiniti G35 during the acceleration, which claimed 280 hps. Navigation system works better than my portable Garmin one, particularly the voice reminder, split screen: one for map and one for arrow direction. Parktronic and adaptive headlight are good features. The basic stereo sound is already better than the Bose in my previous Infiniti i30. Things I do not like: the interior looks cheaper than most of the same level cars in the market. IDrive is ok but not much advantages. No mp3 playable although the manual said so. No DVD playable in parking like Infiniti M Series.
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By Phase1 on 05/01/05 11:29 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Very satisfied with my first 5-series. The thrill of driving (like when I first got my license) is back. Was worried about reliability problems for BMW's in general and in this 1st year model redesign in particular. Concern proved unfounded as car has been rock solid; no need to go back to the dealer. Sure the I-Drive freezes once in a while, but rebooting it is no problem. BTW - I-Drive isn't best thing, nor is it the root of all evil. It does take a little getting used to, but once done, it's quite functional & does serve to: 1) get rid of many buttons/dials on the dash; 2) allow more customization of car functions. Good thing there is a speed alarm b/c I drive much faster now.
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By jlbl on 03/01/05 08:27 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I have owned my 2004 BMW 530d for one year now. I am fully satisfied with it. I like driving, and driving this car is an endless pleasure. I look forward to do it everyday. The engine is diesel (turbocharged, 3 l, 6L cyl, 218 hp/4000 rpm, max speed 152 mph/4000 rpm, max torque 369 lbft/ 2000 rpm). My mileage is 20.7 mpg on downtown streets, 34.5 mpg on a mixture of highways (90-95 mph on average) mountain road. No problems to date. i-Drive is very useful in order to set preferences and leave yourself to deal dayly with only a few choice of buttons in the dashboard or the steering wheel. Brakes are efficient to the most. Last, the car is solid like a rock when it comes to a bump.
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By bwertma. on 01/28/05 13:44 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
This could be a great car, but repeated problems with the computer system make it unacceptable. Episodes of the headlights not coming on but instead all exterior lights start flashing rapidly on and off; warnings that the passenger airbag is off when an adult passenger is in the seat; warnings of brake and steering problems; etc. We have had many computer modules replaced and software upgrades to no avail. Because of these types of recurring, potentially dangerous problems; we don't even feel comfortable enough to drive our 530i out of town. It is really fun to drive. If I had gotten one that worked reliably, I would love it.
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By LEDEAGLE on 01/27/05 11:59 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
This is a superb machine!! I’ve had 3
other BMWs, Mercedes and a Porsche, and
this car kills them all. Fuel economy
is astonishing, and performance
especially on the road is exhilarating.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
By RiceOwls on 01/17/05 17:20 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
This is my second 5 series, and is
lacking compated to the 2002 model. The
active steering is OK, as is i-drive,
zip is good as is braking. I-drive is
overkill (e.g. buttons for radio would
be better), interior feels like a Camry
or Avalon instead of a BMW, it's got
more squeaks and rattles than an 80's
vintage GM car, it "floats" when hit by
strong winds, problem with the gas tank
such that it thinks it's full after
being filled with 1-2 gallons (even if
it needs a full tank), had to have i-
drive fixed by dealer within first few
months, inferior storage and cup
holders (OK so that's standard BMW and
not specific to 2004 5 series), and in
general does not stack up to the
previous 530.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
By RRand on 01/10/05 16:28 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
Review
I obtained this, my third BMW, with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the car was a lemon from an electrical standpoint with multiple problems from the start. The worst were that the heated seat burned through the seat leather and burned through my clothes and into my wallet which was all that saved me. Now the seat is under recall. Next the assisted steering system failed on the freeway. I have returned the car most unsatisfied!!
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