2002 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews Page 6

Save your money

Written by: TeeMo on 10/21/2002

Vehicle

2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Reading the other reviews,I wonder if I was sold a completely different car. First,the seats are so deeply contoured that the left bolster interferes with comfortable shifting. My leg goes to sleep after about 30 minutes. If I get the steering wheel in a comfortable place, I can no longer see the instrument panel. The shifter is sloppy and the clutch has no definite point of engagement. The upper gear ratios are so close that it is hard to tell which gear I am in. Combined with that is the fact that 1st gear is so tall that I am at redline not much above 20 mph.

Favorite Features

It does, however, have a nice sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Do not allow anyone who has owned a real performance car to buy this one. The car ploughs in turns with noticable understeer. With the autolock feature implemented when I want to exit the car, I have to pull the handle twice.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I'd buy it again

Written by: sezme2 on 10/01/2002

Vehicle

2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

My next automobile will be the M5 vs. S500, until then, this machine is more than adequate. I'd love a roadster type, but they're too impractical for a family-man. I chose this car for it's stellar passive safety ratings (checkout hywsafety. org) and its ability to handle precisely to actively avoid a collision. My wife had not been an auto-phile, but this car has made her passionate about driving.

Favorite Features

Power, power, power. Silky smooth shifts, with fairly good intuition to where I'd shift if manual. It looks beautiful.

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders are embarrassingly inadequate for an automobile of this stature. My butt is a bit too wide for the sport seats (6'1" 220lb). Carseat wont LATCH into center seat in back - have to use door seat for this.

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Wow, what a car!

Written by: Styve on 09/28/2002

Vehicle

2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This is the best car that I have ever driven (and I have driven a lot). Fast, great handling, looks great, and room for the family. What more could one want?

Favorite Features

Engine.

Suggested Improvements

None.

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Jim's 530i

Written by: JamesHBaker on 09/27/2002

Vehicle

2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

The car is great fun to drive! I have driven more miles since I have had my 530i than I normally do. I must say that I have enjoyed every minute. If you buy a BMW, and have the time, I suggest that you take delivery at the BMW Performance Center in SC. I think it was one of the best days of my life.

Favorite Features

My car has the Sport package. The seats are very comfortable, even on long trips. The car loves the open road. It handles like a dream.

Suggested Improvements

I hate to be just one more - but, the cup holders are not good.

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Impeccable German engineering

Written by: bimmerphile on 09/21/2002

Vehicle

2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I have had my 530i/5-sp with PP/Xenon/fold-down seat for 18 months, and it has been a real blast. Contrary to what other reviewers might have suggested, the standard non-sports suspension on these cars are extremely capable, and does ride on rails on experienced hands. The clutch is a piece of car(again, for those who are trained). The engine pitch is so sweet and smooth that you can upshift and rev- match telepathically. Heel-to-toe can be a bit difficult, unless the brake is almost fully depressed. In addition, the non-sports car is so QUIET that I can hear the fast breathing of the passengers! :-)

Favorite Features

Smooth Inline six; firm manual transmission; super quiet interior; impeccable exterior styling. It blends sports and luxury flawlessly, a genuine ultimate driving machine.

Suggested Improvements

Cupholder; indash 6-CD changer

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Family liability plus fun car to drive

Written by: Matthew Kim on 09/16/2002

Vehicle

2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Excellent automobile, fun car to drive and family friendly. I had a Volvo V70 previously and I personally like BMW better. More fun to drive around, more power...

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder needs serious improvement. Resale value is weaker compare to Benz.

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BMW 530i

Written by: Anshuman on 09/15/2002

Vehicle

2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Overall, very impressive. It's quite a joy to ride, with incredible handling. Enjoy! Anshu

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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New 525i

Written by: gms on 09/11/2002

Vehicle

2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This is my first Bimmer and I am quickly finding out way consumer report has rated this vechile the best value in its price range. This machine is responsive and quick! The automatic steptronic transmission is probally by far the best way to feel the solid platform. Besides, the transmission makes this car extremely fun to drive. If I had any complaints, it would be that I expected more comfort when snuggled in the bucket seat. In this department the Volvo S80 has the Bimmer beat (we also own a 2001 S80.) Other than that, if you are looking for fantistic machine that is blast to drive, go for any model in the 5 series line up.

Favorite Features

Digtial climate control, Premium Package trip computer, Xeon lights solid suspension and 1st class ride.

Suggested Improvements

Better seats, a little more rear leg room and better option package combinations.

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happy camper

Written by: ted davis on 09/08/2002

Vehicle

2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sport Wagon (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

we finally put to rest our 1982 MB deisel wagon,a slowpoke,but good driver,and solidly built..Looked at Volvos,Saabs,and BMW's. All in high 30's or more.. Took a test drive in a 5 series wagon,checked out storage space and found no strut towers blocking rear space,as in others. The basic 6 is best engine I have ever driven Imagine what a 530 with 225 HP would be like.. The car feels solid and safe. My wife drives it to Houston evry month ( 400 mi. RT),and just loves it. Faults: too much plastic in the interior,and the power seat controls can get broken easily as they are housed in cheap plastic..have had to fix these twice.

Favorite Features

driveability,cornering,build quality,looks..

Suggested Improvements

Change cheap and unfunctional cupholders,which are useless and block access to a/c controls..

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BMW 5 series

Written by: Dirtbag on 08/28/2002

Vehicle

2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Fun to drive, sporty, yet smooth ride. Plenty of power for most situations. Interior design functionality lacking - i.e. flimsy pop-out drink holders obscure heat/air controls, poor location for phone unless you buy the outrageous built-in phone. Optional design features, such as fold-down rear seats improve functionality.

Favorite Features

Quiet ride, responsive handling.

Suggested Improvements

Drink holders should be located where ash tray is located (between seats). Cigarette lighter/adapter plug should be located where ashtray is located (between seats).

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