2002 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

Fun to Drive Expensive to Own

Written by: Dick Bange on 12/21/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Love to drive this vehicle bought new. However, have spent over $12,000 repairing everything from A/C, water pump, CD player, starter and thermostat several times. Won't buy another one.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Over all happy with my BMW

Written by: me and my bimmer on 09/06/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

When I first bought my beamer and sat inside it, immediately I was consumed by the quality and durability of the design. As I drove it for the first time around my town, the way it handled was very impressive. Tight steering and the way it handles bumpy roads was extremely well. Engine performance is there when you need it with smoothness and power.This is the first German vehicle I have owned and I would have to grade it with and A+.

Favorite Features

My favorites about my BMW. Smooth ride, air climate control, engine power and the interior design.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders.

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Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine

Written by: RodneyD on 08/08/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have owned my 530i for only 5 months and it is truly the ultimate driving machine. This is my 3rd BMW. Previously owned a 3 and wife drives an x3. This car makes me look for the long way home. I especially look for the curvy roads. The styling is classic. The handling is outstanding. The car is just fun to drive. If you are looking for a vehicle that is a blast to drive then do yourself a favor and buy a BMW!

Favorite Features

Acceleration. Handling. Classic styling!

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned Hands Down

Written by: Jmonk on 06/19/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought my BMW used, however it still performs/drives/handles/ better than ANY other car I have ever driven new or used. My 6 y/o BMW even drives better than the brand new police interceptor I drive for work. Owning a BMW will mean more $ for general maintenance but an independant BMW shop can lessen the cost of ownership. Driving a BMW truely is "the ultimate driving experience". Once you drive one, you'll know. With regards to fuel economy, these vehicles run on premium fuel. This cost will usually compute to no more than an extra $4 a tank, but you WILL get outstanding performance and good fuel economy. Yesterday I got 30 MPG highway on an out-of-town trip. My vehicle is a 525i sport.

Favorite Features

Truly a luxury sports sedan with good fuel economy. What a combination! People complain about the lack of cup holders but one must remember these are still true sports cars.

Suggested Improvements

Give it wings so it can fly? It's hard to suggest improvements on a vehicle that is already very well designed.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Excellent

Written by: Exper. Car Consumer on 06/03/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Have owned for almost two years - should have bought a new one years ago when I had the chance. Excellent reliability, mileage, fun, sport driving, beautiful race car wagon. Feels like it is carved out of one solid piece of metal, I have never owned a car so solid before and I have owned most all high end luxury cars.

Favorite Features

Feels like it is glued to the road. It still turns heads as it looks like new and drives like it is brand new. It is a perfect combo. of a practical car with a sport car look and feel. It is the one car I have never become tired of owning/driving. Excellent mpg.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders and that is it.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Really nice ride

Written by: David Lagarde on 03/10/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I am 56 and haven't enjoyed driving this much since I was 19 yrs old and owned a 1997 Chevelle 396 SS. I wish I had more places to go. I can't think of any negatives.

Favorite Features

DSC. I took it out in the snow and at 40 mph (figured that safe speed) I couldn't make it lose it's footing. Not bad for rear wheel drive.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Wagons are Back

Written by: Kelly on 02/25/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Love driving the 525 wagon. It has the utility of an SUV with better gas mileage, lower insurance rates, and great handling & performance. Always have sufficient power when needed. Originally bought the wagon for our dog (in our 20s, no kids), but now wouldn't go without a BMW wagon! Would have never expected strangers to stop us on the street complimenting a wagon, but this happens frequently. We're already planning an upgrade to the '08 535xi Sports Wagon!

Favorite Features

Tons of space, but never feels like you're driving a large car. Seats fold down flush and have always been able to carry long & oversized purchases from IKEA, Home Depot, etc. Heated seats always nice. Cargo net behind rear seat that unrolls and secures into ceiling to keep dog in back.

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders are lacking, but bought a nifty aftermarket cupholder that folds down into the center console.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love the car

Written by: Dan on 02/18/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

2nd BMW and I'll run this one until the wheels fall off. Styling is classic. The car looks great even at 6 years old. Finish is still top notch. Fun and comfortable to drive

Favorite Features

Styling, performance, reliability, luxury.

Suggested Improvements

Ah, those cupholders

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great performance.

Written by: Roger K. on 08/07/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Arguably the best sports sedan of its time (M5 excepted) and a classic in the making. This car is all about driver synergy and performance. You feel integrated with the machine: it does what you want, when you want. Reliability is a problem: radiator, digital displays, door seals, HVAC have all failed. Although problems are expected four years out, I never had this much trouble with Japanese cars. That being said, try finding a Japanese sedan that is as good to drive. Low profile tires and sports package make for cautious parking (but I can't blame BMW for that). Buy this car if driving experience is the priority.

Favorite Features

Handling, power, styling, comfort, sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability, cupholders. That's it. I understand they fixed the cupholders with the current version.

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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540i cannot be beat

Written by: raj on 05/06/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Best car I have ever driven. Also own a CL500 and I prefer the 540 over the Merz. Great car and the only reason I would replace is if I get a 545i. Performance cannot be beat, great ergonomics. BMW really builds a car around driving. Don't get this car if you like eating or drinking in the car, that's what American cars are for.

Favorite Features

Power!

Suggested Improvements

Shorter gears should be default, although this can be overcome by shifting into Sport mode.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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