2002 BMW 5 Series Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Every vehicle in the 5 Series lineup is a wonderful car. If you can afford to buy one, we recommend that you do. Sure, there are other great cars out there in this price range; we just think this is one of the best.
Pros
Thrilling to drive, luxurious ride quality, clean exterior styling.
Cons
Confusing interior markings, demanding manual transmission, high-end models are pricey.
What's New for 2002
This year a standard CD player, climate control and power seats. The 4.4-liter V8 of the 540 now makes 290 horsepower, up 8 from last year. Rear side-impact airbags are now a no-charge option, rather than standard.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned Hands Down
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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.
Excellent
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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.
Really nice ride
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Wagons are Back
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
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.
Love the car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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
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