2004 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

truly a driving machine

Written by: ERM on 07/24/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have the 545i with the sport package. It truly is a fantastic car. I have owned it for 24 months and still have a lot of fun driving it every day. It is fast, responsive and really connects with the road beautifully. The car really performs well at higher speeds. My mechanic said "It really doesn't start breathing until it reaches 80 mph. I highly recommend this car, It is a pleasure and a joy to drive.

Favorite Features

handling, sport package, sound system, overall performance and great gas (18 mpg city) mileage for a V-8

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders but I've learned to live with them. With the i-drive there really isn't anywhere to put them.

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Not the best of best

Written by: wmc on 07/01/2008

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

We purchased the 525i to replace a Q45t Infiniti. It is a different world. The BMW is much more sporty than the old pillow barge but it is not as comfortable on long road trips (we drive it to Seattle almost every year, ~ 3000 miles RT). I find the drivers seat small and cramped, although my wife likes it fine. Handling is good and the ride is adequate. The 4 year $0 maintenance is good and it was needed. A lot of small problems including a bad window motor, broken cup holders, dashboard computer replaced.

Favorite Features

Spectacular gas mileage. Holding at 65 will give 38 mpg on the highway. Averaged 32 mpg over a 1000 mile trip. Solid handling on the road. Great trunk space.

Suggested Improvements

The iDrive is awful, a product designed by engineers for engineers. Cup holders are flimsy and poorly placed. The center console is unusable.

5 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Ergonomics

Written by: Happy Back on 06/24/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

The BMW 530i has an option to upgrade to a supremely adjustable ergonomic seat - a must for long commute times. This throne fit for a king comes in a fantastic package of performance, safety and security and style.

Favorite Features

So many great features in this car! Some that make driving easier: ergonomic seat option, programmable buttons on the steering wheel make it possible to flip stations and perform other functions without taking hands off the wheel, visor flips from front to side window, good visibility.

Suggested Improvements

Would be nice to make the cupholder deeper, so the morning cafe latte stays put. Visor could be extendable, to cover full side window. Mileage could certainly improve.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Well, well, well

Written by: Bimmamma on 02/06/2008

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I've had this car for three years now. Although, I really dig this car, I must say it really doesn't handle well in the snow. I've gotten stuck plenty in the snow over the last three years. BMW needs to do something about better winter performance or I will be forced to purchase other vehicles and leave Bimmers alone completely. I can't believe I said that but my safety and well-being come first. My neighbor has a Chevy Cobalt and it gets around better in the snow than my Bimmer EVER could. BMW better think of customer safety if they want my continued business!

Favorite Features

Still like the lights most of all.

Suggested Improvements

Better performance in the winter/snow or it's a Chevy for me.

3 out 29 people found this review helpful

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Looks Great! Performs Good.

Written by: CHDude on 09/17/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Okay, consider the source, here. I am upgrading to the best class of car I have ever owned, but I know what a good and great car is. This is somewhere between good and great. I like what the Germans do with their cars. I like the way they build them. I like the way they design them, but the 530i is high maintenance. However, treat it right, and it will continue to make you happy. The handling on the 530i is unbeatable for a luxury sedan. The engine performance is deceptively good, not great, but good. Nevertheless, the interior is second to none. The looks combined with the great handling and good performance make it barely worth the price for me.

Favorite Features

Driving position and features such as the highly adjustable seats, stellar AC, precise stereo sound, and clean instrument cluster are super nice. Also, the very nice exterior lines with aftermarket low profile rims make it look very classy.

Suggested Improvements

The purchase price is borderline. Inversely, the resale value far above average. Overall, cost of ownership is too steep.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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iDrive

Written by: vetconstruction on 08/16/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

We picked up our low mileage unit a few months ago. It basically has every option aside from the active cruise control. We love this car, we also love the iDrive system. We researched the car to death and wonder why iDrive is so hated. If you can answer an e-mail and actually take the time to read the manual, this system is something to adore. The prologic 7 sound system is the best audio system on the planet. Smooth acceleration and gorgeous styling. We have clocked a few thousand miles and could not be any happier. The nav system is very nice as well.

Favorite Features

1. The audio system. 2. The powerplant - quick and smooth. 3. The sport seats. 4. Fit and finish 5. Full privacy shades. 6. Did we mention the stereo and V8?

Suggested Improvements

Lack of climate controls. Putting this feature in the iDrive system is actually a very bad idea. Cupholders. Leg room for backseat passengers.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Great handling - electronic bugs

Written by: Paul M on 03/21/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I have the curent body style BMW 530i, purchased near the end of 2003, when they first came out in Toronto. The driving experience is incredible. Handling is excellent compared to every other car I have driven. I tested many before buying the 530, including Volvo R60, Porche Cayenne, Audi A4/S4/A6, Mercedes SL500, Jag XJ-S, and loads of rental sedans. It has a heavy, solid feel compared to most other cars. A muscle car like a Mustang feels like there is more under the hood but the BMW is much more refined and very sporty. I took the BMW driving course and have gained a greater appreciation for the computer controls that keep you on the road. This car needs winter tires for snow conditions.

Favorite Features

Handling, steering wheel feel, turns/curves at speed, throttle steering with rear wheels drifting, manual downshifting with Steptronic console shifter, awesome premium sound system, great braking, acceleration in sport mode, heated steering wheel and seats, cavernous trunk with fold down seats.

Suggested Improvements

Cu holders are awful - replaced twice under warranty. Front suspension too shallow, bottoms out too easily on speed bumps. Surprised at how easily it is blown sideways in strong a crosswind. Had the car into shop at least 6 times for electronic related problems eg false idiot lights, telematics unit.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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This is not what you want to buy

Written by: Ray Vega on 12/08/2006

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I don't know what's going on with this cars. The noise inside my car is never ending. We brought it to the dealer several times to replace the seals on the four doors. Acceleration is very, very, extremely poor in the 525i. You can not pass a car in the city and mine is standard transm. My a/c always smells so bad that I always prefer driving with my windows down... for the price you pay? No way! This is a 40K car! I drive very poor.

Favorite Features

Sirius radio, cornering, front HID lights.

Suggested Improvements

Door seals (please) acceleration! iDrive!

1 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Not for real road driving

Written by: Los Angles on 09/02/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

Nice and fun car to drive, but not for real road driving apparently. Drove thru a puddle of water over a dip (deepest part 15 in), killed the whole engine by hydrolock (in a 2 years old car!) Air intake valve in this car is a lot lower than most of the cars (behind the front bumper). So it only looks good in the showroom and drives well in a closed course? Better wish it never rains in your area. We'll never buy a BMW again.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

8 out 31 people found this review helpful

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BMW 530i from RLA

Written by: RLA on 07/02/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

This car makes me feel good to drive. I love it! For about the first year, we had some software problems -- nothing that affected performance, but created a nuisance (e.g., couldn't sense CDs in CD changer, difficulty recognizing voice commands). BMW found the problem and upgraded software. Since then, it's problem free. Inside styling is chic, but it's a bit cramped. Little storage room.

Favorite Features

Navigation system

Suggested Improvements

Anything I wished for has already been added: all wheel drive; interface with iPod; enhanced performance.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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