2004 BMW 5 Series Review
Fuel Economy
18 - 21 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A controversial new look and continued use of the confounding iDrive system are the only blemishes on this otherwise outstanding luxury sport sedan.
Pros
Available V8 power, handles more like a sports car than a sedan, luxurious yet sporty cabin.
Cons
New styling may not appeal to 5 Series' loyalists, iDrive system can still be more hassle than it's worth.
What's New for 2004
The 5 Series has been completely redesigned for 2004. Along with a new V8 and the iDrive vehicle management system, buyers can expect even greater handling from this premier midsize sedan than before.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
The best car for the buck - used
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
This is my 4th Bimmer, 2 530's, 1 325 - junk, and 1 X3 - junk... but the 530 is awesome. No problems with 50K, just normal wear and tear but the front control bushings needed replacing at 20K, engine is solid and performs gutsy for an I6, the comfort has so many option that you can't go wrong and the feel is sporty but luxurious, tight, but comfortable, tight as you want it, with all the variations in the seat controls, and all the controls are also on the passenger seat. After 2 yrs. I just found a new control for the back rest to tilt, huh, that was cool. I love the temp/ac/heat controls. You can out the screen on ac and watch the ventilation automatically fluctuate, get one!
Favorite Features
Idrive, temp control, steering, sport package handling,equalizer, reliability, and looks.
Suggested Improvements
none
545 IA bargain
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
Was able to get hold of a 2004 545 IA with 24k miles for US $28k. After having a couple of Impreza WRX rally cars and STI I decided to go comfy. I have found that the 545 is just superb. Great power (miss the turbo though), a little slow on the take offs due the heavy weight but more than happy with all the equipment and comfort. Tried the 525 and 530 - simply no comparison. V8 all the way!
Favorite Features
Changed the wheels for M5 model... the look is just incredible and no one believes it's a 2004 model!
Suggested Improvements
Economy.
A Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I purchased this car in 04 which was the initial build for the new style. I must say that I am very happy. It is now December of 2008 and I still love this car. I did purchase the extended warranty and service plan which covered me for 100,000 miles. I have not invested a penny in this car except tires at 80,000 miles and gas. There were some nuances with the programming at the beginning but they were taken care of for free. The ride comfort and handling are both great. As a matter of fact my wife purchased 2 3 series because of our love of my car. My wife and I also took the BMW Performance school and loved the performance. It was a rainy day and we were able to max out the performance.
Favorite Features
Performance, comfort, MPG, everything covered under 4 year warranty and 100k warranty.
Suggested Improvements
CUP HOLDERS. Active Cruise Control ( no way to disable it and it decides the minimum distance behind other cars)
E60 aka "Dire Wolf"
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
My first BMW, but not my last. I bought this car with 66k miles. Tight like a drum--no rattles, no issues, just a clean used car. Says something about design AND previous owner. The 5 is the touchstone of sports sedans. Responsive, tight, and the 3.0 is quick, but not impressively fast (nor is it meant to be). Sports package brings it all together. And the iDrive? Get over it, iDrive is convenient, easy, and keeps the dash layout clean and elegant. I recently did a 1000 mile trip with my wife, 3 kids, and a full trunk. 29 mpg @ 82 mph. Not bad. Could be better 'round town, though. Oh, and the color? Copper Metallic. Very cool.
Favorite Features
The drive. The Drive. THE Drive. I always heard about BMW's 'driving experience' but it never sunk in until I owned one. iDrive, fit & finish, color, and the lines. Oh, and you can't beat the diagram on how to fit 4 golf bags in the trunk. I rarely golf, either.
Suggested Improvements
Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
Review
Bought my low mileage 545i not long ago and fell in love with it the first drive home. By far, the best car I've driven and owned. With the equipped sport package it corners like no other and never leaves you questioning it's abilities. Body roll is almost non-existent. The heated steering wheel and seats are great on chilly days and everything is laid out nicely. Interior materials and build quality rival anything on the market. Love the iDrive. To combine the amount of luxury and performance this car offers is pure genius. Nothing out there like it.
Favorite Features
Acceleration, ride quality, cornering, comfort features, xenon headlights, instrument cluster, smoothness on any surface, parking sensors and iDrive, passenger leg room front and rear, logic 7 stereo is incredible
Suggested Improvements
Cup holders are almost of no use to driver, no vent controls unless you go through iDrive
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