2004 BMW 5 Series Review
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
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
truly a driving machine
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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.
Not the best of best
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
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.
Ergonomics
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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.
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