2005 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews Page 2
Fuel Economy
18 - 21 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(122 Total Reviews)
Problematic 545
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
Review
The 545 is a beautiful car with speed and handling performance that is exceptional. However, the iDrive is very difficult to navigate and we had problems with error messages on our screen from the beginning. There was always at least one and sometimes as many as 3 warning displays. The dealer was never able to fix them and didn't respond to our continued complaints. We finally turned it in about 24 months into a 36 month lease.
Favorite Features
The 545 is a very fast and great handling car. It looks sharp and overall it is very fun to drive.
Suggested Improvements
Get rid of the iDrive and all of the fancy electronics. They are so convoluted and difficult to use that it is a chore to adjust even the AC when driving.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Best car I've ever had!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I have had just about every make of automobile (cadillac, jaguar, porsche, s2000 and trucks), and this 5 series is the overall best car I've ever had. The only problem is the 6 cylinder is a little underpowered. But that is what I bought. Am looking to order a new 8 cylinder, and take delivery in Germany.
Favorite Features
Quality and style. Heated seats and steering wheel.
Suggested Improvements
none
3 out 4 people found this review helpful
My First was the Best
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
My 1st BMW was 1998 5-series that I regret not keeping. I'm on my 3rd 5- series and seriously considering another brand. The gas tank has been replaced, passenger side window motor replaced, the trunk opened randomly (finally figured out it was a faulty switch), alarm went off in my garage and it wasn't even armed (from what I've read, this was likely due to low battery drain), rt-rear passenger didn't always lock during drive-away, and passenger-side airbag sensor replaced. I like driving the car and the looks are great, but to have a $50k+ car in the shop so many times in 2 years is too much.
Favorite Features
Great looks, fun to drive, rotating headlights are kick and stereo system is decent.
Suggested Improvements
Cupholders aren't the best.
3 out 4 people found this review helpful
545i w/sport suspension 2 yr impressions
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
Review
Excellent handling, one of the best cornering cars ever with the active roll stabilizers. The car is safe, smooth and fast, however, the electronic throttle seems to make the acceleration feel a little less tight. The sport suspension gives a little too much clunk for my preference, but if cornering is your priority, the harsher ride can be overlooked. Quality of construction is excellent and solid. I feel the dash could be better looking. Overall, if you're looking for performance, this car has to be considered.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
Senior Bimmerman
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
Review
This is my 3rd BMW and it is the smoothest, quietest, best performing of all. It has the driving performance and still has creature comforts. I tried an Infiniti G for a year, but had to get back to a car that had superior driving characteristics and a strong feel and smooth ride.
Favorite Features
The V8 is smooth and has power at all RPM with six speed automatic. The Sport mode of six speed is very good. The interior is simple, elegant, and comfortable. Bluetooth phone support is very good.
Suggested Improvements
After a few days of getting used to it I think the iDrive is a real plus but I would like to see it boot up quicker and respond a little quicker to selections.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
My Mistake
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
If you are looking for a budget/luxury/family performance car with good gas mileage, this is it! Sleek design, very comfortable and exceptional power for a v6. Nimble, great cornering and nice road feel. I have had it to 150 mph, but it took a while to get there and I wasn't comfortable as I arrived. "Ah There's the rub". At about 125 suspension feels loose. The SPORT PACKAGE corrects that problem. 0-60 takes about 9.3 sec., an eternity when trying to catch a fast car. The M5 will correct that problem(0-60 4.3). The 530 is a beautiful machine.
Favorite Features
Comfort, interior/exterior design and stereo are superior. Handling at speeds less than 125 is awesome. Love the red instrument panel lights. BMW holds value.
Suggested Improvements
More storage and better cup holders would be nice.
5 out 9 people found this review helpful
Finally got my 545i!!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
Review
After much debate, I decided to let go of my 2006 330i for a 2005 545i. So far, the car does not disappoint. The iDrive is by far one of the best gadgets the car has to offer. You have to be computer illiterate not to know how to use the iDrive. These are the gadgets that make the car exciting!! As far as performance, the engine delivers!!! I could only image how the 550i performs. In addition, the car is very spacious and the seats are very comfortable. I can't wait to drive the car because it is that exciting!!
Favorite Features
iDrive!! (do not listen to any car editors - try it first, then make a decision) Nav system (could be much better), bluetooth, PDC, Sport package, space, and engine.
Suggested Improvements
Provide more functionality in the iDrive, hard drive based Nav instead of DVD, free Nav dvd updates, Nav screen should have the ability to display across the whole screen instead of ¾, ability to retro fit HD radio and iPod aux, BMW assist should be standard for the life of the warranty or vehicle.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Still the Best Performance Sedan
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
Review
I have owned more than 10 BMWs and, with the exception of my 2003 M3 convertible (my baby), this is the best car yet. It's a sports car, luxury sedan, and a practical everyday vehicle all in one.
Favorite Features
Power, roadhandling, bluetooth, iDrive (yes, I think it's great once you get used to it)
Suggested Improvements
If BMW cannot get the cupholders right, just take them out! I'm sick of spilling coffee because I assume the drink is secure. Door handles are cheap too.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
My wife fell in love with this car when she saw it. This is our first BMW and we are very satisfied. I am 6'4 and 280 pounds and there is tons of leg room for me front and back. in fact my favorite spot in the car is riding in the back. This car drives great and handles perfect. I only wish we would have spent the extra money and got the 530 to have more power. Don't get wrong it has great power but only after you get up to 40-50 mph. There is no initial pick up in the 6 cyl, but its great at higher speeds. Gears and smooth and precise. go for it and get one. It is the best driving car we ever had.
Favorite Features
The i-control is cool. I like that the car tells you when it needs to be serviced. This cuts out the guess work in keeping your car in good condition. great sound system.
Suggested Improvements
Better base model wheels need to be enhanced. When a person spends over 40k for a car they should get better looking wheels and tires.
7 out 7 people found this review helpful
Best of the best
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
Review
First BMW and without a doubt the best all around car I have ever owned. Traded a 2004 Mazda RX8 for it, the 545 outperforms the Mazda in every way.
Favorite Features
Handling is exceptional better than most sports cars
Suggested Improvements
None
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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