2002 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
Recent Consumer Reviews
(118 Total Reviews)
Great performance.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Arguably the best sports sedan of its time (M5 excepted) and a classic in the making. This car is all about driver synergy and performance. You feel integrated with the machine: it does what you want, when you want. Reliability is a problem: radiator, digital displays, door seals, HVAC have all failed. Although problems are expected four years out, I never had this much trouble with Japanese cars. That being said, try finding a Japanese sedan that is as good to drive. Low profile tires and sports package make for cautious parking (but I can't blame BMW for that). Buy this car if driving experience is the priority.
Favorite Features
Handling, power, styling, comfort, sound system.
Suggested Improvements
Reliability, cupholders. That's it. I understand they fixed the cupholders with the current version.
2 out 3 people found this review helpful
540i cannot be beat
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Best car I have ever driven. Also own a CL500 and I prefer the 540 over the Merz. Great car and the only reason I would replace is if I get a 545i. Performance cannot be beat, great ergonomics. BMW really builds a car around driving. Don't get this car if you like eating or drinking in the car, that's what American cars are for.
Favorite Features
Power!
Suggested Improvements
Shorter gears should be default, although this can be overcome by shifting into Sport mode.
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
Perfect Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have had this vehicle for only 2 days, but it feels like I've had it longer. It's a beautiful car. Mine came with the black leather interior and Premium Package along with the sunshades in the rear. The car handles well, not too stiff or too cushiony. Has good power, the 525i was too slow so I got the 530i. I just wish now I had seat heaters with my car.
Favorite Features
Xenon headlights, sunshades in the rear, leather seats.
Suggested Improvements
Cup holders are cheap. Could use something much stronger and something that fits a variety of drink sizes.
2 out 3 people found this review helpful
Excellent Value!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I was in the market for a car after losing my company car. I looked at a lot of offerings and finally decided on the 530i. I bought it about 4 mos. ago and love it. This is my 2nd BMW (my other is a 1988 M6) and it is everything I thought it would be. I bought mine with 65K on the odo, but it is a CPO car with the 100K warranty. It is probably the best value out there. I got one of the best sport sedans made, with a factory warranty, for under 21 grand! I'm glad I got the sport package, it really adds to the looks and handling!
Favorite Features
Sport package with steptronic transmission! Styling, ride, gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
Cup holders! Interior storage - I bought the center console conversion kit to replace the standard cell phone holder with a lift up storage area, best $150 I ever spent!
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Just over a year and love it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
Review
The car is solid, goes like mad and is a blast to drive. The V8 is a hoss, smooth and has lots of power. The balanced handling is also incredible. It is hard to believe you are driving such a big car. No reliability issues to speak of yet. The car sucks the gas if you drive it - not much of a surprise there. The stereo is also very good and feature list goes on and on. Sport package is a must. Mine has no GPS but I don't know if it is necessary - less to worry about breaking.
Favorite Features
Handling and straight line acceleration. Fit and finish (exterior and interior). Good looking exterior design.
Suggested Improvements
Weird rubber tie downs in trunk. Annoying problem with LCD below the odometer (some rows of lights don't light up). Bad brake dust on wheels.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
The Ultimate 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: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased the car used with about 30K miles on it. I have been driving it for about a year and absolutely love it. I drove some used Audis and Mercedes and they just didn't have the sporty/luxury feel I was looking for in a car. The engine is quick to respond when you step on it, and there is just enough room in the car for my 6'7'' frame, with enough to fit my average sized friends in the back. I test drove the 525i and there wasn't enough power. Loved the 540i, but didn't want the gas mileage problem. Couldn't ask for a better car, love it and I never see myself going away from BMWs.
Favorite Features
Can't complain about it!
Suggested Improvements
Cup holders, stronger stock stereo system (wish I got the prem. audio upgrade), larger glovebox, rear geated seats, hazard light button not in the middle console area.
13 out 13 people found this review helpful
Disappointing
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Given the uniformly positive reviews on the e39 body 5-series, I was prepared to love this car. But it has been so disappointing that I'm considering selling it after five months of ownership. The problem is simple -- and no it's not the cupholders, which I agree are flimsy but they don't bother me. It's the constant and apparently unfixable creaks, squeaks, and rattles from the doors, the rear hatch, the seats, etc. (I've had it in at the dealer several times.) Also disappointing is the junky sound of the doors when slammed closed. Of the about 10 cars I've owned, this is one of the biggest bucket of bolts of the lot. If I could go back in time, I would NOT have bought this car.
Favorite Features
The performance is good, the engine is responsive and smooth, and the car looks great. The sport seats are firm, but endlessly adjustable and quite comfortable. The aftermarket iPod integration with the stock stereo is wonderful.
Suggested Improvements
The interior trim is so junky and noisy as to make the car nearly undrivable. The doors clatter when shut like an old Camaro, and squeak and shudder over bumps. I honestly can't believe others haven't noticed and/or reported on this.
5 out 9 people found this review helpful
Love this car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I have owned three previous BMWs including an E39 Wagon but nothing has come close to the performance and handling of this car. Definitely a wolf in sheep's clothing. Wonderful to drive on a long winding road. Not a single problem since I've had this car. I still love driving this car every day.
Favorite Features
Accleration, handling, steering, sports suspension. The interior is very well thought out... everything is exactly where it should be without the driver having to stop and think about it or utilize iDrive.
Suggested Improvements
More front leg room but I'm not complaining, really. Better dealer service is needed. I don't even take my BMW to the dealer anymore. Could care less about the cupholders. I'm more interested in driving than drinking in this car!
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Amazing!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Amazing performance, synergy with driver, quality, features, completeness of design. The very definition of excitement, excellence, and elegance. A whole level beyond most anything else. Supercar capability combines with everyday utility. Why did I wait so long to go Bimmer?
Favorite Features
Superb quality of overall driving experience. In-depth quality, both in design and in execution, that shines through more the longer you have it. So many little things are exactly right- -very satisfying.
Suggested Improvements
Rear seat room, trunk room (understand both are better in current model). Cupholders, of course. Little else.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Awesome
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This car cannot compare to any other vehicle in the same class. The car handles the same at 40 as it does at 120. It has the power to handle almost any situation and handles just as well in foul weather with the exception of snow! If you have considered something other than a BMW, think again! Everyday is a new driving experience with a BMW. Be careful, once you stepped up to a different class driving machine, you will never take a step backwards.
Favorite Features
The power delivery becasue people know its a BMW
Suggested Improvements
Improve the asbestos dust from the front wheel brakes. It not only looks bad, its hell to clean!
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
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