2003 BMW M5 Consumer Reviews

One of the Best Cars Ever Made

Written by: JD on 07/01/2008

Vehicle

2003 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

The E39 M5 gets an automatic entry in the debate for best sedan ever made - if not best vehicle period. The design is timeless. The build-quality is superb. The performance speaks for itself. This is a car that does EVERYTHING right. Press the "Sport" button to invoke mind-bending acceleration and seemingly inexhaustible grip. The braking is par excellence. The frame has a rigidity akin to the Hoover Dam. Response, whether throttle or steering, is instantaneous. Every moment in an M5 can make you aware that this is, truly, a very special machine.

Favorite Features

Everything. Acceleration, handling, braking, response, transmission, color- changing metallic paint, the rims, luxury features out the ying-yang. The E39 M5 represents the best of engineering and design from what is arguably the world's best automaker.

Suggested Improvements

The paint is beautiful but, like most environmentally-friendly mixes, it chips too easily.

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E39 M5 The Ultimate Sedan

Written by: Mike on 12/28/2006

Vehicle

2003 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I owned a 2001 540i Sport 6 Spd and a 2003 M3 when I test drove a 2003 M5. I was instantly hooked. I searched and found one of the last remaining new 03s in CA. I have had the car for 3 yrs and it is the ultimate balance of performance, handling, comfort, reliability, and craftmanship. Furthermore, considering it is a 400 HP, 4000 lb sedan it is remarkably fuel efficient. I have averaged 21.5 MPG over the past 3yrs w/30K miles in mixed Bay Area driving. If you are looking for a remarkable automobile don't hesitate. You can pick up an immaculate and low mileage 2003 M5 for < $50K. This is a no brainer considering this is less than a new 530i or 335i. I have driven both and it is no contest.

Favorite Features

Power, handling, ride quality, craftmanship and the sound and relentless pull of that 5 liter V8. It is a true super car.

Suggested Improvements

none

14 out 14 people found this review helpful

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M5 Satisfaction

Written by: kd on 07/28/2006

Vehicle

2003 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

The E39 version of the M5 handles and performs superbly. Though it is no longer the "king of sedans" when it comes to horsepower (its successor has that title), it is one of the best car designs of all times. Many BMW enthusiast prefer its design (manual 6 speed and exterior styling) to the newer (more potent) M5.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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What a car....

Written by: Ard on 02/02/2005

Vehicle

2003 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I'd looked at the M5 in '90, but passed it up in favor of the V8 in the 90 Q45. Well, 13 years later I snapped up the last of the E39 design. It is, in a word, the ultimate 4 door sedan. Styling is georgeous, power is phenomenal, handling is crisp and reassuring. I've still not explored the upper limits of handling, probably cannot really do it on an open road. Perhaps track time this spring? Interior comfort, fit and finish are outstanding- rich but sporty, not 'plush and tufted'. Radio is fantastic- better reception than my two other japanese radios. But who listens to radio? Just installed Sirius Sat Radio with BMW oem components (displays on the nav screen). Mine has the MAudio

Favorite Features

POWER HANDLING Sirius 6 speed manual Power :)

Suggested Improvements

Didn't like the sloppy stock shifter- upgraded to a UUC short shift NO DECENT CUP HOLDERS!!!!!!!!

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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BEAST

Written by: hornsch on 12/28/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

The best sedan you will ever drive if you are an enthusiast. Automatics do not even come close. I have driven just about every 'sports' sedan including the new Austin and nothing is close.

Favorite Features

Besides the engine? 2-tone leather seats, exterior design, AL interior trim, folding mirrors, quad exhaust

Suggested Improvements

Radio, but who really cares??...

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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M5 vs. M3

Written by: 4ociousm5 on 05/03/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I traded my 2002 M3 conv. for a 2003 M5 and I've never been happier! Why did I do this - I don't like the new "5" styling and I wanted to own one of the last true great BMW's. What a car! I've owned everything from Cobras, Shelby GT 500s, turbo Porsches, Corvettes including the ZR-1 and other fine, go- fast vehicles but quite honestly, this is the best car I've ever owned!

Favorite Features

Everything!

Suggested Improvements

Like everyone else, a little throatier exhaust, but you must also understand the M5 is also a "family car" so quiet can be a good thing as well!

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Just What You'd Expect....

Written by: CatchMe on 04/04/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

From a $75K 4 door luxury performance sedan with a 6 speed manual. Handles like a dream, quiet and solid, sleek and stealthy. The benchmark others strive for.

Favorite Features

Seats, solid quiet ride, performance, torque

Suggested Improvements

Exhaust too subdued for my taste (already changed out). Stereo system could be better. You can never have enough horsepower!!!

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The Ultimate Driving Machine

Written by: dshin on 01/10/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

This is what BMW is all about, and it's the category that no others can compete. If they can only make one car without any business pressure, I think this would be it.

Favorite Features

It has it all: performance, luxury, comfort and practicality. You don't need multiple cars.

Suggested Improvements

Exterior styling could be improved, but Bangle's latest work on the new 5 series is not it!

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this car is sick

Written by: forum325 on 10/28/2003

Vehicle

2003 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

This car is amazing, i've had it a few months now and i am absoltely in love with it. ive had many hig performance autos in my days but none mix performance/reliability/safety/style and comfort like my m5 does.

Favorite Features

engine/transmission and the seats

Suggested Improvements

faster, it could always be faster, im thinking about sending it to DINAN for their new performance package, 470 hp!

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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M5

Written by: Love my car on 10/22/2003

Vehicle

2003 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

This is my first real fast car that I have ever had. Its been a 1 1/2 years now since I got my M5 and I still get as excited to get in it and drive it as I did the day I got it.If you own one of these cars and get the opportunity to have a professional show you what it can do on the track, DO IT. The cars limitations are well beyond what most people think. I then had the chance to have the instructor sit next to me and teach me how to drive the car. Just unbelievable what this car can do but yet I can throw my 2 kids and wife in it and go out. I love it.

Favorite Features

The fact that you are driving a race car but you can put your family in it as well. Too many features to list

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders. clutch needs to be improved. I have had to replace mine at 15,000 miles. GPS needs to be touch screen and not CD based.Phone system needs to be improved.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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