2004 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

Great handling - electronic bugs

Written by: Paul M on 03/21/2007

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I have the curent body style BMW 530i, purchased near the end of 2003, when they first came out in Toronto. The driving experience is incredible. Handling is excellent compared to every other car I have driven. I tested many before buying the 530, including Volvo R60, Porche Cayenne, Audi A4/S4/A6, Mercedes SL500, Jag XJ-S, and loads of rental sedans. It has a heavy, solid feel compared to most other cars. A muscle car like a Mustang feels like there is more under the hood but the BMW is much more refined and very sporty. I took the BMW driving course and have gained a greater appreciation for the computer controls that keep you on the road. This car needs winter tires for snow conditions.

Favorite Features

Handling, steering wheel feel, turns/curves at speed, throttle steering with rear wheels drifting, manual downshifting with Steptronic console shifter, awesome premium sound system, great braking, acceleration in sport mode, heated steering wheel and seats, cavernous trunk with fold down seats.

Suggested Improvements

Cu holders are awful - replaced twice under warranty. Front suspension too shallow, bottoms out too easily on speed bumps. Surprised at how easily it is blown sideways in strong a crosswind. Had the car into shop at least 6 times for electronic related problems eg false idiot lights, telematics unit.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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This is not what you want to buy

Written by: Ray Vega on 12/08/2006

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I don't know what's going on with this cars. The noise inside my car is never ending. We brought it to the dealer several times to replace the seals on the four doors. Acceleration is very, very, extremely poor in the 525i. You can not pass a car in the city and mine is standard transm. My a/c always smells so bad that I always prefer driving with my windows down... for the price you pay? No way! This is a 40K car! I drive very poor.

Favorite Features

Sirius radio, cornering, front HID lights.

Suggested Improvements

Door seals (please) acceleration! iDrive!

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Not for real road driving

Written by: Los Angles on 09/02/2006

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)

Review

Nice and fun car to drive, but not for real road driving apparently. Drove thru a puddle of water over a dip (deepest part 15 in), killed the whole engine by hydrolock (in a 2 years old car!) Air intake valve in this car is a lot lower than most of the cars (behind the front bumper). So it only looks good in the showroom and drives well in a closed course? Better wish it never rains in your area. We'll never buy a BMW again.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

3 out 14 people found this review helpful

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BMW 530i from RLA

Written by: RLA on 07/02/2006

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This car makes me feel good to drive. I love it! For about the first year, we had some software problems -- nothing that affected performance, but created a nuisance (e.g., couldn't sense CDs in CD changer, difficulty recognizing voice commands). BMW found the problem and upgraded software. Since then, it's problem free. Inside styling is chic, but it's a bit cramped. Little storage room.

Favorite Features

Navigation system

Suggested Improvements

Anything I wished for has already been added: all wheel drive; interface with iPod; enhanced performance.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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BMW '04 530 I comments

Written by: silber on 06/16/2006

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Best car we have ever driven; performance, economy, style

Favorite Features

Navigation

Suggested Improvements

Better cupholder arrangement; less brake dust without sacrificing performance

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Looks can be decieving

Written by: Melina on 04/25/2006

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I bought the car in Germany and couldn't wait to get it back to the states. The same week it arrived I had to turn it into the dealership because, the monitor said I was out of oil. They fixed that problem. A couple of months past and one night the car went crazy. Windshield wipers wouldn't turn off, headlights, radio, interior lights were all flashing. BMW claimed to fix the problem. 2 weeks later I was at the dealership again for another "software" issue. My vehicle had been in the shop 7 times and was less than a year old. I was really disappointed with the way BMW Corporate handled the situation. I could have purchased a Neon and had less problems. I won't be purchasing another BMW.

Favorite Features

Appearance is the only thing going for this vehicle. Being that me and the dealership seem to have joint custody of the car, when it's not with them it drives/rides fine. As soon as my two weeks are up it's back to daddy dealership for more "software" work.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the so called "software" issue. Maybe, BMW should work out all the bugs before placing their products on the market.

8 out 10 people found this review helpful

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530i

Written by: Jeanne on 04/15/2006

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This has been one of the most pleasureable cars to drive and own. I have not needed to pay for anything other then a new tire that was needed after blowing out on I95 and riding on the rim. I was amazed at the control that I still had when the tire blew. I have continued to enjoy this vehicle, and the only improvement I would make, is to have a fence around it in parking lots. Apparently others do not think that the car should be treated well. Of course they didn't pay for it.

Favorite Features

All the safety information that is at your finger tips. Also am able to make everything automated.

Suggested Improvements

Be able to put a low octane in fuel in her.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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My 04 530i

Written by: Joe G on 03/04/2006

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I very much enjoy driving this car. It is fun to drive and very reliable. I had some computer problems early on, but they were repaired and have had no problems since. I have also had many compliments about the styling and appearance of the car. I will get another one when this lease is finished next year.

Favorite Features

Most controls are on the steering column, which make them convenient. Navigation system is also quite good and accurate. Trunk is large and roomy.

Suggested Improvements

IDrive could be made a little more user friendly.

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E60 verses E39

Written by: Brandon Boles on 02/12/2006

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I purchased my 04, 530i a little over a month ago. So far I am very pleased with the car. Overall it is a dream to drive. It has the sports package and it feels like it's on rails. I also own a 98 540i Sport. The overall compfort and flat out performance is a bit better on the 540 but it should be. It's a v8 car. I believe time will tell, that the 04, 530i will be a more reliable car. Believe it or not, the 540i fuel economy is a little better than the 530i. That may be due to driving habits. My 530 has a 6 speed manual, the 540 has the automatic steptronic transmission.

Favorite Features

I-Drive is not for ID10T'S. Once you figure it out, it's like second nature. It's a neat concept. Handling is awesome and over all interior. Premium sound is a must also.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders. BMW engineers, please stop trying to make such a complicated cup hold that won't stand the test of time. All you need is two holes and a flap to cover it up when you aren't using it. My wife broke the passenger cup holder the 2nd day I owned the 530. I've replaced the 540s 3 times.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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What's not to like?

Written by: Phil B. on 12/27/2005

Vehicle

2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I am not sure if there is another car that better combines performance and luxury. 0-60 in 5-6 seconds, uncanny handling and feel, superb cockpit, plenty of rear seat room, excellent sound system. Why all the controversy over iDrive? It is about as easy to master as a simple video game. It seems the reviewers just needed something in the "con" column, because everything else is "pro".

Favorite Features

Cornering with Active Steering.

Suggested Improvements

More power ... wait, BMW just came out with the 360hp 550 in Europe. That will be my next car!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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