2005 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

Awesome Car!

Written by: James on 02/22/2008

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)

Review

This is one of the best cars I have ever had. I now have 36000 miles on mine, a 545i, and it is just as good, if not better, than when it was new. The build quality is impeccable and the performance beyond reproach.

Favorite Features

This car is fast!! The six speed manual shifts flawlessly. The handling is awesome. Love the iDrive system.

Suggested Improvements

The carpet looks cheap. Past that nothing.

Report inappropriate post

Great to Drive, If it is not in the Shop

Written by: Dave on 10/12/2007

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)

Review

This is my second 5 series, the previous was a 540. The vehicle is pure pleasure to drive, acceleration, braking and handling are awesome! That said, it is the poorest quality vehicle I have ever had. 5 visits in 5 weeks in the shop for failing iDrive. I blame BMW service more than the vehicle, they would not replace the failing unit and kept reprogramming the computer. The iDrive itself is tedious and cumbersome, the nav system is worthless 50% of the time. I cannot count how many rattles and noises the vehicle possesses. Sunroof replaced, window gaskets squeaking, etc etc etc. BMW, the driver’s machine - when you get to drive it!

Favorite Features

Acceleration, triptonic shifter, throwing the vehicle around.

Suggested Improvements

Free service for 4 years is a great concept, if 1) the vehicle rarely needs it; and 2) the service center comleted the work the first time; and 3) they did not cheap out like not turning or replacing rotors on a brake job.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love my 5 Series!

Written by: ChristiRae on 08/30/2007

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Go buy yourself a 5-Series!! :) When I bought this car I thought "great - it looks nice, has free maintenance and oil changes, and it's sporty but big enough to actually take 3 or 4 people with me." What I did not realize is that it is super fuel efficient (I got 36.4 mpg on the drive to and from Vegas from SoCal in overdrive, honestly!), it's really comfortable, although it's only a 6cyl. this car gets up and goes (especially in Sport Mode). The only complaint I have is the cup holders! I know it's petty, but the driver's cup holder is way over on the passenger's side :(

Favorite Features

Looks, comfort, gas mileage, fun to drive, love the iDrive, reliability.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders! It would be nice if the driver's cup holder was acutually on the driver's side of the car! I know I should be driving, not worrying about where my Chai Latte is, but it is a bit distracting trying to reach all the way over to the passenger side to grab my Starbucks cup!

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Fantastic

Written by: Miller on 08/16/2007

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I have owned this car for two and one half years and still love to drive it. The fuel economy is great for a V8 20 city and 26 hwy (actual). Handling is superb! I have sports package (highly recommended) which includes wide 18 inch wheels, which I highly recommend! Quality is top notch and fit is superior! If you can afford it, buy the 8 cylinder as there is nothing finer than a BMW 8 cylinder. Also the car retains more value as the 8 cylinder is in fewer numbers!

Favorite Features

Handling, power, handling, fuel economy vs power, handling, quality fit, and handling!

Suggested Improvements

The iDrive.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 6M

Written by: Joe V on 04/19/2007

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Bought used w/ 24K miles. This is a truly amazing car. I've had it now for 4 months and love it more every day. My only complaint was the REALLY bad OEM Dunlop DSST run-flat tires. BMW should be embarassed by these - LOUD as a truck and extremely jittery due to uneven tread wear all around. Replaced them a month ago with Pirelli P-Zero-Nero MS's and I have a totally different car. Handling & comfort are 100% improved. Trunk is huge. Sat radio & nav are great. Excellent night vision. 18 MPG in town - 28 MPG HWY. No regrets. A great purchase.

Favorite Features

Handling & drive, Nav system & SAT radio are excellent. Blue-tooth phone connection is really simple & a huge asset. Sport seats are fantastic. An absolute pleasure to drive every day.

Suggested Improvements

Allow seat-belt gong to be switched off if you step out of the car to get the mail or run to the ATM. Dunlop tires are the absolute worst I've ever driven. Cup-holders could be better.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Problematic 545

Written by: mark levi on 03/18/2007

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.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Best car I've ever had!!

Written by: dan on 12/17/2006

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

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

My First was the Best

Written by: thewonger on 11/28/2006

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

Report inappropriate post

545i w/sport suspension 2 yr impressions

Written by: Bruce S on 07/14/2006

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

Report inappropriate post

Senior Bimmerman

Written by: Ed A on 06/21/2006

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.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post