Used 2002 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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expensive fun
My expectations of this car have been met. It's fun to drive and is the most comfortable seat in the house. My bad back hurts in just about everything except my sport seats. I hate the noise I now have from the tires that started at about 10k miles and its getting worse. Those low profile tires arent all bad though helping turn-in that makes me smile when I need a little rush. Im disappointed in the slipping clutch of the A/T. The upgraded sport steering wheel is mainly plastic and it stares me in the face. The in-cabin entertainment I paid extra for could sound better and have an in-dash changer.
Only thing better is an M5
Incredible. BMW has created a 911 with four doors and a comfortable ride. Last year of the current car, sold a 98 to buy the 02. Can't say enough about it.
- 540i SedanMSRP: $9,99994 mi away
- 530i SedanMSRP: $7,995325 mi away
- 530i SedanMSRP: $6,995363 mi away
My First BMW - The 525IA
I am a car lover, and own 4 cars. The BMW is the most refined of any car I have ever owned. Excellent service with only oil changes and routine maintenance required. The comfort and handling are very good.
A 5 that's almost a 10
had an Acura TL but didn't want another one. had a 99 Audi A6 and had nothing but problems, so no more Audi's for me . tried out a Mercedes Benz E320, nice car but didn't seem to ride as nice, handle as well, or be smoother or quieter then the 5, plus the price and value didn't seem to be worth it. The Lexus GS300 was also another nice car i drove, but was to underdamped in my opinion and didn't feel as refined as in closing the doors or the trunk like the solidness of the 5 series. Jaguar S type, well basically build in partner ship with ford and kinda screamed cheap from a few of its parts. the 5 series has the right combination of an upscale luxury car
Make a good choice
Over audi a6, lexus gs300, I chose BMW 530ia with prem&sports pkg. The engine is more than adequate with rich torque across the band for everyday commute and some fun in between. The sports seats with the thigh support is a plus for 6+footers like myself. sport suspension is a little firmer than standard but still provides comfortable ride and minimal bodyroll in corners. Interior and exterior designs are one of the classics. And the smooth inline6 which hums the best engine music in its class. Of course, you can hardly hear it in low rpms. overall, it's a joy to drive and ride.I often have to beg my fiancee(The car was bought for her)for the keys.
one word: problems
I love the car (525i with M sports package manual) when I actually get to drive it and when it works. It spent more time in the service dept than with me (hence the low mileage). The svc. dept. rep. knows me on a first name basis. Took it twice for the air bag light; once for a problem with the driver's seat; 4 times for a clutch problem (which has not been solved yet). I'm in the process of looking for a new car. Definitely NOT a BMW.
The ultimate machine ?
Not a good car to have if you are busy and using it as much as I do. The radio goes out on/off. The seats wear you out after a long day and the a/c has its own temper. What really discourages me is that the radiator went out after 47,000 miles. If you need reliability don't get here.
Excellent
This vehicle is the best i've ever owned! It's my first BMW and i must say that i'm extremely impressed. The ride is exemplary, the engine quiet and smooth and the performance very good. I have recommended this car to many of my friends who are looking for a new car. They have all been just as 'in awe' as i was and still am. You wont be dissapointed i you choose this car!
my first BMW
Unbelieveable!
You Are What You Drive!
The 2002 BMW 530i with Premium / Sports Package and add the Steptronic Automatic is all the car one could ever ask for! This is my 7th BMW over the years. My Wife thinks I was nuts to purchase another one until she drove this wonderful machine. Now we fight over the keys!
Love this car!
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.
Everything perfect so far...
Despite my reluctance to move from a Z3 to the 530i sedan, I feel like I've sacrificed just a small amount of performance that is far outweighed by the luxuries and amenities of this outstanding car. I might beat others out of a light a little slower now, but not by much, and I'm doing it in comfort. This is a grown-up, safe, well-built car that I can still view as a toy.
Great car but low reliability
This was my first BMW, and it was the best car I ever owned -- until its second birthday. Great handling, braking, overall feel. Above average marks on luxury and comfort. No problems until the two year mark, then all sort hit in fairly quick order. Including: electrical system problems stranded me three times in two weeks, rotting trim, radio & climate controls, and computer display panel fading out. Traded car after Internet research - - BMW's OK reliabilty in general but if you get one that goes bad it really goes bad.
BMW540 Review
The 540 is a joy to drive. Handles like a race car with 4 doors. Fuel economy better not be important to you if you own one of these. I smile everytime I climb in.
European Excellence
If you appreciate European (esp. German) cars and want more than what a Japanese luxury car can deliver, then you will love the BMW 540i series (E39). It has more than enough power to get the job done on the highway. Super comfortable on long drives. The Navigation system is one of the best. Perfect mix of Sport (w/ the sport package) and luxury in a medium sized sedan. At this price point, nothing matches it.
Best Sedan I've Ever Driven
It responds to your will. I smile every time I drive it.
It works for me
Lower front bumper takes all the punishment due to sport suspension. One cannot be careful enough when parking in a space where the car is driven into a stall. Due to the sport suspension, any curbing higher then four (4) inches will catch on the bumper and potentially cause damage. My damage to date has resulted in an $85.00 repair bill. Other then that, the car meets all my expectations and is a pleasure to drive.
Amazing!
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?
Excellent Value!
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!
Perfect Car
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.
I love it
I love this car. It drives like a dream. From now on I will only drive a BMW
BMW 530i
The car is unbelievably well engineered and offers a fabulous ride. Holds the road very good, and you do not feel the speed. Brakes are swift and smooth. To make a long story short: best car I ever drove (compared to Mercedes, Acura, Mazda, Lexus)
Perfect
This car couples elegance with a sport sedan. BMW did an amazing job with this one!
BMW530i
I recently purchased the 530i. I spent a lot of time comparing the BWM to other cars in its class. Simply put, the BMW takes the driving experience to another level. I enjoy every minute I spend driving this car. I highly recommend that anyone looking for a first class ride seriously concider a BMW.
Sam
I love this car. It is great.
540i cannot be beat
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.
Great performance.
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.
540 i
this is quite simply the best car i have ever driven. the look, feel, finish, and quality are all top notch. the responsiveness, acceleration, handling, and overall build quality are unmatched. i would purchase this vehicle again tomorrow if given the chance.
BMW 530i
Excellent sports sedan. Handles well and seats the whole family. One the few sports sedans in this class with manual transmission.
The Ultimate Balance of Luxury & Sport
I purchased mine new - made to order and got delivery in June 2001. I live in the SFO -CA area. Every day has been a pleasure. I have 12K miles - been to Lake Tahoe (twice), Laguna Beach and the ride keeps getting better. More than 3 instances of absolute strangers telling me that it is a beautiful looking car - I could'nt agree more ! No Regrets at all !
Good Stuff
Great car. This is the third BMW I have had the privelege to own. The first two were both 328i's. I loved the way they drove, but they were too small. I ended up in this car as I got a good deal on it, and it's even better than the 328's. It's a great size (the back seats in the 3's are just too small) without being too big. I wish it did not feel quite so heavy - but it's a price I'm willing to pay.
Really nice ride
I am 56 and haven't enjoyed driving this much since I was 19 yrs old and owned a 1997 Chevelle 396 SS. I wish I had more places to go. I can't think of any negatives.
loving the autobahn
I drive my 530i(sports premium,18" wheels) from Heidelberg to Frankfurt on a weekly basis. One word..exhilarating. If performance,quality ride, and luxury is what you want, then this is the car to buy. All I can say is that I love to see the "unlimited speed" signs.
this car is awesome
this car is awesome. I've had it for about four months and I love it. It's nice and smooth. Theres no car that can beat BMW.
loving it...
bought the car 4 days after 9/11 got a great deal, and thought it probably helped our ecnonmy... anyway, the car is a blast to drive, so much more comfortable than my 330i:)
Fun and comfortable? Yes please!
I have owned several BMWs and this is by far my favorite one. Great ride and super comfortable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
BMW 540i-Great car compared to M-B
Great car. Replaced 1992 M-B 500SEL with this gem. Benz was nothing but trouble. Have had no problems at all. Surprisingly, handles great in the snow without snow tires. Recommend highly if you want a car with much power.
525i
This is my third 5 series. I have driven many luxury cars including the S class and consider this car the best combination of size, performance, ride and comfort currently on the road. Also, the car's brakes are terrific. The 525 engine lacks a bit of power but the 5 speed automatic (with manual mode) makes the drive lively. The 530 more than makes up for this "issue" and the 540 is a Porche killer.
BMW525i
The design of the cup holder's doesn't do a 2 year old YUGO justice.COME ON! The plastic trim around the front seats seems to be a problem area. Loose fitting. In shop twice for the seat trim Engine, transmission and driveability is BMW all the way.