Used 2002 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used 5 Series for sale
1
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Wondering which way to go???
Mark Shaw, 08/31/2009
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I've owned my BMW for 4 years now - grey with sport pkg. Love the drive as I used to own a 1988 535i. After the mechanic called me today with a radiator/fan bearing replacement bill, I almost went out to trade it in. I have had a series of small issues with the car: dash pixels, xenon light failure, oil leaks, rubber dipstick boot oil leak, and more...I have 102K miles on the car but wondering if I should cut my losses and move on to newer...positive is that it has ALWAYS started like a charm...maybe I've replaced most of the parts that can wear over time...
Trade it before it goes out of warranty
Samuel Reese, 04/17/2015
updated 04/17/2018
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
26 of 28 people found this review helpful
I own a 2002 530i purchased in 2005 with 34k miles. After 100k interior cooling fan burned out and short circuited my electronics $1500. Rear door gaskets went bad $500. Transmission failed $4500 used. Had to replace the guibo. Passenger window regulator replaced then drivers window regulator failed. Within 2 yrs drivers side failed again.Inner and outer tie rods have been replaced 3 times. Both seat motors no longer work. Windshield wiper motor burned out twice. Fan clutch failed. Of course the cup holders broke before 100k and radio display you can't read.Even doing the majority of the work myself the car is a money pit. Now I have 213k and want to sell it. No characters left to list all. Finally got rid of that headache. Thank God!
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The Ultimate Driving Machine - not just a slogan!
Seemyad, 02/10/2016
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
28 of 31 people found this review helpful
I own a 2002 BMW 530i. My car has all of the packages (sports, cold weather, premium) that were available at time of purchase. OMG! What a fun car to drive! This car is the best compromise between sport/luxury, power/economy, and it is oozing with class. Due to exceptional handling, my confidence on the road under any driving conditions is extremely high. Other than a six-figure sports car, my 530i can handle any driving maneuver better than other vehicles due to the Sport Package suspension system. The cab is quiet. The car is heavy as a tank yet rides like a gazelle. I feel very safe in my vehicle. Owners have made the mistake of filling the coolant system expansion tank to the top. You are suppose to only fill it until the float is level with the the top. This leaves about 1/3 air inside the expansion tank. As the coolant heats up and "expands", it overflows into the expansion tank. When it cools down and contracts, it brings the level back down. By overfilling the expansion tank, excessive coolant pressure builds as it expands. This eventually caused the expansion tank and/or the radiator to rupture (via a hairline crack). Then the very people who have overfilled the tank go into BMW forums and complain about the coolant system being cheap rather than realize that overfilling it caused the problem. The same is true of the transmission fluid. BMW basically lied and claimed their transmission fluid lasts forever and does not need to be changed. This sometimes results in a torque converter going bad somewhere between 100,000 ~ 200,000 miles. If you ignore BMW and change the ATF every 30,000 ~ 60,000 miles, this too would not be an issue. BMW handles so great because they figured out decades ago, if you achieve even weight distribution be tween the front and rear axle, the center of gravity will be as perfect as it can be, which makes the car hug the road much better under any condition. To achieve a 50/50% f/r weight distribution, BMW used light-weight parts under the hood, and even placed the battery in the trunk on the passenger side (opposite corner from the driver). Due to the slightly larger 530i engine (compared to the 528), my car weigh distribution is 51/49% f/r. She handles superbly. Although I would likely never buy a BMW off of the showroom floor (aka brand new), I really enjoy owning one. You can wear blue-jeans or a three piece suit and still look right for the car. She never fails to turn heads. She never fails to paint a big smile on my face on the road. There are some cars out there that are faster. However, there are few cars out there that can out perform her in all weather conditions. The body style of these cars in the early 2000s is timeless. I purchased a Dynavin E39 NAV Unit for her, which looks better and has more features than the head units that come stock in the 2016 models of most cars today. It's touch screen and feature rich. Great car for her time AND for today!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My 2002 BMW 530i has 464,000 miles BUT never again
Strat, 08/20/2018
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
My 2002 BMW 530i has 464,000 miles on it and is still getting me to work everyday yet I'd never buy another one. It is fun to drive, and after 12 years of ownership, I am still not sick of it. The build quality in this era (1997-2003) is better than present day. Another reviewer wrote, "It feels like a Sherman Tank but handles like a gazelle." Yes, it does. The doors shut solidly and visibility is awesome. I think I have had better luck than others with this model. I took very good care of it and the key to getting these cars to last is preventative maintenance. Original engine. Never let it overheat! Tow it in, don't drive it. The premium leather sport seats are firm but very comfortable and still work as they should. The interior is rather luxurious. I am amazed that all the knobs and handles still work, as do all the windows and sunroof. Despite many miles of motoring, this model is prone to the following and I have replaced the following multiple times: upper and lower control arms, tie-rods, front struts, the entire cooling system, transmission at 250,000, the engine oil usage is high due to the lousy VANOS oem parts, tires wear on the inside shoulder due to the camber setting and have to be replaced more than usual but this is the price to pay for performance I guess, the electrical display readout is crap and the pixels burn out, the ABS brake module is mounted near the exhaust manifold and the heat kills it, the CAT throws a code around 130,000 miles and is an expensive replacement, and the interior fan blower motor relay will drain the battery when parked if you don't replace it. Other than that, it's the usual maintenance for a car: brakes, rotors, belts, etc.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My 1st and probably last BMW
Steve, 05/17/2009
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought my silver beauty (All German cars should be silver) "Certified Used" it had 36000 miles on the clock (Let me think for a sec... Hey! Its a lease return) Came with full warranty to 50K. All I've had done to it is regularly scheduled maintenance; it looks, runs, and feels brand new. I said it's my last BMW because I'm 63 and it'll probably outlive me... LOL.
100,000 miles
Gary, 08/24/2010
2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
I have thoroughly enjoyed this car. I have owned VWs, MB, American made cars, etc. This car has been the most fun on a daily basis. Even with the mileage topping 100k, it is still fun to drive. In shopping for a new vehicle, it is hard to find something that compares to the over-all driving experience. The only complaint is that at 100k, all sorts of gremlins have come out to play. Major and expensive repairs have been necessary. This is NOT a maintanence free vehicle, especially at higher miles.
Fantastic Car
archer_r, 10/13/2014
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
20 of 23 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for about 3 years and it still impresses me by its performance, handling, and comfort. The engine has ample power throughout the entire rev range. You could be cruising in 5th gear at 1500 RPM and it will still pull when you put your foot down. The car also rides very well. The ride is stiff yet comfrotable. You definately feel the road well and feel every bump, but it's never uncomfrotable. The steering is also nice as well. It really makes you feel connected to the road, which is something some modern cars lack. For being a mid-sized sedan, this car really handles well. You can definately take corners with a lot of confidence in this car.
I JUST LOVE THIS CAR!
MP Morris, 10/17/2015
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
WIth traffic increasing daily in Atlanta, I decided to sell my daily driver (Mini Cooper S) for a larger and heavier car in 2013. I lucked up, found a 2002 530i, and bought it immediately. This has been one of my best purchases ever! The E39 handles like a dream, and has only had the normal problems that come with a car of its age. I can only exclaim "I JUST LOVE THIS CAR"!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine
RodneyD, 08/08/2008
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 530i for only 5 months and it is truly the ultimate driving machine. This is my 3rd BMW. Previously owned a 3 and wife drives an x3. This car makes me look for the long way home. I especially look for the curvy roads. The styling is classic. The handling is outstanding. The car is just fun to drive. If you are looking for a vehicle that is a blast to drive then do yourself a favor and buy a BMW!
What a Great Car
j mcburney, 04/05/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I came awfully close to getting a MB CLK 430 until my boss, a confirmed BMW fanatic convinced me to not buy anything without trying a 540i. Boy, do I owe him! Mine is a sport package with MSport wheels and steering wheel and trim - kind of an M5 wannabe. It is simply the best car in it's class by a long shot, and easily one of the finest in the world. I wish that the 6 speed had not been an extra cost option, because that combined with it's negative impact on resale got me into the Steptronic, but it is the best auto I've ever driven. Simply a fabulous car that obliterates standards of luxury, performance and engineering excellence. Bravo!
marvelous
driver111, 02/26/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
28 of 37 people found this review helpful
wife got one.....sheeee loves it
200,000 and going strong
rich, 08/19/2018
2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
amazing and perfect car for me. just turned 200k. least expensive car i ever owned. i replaced the radiator and the a/c compressor,and 2 lower control arms and that is all. everything else original parts. drives like no other. a true autobahn cruiser at its best. i have a great bmw independent mechanic used exclusively. not a squeek or rattle to be found,drives like new literally. bmw at its best. always run on 87 regular but always top tier fuel. i know someone who has a '98 530i with 249000 miles and has never replace a single part! he is in florida with far better roads than here in the northeast
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Engineering
Lucky One, 08/09/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I am on my fourth BMW. All great cars. Have had some (very few) minor problems. Very dependable cars.
A Keeper...
RolandP, 10/26/2009
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
This has been a remarkable car since the day I purchased it. Great car for long trips. It still delivers 29+ mpg with premium fuel. The manual transmission provides everything I expected. The car is steady and responsive.
Open your wallet
loberant, 10/05/2009
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Love the car, but it breaks every 3000 miles. Both power seats needed new wiring, radiator, alarm sensor, bushings?, brake sensors, trans went into fail safe, glove box broke, oil leaks, and some other things I can't remember. This all happened in the last 15,000 miles. My vehicle currently has 75,000 miles on it. Drives great though, cannot compare. Love the look and its true class. But THIS IS NOT a reliable car. Purchase a Honda/Acura/Lexus/Toyota/Subaru if you want reliable.
Nothing but a Beamer!
PAScott, 07/01/2004
2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Just brought home my 02 Certified Pre- owned 525i after I traded in my Z3. I can't believe it's the same engine. It does lake a little bit, but this car is SUPER responsive. I have the Sport + Premium Package. Nice. I must agree...the cup holders aren't worth the plastic their made of. (COME ON BMW). Overall...a step up from the Z3. I LOVE this car
Silver Beauty Aging Gracefully
G Bauer, 02/14/2016
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
A joy to drive since the day I purchased it brand new. A dependable, well-built 4-door sports sedan that still handles and accelerates beautifully. It's my favorite and oldest BMW in the garage. A great value. It's a keeper.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Just over a year and love it
Jeff Allen, 07/21/2006
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Desert Driver
VINCENT MORRISSEY, 03/07/2016
updated 03/12/2018
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
These vehicles require a great deal of preventative maintenance. They can be prohibitively expensive. Having said that they are a pure pleasure to drive. Odometer now reads 160,000. Wouldn't trade it for anything on the road.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Fast and is Comfortable
jpardo, 08/20/2010
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this car at a dealer auction for $ 5,000, hits 140 easy, and don't even feels like it, I have spent over $4,500 fixing it, I replace the drive shaft re-manufacture $800.00 the dealer wanted $2200.00, the guibo at the same time $450.00, front & rear rotors, new brake pads, struts, but seats don't work properly, valve cover gaskets, right arm, transmission mount, and motor mount $800.00, front temp. Sensor, side covers, and right now the front fan has a fast winding noise, when the a/c comes on, I don't how much thats going to cost.
Suprised at the poor quality from BMW
lisa112, 01/08/2012
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
14 of 23 people found this review helpful
I've owned my BWM for 6 years and have been disappointed with the reliability and the quality of the interior. The cupholders broke early on because they are cheap plastic. There are controls on the panel that are falling apart. The LCD panel is almost completely burned out and I can't see what radio station or time it is. Even the odometer and gas mileage readout is starting to burn out. BMW told me it would be about $2000 to fix it. I am so surprised that a $50,000 car doesn't have better quality materials. I have also been disappointed with the reliability. Last year I spent about $4,000 on repairs. I won't buy another BWM.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Jeff, 04/21/2006
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Love the car, hate service experience
530i Owner, 07/02/2004
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my second E39 and I must say the 530i is a huge improvement over the 528i it replaced. It's a blast to drive hard and at it's limits. It's comfortable for 5 adults. It's rock solid engine and transmission are a delight. My sales experience was the best, but I have a personal relationship with the business manager at the dealership I chose. I had to go 350 miles away from home to get treated like a human being, but it was worth it. On the negative, my service experience at local dealers has been less than acceptable. I have a recurring problem with my driver seat that has been reported on 4 visits and still not resolved. Sad.
Buy right & Be Happy
azishot, 01/29/2005
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Did lots of searching and found our 530i w/sport pkg at a Jeep Dealer. Only 12k miles. Been driving crummy ordinary cars since my last late 60's era muscle car I sold in 1973. I'm suprised at how much I enjoy this car. Ple\nty of power to get into as much trouble as you want plus decent gas milage. Safe, solid and hard to get my wife out of it. Easy to go over 100 mph without noticing, so use the programmable "chime" which warns you when you hit pre-determined speed (mine chimes at 83). Make sure you get the Sport Pkg and steptronic. For about the cost of a new Toyota Camry (loaded) you can get an 2002 530i that's worth talking about. Read the reviews!
Awesome
Duff, 07/23/2005
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Fun car
Me, 08/16/2009
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with the six speed manual and it is fun to drive. She'll go 140 before you know it. On road trips I can break 30 mpg on the highway but city is closer to 15 mpg. However BMW quality is gone. I've had replace the water pump, radiator, a few parts in the drivers seat, sunroof, and lately the battery keeps dying and no one can figure out why.
BMW saved my life
LovedTheBMW, 07/26/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had my BMW only 4 months when I was in a car accident and the car was totalled. I was hit on the front driver side and the car ended upside down in a ditch. The towing company said there wasn't one part of the car that could be salvaged. I walked away from the accident with a minor scape on the elbow and a sore neck. I am lucky to be alive let alone not injured. I am not that crazy about cars but this is the first car that I really enjoyed driving. I loved everything about it and I can't wait to buy the same car again. Thank you BMW.
BMW 530iA
TheoMD, 05/08/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
One of the best cars I have ever owned. Absolutely love it except for the awful cupholders and lack thereof in the rear
New Used 530i
3cats, 11/28/2004
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sport, Premium, Xenons, Split seat, ColdWeather, Comfort Seats, Manual Tran. Very easy to drive in town, can stay in3rd and accelerate from 1500 rpm. Easy to stay in 3rd or 4th on highway and forget to shift because the engine is so smooth and quiet at high rpm. So an automatic would probably save gas for me! So easy to drive and sport suspension is still OK for comfort. Feel the road with bumps on expansion joints but the suspension absorbs them so you are aware but not punished. Trunk is not so large but squared off so I hope it holds enough for my trip south. Got 28 mgp ontrip of 1200 miles. Get 24 mpg around my small town driving. A lovely, solid car. Comfort seats are OK.
A Dream
tlffxhouston, 01/23/2003
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is a joy to drive and has an exterior design that is plainly beautiful. The interior's design is average and the comfort is average. However, the driving the 530 is pure fun and comfort, with a stronge feeling of safety.
Over all happy with my BMW
me and my bimmer , 09/06/2008
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
When I first bought my beamer and sat inside it, immediately I was consumed by the quality and durability of the design. As I drove it for the first time around my town, the way it handled was very impressive. Tight steering and the way it handles bumpy roads was extremely well. Engine performance is there when you need it with smoothness and power.This is the first German vehicle I have owned and I would have to grade it with and A+.
Buy the extended warranty
Robert, 11/15/2010
2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought the car with 19K on it. within a week it had a complete electronic failure and lost all systems. Fortunately it was under warranty. Since then, have has several expensive repairs, expansion tank, radiator, Alternator, secondary cooling fan, and miscellaneous other repairs. Always over $500 per visit. Nice car but always something breaking.
My last BMW
Jordan, 07/21/2009
2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Great experience up to the time the warranty ran out. Purchased my car new in October of 2002. After the warranty expired at 50K it was in the shop about every month and each trip was about $700, after my $200 sympathy discount. I by-passed the $1200 front passenger seat dual motor replacement and had them just lock the seat and disconnect the motors. It was one thing after another. The only way I would ever have another BMW is on a 3 year lease and get rid of it as soon as it is over 50,000 miles. Otherwise I loved it.
Beemer Shmeemer
Keptcomn, 07/10/2018
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
About 150k sensors fail
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
525i Sport Premium Package
Spine Doc, 05/30/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my first BMW in December 2001, a 2002 525i sedan 5 speed with Sport Package (M-technic suspension, 17 inch rims, 3 spoke steering wheel with controls)Premium interior leather seats, cold weather package, 6 CD player in trunk, tinted windows, M- spoiler on trunk. Silver exterior on Black interior. Look no further, this car does it all... Its elegant lines turns heads everywhere I go, it's very quick, handles incredibly and is built like a tank. Highway speeds can't satiate this cars desire to go fast! If only my friends would stop asking to take it for the weekend!
Satisfied 5 series owner.
JimD, 05/11/2018
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Purchased when 2.5 years old. Car still drives great at age 16, mileage 170k. Amazingly little money in maintenance in last several years.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love my e39
Jose arevalo, 01/10/2017
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Would defiantly keep my e39 till death does us apart. Once you have a bmw you never look back and its stands out from the rest.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
SERVES ALL MY NEEDS & MY FAMILY'S TOO
stephanie M., 03/10/2005
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
After the birth of our daughter, (3-18-02) My husband said he wanted the safest-best most reliable vehicle we could find for our "new precious cargo" And after much research - we decided on this make & model. And have been extemely HAPPY!!!!! In the past we've owned Porche, audi, Hondas, mercedes.. (all excellent rides!) But this BMW is definetly the ULTIMATE driving machine!!!!! It makes any drive too short, HAHA!
I'm a Mercedes guy, Fell in Love with my BMW
zachary, 03/16/2016
2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 11 people found this review helpful
I just purchased a 2002 525i, first thing I always do is put the biggest rims with the skinniest tires. So I bought a set of 20" Lorenzo 2 piece aluminum wheels, with some Yokahama tires. Doesn't effect ride or speedometer. Beautiful car. Drives like a dream. Stops well, handles well. Doesn't burn any oil. Its quiet. And it is super sexy looking. I get great gas mileage. Of course you need to fill up with premium, but who cares? It says to do it, so do it. This car is fast too. I didn't think that a 2.5 litre inline 6 would be as fast as it is. I do wish it was an x drive, but hey I paid 3500 for the car. It does have 184k, but I'll tell you what. This car has to have been garage kept, no rust, no dents, paint is mint, interior is beautiful. I have no complaints. Everything works as intended. The radio LED lights are screwing up, but I guess they all do that. All in all, I love the car. There are a couple little things, the led on the radio, the cupholders suck, but hey, it's got an ashtray. Thumbs up on the ashtray!!! My kids fit in the car well, the headlights look sweet, I just want to tint the windows, and I'm all set. I will definatly buy another bmw in the future. I love Mercedes Benz, and i kinda just grabbed this up cause it was a good price, and I knew it ran well, plus I work at the car lot. I recommend BMW for everyone.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
What a Car!!!
Mc-Queeney, 06/25/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the best, most fun car I have ever owned. I have owned Lexus and Mercedes. This BMW is better. Mostly, its fun to drive. Now want a longer commute. The Steptronic Transmission is a dream. You can roar around shifting like a race diver or cruise relaxed in auto mode. The throaty purr of that engine is music to my ears. You are at 100 mph in seconds and it tracks straight and true with great confidence at speed. Fit and finish quality is superb. The Xenon headlights really do make night driving easier. My recommendation is to spend the extra $10-$15K to get a car that will take you beyond transportation; its an experience!
Don't sweat the cup holders!
Ross, 03/18/2009
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new and have never regretted the decision. Every option and they all continue to work for going on 8 years. I service it only at BMW and though pricey, it pays to work with the best. Fun to drive in all weather and runs like it is on rails. Great not to have the I drive and all components work like the car is new. I'd get another one but at this rate the current BMW will last another 10 years. The extra money was worth it in every way. I've added sat radio, and now it's perfect.
Exceeds Expectations
Fraser Katz, 04/26/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is one great machine 530i automatic. Quiet, seamless balance of power and handeling in a classic package. It really is the "ultimate driving machine". It puts you in a different world where driving is really fun.
The Fantastic 530i A
langar, 05/21/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have always wanted a beemer and finally got my new 530i w/A, SP, PP, Kalahari Beige, in October and have never looked back. I have never driven a better car. Handling is fantastic and comfort on long drive is amazing. It is great to drive on the back country roads where you can experience the great handling and performance. I have 11,000 trouble free miles and even get great gas mileage on extended road trips. 1000 miles to Branson resulted in 29 mpg. which is great when you consider its performance.
Thanks Consumer Reports
bmwfan, 07/02/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was really close to buying a Mercedes CLK until I read Consumer Reports' review on the 530i. This car is a dream come true - fun to drive, comfortable, fabulous looking and fast with decent fuel economy. The sport package adds icing to the cake. The 5-speed can be challenging at first, but it is so responsive that it is fun to shift. The buying experience was great. I can't say enough good about this car.
The Silver Bullet
fdelmonte, 04/19/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever owned! Powerful, luxurious, stylish, fun, (did I mention fun?), delightful. There are not enough superlatives to describe the wonder & engineering on this car. For the acceleration & power of the car, excellent gas mileage (18 city, 21 freeway) and it's not through the break-in period (remember, this is a 8-cylinder wonder - I was only getting 18.5 mpg in a Volvo S80 T6 - there are no comparisons between the cars). Yes, the cupholders are worthless, but that is not the reason you buy a BMW. A must have if you truly appreciate well engineered cars.
My 530spt pkg
ps, 07/16/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased the 530 with spt pkg and steptronic transmission in 4/02. My wife, who doesn't care much about driving a car, loves this one. Handling is excellent. The color, Titanium Silver, is beautiful.
5 speed Sport Sedan
Analog, 04/30/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The BMW 530i 5 speed manual is an unusual combination of contradictory elements, luxury, sports car and sedan all wraped into one - excelling in multiple personalities and demanding in it's attention . The manual stick is by far the most demanding I have driven. The car and I are still bondinng after almost 3000 miles and will so.
Awsome 2002 BMW 540 i 6 Speed
hkochat, 01/08/2003
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Absolutely stunning performance. One of BMWs innovative performance vehicle for anyone who enjoys manual transmission
New 525i
gms, 09/11/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first Bimmer and I am quickly finding out way consumer report has rated this vechile the best value in its price range. This machine is responsive and quick! The automatic steptronic transmission is probally by far the best way to feel the solid platform. Besides, the transmission makes this car extremely fun to drive. If I had any complaints, it would be that I expected more comfort when snuggled in the bucket seat. In this department the Volvo S80 has the Bimmer beat (we also own a 2001 S80.) Other than that, if you are looking for fantistic machine that is blast to drive, go for any model in the 5 series line up.
Cheetah on the autobahn
Jim Reed, 05/28/2002
2002 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is impeccable in quality, fit and finish and a pleasure to drive. She easily accelerates to 125 mph and continues to climb effortlessly from 140. I pushed the accelerate button from 140 and it took off like most cars do from 65. The factory limit is 156 mph. At this speed the car is very stable although imperfections in the roadway, absence of road crowning and non-banked curves on the autobahn become apparent. At 156 mph she turns 4500 rpm, well below the peak hp of 5500 and below the redline of 5750. Theoretically the car could do 190 but you would need a good road. Write me if you have any doubts about the thrill of driving this car.
1