Used 2003 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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MY BMW
rafael bacares, 10/07/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It is a fantastic car to drive.
2003 BMW 525i Sedan
MD, 03/24/2009
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is our first BMW which we bought new with 4 miles on the odometer and its still going strong after 6 years and 135,000 miles. We average 500 miles per week on it back/forth to work. Highway gas mileage averages 26 mpg. My wife loves the car and I hope it lasts another 100K miles. We've had no engine problems, but regular maintenance is expensive. Our dealer had to repair the moon roof 3 times due to the guide rails - kept breaking. Fortunately those repairs were under warranty and we solved that problem by not using the moon roof anymore. The LED dash display burns out and is very expensive to replace - my mechanic tells me this is a known defect that BMW will not acknowledge.
2003 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 22 listings
- 540i SedanMSRP: $7,500110 mi away
- 525i SedanMSRP: $2,495170 mi away
- 540i SedanMSRP: $10,977225 mi away
See all 22 listings
Don't waste your money!
steve, 02/15/2007
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle as a certified pre-owned BMW. Let me tell you, at first, I loved it! I liked the feeling of driving a luxury car. Now we'll get to the bad stuff. We drove 1000 miles away from home to visit family. We made it up there just fine. while we were up there, we had to take the "Bimmer" to the shop four times in three days due to a electrical malfunction. After the first two times of the dealership servicing the car, it overheated because one of the hoses had a hole in it! i expected better from BMW's certification process!
exceeds my expectation
lovemybm, 10/11/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Got my 530i with M Executive Package (premium package + sports package + M trimming, ie, loaded)for a year end dirt cheap price. This car exceeds everything I expected from even the high standard of BMW. It accelerates with such sweet smoothness, handles with such precision and the interior has just the right European and sporty taste. . Also did a very long test drive on the 2004 530i. If you are a real bimmer lover, go out there and grab your 2003 model before they're all gone.
The Way it is Meant to be Driven
WillP, 06/29/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
European delivery on this new car, drove it throughout Bavaria and Austria on a recent trip. Handles the autobahn and small roads with ease and comfort. Handling excellent, showed it responsiveness and braking smoothness in an emergency situation on the Autobahn at high speed avoiding a breakdown in the passing lane. Beautiful driving in the country where it was built.
exceeds my expectation
sweetcar, 10/15/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the 03 automatic model with all possible options including sport package, M aero kit and suspension for US$40000, what a steal. The 530i totally exceeds my expectation even on BMW high standard. It accelerates with sweet smoothness, handles with sharp precision with the just right sporty and European taste.Drove the 04 model, all I can say is get the 03 while you still can.
What a Car!
Randy, 10/23/2006
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just purchased Automatic Sport package 540i. The build quality is so noticeably different than other makes. As my wife stated after driving it "What a sweet ride". Says it all.
Refined Excellence
d.j., 03/20/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2003 530i auto with comfort seats, heated steering wheel, xenon, and DSP stereo option. I commute 100 miles to work each day and the heated comfort seats and steering wheel keep my aching, middle-class, white collar bones feeling great. The Digital Sound Processing option for the stereo is nothing more than glorified reverb and definitely not worth the money. Performance, engineering, design, fit and finish are truly wonderful. In the last year of production, there does not appear to be a single bug in the car. This car is a keeper.
A True Sport Wagon
Eric D. Koster, 03/21/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sport Wagon (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Having traded in my Porsche, I found the 540i wagon with the sport package to be the perfect vehicle for my current needs. It holds my family, as much sailing gear as I reasonably need, cruises comfortably on the highway, handles secondary roads well enough (although the ride is too harsh with the 45 series tires), and, despite BMW's disavowal, hauls a trailer with ease.
Great car when not in shop
mathwonk, 08/03/2008
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is beautiful comfortable powerful solidly made and enjoyable. The only problem is I am a longtime Honda owner. I admit a Honda does not compare in acceleration, stopping power, beauty or safety to this BMW, but on the other hand, essentially nothing ever goes wrong on a Honda either, and that has me spoiled. The beemer was in the shop at least 7 times for a leak that occurred in any hard rain, and has only been ok in that department since the drought made rain less common. Two days ago my wife was driving down the highway and the wheels locked up at 50 mph and refused to roll. She skidded to a stop in the road and could not even get into the breakdown lane.
Man This Car is Fast!!
NateD, 01/25/2007
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the '03 540i with M Sport Package Steptronic Transmission, Nav black on black and I couldn't imagine driving the V6. This car has head jarring torque, it scares all those in the passengers seat, and the 18 inch wheels make the 290 horses stick like glue. I heard the 525/530 handles a little better because they're lighter and weight distribution is closer to 50/50, but I'd rather have the power, knowing this is one of the faster cars on the road, you can't help but use the autostick at red lights. Other cars must respect this car on the road, and for all those who complain about the cupholder, you can buy one that goes in the slider drawer and pops up for $89 online.
Character and elegance
Ferran, 11/26/2002
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Excellent value. This car is worth every penny.
Everything I wanted it to be...
Pej, 07/07/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I test drove this car back in April and fell in love... Unfortunately I couldn't stomach the $65k price tag. On the test drive I was having so much fun, the salesman had to remind me that I was doing 120 MPH!!! The car was so smooth and glued to the road it was as if I was drive 40... The recent reduction in price brought the price of the 540i down into my price range, so I couldn't resist. I am very happy with my purchase of my first BMW.
Why I Love my 530
Greg Stewart, 11/04/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I ordered the blue water mettalic with the grey montana leather. It goes quick and the stereo is nice, though I should have ordered the 6 cd changer
Not another BMW
ymmot, 11/14/2002
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Avoid buying this car. Have had nothing but trouble since the day we bought it. Headlight system has had to be replaced twice.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
bimmer530i, 12/20/2002
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sport Wagon (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Ever since I was 14 years old I always wanted a BMW, now Im 16 and owning a great 530i. You can't go wrong with this car; it has performance and great stability in tight corners. BMW's are truly the Ultimate Driving Machine.
Performance with a Price
Bill, 06/27/2008
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful
Just a splendid, intoxicating driving experience that had the hair on my head tingling for the first 2 months that I drove... BUT, OMG tires wore out at 15K, stabilizer bar, computer problems, display board problems surfaced at 3 yrs. $5K in repairs later (out of warranty on the listed items) and a few other "normal" expensive repairs and I am ready to sell it for a more reliable performance vehicle. Just frustrating to have to endure the financial and disappointing pain a $50,000 car should NOT give you. Be cautious when you purchase this one.
1St BMW? Skip the power
enjoymibimmer, 11/16/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first BMW. I was intent on the 530 but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. The dealer gave me a 525 Sport for 3 days. SOLD. Still after 6 months, I'm impressed with the giddup-and -go! My next BMW (2006) will be a 530 and I'm sure I'll have a renewed excitement but this 2.5 is more than fine. Caution: you will have to learn to drive all over again. Super tight handling can throw you a loop when avoiding road debris, etc. Don't worry about the cupholders. I now only allow bottled water in my car. They're low and a bit flimsey but available on eBay cheap. 6 mos. no problems and no messes; front or back.
Complete Thrill!!!
jcmet64, 07/29/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
WOW! The car is simply awesome offering comfort, luxury and PERFORMANCE! I had very high expectations and can honestly say, I'm very impressed. This is the last E39 (real BMW style) and argueably the best value/performance BMW's ever built. V8, 6-spd, awesome M5 looks, what else is there!?! No compromise!!!
540i
jamesgallo, 11/28/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is too much fun to drive. power, handling, brakes are all top shelf. powertrain is amazing as it pulls in any gear at any speed: from idle to redline. gas mileage is reasonable on highway (mid 20s), but abismal if pushed hard (which is hard to do without losing one's license). v8 is a little rougher than the i6 i had, but sounds great.
The Best of The Cutting Edge
Qais Hroub, 07/30/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Best of The Cutting Edge
An Awesome car beats the 2004 model 5
charlieF, 11/22/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is nothing short of amazing, the ride makes you literally feel like you floating in a leer jet. The build quality doesn't get any better than this, I mean there is hardly any plastic used in this car whats so ever it's all high quality vinyl. The leather is so buttery soft makes me never want to exit the car. I had previously owned a Mercedes before this, this 5 Series compared to the Mercedes is like night and day. Mercedes needs to learn what quality and reliability is then they will have more customers, like BMW..
BMW 540
Floyd, 11/06/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
definately the ultimaye driving machine
Everything I expected
hboomer7, 10/31/2002
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 530 is everthing I expected it to be. The drive is a thrill and the ride is excellent (at any speed).
This is the Last Car I hope to Own
jakedogdog, 08/03/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd BMW. I had two 328's - a 97 and a 2001. I wanted a little more room this time round. I intended to buy a 530, but this one was sitting on the lot - a program car, $10K off MSRP... I just couldn't resist the opportunity. The car had 6000 miles on it when I took delivery. I thought it had been broken in. Now, at 13000, things are really coming together. This car is balanced, strong, wonderful to drive. The only seats that I am aware of being more comfortable are the old volvo seats. But, still... No volvo drives like this. It settles in right at about 78 and is smooth smooth all the way past 120.
THE ULTIMATE MACHINE
AMILCAR, 12/10/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
MY FIRST BMW WAS A Z3 FELL IN LOVE WITH THE WAY IT HANLED ON THE ROAD... NOW I HAVE THE 525i WITH ALL THE OPTIONS, OF COURSE THE SPORTS PACKAGE...THE INSIDE IS MUCH BETTER LOOKING THAN THE NEW 2004 AND THE OUTSIDE LINES ARE ALSO BETTER....THIS CAR WILL BE A GREAT CAR TO KEEP FOR YEARS TO COME AND IT WILL ALWAYS TURN HEADS ON THE ROAD..... I'M JUST GLAD I HAVE THE 2003! VS. 2004
Wonderful at its best
roy, 06/13/2005
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car changes driving from a chore to a pleasure even ruffle your composure. the sound system is great, the insulation keeps out road noise, the seat is comfortable, and the luxury inlay is beautiful. The moonroof is fun, and the remote control key system makes you feel like a spoiled rich man. Unfortunately it has been to the dealer for repairs 10 times in under 2 years, and some of the problems, like water leaking through the back door are serious. After initially being totally in love with this car, I have begun to wonder if I would be foolish ever to buy another one.
Great Ride
bobby boy, 07/31/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Rides and handles as smooth as can be
love
tom williams, 12/10/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love this car because it handles the best i have never driven a car so exciing this car is awesome.
BMW Quality
Roc, 12/29/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car corners great. It is the most impressive feature then comes ride and handling.
Ultimate Addiction
Daniel, 10/31/2005
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The BMW 5 Series (E39) is great - its a pleasure to drive; I have on several ocassions got into the car - not because I had somewhere to go, but because I wanted to drive that baby. Cornering is amazing, the aggressive suspension will hug hairpin turns, body roll is almost non existent, I feel safe accelerating through the turns; and what's more even my passengers feel secure, the brakes stop the E39 so quickly you have to watch your rear view mirrors because not many cars will stop as effectively. Key in ignition and the car recalls my preset steering, mirror and seat positions; Yes! It's my car!! Almost aero road noise. At night the orange cock-pit lighting is just right. Well done BMW, kudos.
Sheryl
Sheryl, 08/06/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Car!!! I love this car....Family loves car and husband too
d
SKD, 08/06/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very Good itis diffetly the ultimat driving mahine. Very littl cain noise
Lexus Upgrade
panoral, 08/14/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After trading in a '99 GS400,the BMW is like another world.I took it easy for the recommended 1500 miles and got over 25mpg on a round trip of 2000 miles-at an average speed of over 65mph. The new car is quieter than the Lexus,especially at speed where the L had much more wind noise.The styling is much more appealing than the rather bland L. The only minor gripe is lack of space to store things in the console-the L had very good accomodations here. Safety seems worlds above and I had no fears about driving at 60+ in torrential downpours on the Interstate-visibility and tractin were astounding.
rafic 5 serious
rafic, 04/01/2004
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love this car i lovee the handling the performance confort every thing i like the new 5 serious way better then my causins 2003 lexus es 330
The best car I ever have
dlee9612, 05/08/2004
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first German car I own. I totally like its performance and handling. Unlike any Japanese and American cars I had before, the BMW 5 is so fun to drive. It feels solid, comfortable, and excellent build quality. It is worth the money I paid.
this car rocks
chassypoof, 03/08/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am so in love with this car. had Lexus, Had Acura. Neither comes close to the quality. Forget the high price, buy one now or be a loser!!!!
Great Car
Anthony H Jessen Jr, 07/31/2004
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Was able to get in on the factory incentives at the last minute and find the model I wanted. This car is esentially eveything I wanted in a sprots sedan.
No complaints
texbmw, 08/03/2004
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
By far the best driving car I have ever owned. I test drove both an E- 500 and the 540 and the two can't compare from a performance standpoint. The Merc is more luxurious but the BMW has the best driving experience hands down.
THE BEST SEDAN
griggsbarn, 08/17/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th BMW and my second 5- series. Although it is underpowered for me,it is a good family car. My 330cic was the keeper.
No Real Complaints
4 Time Owner, 07/31/2004
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the third 5 Series I've owned, and they keep on getting better. The extra low end torque compared to the previous 528 version is noticable. It still handles like no other mid-size sedan, and I've test driven all of them. If you enjoy precise road feel, steering, braking and cornering, this is the car to own.
2003 540i 6spd Sport
lochaven, 02/14/2009
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in Sep 03 after driving 2004 530i (liked the styling, interior, and lack of iDrive of 2003 better). Traded a 2 year old Corvette. 540i only has 85% of the Vette's performance but is 200% more refined. The manual 6 spd was a little notchy for the first few months but was smooth after that. Seat and door seal squeaks were the only quality problems I had and the dealer eventually fixed/replaced them. One dealer frustration was they didn't know why my auto-headlights didn't work after two trips the the shop. I later learned that this feature is disabled when foglights are on! After 5 years I want to buy a new car but just can't find one with better styling or performance.
good
hardcorerocker97, 08/17/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car, if ur looking for a sweet nice looking car with a good price tag this car is the one. I would recommend it for anyone, last long too.
perfect beast
dr193, 08/17/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm reviewing the 2003 M5
Best value on the road
blp, 08/17/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best performing auto ever owned. Handling, braking, economy and safety in a complete package. Absolute fun to drive.
a super automobile
hamilton, 08/26/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the 540i 6M i bought just a few months ago is a marvellous car to drive --peppy, quiet, and comfortable. it is also very safe. it is probably the best car i have ever owned.
Love my BMW
DBCAFY, 02/25/2009
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car ever build. Combination of 5 passenger seating, room for golf clubs and best of all - sports car!
bmw 5 series
jtbaer5, 08/29/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven BMWs since 1985 and this i sby far the best (technology probably is the reason). Handling for a sport sedan remains the best I can imagine. Low end power has always been less then stellar, but I accept that for the high end and sport/comfort/durability/reliability.
Ultimate Driving Machine
Yura, 12/23/2002
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Performance is not all about acceleration. 525i does not have strong pull of a 540 or an M5 but it has all the right genes, awesome handling and road manners; it is full of potential. Pleasure to drive, first car in which I do not regret talking longer way home.
As good as it gets !
itwizard, 08/31/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car after test driving several competing cars from Mercs, Lexus and Audi. I needed something with 4 doors. This 540 is an absolute beauty. It has speed, power and superb handling. Above all it feels real solid and safe while driving. Kids love it and so does the wife.