Used 2003 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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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.
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
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My BMW journey started in 1980
Bill in Nashville, 10/01/2006
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
at the age of 17. The father of a close friend of mine purchased a 1980 528i and was kind enough to on occasion let me drive it. The experiences driving that car ignited a passion for German automobiles that I have today some 26 years later. For various reasons though I have never owned a BMW... until last week. Test driving the 525i last week was like traveling back in time. From the distinct engine sound and scent of BMW leather to the almost identical cockpit like instruments I was hooked all over again... this time, though, a picture on the fridge wouldn't do. BMW engineers developed decades ago a sensory attacking machine that words cannot describe - one must drive it to understand it.
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!
Very Happy 525iT owner
WDD, 10/19/2006
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it certified preowned and love it. For an avg family it's a great car and very fun to drive. I have a 91 240SX that I'm having a problem giving up, but this is just as fun to drive and much more comfortable. I've been getting 26 to 29 mpg and the interior is comfortable and relaxing on the hwy. Overall I love it. I got the newest GPS disks and it made the GPS much more usable. The original 2001 disks were very weak in rural areas. I've owned it for 4 months now and am very happy with the decision.
A Great Transition
euroman540i, 03/21/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in a Porsche Carrera for my 2003 540iA three weeks ago and it has been a joy! I had owned a BMW 3 and less muscular 5 series in the '80s and was amazed at the brand's tremendous qualitative evolution over the past 13 years. The 540iA is simply the best car I've ever owned - bar none. With its world-class performance, safety features and elegant design, I would ethusiastically recommend this outstanding car to anyone who appreciates combining true value with a great motoring experience.
BMW 5 Series
mrm, 03/23/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nothing drives or performs like a BMW.
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.
Buy one if you can...
ERA, 09/08/2006
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well-rounded car is an understatement. Great torque & power, smooth inline 6, best exterior design BMW ever made, handles really well for a large car. Only regret is not buying a new one because I know I would have babied the car a lot better.
Former M3 Driver
A pleasure to drive, 09/16/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As a former M3 owner, I was concerned about this cars performance. Not anymore. Equipped with the sport package and 5 speed Steptronic transmission, understanding that this car is not a hot rod, acceleration is excellent, while handling is formidable. Fuel consumption overall has been 21.1 mpg according to to vehicles computer. This car provides for me what is necessary to be considered a true sport sedan.
The best for the money
Kristal, 12/27/2002
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is simply the best one for the money. It has an excilent ride and manners. It sounds increable and is unbeliveble comfortable at any speed. Truly the best. Can't wait for the new one!
525 with M package
haas311, 01/26/2007
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is probably the best car that I have ever driven, and I test drive cars for fun sometimes. This is not a cup holder type car especially if you have a stick shift, which doubles the fun for me. I dont eat, drink, or do much of anything else but totally enjoy the daily driving experience. I love spending 2 hours washing it inside and out. It does not have a lot of horse power but the torque made a Mustang GT seem like a turtle to me. I will probably never get rid of it.
Enjoying it
nb525, 08/08/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just put 1000 miles on it in two weeks and enjoyed every minute of it. Have been driving the solid Volvo 940 and sporty Maxima, 525 is much better than the sum of the two. Hope the 525 will last even longer (240k for Maxima, 240k Volvo is still running).
A stunning performance
Harry7558, 04/13/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got more than what I had bargained for-the power and torq with the steptronic is just amazing, has nimble handling and a true sport feel. Interior/exterior workmanship/design is excellent, although the cup holders and stereo could use redesigning. Love the navigation; I'm surprised at how accurate it is. All in all - I would highly recommend this car for family (excellent safety features) or fun/leisure. I would also highly recommend Ulysses at East Bay BMW in Pleasanton, CA. They were all just Excellent! p.s:use the speed limit sensor (included with the onboard computer) you never know when you'll hit 100!! :-)
BMW 525i
jerroldl, 08/13/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is by far the best automobile I have ever owned. They call the BMW the ultimate driving machinem and they have the right to do so.
The pleasure of owning a BMW530i (2003)
J. Fabel, 04/15/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handles as you would dream about. Fuel milage has been 39mpg crusing on Freeways. So many amenities that I am still refering to the owners manuel to use them to the fullest. The ride is excellent as is the response when needed. I'm a BMW530i fan for life. Unless BMW brings out something better in the future.
BEST CAR
DSANJ, 09/04/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
BEST CAR I EVER LEASED AND I HAVE LEASED OVER 20 CARS
2003 540i - Ultimate Driving Machine!!!
J.J., 04/09/2007
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you're like me, and don't like what BMW has done to the interior of the new 5 series than you'll love the 540i. It's still a "driver's" car with the interior cantered to the one behind the wheel. Having just purchased a pre-owned with relatively low miles this car is going to be a collector's car someday. It's the last of a BMW classic. The thick steering wheel in the M sports package add to the 540i's overall handeling and driving sensation. The engine is more than enough and commands repect even amongst it's peers. Fun, superb road handling, saftey and style define everything that has built BMW to what it is today. If you're not into the new look and confusing iDrive, the 540i is it!
The Best
WJB, 04/18/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It may be the final generation of cars that really looks like a BMW. Drives and handles beautifully. 530 probably a better choice for extra power, but the 525 really doesn't feel anemic on the highway. Gorgeous interior, high grade materials, quiet and comfortable. I'm sure the future generations of BMW will be impressive, butI'm glad I grabbed one of the last of this breed.
My first BMW
magic32, 09/03/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first BMW . . . now I know why they call it the ultimate driving machine!
Love it
Jaykayd, 04/20/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fast, powerful and so much fun to drive... just wish the clutch didn't go so quickly... also had a transmission problem that required a switch. Other than those problems, and a niggling window rattling problem, it's a dream car.
Love it!!!!
sean neill, 09/24/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car i ever ownd.... but i am going to trade it in for the new one
Great car to drive...
jcc, 09/22/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was going to buy the 325i, but changed my mind with a week before I actually bought the 525i. With the new design coming out next month, this car is by far the best value out there if you are looking to buy a BMW right now. Great car to drive for years. Test drive one and turn a few corners, you'll understand why.
GRRRR, Love the Power
DCNH, 04/26/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This will be my 3rd BMW. I have owned the 3 series in the past. I love the power/torg of the 540. Handling is superb for a V8. Extremely comfortable and queit on the 18' wheels. Plenty of room in front / rear. Xlnt highway car. Going 80 mph feels like 30.
BMW 530i - You gotta drive one!
diggertoo, 09/29/2007
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased used in great condition. The suspension system is incredible. The car feels like it's glued to the road and is the smoothest and most comfortable riding car I've ever driven. With a bad disk in my back, the lumbar system can be adjusted to make even longer trips very comfortable. The air vents in the dash provide circulation throughout the car, without hitting anyone directly in the face. And the sound system... if you close your eyes you would swear you were live at a concert. The sound system with 10 speakers and 2 subwoofers is that good and the list of other useful features could go on and on.
My Dream Car Lives Up to My Expectations
LadyTLS, 09/24/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car new in January 2003 and have been grinning ever since. The ride is a great combination of luxury and performance -- meaning you ride in comfort but you still feel connected to the road. And when you hit the gas, you know you've got power under the hood ready to meet your needs. I also had to take a quick evasive manuever once when another car turned in front of mine, and I quickly discovered that this car handles like a champ!
2002 BMW 525i
DianeRD, 04/28/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love our BMW 525i! It's fun to drive, feels very solid, and looks like a million bucks. Several young MPs have commented when I stop for ID check at West Point, "Nice car, ma'am." Now that's nice for a 60-year- old to hear!
A Rocket Ship at the Right Price
Miami Vice, 08/10/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased a 540i with Nav in June 2003. My 4th BMW and what a delight to drive the 38 miles R/T to work. No problems so far. The best part was the deal...paid invoice with a trade. You can do better now with an under invoice deal. The time to buy is now.......but it's your $$$
Car
peacemaker353, 04/15/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THE CAR IS GREAT! IT IS ONE OF THE BEST CARS THAT I HAVE DRIVEN IN MY LIFE!
Great car - could use more hp & torque
interceptor, 01/03/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great handling car with the sports package. Responsive and precise. Although the interior is smaller than most of its competitors, its exterior is still the best in my mind. Aggressive, sporty and purposeful without being trendy and tacky.
What a car !
BMWFan, 12/05/2002
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is truly a joy to drive. The Sports Package makes it especially fun and the 5 speed gearbox is a blast. My advice to anybody looking to buy a 5 series is to buy it now, before they switch over to the new 5 next summer. I believe the 530 offers the best price/performance trade off.
530i
guy colvin, 09/24/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I have owned. 3.0 liter engine has reasonable power for the money but the 4.0 would be better. 5-speed manual trany is fun to drive but not always as smooth as I would like (could be my fault to). Have 7K miles on it and have had no warranty or other issues.
Never Again
Scott, 08/04/2008
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Being stationed overseas I figured it was time to buy a new BMW. I owned this car for 4.5 years, replaced all 4 rotors three times, also replaced 4 of 6 ignition coils throughout my ownership. All under warranty, luckily. Replaced the cub hold assembly, too easily broken. It's great to drive especially on the German Autobahn, but the headaches of maintenance were too much. I sold this car and after three months the new owner e-mailed and said the ignition coil went out.
The best car I've ever own
Charlie IL, 01/08/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My BMW 540I 6 Speed is my fourth BMW. I have own 2 Mercedes Benz 3 other BMW's but the BMW 540I has to be the best car. I love the way it handles cornering, stopping, power, perfornmance over all. The styling of the exterior as well as the interior of the car has to be one if not the most sexiest one. I also like the fact that I feel very safe while driving it, where on other cars I don't get that feeling. The BMW 540I is the best car to drive.
Best BMW I've Owned
chb, 09/29/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned 4 5-series and 1 7-series and my husband had a M6 and a M3 and this is the best BMW yet. My last 5 was a 2000 540i Sport 6 speed also. I could not believe the difference between the new one and the old one. The handing is super, the suspension wonderful. I love to drive it.
Best sports sedan period
ali kayani, 01/21/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one good looking and awesome sports sedan. It is very comfortable and luxorious and sporty sedan. The interior is very fine. The materials used are quality and the car is quite agile and solid. No doubt it wins all its comparisons. If u want a quality sexy sports sedan then buy the BMW 5 series sedan with sports package
The 5 sets the standard!
bmwmrc, 09/29/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the handling, fit and finish, and yes even the power of the vehicle, even though it's missing a little bit of horse power. The car however, is a dream to drive. I compared it to others in it class including Lexus, Acura and Saab and nothing drives or feels like the ultimate driving machine!
Best Sport Luxury Perfomance Sedan
K-Kar, 10/01/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second 5 series I've purchased in 5 years. I really think the technology in the 2003 has hit the mark.
Best New car I've ever purchased
Larry oliver, 04/26/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car was flawless from day one. There were no factory defects to address!!! The 525i has plenty of power. I couldn't justify spending another $3,100 for the 530i. The only other option I would have gotten is an automatic diming rearview mirror. My previous vehicle was a 95 Ford Windstar, no comparison!
The best
Dayo, 01/04/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best car you can own
The Ultimate Test Drive
Bimmer FIEND, 04/26/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove this vehcle with my father and I am hooked on it. The ride quality is superb on the suburban roads. Unlike my dad's Buick Park Avenue, this car absorbs bumps and immediately recovers whereas our Buick bounces for a while after. Pulling onto the freeway my dad (I do not yet have a license) just tapped the gas and we were off. I probably would've floored it. Even mild acceleration is a rush though. GREAT at cornering. This car cruises very well. BMW is loosing fans fast, however, with there new designssuch as the Z4 and the upcoming new 5. Why mess with such a good thing.
This Car is Wonderful!
Califlygirl, 09/24/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car makes me smile every time I slip into it and take it for a ride! It is smooth, extremely well-built, lovely to look at and is recommended highly.
Pretty fenomenal
EnthusiastDriver, 02/03/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second 540i 6spd I own, replacing a '98. Performance, reliability, workmanship are incredible. I did Euro delivery for both cars, and it added to the experience. Overall, the price/performance ratio is incredible. Best car I ever owned.
Best Performance Sedan
Antonio Valla, 01/12/2005
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this car. I had numerous VW's (GTI, 2 Passats, New Beetle), and a BMW 325i Touring, but always lusted after the "5". When I realized the 2004 was going to get the Chris Bangle treatment, I went out and bought one of the last 2003 available.
THE BEST BMW EVER
Louis Sanchez, 02/04/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Best BMW ever. I have had 4 BMW's and my new 540 has to be the best car ever. Its fast, handles well, and it Performance like a true champion should. the BMW 540 6M has some sexy lines and has more to offer.
Awesome Experience!!!
KTB, 02/15/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Without a doubt this is a awesome automobile. I love the joy getting behind the sports steering wheel.From those beautiful/masculine 17" wheels, sports package, premium package and the very cool xenon headlights to the cold winter package I love how the car handles, how the engine responds cruising at 70mph and it's ability to zoom up to a higher speed in a matter of seconds. The only problem is finding the time to drive as much as I'd like.
Awesome fast sporty sedan
BMW 540iA, M5 susp, 04/19/2009
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 540iA new before the body style changed and I'm glad i did. I tested the 6 speed manual first but the sales rep convinced me to buy the automatic with manu-matic shift. The car is fast yet unassuming. My 540iA came with the M5 sports package complete with M5 steering wheel, suspension/brakes and front/rear spoilers. I was shopping for an M3 as I was already driving a 1998 528E but the M3 was too small - am so glad I made the right decision. I would recommend the 540ia to any sports, luxury and German car enthusiast.
Nice Driver
Sports Car Fan, 10/24/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First BMW I've owned but its a real driver's car. Having had recent STS's which disappointed me, the BMW is a real sports sedan. Well worth the price.
03 BMW
jeff epperson, 10/25/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Second BMW, its all it claims to be.
After its fifth birthday
dmotzev, 07/08/2008
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just recently, I happened to trade in a six months old Japanese coupe for this 5 year old German saloon. What a difference! This is my first personal BMW and although it has almost 60000 miles on it, it feels tight and responsive. In fact, I test drove an E60 530i before I bought this one, but it just did not feel right. The combination of the M Sport package, the Premium package and the manual transmission creates an extremely convenient, yet amazingly looking everyday driver. Navigation is handy, but costs money to keep up-to-date. If you prefer adrenaline pumped driving, better look for a 540i/M5, but if you do not require extreme performance, you are going to love this car!