Used 2003 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

525 with M package

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.

A stunning performance

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!! :-)

Car

THE CAR IS GREAT! IT IS ONE OF THE BEST CARS THAT I HAVE DRIVEN IN MY LIFE!

The pleasure of owning a BMW530i (2003)

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.

2003 540i - Ultimate Driving Machine!!!

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

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.

Love it

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.

Best New car I've ever purchased

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!

GRRRR, Love the Power

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.

The Ultimate Test Drive

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.

BMW 530i - You gotta drive one!

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.

2002 BMW 525i

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!

What a car !

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.

4 door Porsche

I got the 540i with the Sports package. Massive 18" rims are incredible. The car has an amazing ride over rough serfaces, yet feels like a stiff sports suspension when needed. It handles on a dime. This machine plain out halls a**. 0-60 in 6 seconds. You have to use the cruise control or get in trouble. I drove a new Boxster, and really believe this car out accelerates and handles the 2 seater.

POWER...

This is my 2nd BMW (former was a 330ci). Bought a brand new 540i this past weekend, and the increase in power and speed is just well beyond my expectation. The amazing thing is that this 540i cruises at 80 mph with the rpm hovering around 2500. When it accelerates, it does nimbly and with such power and control. I am in my mid 30's, and I think this car is just perfect for that age group. The 540 version asks for a lot of $$$, but I think it's worth it if you can afford it. A nice compromise for people who want power but not the price and power in an M version.

My 6speed dream come true!

Took delivery on this black on black 6 speed 540i 2 weeks ago. First test...700 miles to Scottsdale and back. In a word...IT BLEW ME AWAY! The powertrain is an art form! Low end torque incredible. The cars build quality is so strong that you become oblivious to speed. Ride and handling impeccable. Interior build/sound quality is excellent. Fit, and finish wonderful. I'm so glad that I didn't drop $65K on a Lexus convertable instead. This was my first BMRr and now I'm a convert for life. Next stop...a companion M3 convertable for my 6 mile RT commute to work!

What a car !

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.

The best driving machine around

Had dreamt about owning it for a long time. Finally my day came and after 2.5 years, I still have the same excitement feeling about owning. I look at it in awe. Athletic, safe, roomy, and humble at the same time. If you buy one, I suggest the European delivery program so you can see how this machine performs cruising at 150 MPH in the autobahn. Very tight, and and hear the engine purr at that speed!

The Last 5 Made By God

When we stroll through the annals of automotive history, I don't think that any car quite embodies all aspects of a perfect car like the 5 Series. Power, handling, comfort, economy, style, it's all there, and in droves. I do not think that anyone has ever built a more refined vehicle than this generation of the 5.

My 9th Bimmer with no surprises

Picked up my 6 speed Black on Black in April 2003, with no surprises. I've got 5,000 road miles already. This car is truly a great performer. I've had BMWs from 1983 to now and the improvements in performance has come a long way. This by far is the best E39 I've had. The more mileage this car gets, the better it runs.

525ia - awesome

great perfromance on the 2.5, don't need the 3.0 as I "stepped down" from a X5 4.4, love the deisgn, all he features, the only thing that BMW needs to introduce is an in-dash CD changer

540iA Sport

Just purchased a 540iA Sport 1 month ago before the 2004 model ruins the 5 Series in a few months. It's a perfect driving machine. Steptronic Transmission is smooth. Handling is BMW. 18" wheels not too rough and cornering feels great, especially with the sport seats. Titanium silver metallic paint with black interior the best combination. Instrument panel just as good as an Audi. Sports package and premium sound option musts (a hint of M helps). No problems or glitches so far.

Still love this car after 5 years

This has been a great car. Fun to drive, fast, extremely comfortable (the sport seats are wonderful for me - the only car I can drive for hours with no lower back pain), very reliable, and looks great. With the 6-speed manual transmission, I also get decent mileage considering the size and power of this car - 21 in mixed city/hwy, and mid-to-high 20s in all hwy driving. BMW makes some very nice cars but I don't see a new one I would trade this car for.

Air Conditioning odors

There is a terrible odor which is created by mold growing from condensation on the air conditioner. BMW has not been able to fix it. After futhur research I have found that this is a common problem on the 5 series. If you read the owners manual carefully you will see that BMW is aware of this problem, and has choosen to address the problem by saying that condenstion is normal. What a joke!

BMW 530i

Great car. Love at first sight. I knew I would buy it as soon as I walked in the dealer.Then reality sets in. Seems like I'm in the shop every six months. Last time the fuel pump or the pump sensor or relay? They didn't know. But after three trips in and almost $600.00 (Again!), I'm ready for a Ford again. It was fun but unless I win the lotto I'm done with BMW.

530 Lives Up to its Name

Excellent performance, responsiveness, and handling. The sport package gives performance tires and improved suspension that grip the road & offer a smooth ride. The premium package pampers you with soft Montana Leather, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and rain sensing wipers that function well. Heated seats are great in cold weather. Interior is well insulated. The vehicle accelerates well (0-60 in 6.8) and runs at 2900 RPMs at 90 MPH. The 530i is very adept at accelerating from 60 to 80 quickly. Spacious in the front and back, with 10-way power front seats. Seat, mirror and steering wheel settings can be programmed into your key.

5 Series Excellence

The 5 Series 2003 model is the apex of design and build excellence. The six cylinder (an engine BMW has perfected) is smooth, quick and dependable. The sport package (with rims and M steering wheel) is well worth the price. Buying this vehicle in 2003, before the new controversial style, was the smartest auto purchase I've ever made. The 2004 has considerable shoes to fill. Keep in mind that this version of the 5 series scored the highest rating ever in Consumer Reports. Ever.

It's been a great car