2003 BMW 5 Series Review
2003 BMW 5 Series Review
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Used 5 Series for sale
Appraise This CarBMW 5 Series model years
BMW 5 Series types
- Wagon
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Thrilling to drive, superb ride quality, upscale interiors, wide range of trim levels, clean exterior styling.
Cons
- Some confusing interior controls, demanding manual transmission, high-end models are pricey.
What’s new
This is your last chance to get a traditionally styled 5 Series -- next year, its styling becomes more closely aligned with the controversial 7 Series. For now, BMW will offer a DVD-based navigation system for the existing 5 Series -- but alas, you must still give up an in-dash CD player if you opt for the nav system. Besides that, rear head protection airbags (optional last year) are now standard across the line. Additionally, all six-cylinder models get a standard moonroof. Standard on the manual-shift 540i (and optional with the automatic) is a new sport package that includes 18-inch wheels, a revised sport suspension, front and rear spoilers, visible exhaust outlets, black side molding, a black headliner, titanium-ringed gauges and an M footrest for the driver. Finally, the 525i gets a new alloy wheel design, and its premium package now includes rain-sensing wipers.
Edmunds says
Upcoming redesign notwithstanding, the 5 Series is an excellent midsize luxury car, whether you choose the high-performance 540i or a comparatively basic 525i wagon. If you can afford one, we'd highly recommend it.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.32 per gallon for premium unleaded in Florida.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Florida
$245/mo for 5 Series 525i
5 Series 525i
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 BMW 5 Series.
5 star(88%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
228 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Das Auto!!
T Embich, 03/15/2016
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Purchased our 2003 530i a little over a year ago. Got it for $5K and at 130K miles. I do most of my own repairs and I've never seen such awesome engineering on a car. It's a pleasure to work on if you are into car repair.
Driving it is a real thrill that never gets old. We've taken it on several long trips and it just loves the open road. Seats are amazingly comfortable. Usually … back seats are a weak point in most sedans but this BMW has very comfortable rear seats. Gas mileage on a combined city/highway commute is about 25 mpg. For a 24 valve 6 cylinder that is very good mileage. Hope to keep this beauty for the foreseeable future.
4.75 out of 5 stars
They Don't Make Them Like This Anymore
DMan, 08/20/2010
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Purchased from a private party with 25K on the odometer. Currently have about 99.4K miles on it. This has been far the most reliable car we've ever owned - Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Mazda. When you do basic maintenance yourself, ownership costs are somewhat comparable to many other brands. Just have to keep an eye out on the cooling system, heard that this was/is the weakest part of the … E39's (so far no problems with mine). Average MPG during summer months: 24-27
5 out of 5 stars
164K and still a true road car!
Corey Stark, 03/04/2016
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
I just bought my 525i a couple of weeks ago. I have owned a couple in the past---328xi and an X5. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about buying a car with so many miles on it but I was really up against the wall. WIth 4 kids in college, my funds were limited. But I just loved the ride. I am 6'2" and 240lbs and an ex football player. Needless to say, I need my comfort. This car … handles me just fine. I bought it and decided to take it on a road trip with my sweetheart. We went from MPLS, MN to Albuquerque, NM and back...then went to Lewistown MT!! No issues at all. Speed limits were 80 mph! This vehicle just loves the open road. Comfortable---even at the gas pumps. Considering my speed we still managed over 26.6 mpg overall for our 5k trip. Performance is totally acceptable, quiet cockpit, and the handling---oh my, the handling. There is simply nothing like a BMW on the road---it is happiest there! Now just after purchase I did get stuck with a crank ventilation valve issue. $1043.00 at the dealer. and the ABS system is on the bug. But I am pretty old school and never liked ABS anyway. Dealer said it wont hurt the car not to fix ($1700.00 plus $400 for reprograming) so I am running it as is. The one previous owner took good care of this vehicle. So as far as a recommendation goes for this car, I would have to say that I recommend it highly. CHeck it out thoroughly when you come across one with higher miles on the clock. Then take it to a BMW dealer and have it scoped--about $150.00. Trust me---get this done! Then you can be very comfortable with your purchase.
5 out of 5 stars
168K and still going strong!
papatago, 06/28/2014
2003 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
This car is amazing!
Bought it in '05 with 7K on it and now I have 168K and still solid, well built and reliable!
If you can DIY some things, you can save a grip of $$$ and still have one of best cars built, period! Heavy car and going through tires is going to be an issue but nothing beats this car on the open road!
I drive from northern CA to southern CA twice a month 700+ miles and … 30+MPG can compare with a lot of hybrids out there...but no hybrid is as fun to drive. It truly is the Ultimate Driving Machine!
2003 5 Series Highlights
Wagon
525i
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $39,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $268/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 32.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 5 Series include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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