Used 2003 BMW 5 Series Wagon Consumer Reviews
Used 5 Series for sale
Sportswagon review
satch59, 08/27/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My kids can't understand why I have a wagon, instead of a big SUV. I can park any where, low center of gravity, and it's a sports car with a big trunk.
Electronic Gremlins
veinr, 09/05/2009
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car a little over a year ago and have spent approx. 2K in repairs. The radiator is plastic as is the water pump impeller motor. It had several oil and hydraulic leaks which I had repaired. The rear tires wear on the inside quite rapidly due to camber settings with the independent suspension. The battery burned a hole in itself and I've had several turn signal issues, lights burning out, shorts etc. Right now I'm getting a low oil pressure light at idle even after replacing the sending unit. The cupholders and interior buttons are very cheap. Other than that, this is a really fun car to drive. The motor is bullet proof. I got 23mpg on a recent trip with 3 bikes on the roof rack.
2003 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
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This isn't your mothers wagon!
srw66, 02/01/2004
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sport Wagon (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
While it is true the sport suspension gives you precise feedback, I find the handling and roadfeel to be one of the best characteristics of the car. For those who are looking for a true perfomance car with the practicality of a wagon look no further. Put four snow tires on the car and winter is no issue. For those seeking to drive your living room this is not the car for you. The BMW 540ia wagon sets the standard for fit and finish among it's rivals, and passes them in so other many characteristics and qualities. This is a car I can drive for 8 hours continually arriving without an ache.
Great car but get extended warranty
dcdriver, 10/27/2004
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought our 2002 525 wagon new at the end of 2001, and it has been a great experience on the whole. The car is a joy to drive. It has also turned out to be practical for a family with young kids and a dog, and there is little that you can fit in an SUV that can't be coaxed into the back of this wagon. Our only complaint is that some of the electronics and interior fittings are not wearing well. Both of the front power seats have already failed, the stereo has had to be replaced, and numerous plastic fittings have fallen off. Our dealer told us that power seat failures are very common and a design flaw. Very expensive repair off warranty (which we are not yet).
good but not perfect
hrp, 05/29/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sport Wagon (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The BMW 540i is fun to drive but lacks interior comfort. Why can't they build a car with the comfort of a Lexus or Mercedes on the interior with the good looks of a BMW on the outside. I have owned three Mercedes and ejoyed their interiors and comfort but always thought the drive was not spunky or exciting. The 540i delivers a thrilling ride and wonderful handling, but I miss the comfort. Am I too old for this car?
Best value in the BMW line
OC dude, 02/24/2005
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Got this car as a demo with 7000 miles on it. Paid $37000 for a fully loaded car w/ every possible option. The 2.5 engine surprise me with its get up and go, especially if it's put in Sport Mode. I've had 4 adults in this car and still drive great with wonderful acceleration on the on-ramp. Build-quality is much better compared to my 2004 330Ci; definitely a step up from the 3-series. This car's interior is timeless compared to the spartan design of the new 5 series; quality of material and leather seeems to be of better quality; compare it for yourself and save yourself a whole lotta money by buying the previous generation 5.
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.
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.
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!
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.
530 Lives Up to its Name
Jay Emm, 07/15/2003
2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.