Used 2004 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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I hate that I love this car so much!
Jeff Allen, 04/28/2015
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
22 of 27 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2004 BMW 525 used with 28K miles in 2010 to be used as my commuter car. I can not stand the iDrive that BMW uses in this model year. The cup holders are officially the 10th level of hell. Tires and brakes are three times as expensive as a "normal" sedan. Repairs, though few and far between so far, are costly. Every few months I will shop around hoping to replace it, refusing to look at another BMW. Every couple of months I go test drive another round of models and makes that I cant bring myself to buy. I love my BMW! Nothing handles like it. Nothing performs like it! Nothing captivates the true essence of the drive like a BMW! Until i can find something better...
It's a trap!
Collin B, 03/02/2016
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
35 of 44 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2004 530i that I purchased in 2013 for a year and six months and 20,000 miles. In those 20,000 miles the vehicle needed more than $5,000 in maintenance and repair items, and this was a clean 1 owner example that had been meticulously maintained. It needed 4 new brake pads and rotors for $2200, 4 new tires for $1200, all new PCV hoses for $850, Spark Plugs for $300, transmission fluid and filter exchange for $900, water pump and coolant for $75 (DIY), $200 for a sunroof leak and the subwoofer it took out (DIY), and $300 in oil and filter changes. I cringe when I think about how much I spent on this car, only to have it totaled in a flood. However, it was the most solid driving, comfortable and beautiful car I have ever owned. All of the features it had worked from the heated steering wheel, to the complex iDrive system, even after 11 years and 120,000 miles. The engine still purred like a kitten, could bounce off the rev limiter, and the car would still hit 155mph and pull 0.90g in the bends just like when it was new. It never broke down, nor had any problems. All of the items listed above are either wear items, or were replaced preventatively. I can't imagine owning another BMW of this age, as the rubbers and plastics used simply don't hold up over time, however I'd definitely consider owning another newer one. This car is not for the faint of heart, and if you just need a cheap luxury car to drive everyday, I'd go for a Lexus. On the other hand, if you like to work on cars yourself, or want a fun daily driver and are willing to pay for it, the BMW is the best you'll find.
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the best
tjroseinc, 07/10/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
great fun to drive, lots of power, buttery smooth tranny, a real hot car, as close to 18 as I will ever get again, absolutely love it !!!!
Awestruck
BIMMERLVR, 10/17/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I loved everything about it so I just had to buy it. I got one of the first ones and I can rave enough about it
2004 BMW 545i (AUTO) amazing quality, amazing car!
flcarfanatic, 06/03/2012
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
29 of 38 people found this review helpful
This is one amazing vehicle! Everyone that complains about this car obviously does not or can not afford to do regular maintenance. If this is your case maybe you should go buy a KIA or Hyundai. I have owned many performance vehicles from many different car brands but the quality can not compare to my 2004 BMW 545i. Acura GSR coupe - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 - 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2007 Honda Civic SI coupe - 2008 My car now has 118,000 miles and I drive it every single day. I do not push the car hard to its performance limits, I just simply put a lot of miles on it and it takes care of me. BMW's and this 545i is truly the ultimate driving machine.
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