Used 2004 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
Used 5 Series for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Best certifed used car I have ever owned
Norm, 11/21/2010
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
I remember hearing the words "the ultimate driving experience" and I can tell you that my 2004 530i bought in 2007 with 19,138 miles on it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned....hands down! I have had no problems with this car and it drives effortlessly. Great gas mileage and fun to drive at high speeds.
Feels like wind on wheels
jdman10, 09/01/2010
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this car at a great price after someone took the hit of depreciation. I have never been more pleased with a car. The only problem I had with the car is the SES light came on after 2 months, gave me a P0102 code. Changed the MAF sensor for $150 and it hasn't complained till now. Dealer wanted 400 bucks for a 10 minute job. Can be expensive to fix, but well worth it if you can afford it. The car handles awesome and you are always under control, even when you think you are not. The engine is smooth and surprisingly quiet. I have low profile performance tires and road noise from them is way louder. I usually change my car every year, but i think this one is gonna be with me for a while.
2004 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 35 listings
- 545i SedanMSRP: $6,49097 mi away
- 530i SedanMSRP: $6,98898 mi away
- 530i SedanMSRP: $4,950326 mi away
See all 35 listings
Buy the manual
djlarroc, 10/15/2014
updated 04/17/2017
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
21 of 23 people found this review helpful
Felt compelled to add my review since it is positive and most people complain. This is my 4th BMW (3rd 5 series). All have been manual. This is another great sedan. Has been very reliable. 3 years and 25k miles. Have only had to replace a coolant sensor (cheap/easy fix). The car gets amazing HWY MPG (34ish) City 20ish. Accelerates and handles amazing. RWD, and have been caught in a few CO snow storms, and got me home. It's also a very safe car. About the only cons, is the I-drive has scared me a few times where it did not turn on, then all of a sudden turned on. But as far as mechanically, another excellent BMW sedan. 4-15-16: Still own this car. Still love this car. Still recommend the manual.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Love / Hate
Munro, 11/28/2010
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
29 of 33 people found this review helpful
I love and hate this car. the signalers still drive me nuts, there is no temperature gauge, cabin storage, can't set the radio because of the stupid I-Drive, cup holders from Hell, can't see the speedometer through the steering wheel, Setting the climate control is almost impossible (I-Drive again), Nothing about the controls is intuitive (I previously drove an Infiniti, which practically drove itself). That said, I have never driven a car that handles anywhere as well as this BMW 530i. Just give me an open road, a Valentine 1 radar detector and I am a very happy boy. I have owned this car for over 4 years and have no plans to trade or sell it. I hope to put another 100,000 miles on it!
The best car in the world
Tamra t, 09/01/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
This car has 200,000 miles on it and it runs like its brand new
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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
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 !!!!
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.
DON'T BUY ONE
rusdswan, 12/13/2009
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
14 of 18 people found this review helpful
I bought this 2004 545i in Oct 06. It had 48k miles on it and was in near perfect condition. I had problems within a month of driving it. The default light for almost every system alarmed. After 4 visits I bought a new $170 battery which fixed all the problems BMW could not. Recently the transmission default light came on. BMW offered to fix it for $8200. Ridiculous!
What a Hassle!
SLVRG35Coupe, 06/02/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Beautiful car, but has caused me nothing except problems! One day the engine wouldn't start and when it finally did the engine would rev and the Service Engine Soon light would be on. Also, the Passenger Airbag Off is always lit. To top off the trouble, today the car completely broke down! Less than 3 months old, and it is dead. Engine wouldn't start, emergency lights wouldn't work, dead! Unbelievable, nobody can believe it, this is a BMW we're talking about! I have no clue what is going to happen, but I am being dead serious. I hope and am pretty sure that this doesn't and won't happen to anyone else, but there's always a chance, so beware buyers!
A dangerous LEMON
RRand, 01/11/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I obtained this, my third BMW, with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the car was a lemon from an electrical standpoint with multiple problems from the start. The worst were that the heated seat burned through the seat leather and burned through my clothes and into my wallet which was all that saved me. Now the seat is under recall. Next the assisted steering system failed on the freeway. I have returned the car most unsatisfied!!
The best I have owned
pathmd, 10/29/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Have owned my 545i for 2 weeks. Have Z3 and X5 as well. This car is a monster on the road. Zero to 60 in 5 seconds is no exaggeration. The car is tight, assisted steering is superb. Plenty of heads turn when the car passes. Found i-drive to be no problem - basic controls are still on the dash board. Mileage overall 19.4 mpg after 800 miles. Recommend buyers get the largest engine you can afford. Nothing about this car will disappoint you. Watch your speed. Esy to hit 85- 90 mph without noticing.
1st 5 Series
Olson, 04/12/2010
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used, I adore this vehicle. I smile and actually giggle every time I click the door open. I have had a 3 series in the past and was hesitant about going to a car so much bigger. I was wrong. It handles like a demon when accelerating. The rear wheel drive in Wisconsin does require special care, but the way it conforms to me and the heated seats and steering wheel more than make up for it. I have every intention of holding on to this car for many years to come. The previous owner took such care of it, one would never believe it was used. Love, love this car, just pray it does not break in any way, expensive to fix.
270K miles and still running almost perfect
B. Enright, 10/31/2018
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I never give reviews but after driving this car for 8 years, i just have to. I bought it with 85K miles on it back in 2010. It was beautiful. Was thrilled when i drove it home from Panama City, Fl to Altanta and averaged 29 mpg. I still get the same mileage on it today. 270K miles on it and I still get people saying what a great looking car it is (white with tan leather). When I tell them how many miles, they don't believe me until I show them. I have had the typical problems which come with this car but I do almost all the work myself so its not very costly and its a very easy engine to work on. Water pumps, belts, throttles, ICV's, MAFs, you name it, I have changed it. And it has all been worth it. But now after 270K miles, its getting tired. Its burning about 1/2 qt of oil per week even though there are no leaks. Yet still has all the same power and MPG averages. It also stalls on hot days when I have the AC running. Time to let her go.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
BMW Love
T.C., 06/18/2018
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The car is great, only my 2003 Jaguar, tops it to me. I shouldn’t have waited, so long to get one. A great buy.
Now It's O.K.
Stu from Scottsdale, 10/30/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I was the first to get my 5 series in Scottsdale, AZ. I should have waited while BMW got the minor bugs out. A "run-flat" tire was bad and until it was discovered the car was vibrating so much while driving that the passengers thought the car was equipped with "vibrating" seats. Originally the dealer said that's the way the sports series drives. The service manager was NOT very accomodating and I had to complain loud and often.Then the radio- C/D player repeatedly would not play, all that you could hear was static. BMW after 5 tries finally fiqured out it was caused by the "phone module". The drivers cup holder also broke after the first use. Now I love it.
bmw545 is a fantastic car
hotbasketball, 12/23/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
fantastic power, fantastic handling, corners like a dream,,very good pickup, I recommend the upgraded seats,,very comfortable with side electronic bolsters, and articulating upper half of back seat,,,cup holders are poorly positioned as usual, and the moon roof makes alot of wind noise due to the poorly designed wind dam that has teeth that howel,,im getting the new M5 in 05
truly a driving machine
ERM, 07/24/2008
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have the 545i with the sport package. It truly is a fantastic car. I have owned it for 24 months and still have a lot of fun driving it every day. It is fast, responsive and really connects with the road beautifully. The car really performs well at higher speeds. My mechanic said "It really doesn't start breathing until it reaches 80 mph. I highly recommend this car, It is a pleasure and a joy to drive.
Worst car I've ever owned. Beautiful looking but leaves you stranded.
nickafan, 05/10/2012
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
17 of 27 people found this review helpful
The only thing this car has going for it is looks. The car is a worthless piece of crap in my opinion. I bought it with 70,000 miles and a month later, the car died. It needed a new battery and had $3,000 worth of oil leaks. My mechanic told me the oil leaks are standard maintenance on this BMW. A week later the car wouldn't start again & threw a check engine light. It needed a new thermostat, coolant, and MAF sensor. Two weeks later I discovered another oil leak at the oil pressure sensor! This is ridiculous. I've owned a 2006 Toyota from 0 miles all the way to 140,000+ miles and it never needed a new battery, never had oil leaks, never a check engine light, and it never left me stranded.
Great car but unexpected problems
Fouad, 04/13/2010
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bought brand new in 2004 and I still use it now. At first fule smell inside and dealer couldn't fix the problem till now also annoying sound from the roof like plates hitting 1. After 2 years I had to replace my suspension system for a cost of $2,200 (done by dealer) but I had to change all rft tyres because of that on my account for aboutt $2,400 2. After 3 years gearbox had to be replaced for a cost of around $7,000 (done by dealer) 3. After 4 years again I had suspension sys problem 4. Ac not cooling and compressor should be replaced for a cost of around $2,200 5. Oil level is always low according to computer screen but oil level is ok 6. Left front passenger window doesn't close any more
Unload it before the warranty expires !
junkyard2, 10/21/2012
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
13 of 21 people found this review helpful
I bought my 530i automatic with around 100K miles. First off DO NOT believe BMW that the Auto Trans fluid is "lifetime" fluid (mine was black in color) Theres no such thing. I used to do 100% of my maintenance until I bought this car. Had to have a shop do the trans ($840) I did the front brakes ($540) At around 115K it was one issue after another. At 117K at 75 mph the trans downshifts into 4th gear. The i-drive states that there is a trans malfunction code. Had the codes checked and the car was diagnosed with a bad trans. $4200 for a used one ! I loved driving the car and the mpg but WAY to expensive to maintain after warranty is out. I lost $4500 in the 7 months that I owned it !
The best car for the buck - used
dbbbbb, 09/24/2009
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th Bimmer, 2 530's, 1 325 - junk, and 1 X3 - junk... but the 530 is awesome. No problems with 50K, just normal wear and tear but the front control bushings needed replacing at 20K, engine is solid and performs gutsy for an I6, the comfort has so many option that you can't go wrong and the feel is sporty but luxurious, tight, but comfortable, tight as you want it, with all the variations in the seat controls, and all the controls are also on the passenger seat. After 2 yrs. I just found a new control for the back rest to tilt, huh, that was cool. I love the temp/ac/heat controls. You can out the screen on ac and watch the ventilation automatically fluctuate, get one!
All eyes...
H Power, 12/23/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
No regrets in getting my Black 545i. I'm totally sold except that I'm filling up gas every 4 days. I love to race my car and it looks really sexy especially with my auburn interior leather.
Awesome car - - delighted with it
Abbas, 11/13/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My first BMW but certainly not last. Excellent car with superb looks inside and out. Very fun to drive and extremley reliable. Buy the extended service - - well worth the money.
This is not what you want to buy
Ray Vega, 12/09/2006
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I don't know what's going on with this cars. The noise inside my car is never ending. We brought it to the dealer several times to replace the seals on the four doors. Acceleration is very, very, extremely poor in the 525i. You can not pass a car in the city and mine is standard transm. My a/c always smells so bad that I always prefer driving with my windows down... for the price you pay? No way! This is a 40K car! I drive very poor.
I GOT THE RIGHT ONE, BABY!!!
Bimmamma, 07/18/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for a little while now and I really like the quickness of it (mind you, I said quickness, not fastness). The handling is unbeatable!!! Doesn't seem to hug the curves like my '92 525i does but it still knows it's a Bimmer and it comes in at a close second!!!!
The best I have driven
leoklaus, 12/02/2009
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I am currently driving a 530i. It is very reliable car and so far nothing has been changed or broken. Excellent handling and comfort. I love the car and every time I drive it, it is truly a superb experience. I am a one happy owner. Of course there is still a room for improvement ... M5.
Lemon
A.Ortiz, 06/20/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The look of the car is attractive.The looks are not worth the troubles and headaches of the vehicle. It has too many electrical problems.The windows roll down automatically while the ignition is turned off. The car also beeps like it's going to flat line when the car is in motion. The dealers do not know how to fix these problems. They reset the computer for the beeping sound and put a new motor in the doors for the windows and the same problems still occur. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer for service and repairs 7 times and I just scheduled an appointment for an 8th time in 2 weeks.
Disappointed
Marilyn Fitzgerald, 03/29/2017
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
This was my 3rd BMW. I am truly in love with this car, I have taken excellent care of it. Maintenance wise, I have done everything I am supposed to do and more. It only has 75,000 miles on it. I purchased it in 2009 and repairs have been minimal until now. The computer has been in and out (works most of the time) have been to 2 different dealerships and they don't have a clue what's wrong with it. I can live with that, however, my emission system has caused the "check engine" light to be on because of "increased emissions" and was told by the dealer that the cost of repairing this would be more than the car is worth. What the heck! I live in Cobb County and am forced to get an emission sticker each year when I renew my tag. What am I supposed to do now???? I am basically driving a car that is "totaled" because of the repair. What is BMW thinking when they put such a system on a car?. Would like to hear from anyone else about this to see if this is a defect on this car and if there is anything that can be done by BMW to remedy this.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2004 BMW 525i
lulu, 10/18/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Tight steering and rapid acceleration surprising for a 2.5L engine. I-drive is complicated and requires studying the owner's manual extensively. After owning for over 2 weeks I still haven't quite gotten a handle on the I-Drive. Would like to have the navigation sytem but it is not available until March 2004 production. Don't exactly know if it will be possible to install after the fact.
Endless driving pleasure
jlbl, 03/01/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2004 BMW 530d for one year now. I am fully satisfied with it. I like driving, and driving this car is an endless pleasure. I look forward to do it everyday. The engine is diesel (turbocharged, 3 l, 6L cyl, 218 hp/4000 rpm, max speed 152 mph/4000 rpm, max torque 369 lbft/ 2000 rpm). My mileage is 20.7 mpg on downtown streets, 34.5 mpg on a mixture of highways (90-95 mph on average) mountain road. No problems to date. i-Drive is very useful in order to set preferences and leave yourself to deal dayly with only a few choice of buttons in the dashboard or the steering wheel. Brakes are efficient to the most. Last, the car is solid like a rock when it comes to a bump.
545 IA bargain
Mau, 01/19/2009
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Was able to get hold of a 2004 545 IA with 24k miles for US $28k. After having a couple of Impreza WRX rally cars and STI I decided to go comfy. I have found that the 545 is just superb. Great power (miss the turbo though), a little slow on the take offs due the heavy weight but more than happy with all the equipment and comfort. Tried the 525 and 530 - simply no comparison. V8 all the way!
Love my 530
LoveMy530/Gihugic, 10/25/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The new 5 series is a truely amazing vehicle. I've owned an A6 and driven all of the competition and the 530 is on a whole new level. This is the most quiet, smooth and feature loaded car I've ever driven. I love looking at it, sitting in it and best of all driving it. Steptronic is much improved over previous years and performance and braking are above the competition. I'd highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a true German sports sedan.
WHAT A EXCELLENT CAR
sade, 06/18/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS OUT OF MY CAR.NOW I GET LOOKS BECAUSE I WAS NOT GETTING LOOKS ON MY 98 NISSANN ALTIMA I JUST HAVE TO SAY AND GIVE IT AN EXCELLENT.
A Perfect 10!
Garrick, 10/23/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The new body looks very aggressive! The new iDrive system is much easier to use compare with the 7 series. The car's handling at corner is great! The interior feel roomy and luxury, more like a 7 series! Lots of optional equipment to choose from!
Great car
thormark, 05/12/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have the SMG transmission which is superb. Can drive as a manual when desired but also as an automatic while sipping your coffee on the way to work. The 545 is very quick and fantastic for highway driving. Super stable at high speeds. Fantastic brakes-stops on a dime.
Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine
ourtime, 08/27/2008
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought my low mileage 545i not long ago and fell in love with it the first drive home. By far, the best car I've driven and owned. With the equipped sport package it corners like no other and never leaves you questioning it's abilities. Body roll is almost non-existent. The heated steering wheel and seats are great on chilly days and everything is laid out nicely. Interior materials and build quality rival anything on the market. Love the iDrive. To combine the amount of luxury and performance this car offers is pure genius. Nothing out there like it.
Looks can be decieving
Melina, 04/25/2006
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in Germany and couldn't wait to get it back to the states. The same week it arrived I had to turn it into the dealership because, the monitor said I was out of oil. They fixed that problem. A couple of months past and one night the car went crazy. Windshield wipers wouldn't turn off, headlights, radio, interior lights were all flashing. BMW claimed to fix the problem. 2 weeks later I was at the dealership again for another "software" issue. My vehicle had been in the shop 7 times and was less than a year old. I was really disappointed with the way BMW Corporate handled the situation. I could have purchased a Neon and had less problems. I won't be purchasing another BMW.
Great car with limited frustrations
kress1, 03/26/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Drove E320, A6 before purchase of 530I. Happy I made BMW choice. Car is beautiful to look at, I was not a fan of previous 5 series looks or small interior/trunk. Car hugs the road like no other & has plenty of power/torque. My gripes in electronic failures in steering wheel not rising after ignition is turned off. Also STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT IS A PAIN. Also, side mirror turns down only 50% of the time.
THE BEST
cuzican, 03/21/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THIS CAR. YOU WILL NEVER WANT TO DRIVE ANYTHING ELSE, EVER
BMW should try again
famnp, 04/27/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Having owned a 1989 535I until 11/03, I was very happy to consider a new 5 series. When I saw the 2004 I had to have it. I love the perfomance and the handling(nothing like going over a winding road at 80 and not knowing it). I love the safety and the looks. They need to get rid of the 7 series technology. Every 6 weeks the car is at the dealer with an air bag/restraint system failure and no seems to be able to fix it.
Excels in every aspect!
Jamez Bond, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
great! I just bought mine in September, and as of yet. I have no complaints!
Sweet Engine
brusstar, 06/26/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The sweet V-8 mated to the six-speed manual make this car great fun to drive, like a sports coupe but with a decent back seat. Many question the 2004 (E60) exterior styling in pictures, but in real life people agree it looks beautiful, and does not look like every other great sports sedan of the last ten years. It just takes a little time to master the i- Drive, and it really cleans up the dashboard (other reviewers seem to forget this design benefit).
Fantastic drive
Farbton, 12/26/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Awesome car. Power is insane. There is no logical reason for having this much power other than it is a total blast to drive. Handling in turns is equally impressive. Active steering is very intuitive. No lean at all in hard turns
fun to drive
lemont, 10/30/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
bmw did and outstanding job on the new 04 5 series. the new look is sharp and the interior is even better. the new body style is a head turner and i get so many raves about how good this car looks. i've only seen two more new 5 series on the street,but once the word gets out am sure i'll be seeing alot more of them.
Not the best of best
wmc, 07/01/2008
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We purchased the 525i to replace a Q45t Infiniti. It is a different world. The BMW is much more sporty than the old pillow barge but it is not as comfortable on long road trips (we drive it to Seattle almost every year, ~ 3000 miles RT). I find the drivers seat small and cramped, although my wife likes it fine. Handling is good and the ride is adequate. The 4 year $0 maintenance is good and it was needed. A lot of small problems including a bad window motor, broken cup holders, dashboard computer replaced.
E60 aka "Dire Wolf"
SK Davis, 09/18/2008
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My first BMW, but not my last. I bought this car with 66k miles. Tight like a drum--no rattles, no issues, just a clean used car. Says something about design AND previous owner. The 5 is the touchstone of sports sedans. Responsive, tight, and the 3.0 is quick, but not impressively fast (nor is it meant to be). Sports package brings it all together. And the iDrive? Get over it, iDrive is convenient, easy, and keeps the dash layout clean and elegant. I recently did a 1000 mile trip with my wife, 3 kids, and a full trunk. 29 mpg @ 82 mph. Not bad. Could be better 'round town, though. Oh, and the color? Copper Metallic. Very cool.
BEST PERFORMANCE SEDAN
pnoce, 11/22/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
TEST DROVE THE AMG E- CLASS. FELL IN LOVE WITH THE BMW. BOTH PRICE AND PERFORMANCE