Used 2004 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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.
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.
2004 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
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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
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.
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
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
JaniceSmIth, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
THIS CAR IS AMAZING! I LOVE IT! Its drives so nice!
The 5 drives fine
BimmerUser, 12/11/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just finished my first 1k in it.Sports package variable ratio steering is great,feels like a smallercar. Can be tricked into over compensating though. Nice grip from the MXMs but the brake feel is a tad bit mushy.6 spd auto is nice with the torquey inline6.There isn't the 2nd push you'd expect past 4k+. Low end is nice.Ergonomics are a bit off:Driver cupholder is too far away to use safely while driving. iDrive is nice but unuseable when driving. Sound Sys controls menus are stupid and non-intuitive, requiring too many steps to change CDs. Unable to change CD in changer from steering wheel.CD changer in the back of the glove compartment a dumb idea.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AD545, 11/16/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had the car for two weeks now, love it! simply amazing.
Miserable $60,000 Car
Rich D., 11/28/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car, while brilliant in performance characteristics, is utterly unreliable. With only 23,000 miles driven, the list of mechanical and electrical problems I have experienced are too numerous to mention. Suffice it to say that this car and the BMW service from the dealer where the car were purchased have provided me with the worst car ownership experience I have ever had. Although born in Germany, I will never purchase another German made car - Japanese cars are simply far superior - an imperceptible loss in performance is worth the peace of mind of knowing you own a reliable, well built machine.
Get One
PK, 12/27/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
unbelievable power, silky smooth.... I have sports pkg--the handling is terrific..can be driven aggressively but still has great manners...the car is stunning, beatiful-i have titanium silver. Premium sound is great. MB doesnt have the power and looks like an old man's car.(exception..E55 AMG for 20-30K more)
Best car I've ever owned
dtpi, 11/28/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I traded up from a Merz C-Class to the 525. Both cars are great cars but I needed a little more room. The 525 offers that and more.
going to MB
MrBreadToast, 05/11/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
trading it in because of all the electronic problems. Nothing but a hassle
A Great Car
Skipper2, 12/19/2008
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car in 04 which was the initial build for the new style. I must say that I am very happy. It is now December of 2008 and I still love this car. I did purchase the extended warranty and service plan which covered me for 100,000 miles. I have not invested a penny in this car except tires at 80,000 miles and gas. There were some nuances with the programming at the beginning but they were taken care of for free. The ride comfort and handling are both great. As a matter of fact my wife purchased 2 3 series because of our love of my car. My wife and I also took the BMW Performance school and loved the performance. It was a rainy day and we were able to max out the performance.
Well, well, well
Bimmamma, 02/06/2008
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for three years now. Although, I really dig this car, I must say it really doesn't handle well in the snow. I've gotten stuck plenty in the snow over the last three years. BMW needs to do something about better winter performance or I will be forced to purchase other vehicles and leave Bimmers alone completely. I can't believe I said that but my safety and well-being come first. My neighbor has a Chevy Cobalt and it gets around better in the snow than my Bimmer EVER could. BMW better think of customer safety if they want my continued business!
FACTORY DEFECTS
MURRAY, 02/07/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
POOR QUALITY OF IGNITION COILS THAT WERE INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION AND VERY POOR SERVICE ANALYSIS ( SO FAR TOOK 3 TIMES TO CORRECT) BY PRESTIGE MOTORS IN RAMSEY NJ MADE THE OWNERSHIP OF THIS 525I LESS THAN SATISFACTORY. IN SHORT THE SERVICING DEALER COULD NOT CARE LESS ABOUT THE CUSTOMER. THIS WELL KNOWN IGNITION PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND CORRECTED PRIOR TO DELIVERY.
Not for real road driving
Los Angles, 09/02/2006
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
Nice and fun car to drive, but not for real road driving apparently. Drove thru a puddle of water over a dip (deepest part 15 in), killed the whole engine by hydrolock (in a 2 years old car!) Air intake valve in this car is a lot lower than most of the cars (behind the front bumper). So it only looks good in the showroom and drives well in a closed course? Better wish it never rains in your area. We'll never buy a BMW again.
The New 5
BoyOboi78, 09/24/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 9 people found this review helpful
Test drove today the new 530i, Still a very nice car to drive Great steering and handling with excellent ride quality, comfort and highway quietness. Interior no longer seems to have the edge like the previous 5 did but still not bad at all, still nicer the the New Mercedes Benz E-Class.
Transmission fault
daisy2, 08/06/2010
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 12 people found this review helpful
Transmission fault came on and then i have to stop in the middle of the road to restart for light would go off . This is the worst BMW ever the car only have 85k . and my friends has a kia with more miles and there no problems with his car even the BMW shop tried to fix the car but they fix the wrong thing, i hate i ever got this car
Luxury!
hand77, 12/14/2012
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 28 people found this review helpful
This is the first of many BMW's that I will own! This car's interior is amazing for a 2004! Heated everything, power everything! The iDrive wasn't too hard to figure out after a few weeks of owning. It doesn't save my presets to my radio, but that's fine I use my phone. There is no performance to this car, it is VERY slow, but the luxury makes up for it.
EXHILARATING & WORTH EVERY PENNY
FS, 11/23/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You're driving onto the entrance ramp of a major freeway, and you press slightly down on the accelerator: Your vehicle leaves you behind at the ramp! It handles extremely well on curves and corners. The vehicle is very well insulated but not enough to where you don't hear the roar of the engine. An excellent ride-- not too soft and not to tight/bumpy. Overall, the best vehicle in this class!
GREEN MACHINE
EASYED, 06/12/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The sports package tires and rims do not meet the rough roads (potholes,etc.). Expect out of pocket costs (new tires/new rims )potentially after 25,000 miles. Out of pocket costs could near $3,000. Also, three recalls to date, which are not what I expected in a $60k vehicle. Cupholders are terrible!!!
04 530i
Jimb, 11/20/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent car to lok at and drive. The interior could us a little more luxury and the simplified i-drive works extremely well. The exterior is a welcome change to the boring look of the previous exterior and the drive is much improved.
2004 BMW 530
TCD1, 11/22/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car overall is awesome. I'm disappointed in the quality of the sound system for the stereo/CD and the CD storage in nonexistent.
GREAT
STEPHANIE, 11/22/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is really GREAT!
GIVE IT A TEST DRIVE
LANCE, 11/22/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
GIVE IT A TEST DRIVE. THE VEHICLE SPEAKS FOR ITS SELF. LEARN TOO USE THE I-DRIVE AND ITS MANY FEATURES.
New 525i is Sweet
Woody the Terp, 10/25/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The new 5 series is a completely different car in all aspects -- comfort, handling, sophistication, and luxury. I opted for the 6-speed manual just for the fun of it, and with the smaller 6 cylinder engine, I thought it would be a help. I test drove the automatic, though, and that would have been fine. For about 4 grand more, you can get the 530i. The extra horsepower [225 I believe]makes a huge difference in acceleration from 40mph - other than that, I felt the 525i's power was more than adequate.
love the drive
ridevegas, 11/22/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is amazing to drive. Handles like a dream. Plenty of power. I have owned 2 BMWs before and this is by far the best! I-drive is GREAT and much improved over that of the 7 series.
Dot the "i"
Jack Furlong, 11/22/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
04 has a demonstrably better ride and feel than 03. Exterior is too close to a G35 for my taste. iDrive is utter waste of time:distracting, expensive, worthless. (It starts with a liability waiver, "push to accept," which is all you need to know.) BMW continues to ignore the essence of the cupholder, opting for shallow plastic (pun intended.) But these are nits to pick. This is still the most responsive, comfortable, reliable sedan under $90,000. I dumped my Saab 9000, MB E320, even an Alfa, and never looked back. Two oppositional thumbs up.
BEST YET
NAPA1, 11/22/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I HAD A 2000 528I AND THIS IS EVEN BETTER IF THATS POSSIBLE. ONCE AGAIN BMW GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK..
the greatest car ever made by man
bmwfan21, 11/02/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is simply the greatest car ever made by man. everything you could possibly need is in this car. It is stylish, luxurious, and sporty. it is a luxury sedan handling like a sport sedan. Lots of wood trim in this car. the iDrive system is awesome. If you don't already have one, buy one today.
Instrumentation Disaster
sparcusa, 06/24/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This iDrive thing is an abomination. My minivan radio has more capabilities. The iDrive has a nice color screen, looks cool but essentially does nothing. Really! Shockingly disfunctional and distracts from the overall driving experience. It constantly displays a warning that essentially says "DONT LOOK AT THIS WHILE YOUR DRIVING". If I can't upgrade this thing, I think I'm going to trade it in. really, really disappointed.
Don't listen to the Naysayers
bcoops, 12/03/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is definitely the ultimate driving machine. I know there are people who haven't driven this car that are keeping the rating down. This car is so smooth, so smart...the I- drive has been simplified compared to the 7-series. It's a breeze to operate. I don't have the nav. system, so I don't know if those complications will develop. The car has enough pickup that I don't have to shift into steptronic unless I need that kick after the light turns green.
u need 1
Deman, 11/04/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Went from a 99' 540 sport package to 545i. No comparison. This is the finest handling car I ever owned or driven. (Including Porsche and Ferrari)
A stag in the forrest of wanabe's
Paulo at Whitehouse, 12/07/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hunterdon BMW (Whitehouse, NJ) provided a lone 'stag' namely, 530i 2004 fully loaded Titanium 4 dr sedan drives like a dream. Corners like a NASCAR winner. Acceleration is awsome. Comfort and class is better than LEXUS. Worth every dollar at $44,600. Styling is five years ahead of its time while the driving pleasure unbelievable. Hold 4 golf bags with ease, back seat passengers think they are in a big SUV with internal quietness at 80 mph as if you are sitting in their living room. BMW engineers (BMW production)should be proud & very pleased with this design, execution and delivery of a 'near luxury' driving machine-Next decade performance and comfort.
New 5 needs refinement
PCM, 12/06/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had the car for 1300 miles. The car is not as stable as the older 5. Sport suspension is bouncy. Quirky electronic. Very weak radio reception. Lots of statics and losses all AM signal running underpass. Passenger airbag sensir could not sense an adult passenger sitting in passenger side - a safety hazard. Jerking transmisson. Dakota leather harder than Honda leather. Head rest angel does not conform to body shape, too far from head.Poorly design turn signal stick. I have confused the poor guy behind me when Itry to bring the turning sign back to off but going left and right instead.
Review
regal3780, 11/04/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car and it is really fun to drive. It is really fast and handles turns nicely.
early impression
dieter, 12/07/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
have driven the car only 1500 miles (sport package/premium/auto). love it overall. the steering and suspension in particular. much better than my last car, a 2000 3 series which i also enjoyed. engine is very responsive with very good power-surprising considring the numbers.
First BMW, very impressed so far...
Kramer, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truly is the sport sedans others are measured by. Altough not perfect, it it definitely the closest thing to it within that price range I test drove. A few more ponies for the 525 would be nice, but it performs at such an efficient level with regards to high revving tranny it is hardly noticed. Man, these guys can build a transmission.
GREAT CAR
b.duble, 11/04/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
CAREFULLY CONSIDERED ALL MAKES, AND BY FAR THE BMW OFFERED THE MOST FOR THE MONEY IN ENJOYMENT FOR THE MONEY
Great drive and ride
Micahel, 12/09/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car is greatly improved from my previous 2000 528i. Handles and ride is one of the best Ive driven, the design is nice but there are too many controls around the steering column
Great Car
JoeJack97, 12/09/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a 2003 Mercedes Benz E320, but no contest, this is a far superior car in every sense. Looks, performance and how it drives.
Compliments Abound when you hit the road
New5Fan, 11/05/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this beauty for just about 3 weeks and not a day passes without a compliment about its great new look. The new 5 Series is striking and has on two occassions been initially mistaken for a 7 Series. Rides great and handles like a luxary sports car or sedan.
better than the best
seawer, 12/16/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's fun to drive ,lovely & comfort
2004 530i
zig, 12/18/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The total redesign of the car is killer. Get the sport package. The car handles great go around a corner like on rails. Just the right size for a mid sized car. I have had no mechanical problems with this car at all. Plus the warrenty four years covers everything except tires. Best deal going.
Best car at all !!!
bertotricci, 11/08/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving the E39 530 I have to say that is now a great step forward. Real fun to drive this car
awesome
molrat, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i think you should all buy it it is the nicest car ever
bmw
Pat Malvaso, 11/09/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
at 3000 miles vehicle computer chip for controlling the speed/transmission shifting failed and needed replacing the cup holders are in a terrible location, difficult to use and cheesey
NEW 5 bliss
NYbmwGUY, 12/15/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is beautiful. It's my first rear-drive and there's just no comparison to front-wheel drive cars. I had no problem with traction in 2 recent NY snow storms, either. Inside is sporty but somewhat austere. That's what a sport sedan is supposed to be! I hate auto magazine editor reviews!!! BTW, If you're computer literate enough to read this, you can manipulate the iDrive.