Used 2004 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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GREAT CAR
CAREFULLY CONSIDERED ALL MAKES, AND BY FAR THE BMW OFFERED THE MOST FOR THE MONEY IN ENJOYMENT FOR THE MONEY
Great drive and ride
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
- 530i SedanMSRP: $4,95080 mi away
- 530i SedanMSRP: $6,995237 mi away
- 545i SedanMSRP: $6,490318 mi away
Great Car
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
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
It's fun to drive ,lovely & comfort
2004 530i
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 !!!
After driving the E39 530 I have to say that is now a great step forward. Real fun to drive this car
awesome
i think you should all buy it it is the nicest car ever
bmw
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
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.
First 5'er, won't be the last
Very satisfied with my first 5-series. The thrill of driving (like when I first got my license) is back. Was worried about reliability problems for BMW's in general and in this 1st year model redesign in particular. Concern proved unfounded as car has been rock solid; no need to go back to the dealer. Sure the I-Drive freezes once in a while, but rebooting it is no problem. BTW - I-Drive isn't best thing, nor is it the root of all evil. It does take a little getting used to, but once done, it's quite functional & does serve to: 1) get rid of many buttons/dials on the dash; 2) allow more customization of car functions. Good thing there is a speed alarm b/c I drive much faster now.
Nice Ride!
Nice ride! No compliants about performance and sheer joy of driving this vehicle. Did have some minor problems with computer system(resolved by dealer)Interior could have made better use of space with regard to cell phone space more center console space....Otherwise a great treat to drive
BMW 545i with sports package
I had the somewhat unique experience of actually picking up my car in Germany under the European Delivery Program. I got to drive this car on the AUTOBAHN around Munich and Austria, regretfully because it was a new car, I could not exceed 4000 RPM, nevertheless, the car handled superbly at 120 MILES PER HOUR!!!, what a GREAT EXPERINCE!!! The car exeeded my expectations!
Early read
Accelleration is phenomenal. I umderstand now why BMW's have been flying past me. The ride is smooth! The new design is sporty and is often confused with the 7 series by people in public parking lots. There is significant curiosity about the new design. The I drive control panel feature is very functional.
A fun bimmer for 54 grand
Remember how much fun the 2002 or the 320i was to drive? The 530i brings that back. Tight as a drum and the 6 has enough juice to really give it a run. Gotta get used to the i- drive....hope I don't wreck the thing while I'm turning the dials and watching the screen. It is fun!
545i Great Car
Great performance and handling. Have tested drive E500, E500 is pretty nice too but not as fun to drive as 545i. So if you wanna play, go for 545i.
A Driver's
Wow, the experience of the BMW 530i goes up right off the charts after a short familiarization. Terrific comfort, strong linear acceleration, solid stability control and ergonomic pleasure highlight the advancements of the 5 Series. The areas of complaint - turn signaling and IDrive - are unfounded after one day's ownership. Pure pleasure on a short trip to the market or a long trip to visit friends, on superhighway or winding back roads.
New 5 series - a great step ahead
HAve had a 740il - this is everything I expected. Great handling - larger interior. Better looking than the old version. Easy to drive. Fun to drive.
a great car with many annoyances
Fun to drive vehicle, if you can ge ur hand on one. Quite, spacious and great to look at. However, drives more like a Japanes care than a BMW. But that could be just the new car feel. Many small issues bother me a lot such as: Compulsory seat betlt usage in the front , or the car keeps on beeping. No storage space Inconvenient cup holders Very badly designed seats - headrest is almost 1/2 foot back. And last, the idrive system. Good luck learning that.
New levels
You must be a previous BMW owner to appreciate the new 5. If not, don't judge it. A vast improvement in style and technology.
5 series
Love the car. find the driver seat needs more settings for shorter driver & prefer not to have the i-drive for radio control
EXHILARATING & WORTH EVERY PENNY
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!
airbag light overhead console
the passenger airbag light in the overhead console is bright enough to use as a map light. what were they thinking?
Extreme Satisfaction
Each time you enter this car and get on the road you are amazed at its amazing handling and comfort. I feel as if I am sitting in an easy chair. The ride is smooth and quiet, unlike avearage european made autombiles and better than both the Mercedes 2 & 3 series. I also prefer it over the Lexus counterpart. What continues to amaze me that even after all this time, the car still makes me smile and shake my head in surprise, each ride. It's a never ending joyride that I feel completely safe in because it's response is unquestionable in all situations the car stays with you. I planning for the new 530i as we speak.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
The slogan says it all: The legendary suspension system has no equal off the racetrack; Acceleratiion and braking beyond compare; An interior made by the only people qualified to make them; and style that leads the industry. This is the most fun car to drive in the world... Why else would you see so many of them in front of Monte Carlo?
First BMW
This car is beautiful. My first rear- wheel drive car has had no problems in bad NY weather, despite the ominous prediction of my former Lexus salesman! Handles like a dream and although not quite as speedy off the line as the 530, I don't think the price increase is justified for a bigger engine and bigger wheels. BTW, if you're reading this message, you can probably handle the i-Drive. This is certainly the finest sedan I've ever owned.
04 530i
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.
The best investment ever!
I have had this car for about 4 months and I have had such a great time with this automobile. I would rather have it than anyother car on earth.
The Greatest 5 Series
The newest 5 Series is the best ever the ride, quietness and new features such as hud Diplay.
Awesome 530i
This 530i has great looks inside and out, drives like a dream, and has great features.
545 Automatic
Excellent in every way. Addictitve qualities. Fun to drive. Powerful and reliable in steering responses.
GREAT
This car is really GREAT!
My 5er
My first BMW, I find very few negative things to say. I am very happy with my choice.
A great Automobile
This is a pretty fast car but could be much better. I do give the handling at high speed a thumbs up. But again could recieve some help. Nothing put out yet since the introduction of the M3 has given the BMW it's reputation of a really fast,economic,handling,comfortable, all around great car and following the time of technology and improvement! Which is what I would love to say. I have considered a Benz to tell you the truth.
Just got 2004 525i
Just got a 2004 525i automatic with cold weather package, xenon lights (which are way nice!), leather and premium package...very nice car!! I had been researching extensively new BMW's, Mercedes, and the like for the last 5 months. BMW is a very solid car. You feel very much in control. Even though I have only had it a week, it so far has proven excellent to my high standards (I plan on updating this entry in 6-8 months to see if all is still well). I was also torn between the 530 and 525, there really is not much difference in the engine perfomance considering an extra $5,000 for 39 more horsepower.
Still...the Ultimate Driving Machine
Hard to explain..but the best handling in a car that you will ever find.
Just got it.
My wife fell in love with the car when we walked into the showroom. Handles great as expected from a BMW. Lots of new bells and whistles. FUN !!!
Laurie's New Car
My wife totalled my SLK. We needed a four-seater this time around. We chose the 2004 525 over a 2003 530 and a 2004 E-320. My ex-wife had totalled two E-320's in the last few years, so we decided a change was necessary!! I had read the car magazines about the 5-series,and was concerned about its styling and controller controversies. But, we loved the styling. The BMW looks great in black. The electronics are challenging but interesting. I wish it had more power, but the cost of the engine upgrade wasn't worth the extra money.
peaceful dream come true
An anniversary from my husband! Special ordered with platinum exterior and tan leather interior. Drives like a dream and reminds me of my first car... 73 bavaria bmw, white with blue leather and sunroof.
Honest Review
Drives fantastic. I don't like the look of the back end but the rest of the car is beautiful. I predict that the new 5 (and the new 7 & 6) will be the norm in styling in a few years. The car looks much better with wider tires (ie sport package).
Dot the "i"
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.
MY 2004 5 SERIES.
I've had, over the years,driven so many luxury cars. As far as the BMWs go I've owned the 740il and the Z3. My new 525i has performance and interior comfort like my old 7. But it's eyecatching like my Z3 5-6 years ago. I love the Baseball glove color interior.
Pretty close to perfect
This is just an awesome vehicle. I drove other japanese cars claiming to be in the same class, and while they had impressive specs, none could come close to the driving experience of the 5. Plenty of power, flawless transmission with sport and manual modes, and impecible handling. I found immediately that i need to work on my driving skills because this car does exactly what you tell it to. I know people are complaining about iDrive, but I find it pretty easy to use. Althought i work with computers all day.
#1 again
bmw again is the ultimate car...must get sport pkg. to get proper performance..the road handling is approaching my porsche and the variable steering is greatttt..even the i drive is easy and im not the gadget type....
2004 530i
have logged about 350 miles on it already, fun to drive, quick and agile, had a 02 330i before, opted for the new 5 for more room. styling is great, the lines, raptor's eyes, etc., i never get tired looking at it. I- drive is easy to configure - no problems there! handling is superb! got the Premium, Cold Weather and Sport Packages, Xenon and Steptronic - wondering if other options are worth it, PDC, Premium Sound, Rear Seat Heating, etc.
New 5 Series is all they say it is!!
Great handling and a LOT more room than the 0202 5 Series. Much more stylish as well. I am completely satisfied
If it worked it would be great.
This could be a great car, but repeated problems with the computer system make it unacceptable. Episodes of the headlights not coming on but instead all exterior lights start flashing rapidly on and off; warnings that the passenger airbag is off when an adult passenger is in the seat; warnings of brake and steering problems; etc. We have had many computer modules replaced and software upgrades to no avail. Because of these types of recurring, potentially dangerous problems; we don't even feel comfortable enough to drive our 530i out of town. It is really fun to drive. If I had gotten one that worked reliably, I would love it.
My 2004 530i
I've had car for one year now and no surprises with any break downs. Car is absolutely fab to drive. Get the Premium audio, sports package and maintenance coverage for all tuneups and oil changes, etc since its definitely worth it.
The cool 530i
Sharp, automatic and powerful, the new BMW 530i is the ultimate in sports driveability. Not wanting to be cramped in a sport car and yet wanting the feel of power and acceleration, the 530i is the car for me. At $10,000 less than my last E320, it hard to figure why anybody would not want this sleek muscular piece of steel.
Best by far
I tested every other make in its class including Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, Lexus, Infiniti and Cadillac. While all the others were very good cars, the 530i is a in class by itself. Truly the Ultimate driving machine, its new styling and outstanding engineering coupled with an unequaled performance makes it the buy of the decade. You have done it again BMW and thanks.