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Used 2004 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
348 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

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

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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 I’ve driven, the design is nice but there are too many controls around the steering column

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

First 5'er, won't be the last

Phase1, 05/01/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Nice Ride!

mjgion, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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

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4.88 out of 5 stars

BMW 545i with sports package

Alberto, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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5 out of 5 stars

Early read

bigdaddio, 11/18/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

A fun bimmer for 54 grand

Don S, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

545i Great Car

fall in love, 02/16/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

A Driver's

w. solomon, 02/09/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

New 5 series - a great step ahead

jmit, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

a great car with many annoyances

car person, 09/28/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

New levels

lhroadster, 11/06/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

5 series

BShip, 01/17/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love the car. find the driver seat needs more settings for shorter driver & prefer not to have the i-drive for radio control

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5 out of 5 stars

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!

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5 out of 5 stars

airbag light overhead console

flierhi, 01/19/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the passenger airbag light in the overhead console is bright enough to use as a map light. what were they thinking?

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Extreme Satisfaction

Casmir22, 11/15/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Sunny Tom, 12/11/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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?

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4.88 out of 5 stars

First BMW

liguy, 01/19/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

The best investment ever!

JoeSmithJR, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

The Greatest 5 Series

BMW Lover, 10/04/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The newest 5 Series is the best ever the ride, quietness and new features such as hud Diplay.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Awesome 530i

Jeff2003, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This 530i has great looks inside and out, drives like a dream, and has great features.

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5 out of 5 stars

545 Automatic

BMW convert, 01/26/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent in every way. Addictitve qualities. Fun to drive. Powerful and reliable in steering responses.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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!

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5 out of 5 stars

My 5er

Markalden1, 01/28/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My first BMW, I find very few negative things to say. I am very happy with my choice.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

A great Automobile

W.D.T., 12/11/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Just got 2004 525i

Mikehell, 11/27/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Still...the Ultimate Driving Machine

roant71, 12/10/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Hard to explain..but the best handling in a car that you will ever find.

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5 out of 5 stars

Just got it.

hyeonlyfe, 10/06/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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 !!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Laurie's New Car

UTRXMR, 11/25/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

peaceful dream come true

peace, 12/11/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Honest Review

dstompkins, 02/06/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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).

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

MY 2004 5 SERIES.

nellhicks, 02/07/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Pretty close to perfect

panderse, 12/23/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

#1 again

ezzie, 12/27/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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....

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2004 530i

gonzo40, 12/26/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

New 5 Series is all they say it is!!

jim 5109, 12/01/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great handling and a LOT more room than the 0202 5 Series. Much more stylish as well. I am completely satisfied

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4 out of 5 stars

If it worked it would be great.

bwertma., 01/28/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

My 2004 530i

Johnny Garcia, 08/15/2005
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

The cool 530i

JKDeO, 02/07/2004
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best by far

waxahach, 12/27/2003
2004 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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