Used 2004 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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!
530i/Totally Unreliable
Purchased in 10/03...software on "i" drive replaced., LCD screen would not work in cold weather ..had to be repaired/replaced..radio stopped working., and has been replaced., towed to the dealer 3 times...engine justed died while driving., i drive toggle stopped working and had to be replaced., car creeked and rattled... In all this vechicle had been in the dealers shop for more than 20 days.My wife has an '03.... no problems at all. Wait for Bmw to work the bugs... and rattles out before you plunk down 50k
- 525i SedanMSRP: $7,975139 mi away
- 525i SedanMSRP: $7,595157 mi away
- 530i SedanMSRP: $6,499201 mi away
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?
Lovin' It
I really love this call, except for the fact that lately, some iDrive features are acting a little funky (need to take it into the dealership)
Love at first sight
When I first saw her, I was captured. On my drive up to the dealer I saw many vehicles on the lot and my eyes continued to be drawn to the new 5. Once I began to approach the vehicle, I had to have it. The only questions in my mind was engine, options and color. My new 530i is a pure joy. With the premium and sport package it looks and feels great. The driving experience is unparellled. I previously test drove the E320, and the A6. Neither captured my desire for a luxury sports car with such vigor as my new 5. I don't even look back over my shoulder in the one month I have owned it. I know I made the right decision.
I am back
amazing! I had a 2002 525 and last january sold it and bought x5. x5 was great but certainly no 5 sreies.My wife now drives the x5. I did not think bmw could or should mess with the 5 series. but now that i own the new 530 with the sport package i am impressed. the car drives and handles impressively.i had mixed feelings regarding the new body style, but after seeing the car in the drive way it is sharp!
Be Your Own Judge
You must drive this car to appreciate the blend of sporty performance and luxury. The full size appearance belies actual performance characteristics. The handling and performance are nothing short of awesome. iDrive takes a little time to master, but you soon realize that you have ultimate control over systems and have access to information that in any other car, you'd have to rely on the dealer service department for. The ability to create custom settings for the steeing wheel control buttons is a great feature. And Bangle bashing aside - The styling is both sporty and elegant, and unlike anything in it's class.
2004 545i
Love the looks and the technology. The I drive is great in my opinion and the lines of this car are outstanding. My only complaints is the drivers seat seems to be impossible to tune in for comfort and it seems to wonder at freeway speed more than I would expect from a 65k car. Never the less it is a fantastic car time may cure my seat issue and the dealer may cure the wonder.
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.
ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!!!
I've never owned a BMW before and now that I have (2004 5Series) I understand why they use the slogan "Ultimate Driving Machine"...I am thoroughly impressed with the handling, the pickup and the overall driving...I look forward to driving every day!!!
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.
Former E-Class Owner
After owning two E-class MB's (420 and 430 Sport), I was ready to get a third until I saw the new 5 series. The new E-class is nice, but the 5 series is more masculine and sporty looking, notwithstanding the bashing Bangle has taken. While Mercedes has made all of their vehicles look more generic, there will be no mistaking the 5 series for a 3 or 7. I have received more compliments about this car in a month than I got in a year in the Benz. Overall, the car performs very well, looks good and is a great daily driver. I was concerned about going from a 275 hp motor down to the 3 liter's 225 hp, but the performance is good enough and I have avg 27 mpg.
2004 BMW 530
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.
you be the judge
Not alot of miles yet, but first impression - FABULOUS. Love the Active steering and ARS, makes the car drive like it's on rails. Logic7 stereo is great, though I am haming same issue as another reviewer with sound dropping out. iDrive is very convenient, loaded with information, and easy as a mouse to use. The nay- sayer mag. writers just need a 10 minute lesson to figure it out. Drove both regular and sport versions - the active steering makes any car feel like manual assist. Very well built and detailed. I have had more thumbs- up compliments with this car (sapphire on black) than any other car I've owned, and I've had a bunch.
545 Automatic
Excellent in every way. Addictitve qualities. Fun to drive. Powerful and reliable in steering responses.
GREAT
This car is really GREAT!
Love this BMW!!!
Only had this for two months, but I love it! Car is very comfortable, and fun to drive. iDrive system is OK, but don't like the need to "accept" BMW's disclosure every time you start the car ("don't mess with this while you drive"). Also, for radio use, you can't simply push a button to get to a station, you have to scroll through every preset. Poor storage space. For a 2004 luxury sedan, it baffles me why BMW still has a place between the front seats for an installed cell phone. What little space is available is mostly taken up by that holder. Even with very limited drawbacks, this car is amazing.
Envy of all
I've owned my 525i w/sport/premium pkg since 4/04. This is probably the best handling sedan i've driven to date. Lux but sporty. Expected gas mileage to be better around town. Avg 35mpg on the highway. Couldn't justify spending the cheese for the 530. The extra hp is only noticably missing at low speeds. Not a factor on the highway. Finally getting used to the stares at stop lights. If you're thinking of purchasing - stop 2nd guessing and get it. You'll be glad you did.
My 5er
My first BMW, I find very few negative things to say. I am very happy with my choice.
ONE BIG PROBLEM
Love the car...Most impressed with the active steering and adaptive headlights. Great handling and feel. The idrive is just like using a mouse and to me easier than finding the right button on the dash. MY ONLY COMPLAINT--DEALER SAYS BMW HAS NOT SOLVED SATELLITE RADIO ON THE 5- SERIES, ALTHOUGH MY CAR CAME PREWIRED FOR SIRRUS. WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THAT?? ONE OF THE BEST ENGINEERED CARS IN THE WORLD AND THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT SATELLITE RADIO??
Nice Ride!
I took delivery on 12/12/03 of a Titanium Silver 530ia with light grey leather/Antracite trim, Steptronic Auto Trans, Premium, Sport, Prem. Sound, Parking Distance Control, Active Cruise Control, and Fold Down split rear seat. I test drove a 330ia and a 525ia before deciding. The 330ia was very fast but bouncy. The 525ia felt a tad bit under powered. The car does everything asked of it and more. There are some cool design touches: The mirrors automatically turn down when in reverse so you can see the curb, the music volume automatically increases at high speeds to overcome road noise. Through the iDrive, almost everything is programmable.
bmw top notch
My previous car was a Acura its so much diffrance.BMW terrific car,top of the line sedan. So far, I like everything about it. The I-drive is fine I do not see any problems. It should be a bit cheaper and have more standard features.
BEST DRIVE EVER
This is a great car to drive. Fast and fun. Easy to handle. The i control isn't too hard to learn, but you should really have a teenager there to help. I do find that sometimes settings are changed and I have no clue how I changed them or how to change them back. It will require you to look in the owners manual to fix it. BMW has contacted me several times as well as the auto dealership that sold it to me to inquire how I like the car. I feel like I am being treated very well by BMW. I love this car.
Disppointed
If you can get a 2003 530i (old style) then buy that one. The "new" 5 does not even come close to this car. I have both 2003 & 2004. If I could get rid of the '04 I would in a second. The car vibrates at 80 mph. When the wind hits it is like a sailboat. Lots of wind noise inside. The headlights are pointed too low and you can only see about 10-15 feet ahead of you at night. It doesnt even have a coin holder!!! Definitely, does NOT feel like a BMW.
My BMW 530I
This vehicle is the finest automobile I have ever owned. It drives like a dream, has excellent acceleration and a very smooth ride.
525i Review
525i Auto w/ Premium & Cold Weather Pkgs - Looks great inside & out. (What's all the fuss about? They kept the classic BMW styling cues, but made it sleek, & modern looking.) Lots of convenience features (i.e. driver position memory, dual climate control, free scheduled maintenance, etc.) 2.5L 6-cyl is adequate, but unexciting. Auto transmission is smooth and shifts well. Ride is refined and quiet, as you would expect. Roomy and comfortable interior.
Lengthen your commute
This car is rock solid and perfect for those who need four doors and do not want to sacrifice performance. The thrills continue and I look forward to any excuse for a cruise. My only regret is not having more opportunities to properly drive this car on open highway/backroads. Many of the reviews spend too much time on the iDrive...anyone who has a computer equipped with a mouse and windows should be able to figure it our in 10 minutes. A test drive is the only way to judge this car.
Great Start
Fantastic automobile. Ordered with every option except sport package. Titanium Grey with grey leather. Some initial build quality issues but a solid start to the new 5. I-pod ease of use issue very overblown; have found it easy and intuitive. Best combination of ride, handling, speed, exterior design, interior design, and features on the market.
love the drive
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.
Lemon Law
Great car to drive-when I have it. Vehicle has been at the dealer twice for a total of 18 days so far with the same electrical problem. Going back for a third time. 3 Strikes and you're out.
SUPER VEHCILE
This is a really fun vehicle to drive. It has power and luxery. The interior and exterior is awsom.
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).
BMW one of the last quality built cars
I must say the new line of 5 series (E60 - BMW code name) is well worth it's weight (under 3800#s). This mid- sized car handles and performans like some of the smaller sized cars no wonder BMW is where it is in the car market. They build truely work towards building "The Ultimate Driving Machine". The new active-roll stabilization, that reduces the body- roll of the car works flawlessly, the car virtually stays flat even on the most agressive turns. The active steering (variable turn ratio) is some getting use to but makes it so much easier to drive this car with less hand over hand work. Test drive a 5 series today, you will be sold, I was.
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.
Joan and Bernie's 530i
This is my second 5 series BMW(2001 was first. This car is even better in all respects than the 01 and I thought it was as good as it could get.It is my intention to always own a BMW. In fact we will be trading our Toyota Highlander for a X-3.There is simply nothing I would change on the car. A new outstanding feature is the adaptive headlights. They make mountain driving so much easier.
Truly, "The Ultimate Driving Machine"
First, I am one of those who feels that the design of the car from every angle, is classic, well thought out and distinctive. I also like the firm ride and handling capabilities my car has with active steering and sport suspension. I have never felt that I am not in complete control. I really believe that called upon to perform, each of the vehicle systems will react as designed...that does alot for my confidence in all driving situations.
The Ultimate Tool Box
The Benz E500 has the same level of handling as the BMW with none of the rough ride. The Benz shocks adjust their damping rate 100 times per second, and have the ability to stop body roll entirely. Does the Bimmer have any of this? Nope 4 plain old shocks that are adjusted to dislodge your molars at the first pothole. A stiff ride does not mean that your car handles better, It just means that it's stiff and LOW Tech. BMW does not offer Nav system until the fall. BMW does not offer Bluetooth until next year. BMW does not offer 7 speed transmission, period.
BMW still needs better quality control
Own it for 8 day. After shift to reverse and shift back to D, the right mirror sometimes does not tilt up. iDrive sometimes does not start, not even display the main menu. Handling and performance have been improved, a lot better than my 2000 528i.
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.
WOW! What a car.
My 530i is everything I hoped it would be,when purchasing a BMW, and more. The transmission and motor are smooth and quiet. I am glad it has a MPH warning setting that chimes when the set speed is reached because the car is so smooth and quite you can loose track of how fast you are going. The i- drive is a snap to learn after 20 minutes of practice.The fit and finish is superb and the ride comfort is exceptional.After adjusting to the new style I think it is the best looking car on the road. Great engineering, styling, performance and comfort, what else could you ask for? This is my first BMW and it will not be my last.
Best BMW I have ever owned!
I have now owned my 530i, 2004 for three months and enjoy driving the "Utimate Driving Machine". It handles better tan my previous BMW X5, which is hard to imagine. I love the power and control the car has, making me feel safe on the road! I recommend this car highly.
2004 545i Sport black black
Great Car. Love all the features. Handling is unreal as is the speed/power. Silky ride. Very comfortable seats front and rear. Glad I purchased.
Super Car
Having driven Corvettes, Merdedes, and even an Infinity for the last 30 years, I decided to try the new 2004 530i and I am impressed. It has superb handling qualities and surprising acceleration for 235 HP. I was first attracted to the car because of the new styling. I have read numderous compaints about the new look, and I can't understand it. I have received numerous complements on the looks and my wife called me yesterday to say she had received 3 separate "thumbs up" while at stoplights yesterday. Common folks, even Volvo got rid of their "boxy" look.
It get's better!
I drove a 2000 5-series for 4 years and thought it couldn't get any better. Wow!...was I surprised! BMW has NOT disappointed me and it lives up to all of my expectations. The ride is smooth; handling superb; and it's filled with all of the comforts expected in a mid-sized luxury car! I look forward to getting into my 5 and driving each day.
Fun to Drive
I traded in my 7 series (also currently have a 528 and a X-5)for the new new 525. It does have considerable more room than old 5's and I really like the new design. I chose the smaller engine because of the $5,000 upcharge and do not really miss the extra horses. I have been getting over 37 mpg on the 2 long road trips to date (much higher than expected)and around 23 around town. The bottom line is it is very comfortable, has great lines and is fun to drive.
HUD
the sport mode for the auto trans is very atheletic, makes this car drive like it's got 225+ hp, like a small v8. the steptronic manul takes a lil time to get used to, but is really very fun. I drive is incredibly easy, but it takes a bit too many steps to get to what you want, one solution is to use the voice control, which picks ups the hole that the idrive coudln't all fill.
Great Car!
Bought my 2004 in November off the show room floor. Have previously had Corvettes, Mercedes, and Infinities, and this car beats them all. Love the new styling look and the Steptronic 6 speed. My wife loves the automatic drive. Excellent acceleration, handling and braking. This car has a whole bunch of style. I was looking at 2003 models when I saw the car I bought on the show room floor. My wife and I looked at it and cancelled our ongoing deal on a 2003 and bought the 2004 right there on the spot.
interior improvments needed
Interior design around the driver is poor. Arm rest and storage comartment need major improvement. Side door pockets not as spacious as older models. Would like to see retractable arm rest back. "I-drive" you find a radio station! It takes five steps to get to the radio! I have to accept a disclaimer that pops up on the nav screen every time I start the engine. I was told satelite radio would be available-not! There is an annoying light on the ceiling that stays on when there is no passenger in the right seat that reads "air bag not activated" Goes off when seat is occupied.
Outstanding Automobile
Last summer as i moved to germany for three years, i was quite excited to learn that the new 5 series would be available, so i ordered one and in August, i picked up my 530i. After 10 months...what a car. I don't understand what the issue is with the styling that C&D and MT complain about. This car is hot. On the Autobahn, I have taken it up to the governed 250km limit (155mph) and usually cruise somewhere between 200- 230kph (124-143mph)...this car is smooth. The handling and brakes are first class. The i-drive is quite helpful with the Navi and with the Bluetooth mobile phone connection. I highly recommend this car.
Hmmm. a car without coolant tempera gage
I tested GS300, C320 & 530i in one day and I ended up with a 530i. It's fun to drive this car. Very spacious. i- Drive doesn't turn out to be such a nuisance. Sound is not as good as the 325i I used to own. They want you to pay top $ now for the upgraded sound system. Didn't see weather band radio as described in the manual.