Used 2005 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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.
Great car... very fun to drive.
I purchased this vehicle with 9,500 miles on the Odometer. It has been an incredible car. Fast, reliable, comfortable and economical. I drive very aggressive yet still average 23mpg overall in LA's bumper to bumper traffic...amazing mileage! We also own a 06 330xi...also a great car - a lot more nimble than the 5 series when driving twisty roads...but the 545I can easily keep just using the extra power.
Outstanding Sedan
I have owned many different BMW's over the years and was hesitant on selling my 2003 540i and moving to the new one. I initially did not like the body style of the new 5 series but after seeing the sport version on the 545i, I changed my mind.As with any BMW, the tire and wheel package make the car. The interior is completely different and much better than the previous version. I-Drive is fun, not a hassle. Vehicle is as solid as any BMW and will make a great car for the perfomance minded driver. Love it !!!
- 530i SedanMSRP: $5,995271 mi away
- 525i SedanMSRP: $7,491437 mi away
- 525i SedanMSRP: $4,998719 mi away
Not what it used to be...
I am not impressed with this car at all. I leased it even against my own instincts. I was trying to decide between BMW and Mercedes. Even though Mercedes had one heck of a deal, I opted for a younger, more exciting look, but the car has been everything, but... I think BMW needs to go back to the drawing board and redo this model. Otherwise in 24 months, I will not be shopping for this car.
Elegant Muscle
Last car a 2000 540, this car is larger and more feature packed. Maybe not a good thing. idrive is easy after a couple of minutes if you have a handful of common sense.
love it
Test drove Mercedes E320 and BMW 520 at least three times each. The BMW had a better suspension, more responsive engine, smoother acceleration and overall much more fun to drive than the E320. The Mercedes was slow to respond during acceleration, required too many RPM's to move the car and shifting was not smooth. The E320 has a more elegant exterior, but felt like nothing more than a pretty version of a toyota.
Check that steering wheel.
This is my second 5-series unit. It's very impressive - quite a jump from its immediate predecessor - both in technology and design. Great car!
Fun to Drive
The 530i is a fantastic car to drive. iDrive takes some time to learn but spend the time in learning at the front end and you will eliminate the frustrations. Handling is wonderful, pick up is great, and I personally like the styling. I can't say enough about this car.
Awesome Car!
This is one of the best cars I have ever had. I now have 36000 miles on mine, a 545i, and it is just as good, if not better, than when it was new. The build quality is impeccable and the performance beyond reproach.
A step up
I traded in a 2003 525i to buy the 2005 545i. While it has taken me a little while to get used to the new styling, it has taken no time at all to get used to the sheer driving power and pleasure of the 545i. Über-responsive and just terrific fun to drive, I am very happy with my decision.
Incredible Car
This car is absolutely fantastic. I've had it only three weeks and I get excited every time I back it out of the garage. Love the looks, both inside and out. Interior finish is superb and very comfortable --lots of leg room and great seats. Drive is phenomenal, and the automatic transmission shifts so smoothly. My wife and I argue over who is going to drive! This is my first BMW, and it definitely won't be my last!
Yes.
This is my first foray into a German car. And after careful consideration and several test drives, I selected the 5 series over the redesigned Audi A6. Previously, I had owned an Infiniti. Well, one week, I am extremely impressed with the smooth ride and how much fun it is to drive. (The dealer told me not to go over 70mph for the first 1,000 miles which is a drag!). The car handles turns with precision, acclerates quickly and is so comfortable when doing highway driving. The idrive complexity is clearly overrated, I played the Drivers Manual CD for 45 minutes and quickly mastered it. Fun and exciting to drive!
Back and better then before
I had the very first 2004 545i in NYC and it looked great but the computer was never working correctly and car was always in the shop. So my dealership worked with BMW and got me into an brand new M3 convertible leaving my 545i to BMW for further evaluation. Needless to say I loved my M3 but I needed a bigger car but did not want to lose the M3 drive so I returned my M3 and am back in a new 2005 545i and BMW fixed everything that was wrong with the 2004. The car is as fun to drive as my M3 but has the best sound system (Logic 7) great handling (sports pkg) and enough room for anything that life throws at you. The GPS/voice/bluetooth all work great GET A 545 TODAY- BEST 4dr on the road!
Passes Anything INCLUDING gas stations
When I was a kid, I had a 1968 Pontiac GTO, which could pass just about anything but a gas station. My new BMW 545 will pass that Goat, and gas stations, too (I get 18-19 mpg in town, 26-28 on the interstates). In fact, largely due to its wonderful 6- speed Steptronic transmission, it actually gets better gas mileage than my other Bimmer, a 2004 330 coupe with 5-speed auto. The much-reviled iDrive is easy to master if you take the time to study the owner's manual. I have little sympathy for the whiners who invest $50K+ on a terrific vehicle, but not several hours to read the manual. IDrive will be your friend if you let it. Ride and Handling - outstanding, as expected.
Satisfied 525 owner
This is the 3rd BMW I have owned. I traded up from two consecutive 3 series coupes. This car is just as much fun to drive as my prior BMWs. Performance, reliability and looks are unparalled. iDrive is easy once you get used to it; a 6th grader could figure it out! Only complaint is the ridiculously placed cupholders.
This car is a blast
This is the ultimate driving machine. No question about it. I test drove many luxury cars before deciding on this. Boy, am I glad! I dont want to mention the most obvious thing about the precision and acceleration, I want to talk about iDrive -- the thing throw most people off initially. In my opinion, this is a revolutionary feature. I mastered it in 40 mintues and can now program everything in my car. Hats off!!! And, last but not the least, this is the most fun car to drive. You want to take a detour if you could just to stay longer in the car.
4-door Porsche
I owned a 2003 540 with the M-Sport pkg. I thought it was tops in all categories. This one is even better in all aspects. Handles on rails, 0-60 in about 5.7. I love the styling, and yes even the I-knob. It took little time to learn, and after you make your settings, you rarely use it again.
A Truly Fine Sport Sedan
I have had 5 different BMW cars and this is the best one yet. I find many of the magazine reviews perplexing in their critical comments on the I-drive, the variable steering, the shifting, and the sport suspension. The I-drive takes just a little effort to figure out. The variable steering is a joy to use in that low speed maneuvers are effortlessly executed and the transition of steering ratios as speed increases are imperceptible. I have a six-speed, sport package car and the shifting and clutch are smooth, smooth, smooth. The sport suspension is perhaps the most remarkable feature in that the car corners almost flat. It has a great ride too. Those magazine editors are techno grouches!
A Luxury Rocket Ship.....
The 545i is the finest vehicle I've ever owned... Sports car like feel in speed and handling, luxurious and comfortable for extended trips... With extremely attractive styling, other drivers always staring at it...
I love my Beemer
This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. It is comfortable but sporty and the I-drive is very useful once you get used to it. It has more features than I have figured out yet. I like the exterior styling and note that many of the more popularly priced cars are staring to imitate it in 2005. The 3 liter in-line six is very powerful but quiet and the automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. It's a great car. My only gripe was I had a few glitches to correct at the dealer after delivery but it was handled quickly and efficiently.
Compare to E class
This is my first BMW and I finally got it right! Fell in love with this car when I first drove it early in 2004, but availability was nil. Before I returned to the BMW dealer, I checked out the E class once more - I previously owned an E430. I had some issues with the Benz in the area of seating comfort. I still find I can't get comfortable in a Benz, yet I felt like an old man driving it (E class) with the way it handles. Well let me tell you, the 5 series is truly a remarkable combination of ride quality and handling. I didn't expect such a terriffic ride quality from a BMW handling machine but it's unbelievable. Easily the quietest car I have ever owned. Don't listen to the crtics
fun to drive
Love the car. Just picked it up last week. Fun, very fast, and with the sport package it is on rails driving. I have pushed the car and have yet to hear the tires even start to slide or squeal. The only thing I don't like is that the beverage holders stink.
Another A+ for BMW
This car is amazing. The safety, power, and styling gives you complete confidence while driving down the road.
The Ultimate Sport Sedan!
I bought this car last evening and was surprised by the handling, comfort and performance of the car... it's awesome! I got the fully loaded 545i in titanium silver metallic. Yes, the styling is not perfect... but every car these days has some weak spots... so not a big deal. The interior is perfect, power is always there on demand and the luxury is outstanding.The 18" runflat tires look classy and add to the beauty of the vehicle. The Logic 7 audio system will blow you away (will have to spend 1800 bucks for it). The iDrive is simple and easy to use contrary to the confusing articles about it. It is very easy to use and is practical. If you want to get the ultimate sport sedan, go for it
Sheer Driving Pleasure All Right!
We thoroughly enjoy our fully loaded BMW 545 sports sedan. We have driven ALL the competitors, including many bona fide sports cars, but none is better overall than this ride. From the awesome power, razor sharp handling, luxury appointments, everything is very refined and simply world class. And because we also have a Dinan-S1 tuned 545er, the premier BMW tuner in North America, our car is a truly one-of-a- kind special ride. The Dinan suite of high performance upgrades, which includes such goodies as advanced engine management software, high flow air intake systems, free flow exhaust, suspension systems, ultra lightweight wheelsets and huge Brembo brakes, has made our ride TRULY sublime.
Wings missing
Owned a 540i touring for ever and waited for the new 545 tourer. Just got the new toy. The boys from Munich managed to do an even better job, again. It´s amazing. My wife doesn´t care for cars at all, but she loves to ´borrow´ my flying carpet. If you have money to burn, here´s a great cause. And it doesn´t look as its price tag may suggest - a feature I truly like about this monster in sheep skin.
black beauty!
Can't wait to cross break-in period, this car is born to be driven hard. Exceptional handling, power to spare, gorgeous interior. What more can I say, except can't wait to drive the new m5. My jet black 545 truly gets better the faster and more demanding the driving gets, don't sell yourself short by going with the smaller 525/535. You will not be sorry with the sport-packaged v8. I've heard the iDrive was a paiN, but as a first time BMW buyer it is very easy to use. This car is why driving is so fun, I have no regrets at all, only tons of miles to enjoy. Ya-hoo!!
My 525i
I bought a base 525i with the "leatherette" interior and very few add ons. What a car. I travel long distances in my job and this baby consistently gets 35+ mpg on the highway!
Another Beemer Success
This is the third 5 series we have picked up and driven in Europe. Our previous 5 was a 1997 540i, a dynamite aggressive vehicle. This 530i, while having a less powerful engine is similarly aggressive in due partly to the six speed automatic transmission. It is quick from the get-go while being very miserly in fuel consumption. We absolutely love the i-drive and seriously disagree with those who criticize it. It sure beats hunting for which button to push on the dashboard to change something.
545: Drive it, buy it.
I did. I was bored. It was rainy. I had the kids. I decided to test drive the new 5. Since I owned (and loved) a 530i (2002), I had no intention of buying the new model. Long story short, I test drove a 545, and I was sold. Not only is power, cornering, and ride vastly superior to the prior 5, the interior and trunk is larger, and the interior is better laid out. After a few minutes of minor haggling, the papers were signed and I was behind the wheel of a new silver grey 545i beauty. I drove it all weekend. Even the kids enjoyed it.
Fun Vehicle
Only drawback is accepting the i drive each time you start the car, Its a pain in the butt. I know the system, took a little time to learn but You should have the right to adjust its features, more than they allow.
BMW545i
I love everything about the car but the iDrive control. Gas mileage is far less than stated on the sticker.
Wonderful Vehicle
I had a Lexus GS 300 prior to my 2005 BMW 525. I love the way my BMW GRIPS the road while driving. My previous car was a little more "zippier" at lower speeds, but once you get into higher speeds there is no difference between the two at all. The acceleration is very smooth and very powerful. My last car seemed to have "dead spots" when switching from one gear to the next and was a little jerky at times. On a different note... Personally, I like fast accelerating vehicles. With it's higher HP and smooth acceleration, perhaps I should have opted for the 530i for more power (however... probably not worth the extra $$).
Wow !
The 545 is my first BMW. I am thrilled with it's performance. Sport package, sound system, head up display etc. makes the drive fun.
New 530i
This car is absolutely fantastic. I have waited along time to make this purchase and "justify" it, if you ever can. The car is better than even imagined it would be.
What a wonderful car!
This is such a responsive and performing car. So smooth at the same time powerful! The gas mileage is suprisingly good for 8 cylinder car. During last 3000 miles, it averaged 21.5 MPG. One complaint, the cup holder sucks.
BMW 530i
I have driven BMWs for 27 years now and this is my favorite yet. The I Drive is definitely improved over the 7 series version, but is still the least attractive part of the car. The handling is superb... typically BMW. Most of my experience has been driving on the Autobahns where this car is simply unmatched. Driving here in the States is a bit more challenging, but still pure fun.
BMW 530 i Value!!
I was skeptical of spending $50k on an automobile, but it was worth every penny!!! Incredible handling and acceleration when in the sport mode. No doubt a best buy!
Excellent Job
Ordered this 545i (still built in Germany) car and got it in 4 weeks. Excellent power and nice new interior with the Dakota Auburn Leather. Good solid fit and finish. Had an 02 540i and I like this one even more. Exterior styling they got mostly right, still looks determined and stout.
Excellent!
This car is not only fun to drive, it's safe and reliable, too! BMW will also conduct all routine maintenance free of charge.
4-door Porsche
I owned a 2003 540 with the M-Sport pkg. I thought it was tops in all categories. This one is even better in all aspects. Handles on rails, 0- 60 in about 5.7. I love the styling, and yes even the I-knob. It took little time to learn, and after you make your settings, you rarely use it again.
Pricy Toy For New Execs. . .
I've driven every series of BMW and thisvehicle has the best overall value. It handles like a dream and literally hugs the road (you can accelerate into 90 degree turns). The sports package adds additional creature comforts and toys that I highly recommend, like the moving Xenon headlights, leather comfort seats. I also recommend the Bluetooth. It doesn't always work properly, and people say they have a hard time hearing me, but it's a great substitute for the built in telephone. This car is a road predator, it's not a sissy car like the CLK, it's made to be driven hard, and it actually respondsbetter when you push it to the limit. Use the Steptronic on windy canyon roads.
545 series rocks
Having grown up in the fifties and sixties with muscle cars I really wanted another one but not some me too machine that had no class or handling. After driving everything out there from the Corvette to the Chrusler 300 I found the 545i with the sport package to be the best handling car I have ever driven. The progressive steering is awesome and stopping is as positive as is the neck snapping acceleration from the luxury type car. Once you get used to the screwy iDrive it's not as bad as it was in the earlier models and you get quite good at it. The Nav system isn't as intuitive or easy to use as the Lexus SC430 my wife has (which also boogies) but it's Okay. BMW has me two more years.
The best car on the market
Everything considered, I really think this is one of the best cars on the road today. It is so fun to drive and I get compliments all the time. I've only had it for 3 weeks, and haven't had 1 thing go wrong or found anything not working as it should, except the garage door opening device, although, I haven't really read up on that yet. I've driven BMW's now for 15 years and they just keep getting beter and better.
BMW is the only car for me
This is my 11th or so BMW. Last was the 1999 528i which I loved. At first, didn't like the direction of the new styling, but at least it is not as gaudy as the 7 Series. Forget Audi A6 and Mercedes E class. There is no drive like this one and it gets better all the time. The new sports trans is really nice. I basically drive in that and use regular drive like an overdrive on the highway. There is no ride like the the BMW, the ultimate driving machine.
Best of the best
First BMW and without a doubt the best all around car I have ever owned. Traded a 2004 Mazda RX8 for it, the 545 outperforms the Mazda in every way.
I love this car...
I've only had my BMW 525 for 2 weeks now and I have yet to find anything I dislike about this car. I traded in a 2002 Jaguar, which I enjoyed, but after driving this car I knew I had to make the switch. The overall interior is bigger, my husband, who is a bigger guy fits comfortably in both the front and back seats. The car is quiet and easy to drive. The iDrive is different but after playing with it a bit it's not a big problem. I like the way it handles the road and the smooth drive. The trunk space is great. Unless something drastic happens I can see me driving a BMW for a long time
Great car/Questionable service
This is my first BMW. I looked carefully at other cars before deciding on this one. I have no complaints with the machine. It's solid, responsive and easy to drive. The "bells and whistles" (iDrive, etc) are actually easy to use and functional. Practical too. The front-end of the car seems a little low and I am distressed to occasionally scrape inclines at low driveways and bumps in the road.
Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned
I've owned Mercedes, Lexus, Cadillac, Audi, Porshe, to name a few, but never had a BMW until I bought the new 525i 8 weeks ago. I was, and continue to be, totally awed by the vehicle. This is a well-built, eye-catching and unbelievably performing machine in every way. The styling is unparalleled; the interior is roomy and erognomically satisfying; the trunk is spacious and can hold 4 sets of golf clubs; the horsepower is deceiving, only 184, but it responds assertively and appropriately to any demand I place on it. I recommend the xenon package with adaptive headlights, the premium package, and the satellite radio. Great surprise and highly satisfying - best of over 40 cars I've owned.
2005 bmw525 automatic
I love it and have no regrets, it was expensive but worth it and so was the navigation system
Ownership of My 3rd BMW. 2005 525i BMW
The performance of the 525i series is outstanding. I have the sports package on my automobile, the grip to the road; as you are going around curves. Hugs the road. Love the rotating lights, especially in the evenings; the support back in the driver's seat makes this vehicle an exceptional soothing and comfortable adventure. Storage space in the trunk is excellent. The body style is sleek and classy. Hot Las Vegas weather the silver tones are perfect for desert & evening driving down the strip; shows off pure elegance. Safety of this vehicle is at the top of the line of autos. I have received discounts on my auto policy for having lo-jack & side, overhead, front airbags. Proud owner in Las Vegas NV.