Used 2005 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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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
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.
- 530i SedanMSRP: $3,900134 mi away
- 545i SedanMSRP: $5,900194 mi away
- 545i SedanMSRP: $9,995236 mi away
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.
Perfection of the drive
Previous car was 1999 540i sport pkg. Sold and bought 2004 M3. Drove the M for 6 months, traded it on 2004 545 sport with auto. Love it! 90% of M3 performance, way more comfort.
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.
4-door Porsche
I had a 2003 540 with an M sports pkg for the last couple of years. I did not think a car could get better than than one. Well, they made everything a little bit better in redesign. It's faster, handles better, bigger, more style in the looks, and many more features. It can outrun and outhandle a Boxster S, and seat 4 people. It is the firmest, tightest car I have driven.
This car is years ahead of all brands.
What's all the hype over I-Drive. It's a great device to set-up your car the way you want it. How many other car's allow this type of programming? 6 & 7 series. It only takes a few minutes to learn. It's wonderful once you master it. A blast to drive with a quiet compliant ride. This is my 3rd BMW in 5 years.
bmw black on black
This is my third 5 series car, car has been recalled two times due too computer problems. The 5 drives smooth and is as fast as a rocket. The upgrade seats are terrible not comfortable and not worth the extra money. My computer replacement took 4 weeks! Needless to say i was not happy. Bmw rented a volvo for me and paid the bill. Car is very tight and hits the road bumps very hard, could be the sports package with the low tires? The run flat tires are a pain, you cant get a simple flat fixed, bmw wants the tire to be replaced, at $425. Everyone looks at the black on black 545 it is a great looking car. I'm sure the computer bugs are fixed and love driving and highly recommend 545 to all.
A Pleasure to Drive
Silver grey color looks great. Took a few weeks to become comfortable with iDrive, but easier to master than I thought it would be. First two months with over 4,000 miles and no quality or operational glitches whatsoever. Wife has '03 525 that we have had great fun with. Seats in wife's car much more comfortable, but otherwise she would rather drive mine and so would I.
The Best Auto I've Ever Driven
This vehicle is beautiful to look at, fun to drive and very reliable. BMW Service is second to none and we would never think of puchasing another make of vehicle. My husband used to be a Cadillac Man, but not anymore!
Can't get any better
The test drive sold me in 30 seconds. Doesn't hold a candle to the Lexus or the Benz. Handling of turns is most impressive and turns on a dime. Purrs like a kitten.... the sound system is great... the i-drive is a piece of cake. I would buy another one tomorrow.
Great Car
Fun, extremely fast, and sticks to road as if it's on rails. I love driving this every day. I recommend it to anyone who loves to drive. I had the K40 installed also.
Fun with style and quility
Handling, reliability are excellent. The iDrive is very easy to use.
Incredible drive
This car is like no other. I love driving it! I recommend it to anyone. I went with the 530i. Very smooth. Get the satelite radio, the sound system is perfect.
Love it!
Maybe I am biased but this is my fifth of my BMW. Three were 3 series (gave my last one to my daughter so the grandchildren were safe), and purchased a Z4 for my wife. I needed a larger sedan than the 3, so the 5 was a natural choice. I happen to like the looks and the I Drive. Yes, it takes some time, but it is worth it. We just got back from a 2000 mile trip and we were comortable and relaxed after doing quite a bit of exploring. It handled wonderfully on the switchbacks of the forest roads, great milage on the highway, and the navagation system was confused only once when new roads had been built. It even found a small hotel we had programmed in in a residental area of town,
great car- everyone should drive one
sport car feel with luxery car comfort- hadles great- very quick
Patricia's Beemer
I had a 323i prior to this 2005 5 series. WOW! I am so happy I upgraded. It is classy, sporty & so much fun to drive. If you love the feel of a tight drive, you'll love this car. I'm a Beemer girl and always will be!
Passing on the curves
Once upon a time in a galaxy far far away, I owned an M6. I looked upon the 5 series with distain, a four door sedan for the family man. Not for a real life he-man who needed a vessel for all his testosterone. All that went out the window like so much cat hair on a windy day when I drove a 545 and fell in love. This car not only has more power than my 87 M6 but it's handling is actually better. so much for my distain of sedans. If there is any shortfall it's inside. I do miss the hand-stitched leather dash and the little non-functional soda cooler in the back. But that's more than made up for the ability to transport passengers who actually have legs. Bravo BMW, the 545 is a winner.
Design Defect
I love my car, but there is a definite design defect. The electronic module that controls most of the electronics in the car is located under the tire well in the truck. It's very easy for liquids to seep into the compartment and cause an "electronic malfunction". I was carrying groceries in my trunk and some liquid spilled. Before I made it home, my car's electronic system went haywire. I took it to the dealer and explained my problem and he new exactly what it was. It seems many other car owners have had the same problem. At a cost of $790 they repaired the problem and relocated the electronic module. It seems this is an ongoing problem and BMW should have made owners aware of the issue
Fun to drive
A great car and fun to drive. Get the standard 6 speed. The i drive is not a big deal as published in the car mags.
A car you'll always remember
A total kick every time I get behind the wheel. The quality of the car and driving experience make this car worth every penny. Everyone should own one at least once. I felt the 330i was a little small, while the 530i was a perfect fit for my life style. Treat yourself........
Finally got my 545i!!!!
After much debate, I decided to let go of my 2006 330i for a 2005 545i. So far, the car does not disappoint. The iDrive is by far one of the best gadgets the car has to offer. You have to be computer illiterate not to know how to use the iDrive. These are the gadgets that make the car exciting!! As far as performance, the engine delivers!!! I could only image how the 550i performs. In addition, the car is very spacious and the seats are very comfortable. I can't wait to drive the car because it is that exciting!!
Best car I have ever owned.
I traded in an 04 Merz C-320 for this car. Best trade I ever made. This is an all around outstanding car. The car handles well is comfortable and quiet. I have the luxury package and the sport package. Both options are worth the money.
Solid Performer
I traded an '04 Mercedes e500 for the 545 and am happy with the decision. The 545 is sportier, a bit quicker and grippier on the roads. I have to say, I think the Benz has a few things over my 545 - interior and exterior design primarilly, though the "Banglisms" (designer) on this car are growing on me...
Green 525 - Love it
This is one of the most appealing vehicles on the road. I've had people on the highway give me the thumbs up as if saying, "Nice car man". It feels and rides great. I have a friend with a Cadillac and one with a Mercedes and they both brag about my 525. The 525 has superb handling and power to merge and pass. The I-drive is easy to learn and an innovative convenience. I am able to reach every button in the front area to include the passengers door with ease. This is my first 5 Series and I will always own a 5 series from now on. Oh! The full maintenance warranty will be hard to beat. The factory sound system has no distortion at high levels. There is plenty of trunk space.
A Joy To Ride
Bought the 545 with SMG/ Sports package sight unseen on the recommendation of the salesman - glad I did. This car is an absolute joy to drive - I do ~60 miles each day and it's a pleasure.
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!
Growing on me
The dominant item of this car is the V-8 engine. It is nothing but superlatives: extremely powerful, very fuel efficient, wonderful sounding, impossible to operate smoothly in stop and go traffic, incredibly complicated (I hope valvetronic is reliable). The car itself is very modern. Most of it is made of aluminum. The interior (standard seats) is comfortable, though storage space is limited. Brakes, transmission, electronics such as Logic 7 radio and nav are first rate. The latter, of course, is already outdated by today's hard drive systems, but the basic car still remains leading edge. I cannot overemphasize how good the engine is. Don't even consider the 6 cylinder.
Very Happy With This Vehicle
I happened to really like both the interior and exterior styling and notice many who when I go into another lane check the car out as I pass on the highway. I had a Cadillac DTS prior to this and a Seville STS before that, neither car compared. I receive compliments from people I don"t know all the time, had two today, that makes you feel good as well. As was the case with the review writtten in this article SOME find the idrive system complicated, I don't. It took a little to get used to but it does so much, I don't know how it would have been simplified and still do as much. I ordered the car with PDC, Park Distance Control, don't overlook GPS! Both are exceptional!!
Great Car
Great car. Quite a few features that make this car exceptionally fun to drive. Handles nicely hugging the road with complete confidence, very responsive, quiet interior. Overall this car meets most of ones expectations of a mid sized BMW although it is slightly underpowered for its size. At 225 HP it is sometimes not quite as responsive off the line. Although once at cruising speeds, just a slight tap on the accelerator produces quick and confident acceleration. Interior is nicely appointed and not overdone.
I Love Going Fast
The 2005 BMW styling is great. All avid 5 series owners fall in love with it sooner or later. My favorite aspect of the car is its reliability, I've had to fix nothing! Pretty fast with the V8, does 0-60 in 5.5 sec and is wonderfully smooth through the transitions. Great fuel economy for a V8 at 18 city and 26 hwy The sports suspension with active steering does wonders and the interior is really well done. BMW continues to be a leader in the auto industry.
Not disappointed!!!
Just had my Beemer for a week now. I am totally satisfied so far. Great ride...compared to Jaguar S-type, Lexus 300, Mercedes E-class. No Comparison for price. I drove a 1998 525-i and it was good. This care is awesome!!!!I can't wait to put it onto open highway!!!
From CL55 to BMW 545
Having come out of a CL 55 Merc. I found the BM only slightly slower. The BM's road holding is better, however its economy is the same as the 500bhp merc. The BM is a boring drive but I can live with that. I miss my TV and seat heating.
From 7-series to 545
Following 3 7-series BMWs (2 740s and a 745) I find this 545 to be a much more enjoyable car to drive. With Sport Package, road feel and handling are both outstanding, although I am not a fan of the Active Steering. The interior is at least as comfortable as the 7-series and acceleration is superior. Plenty of room for 4 large adults, icluding sufficient leg room in rear, but 5 adults should only ride for short distances.
530I
I bought mine with 15000 miles on it. I also owned a previous certified pre-owned 2000 (I can't get myself to puchase a new one). While I enjoy the "sedan" feel, it is not as responsive as my previous 5 series and also my wife's 335i blows it away in the fun category. But with that said, I bought a sedan and I love it (120 mph feels like 45 mph)! I only wish the ergonomics were a tad better (cup holders, cruise, tilt, wipers, etc.). For the money, give me the beemer and keep the lexus/acura!
CCC Problem
Great car but there is a issue with the CCC aka iDrive. I had one go out under warranty at about 40,000 and now again it went out at 79,000 but this time I have to pay and it costs $1600 to replace. I have the certified pre- owned warranty which the dealership that I bought from said was bumper to bumper (the salesman lied) and now I have to suffer the consequences. Also the brakes squeal even though they do not need to be replaced. The rear tires wear fast because in the sports suspension, the wheels are slightly inward on purpose for handling so you will have to change tires frequently. Do not recommend if you don't have a lot of money to pay for service.
My Second 5 series
Just traded my 2004 525i for a 2005 530i..no need to say I like the 5's since I moved into the 530 after only a year. More power and much better tires than on the 04 model. If you are shopping for a car in this class, check this car out, it is quite elegant & comfortable! Issues with the 04 525, cupholders, transmission skipping a bit, had 2 recalls within 1 year... the 2005 I have now has a very badly misaligned hood that will require adjusting. Contacted BMW to voice concern over the poor fit and finish that is so unlike BMW, otherwise, happy as can be with the car
First BMW, It's Amazing!
This is my first BMW. I fell in love with German engineering when I owned the '98 Passat. This is that multiplied by 10. The car is a pure joy to drive. It makes the slog of the commute worth it, at least for a little while. I-drive is nowhere near the horrible extra everyone says. The cupholders aren't great, but they do the job. The one complaint I have is minor, and that is the odd compartments in the center armrest. What's the point?
My Mistake
If you are looking for a budget/luxury/family performance car with good gas mileage, this is it! Sleek design, very comfortable and exceptional power for a v6. Nimble, great cornering and nice road feel. I have had it to 150 mph, but it took a while to get there and I wasn't comfortable as I arrived. "Ah There's the rub". At about 125 suspension feels loose. The SPORT PACKAGE corrects that problem. 0-60 takes about 9.3 sec., an eternity when trying to catch a fast car. The M5 will correct that problem(0-60 4.3). The 530 is a beautiful machine.
Best mid-size sport sedan out now
This car has delivered...and more. I have never enjoyed a car as much as this. Everything is just great. Sure the cupholders could be better, but this is otherwise German engineering at its finest.
2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 6M
Bought used w/ 24K miles. This is a truly amazing car. I've had it now for 4 months and love it more every day. My only complaint was the REALLY bad OEM Dunlop DSST run-flat tires. BMW should be embarassed by these - LOUD as a truck and extremely jittery due to uneven tread wear all around. Replaced them a month ago with Pirelli P-Zero-Nero MS's and I have a totally different car. Handling & comfort are 100% improved. Trunk is huge. Sat radio & nav are great. Excellent night vision. 18 MPG in town - 28 MPG HWY. No regrets. A great purchase.
what a car!
Now in my second week of driving the 545i. Great engine, handling, and just plain fun to drive. Last car was an Acura Legend, another great car but the difference is unbelieveable. I got the SMG transmission, you get the fun of the manual with the ease of use of an automatic. The iDrive is a piece of cake.
Great to Drive, If it is not in the Shop
This is my second 5 series, the previous was a 540. The vehicle is pure pleasure to drive, acceleration, braking and handling are awesome! That said, it is the poorest quality vehicle I have ever had. 5 visits in 5 weeks in the shop for failing iDrive. I blame BMW service more than the vehicle, they would not replace the failing unit and kept reprogramming the computer. The iDrive itself is tedious and cumbersome, the nav system is worthless 50% of the time. I cannot count how many rattles and noises the vehicle possesses. Sunroof replaced, window gaskets squeaking, etc etc etc. BMW, the drivers machine - when you get to drive it!
Is it a Lemon?
Took ownership end of Feb. Less than 12 hours later the car said I had a flat. Had to wait 1/2 day to diagnose myself and reset. A week later the computer reboots while doing the voice commands. A week or two after that Navigation tells me I'm driving in the ocean. Took it in and a week later it's fixed but after the s/w upgrade the computer rebooted twice (after it went to sleep a 2 days). Locking the car doesn't blink the lights nor chimes (intermitent). Going up the hill, it feels like it wants to stall (but doesn't). And now the latest: Steering wheel is pointing right. I feel like I'm driving a very expensive, very poorly designed car. Current mileage (1700)
A Great Surprise
After owning Mercedes, Lexus, Infinti, Cadillac, Acura, etc., after driving the 525i, it sold itself. Handling, style, comfort, reliability and service are superior. This is my first bimmer, and it won't be my last
545i; a great performer
I recently purchased a pre-owned 545i, with about 55k on the clock. The car is tight, without creaks and rattles, and the interior still looks largely new. My previous vehicle was an 06 Lotus Elise, and even so, I would say this car drives impeccably. Everything from the engine, to the weight distribution, to the suspension (sport package) to the transmission (6sp MT) is perfect. My only complaint with the whole car is the iDrive system; it's too cumbersome. Simple tasks like changing the radio station or ventilation settings should be easy to do with individual knobs without resorting to a series of menus.
Still the Best Performance Sedan
I have owned more than 10 BMWs and, with the exception of my 2003 M3 convertible (my baby), this is the best car yet. It's a sports car, luxury sedan, and a practical everyday vehicle all in one.
awesome
Car drives and handles beyond expectations.Annoying cuphoder,and radio only blemish to this buyer.
Bring Back the Drivers Car
After having a 528 and a 330 convertible, I purchased the new 530. It is so stiff that you do not feel you are driving a BMW...more like a Lexus. The former model felt like you were truly driving a sports sedan. This has no feeling to it. No life. BMW also made the door panels too tall, hence smaller windows like the Chrysler. The back seat passenger can hardly see out of the window. I also miss having the 6 buttons to get a specific radio channel. The iDrive radio just does not cut it. Bottom line: rock solid care with no excitement.
Hitt yourself in the head with a hammer
TRADED MY E320-AFTER 6MOS TRADED RIGHT BACK TO AN E500. MY 530 HAD AN MSRP OF 63 K W/ EVERY POSSIBLE OPTION. DRIVING THIS CAR WAS LIKE HITTING MYSLEF IN THE HEAD WITH A HAMMER - IT FEELS SO GOOD WHEN YOU QUIT! I DRIVE IS EASY, BUT STILL A NEEDLESS HASSLE AND VERY DISTRACTING. ALSO FAR LESS COMFORT THAN THE BENZ. LOUSY INTERIOR, POOR STORAGE, CHEAP LOOKING ORANGE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS. EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS ARE SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN THE MERC YET THE MERC IS SO MUCH MORE ROOMY! BUT THE I DRIVE IN THE ISSUE - IT MAKES THIS CAR FAR MORE COMPLEX TO OPERATE THAN IT NEED BE. MY BENZ HAS ALL THE SAME BELLS AND WHISTLES YET IS EASY AND INTUITIVE TO OPERATE. BMW WILL DROP I DRIVE!!