2005 BMW 5 Series Review
2005 BMW 5 Series Review





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Used 5 Series for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- One of the most satisfying midsize sport sedans you can buy, ultrarefined engines, multiple transmissions, tastefully appointed cabin, exceptional build quality, strong resale value.
Cons
- Styling may not appeal to 5 Series loyalists, iDrive system still more hassle than it's worth, costs more than most competitors.
What’s new
For 2005, the interior of all models receives more extensive wood trim on the center console, and adjustable front lumbar support is now standard on the 530i and 545i. Poplar wood trim is now included on the 525i and 530i. Anthracite Maple wood trim is a no-cost option. The 525i receives 17-inch Star Spoke cast-alloy wheels, and park distance control is now standard on the 545i. Active Steering is now offered as a stand-alone option on all models. The 545i now comes standard with the six-speed manual transmission, with the six-speed steptronic automatic available as a no-cost option. BMW's innovative SMG sequential manual gearbox is available on the 530i and 545i.
Edmunds says
Controversial styling and BMW's continued use of the confounding iDrive system are the only blemishes on this otherwise outstanding luxury sport sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$233/mo for 5 Series 525i
5 Series 525i
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 BMW 5 Series.
5 star(75%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
151 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.5 out of 5 stars
Buyer Beware!!
musicman9, 01/20/2011
2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
I had 3 cars sitting in my garage, one was a BMW 545i (2005) one is a GMC Envoy (2002) and the other is a Toyota Tacoma Truck (1996)
The BMW continued to leak oil all over the garage until I finally sold it.
The Envoy and the Tacoma have about 200,000 miles each and I doubt that I have even spent $500 combined on the 2 of these cars since I have owned them.
The BMW has been nothing but … problems with every maintenance bill being at least $1,000.
Just a battery alone for the car is almost $500!
The car was the best driving car I have ever owned but reliability was the worst of any of the 20 cars I have owned since I first started driving.
I traded it recently for a Toyota!
3.88 out of 5 stars
Fun to drive, not without issues
fango2, 02/07/2012
2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
I bought mine in 2008 with 28K miles.
I sold my 2003 325i to get this car. Just like the 3 series, I LOVE the way this car drives. The power, acceleration and steering are incredible. It's super smooth at high speeds - you just don't know you're speeding! After about 50K miles I was experiencing jerkiness in the transmission. Sometimes at a stop the engine would race and I'd have to … shove my foot on the brake. I mentioned it several times to my dealer and finally, at 99K miles (I had the extended warranty) I asked to have a mechanic ride with me and I got a new transmission :) Cupholders suck; don't like the iDrive and interior is so-so, but I still like the car!
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great Car, but not Cheap to maintain
amg0507, 12/17/2012
2005 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
I've had my car for a few years now and put a good bit of miles on it.
I've got 120,000 miles.
I've changed the battery, tires, oil, spark plugs, all the regular maintenance and it drives great.
But it's a BMW and parts are not cheap. . . it's also not cheap to have someone put them in for you.
If you want a car that is Cheaper to keep going, drive a Toyota or a Honda.
If you … want to enjoy driving your car get a BMW.
Previously I've had an Rx-8, MiniCooper Sport, Lexus SC430 and a Honda Accord.
3.88 out of 5 stars
I love my 5 Series but not the major issue
ddsbmw, 10/02/2012
2005 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
I love to drive my 525i, but it would be a lot more enjoyable with some sort of stereo.
CCC module went out and is $1700 to replace.
Out of my budget and almost inevitable to go out in this model.
This controls navigation and all the service lights so I love my car a lot less than I could have.
How I wish BMW would recall their obvious faulty CCC module so this car could be the great car … it was meant to be.
2005 5 Series Highlights
525i
Base MSRP | $41,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $233/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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