Overview & Reviews

This year a standard CD player, climate control and power seats. The 4.4-liter V8 of the 540 now makes 290 horsepower, up 8 from last year. Rear side-impact airbags are now a no-charge option, rather than standard.

• Thrilling to drive, luxurious ride quality, clean exterior styling.

• Confusing interior markings, demanding manual transmission, high-end models are pricey.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 147.00

• 

  Awesome Car!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By 3sons66 - May 13 - 9:02 am

  Although Ive only had this car for 3 months and 5K miles..so far so good. Weak spots are definitely the cooling system (water pump, pullies) and leaking valve covers. Although if you can turn a wrench...fairly easy to DIY and numerous forums that cover DIYs. Car absolutely hauls...one of the fastest "family" cars Ive ever owned. Purchased for $12200 with 50,XXX miles on the odometer. Overall, very happy with this car. As for fuel mileage, I expected much worse since I cant keep my right foot off the floor board. City / Town is 19.9 average and recently got 24.6 on a 300 mile trip with the set at 80 mph. Nice surprise since most were claiming much lower figures. Stereo stinks.

• 

  Dont make em like this any more :) - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By K Johnstone - March 24 - 11:08 pm

  Every once in a while things come together and result in a special product. The BMW E39 is an example of such. - The 540iA Sport Package is a near ideal blend of sports sedan and luxury cruiser. Build quality is superior to modern BMWs with thicker body work metal and orange peel free paint. Hoping that the new F60 will match it - somehow I doubt it. The E39 is I think that special.

• 

  Dont sweat the cup holders! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Ross - March 17 - 7:12 pm

  Bought the car new and have never regretted the decision. Every option and they all continue to work for going on 8 years. I service it only at BMW and though pricey, it pays to work with the best. Fun to drive in all weather and runs like it is on rails. Great not to have the I drive and all components work like the car is new. Id get another one but at this rate the current BMW will last another 10 years. The extra money was worth it in every way. Ive added sat radio, and now its perfect.

• 

  BMW 530iA - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By TheoMD - March 4 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned. Absolutely love it except for the awful cupholders and lack thereof in the rear

• 

  Excellent after all these years! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By codysd - January 8 - 10:05 pm

  We have had ours over 3 years, purchased CPO. We have had several very high end cars, a new BMW 530 sedan now, etc., but this 2002 wagon is the one we will always keep. It is virtually perfect in every way, looks very sporty, drives like a rocket, is incredibly reliable and we NEVER get tired of driving it. It is a keeper!

• 

  Fun to Drive Expensive to Own - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Dick Bange - December 21 - 7:21 pm

  Love to drive this vehicle bought new. However, have spent over $12,000 repairing everything from A/C, water pump, CD player, starter and thermostat several times. Wont buy another one.

• 

  What a Great Car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By j mcburney - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I came awfully close to getting a MB CLK 430 until my boss, a confirmed BMW fanatic convinced me to not buy anything without trying a 540i. Boy, do I owe him! Mine is a sport package with MSport wheels and steering wheel and trim - kind of an M5 wannabe. It is simply the best car in its class by a long shot, and easily one of the finest in the world. I wish that the 6 speed had not been an extra cost option, because that combined with its negative impact on resale got me into the Steptronic, but it is the best auto Ive ever driven. Simply a fabulous car that obliterates standards of luxury, performance and engineering excellence. Bravo!

• 

  Over all happy with my BMW - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By me and my bimmer - September 6 - 9:17 am

  When I first bought my beamer and sat inside it, immediately I was consumed by the quality and durability of the design. As I drove it for the first time around my town, the way it handled was very impressive. Tight steering and the way it handles bumpy roads was extremely well. Engine performance is there when you need it with smoothness and power.This is the first German vehicle I have owned and I would have to grade it with and A+.

• 

  Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By RodneyD - August 8 - 2:52 pm

  I have owned my 530i for only 5 months and it is truly the ultimate driving machine. This is my 3rd BMW. Previously owned a 3 and wife drives an x3. This car makes me look for the long way home. I especially look for the curvy roads. The styling is classic. The handling is outstanding. The car is just fun to drive. If you are looking for a vehicle that is a blast to drive then do yourself a favor and buy a BMW!

• 

  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned Hands Down - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Jmonk - June 19 - 9:07 am

  I bought my BMW used, however it still performs/drives/handles/ better than ANY other car I have ever driven new or used. My 6 y/o BMW even drives better than the brand new police interceptor I drive for work. Owning a BMW will mean more $ for general maintenance but an independant BMW shop can lessen the cost of ownership. Driving a BMW truely is "the ultimate driving experience". Once you drive one, youll know. With regards to fuel economy, these vehicles run on premium fuel. This cost will usually compute to no more than an extra $4 a tank, but you WILL get outstanding performance and good fuel economy. Yesterday I got 30 MPG highway on an out-of-town trip. My vehicle is a 525i sport.