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 1 through 10 of 147.00

• 

  I JUST LOVE THIS CAR! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By MP Morris - October 17 - 12:18 pm

  WIth traffic increasing daily in Atlanta, I decided to sell my daily driver (Mini Cooper S) for a larger and heavier car in 2013. I lucked up, found a 2002 530i, and bought it immediately. This has been one of my best purchases ever! The E39 handles like a dream, and has only had the normal problems that come with a car of its age. I can only exclaim "I JUST LOVE THIS CAR"!

• 

  Fantastic Car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By archer_r - October 13 - 4:43 pm

  Ive owned this car for about 3 years and it still impresses me by its performance, handling, and comfort. The engine has ample power throughout the entire rev range. You could be cruising in 5th gear at 1500 RPM and it will still pull when you put your foot down. The car also rides very well. The ride is stiff yet comfrotable. You definately feel the road well and feel every bump, but its never uncomfrotable. The steering is also nice as well. It really makes you feel connected to the road, which is something some modern cars lack. For being a mid-sized sedan, this car really handles well. You can definately take corners with a lot of confidence in this car.

• 

  100,000 miles - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Gary - August 24 - 3:50 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed this car. I have owned VWs, MB, American made cars, etc. This car has been the most fun on a daily basis. Even with the mileage topping 100k, it is still fun to drive. In shopping for a new vehicle, it is hard to find something that compares to the over-all driving experience. The only complaint is that at 100k, all sorts of gremlins have come out to play. Major and expensive repairs have been necessary. This is NOT a maintanence free vehicle, especially at higher miles.

• 

  Awesome ride without a beverage - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By db - April 13 - 6:03 am

  Overall an awesome ride that sacrifices comfort for performance. If you want to sit on a couch while driving get a 7 series! I love this car, and it moves pretty fast! I thought gas consumption would be worse than it actually is with the 4.4 v8, but not too bad I guess? I love the lines of the car, and get many compliments from people as well. I feel safe in the car, as I have kids, many great safety features to reassure the feeling. This car is very durable and fast (2nd mention), I forget Im driving a family station wagon at times!

• 

  A Keeper... - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By RolandP - October 26 - 8:37 am

  This has been a remarkable car since the day I purchased it. Great car for long trips. It still delivers 29+ mpg with premium fuel. The manual transmission provides everything I expected. The car is steady and responsive.

• 

  Thanks Consumer Reports - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By bmwfan - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I was really close to buying a Mercedes CLK until I read Consumer Reports review on the 530i. This car is a dream come true - fun to drive, comfortable, fabulous looking and fast with decent fuel economy. The sport package adds icing to the cake. The 5-speed can be challenging at first, but it is so responsive that it is fun to shift. The buying experience was great. I cant say enough good about this car.

• 

  Wondering which way to go??? - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark Shaw - August 31 - 6:02 pm

  Ive owned my BMW for 4 years now - grey with sport pkg. Love the drive as I used to own a 1988 535i. After the mechanic called me today with a radiator/fan bearing replacement bill, I almost went out to trade it in. I have had a series of small issues with the car: dash pixels, xenon light failure, oil leaks, rubber dipstick boot oil leak, and more...I have 102K miles on the car but wondering if I should cut my losses and move on to newer...positive is that it has ALWAYS started like a charm...maybe Ive replaced most of the parts that can wear over time...

• 

  Too much fun!? - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By No. 1 bmw fan - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Heres what I can offer to anyone looking to buy: The car phone reception is so-so and the installed easthetic is less you expect. Pass on it. Expect alot of looks. It doesnt scream expensive like a Mercedes, but people in the know know what theyre looking at. The back seats are more comfortable than the fronts of most vehicles. The front seats are the most comfortable youll ever experience. Self-levelling headlamps, lowering mirror when reversing, window shades and beeping when the car has something it wants to make you aware of. A big cash outlay and the feeling it was worth every penny.

• 

  525i Sport Premium Package - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Spine Doc - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first BMW in December 2001, a 2002 525i sedan 5 speed with Sport Package (M-technic suspension, 17 inch rims, 3 spoke steering wheel with controls)Premium interior leather seats, cold weather package, 6 CD player in trunk, tinted windows, M- spoiler on trunk. Silver exterior on Black interior. Look no further, this car does it all... Its elegant lines turns heads everywhere I go, its very quick, handles incredibly and is built like a tank. Highway speeds cant satiate this cars desire to go fast! If only my friends would stop asking to take it for the weekend!

• 

  My 1st and probably last BMW - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve - May 17 - 1:24 am

  I bought my silver beauty (All German cars should be silver) "Certified Used" it had 36000 miles on the clock (Let me think for a sec... Hey! It’s a lease return) Came with full warranty to 50K. All Ive had done to it is regularly scheduled maintenance it looks, runs, and feels brand new. I said its my last BMW because Im 63 and itll probably outlive me... LOL.