Overview & Reviews

The 5 Series has been completely redesigned for 2004. Along with a new V8 and the iDrive vehicle management system, buyers can expect even greater handling from this premier midsize sedan than before.

• Available V8 power, handles more like a sports car than a sedan, luxurious yet sporty cabin.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 343.00

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  I hate that I love this car so much! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff Allen - April 28 - 5:10 pm

  I purchased my 2004 BMW 525 used with 28K miles in 2010 to be used as my commuter car. I can not stand the iDrive that BMW uses in this model year. The cup holders are officially the 10th level of hell. Tires and brakes are three times as expensive as a "normal" sedan. Repairs, though few and far between so far, are costly. Every few months I will shop around hoping to replace it, refusing to look at another BMW. Every couple of months I go test drive another round of models and makes that I cant bring myself to buy. I love my BMW! Nothing handles like it. Nothing performs like it! Nothing captivates the true essence of the drive like a BMW! Until i can find something better...

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  Buy the manual - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By djlarroc - October 15 - 1:35 pm

  Felt compelled to add my review since it is positive and most people complain. This is my 4th BMW (3rd 5 series). All have been manual. This is another great sedan. Has been very reliable. 3 years and 25k miles. Have only had to replace a coolant sensor (cheap/easy fix). The car gets amazin HWY MPG (34ish) City 20ish. Accelerates and handles amazing. RWD, and have been caught in a few CO snow storms, and got me home. Its also a very safe car. About the only cons, is the I-drive has scared me a few times where it did not turn on, then all of a sudden turned on. But as far as mechanically, another excellent BMW sedan.

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  Luxury! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By hand77 - December 14 - 5:51 am

  This is the first of many BMWs that I will own! This cars interior is amazing for a 2004! Heated everything, power everything! The iDrive wasnt too hard to figure out after a few weeks of owning. It doesnt save my presets to my radio, but thats fine I use my phone. There is no performance to this car, it is VERY slow, but the luxury makes up for it.

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  Great car but unexpected problems - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Fouad - April 13 - 7:05 am

  Bought brand new in 2004 and I still use it now. At first fule smell inside and dealer couldnt fix the problem till now also annoying sound from the roof like plates hitting 1. After 2 years I had to replace my suspension system for a cost of $2,200 (done by dealer) but I had to change all rft tyres because of that on my account for aboutt $2,400 2. After 3 years gearbox had to be replaced for a cost of around $7,000 (done by dealer) 3. After 4 years again I had suspension sys problem 4. Ac not cooling and compressor should be replaced for a cost of around $2,200 5. Oil level is always low according to computer screen but oil level is ok 6. Left front passenger window doesnt close any more

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  DONT BUY ONE - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By rusdswan - December 13 - 8:24 am

  I bought this 2004 545i in Oct 06. It had 48k miles on it and was in near perfect condition. I had problems within a month of driving it. The default light for almost every system alarmed. After 4 visits I bought a new $170 battery which fixed all the problems BMW could not. Recently the transmission default light came on. BMW offered to fix it for $8200. Ridiculous!

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  If only the electronics were executed! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By David J2005 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car! However, everytime the car is started, the "mouse" must be pushed to acknowledge the safety warning. This is a pain. I also have a MB which has the same message, but times out in seconds automatically.

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  1st time "Beamer" owner - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Colleen Weber - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Really fun to drive....kinda like falling in love in highschool! REALLY wish they had front wheel drive though. Im from S.D. and we get plenty of snow and ice in the winter. Since this is my first "Beamer", I am concerned about how I will make it through the elements with this car.

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  New 5 needs refinement - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By PCM - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for 1300 miles. The car is not as stable as the older 5. Sport suspension is bouncy. Quirky electronic. Very weak radio reception. Lots of statics and losses all AM signal running underpass. Passenger airbag sensir could not sense an adult passenger sitting in passenger side - a safety hazard. Jerking transmisson. Dakota leather harder than Honda leather. Head rest angel does not conform to body shape, too far from head.Poorly design turn signal stick. I have confused the poor guy behind me when Itry to bring the turning sign back to off but going left and right instead.

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  545 IA bargain - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Mau - January 19 - 2:34 pm

  Was able to get hold of a 2004 545 IA with 24k miles for US $28k. After having a couple of Impreza WRX rally cars and STI I decided to go comfy. I have found that the 545 is just superb. Great power (miss the turbo though), a little slow on the take offs due the heavy weight but more than happy with all the equipment and comfort. Tried the 525 and 530 - simply no comparison. V8 all the way!

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  Loyal BMW Driver for 20 yrs - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sharon gamba - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the 2004 530I. I like this car alot better than my last 5 series (2001)as far as performance and quality, it doesnt look as sporty, its more elegant. Handles well, feels tight, lots of new toys, and as far as the I Drive, I really like it. I do not like the seatbelt feature, I find it really annoying, and intrusive. On a more positive note, i adore the high beams, they halo the road, and night driving is fabulous because of this feature. Overall, BMW seems to have climed a notch in the quality of this vehicle.