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 21 through 30 of 343.00

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  Instrumentation Disaster - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sparcusa - June 23 - 10:38 pm

  This iDrive thing is an abomination. My minivan radio has more capabilities. The iDrive has a nice color screen, looks cool but essentially does nothing. Really! Shockingly disfunctional and distracts from the overall driving experience. It constantly displays a warning that essentially says "DONT LOOK AT THIS WHILE YOUR DRIVING". If I cant upgrade this thing, I think Im going to trade it in. really, really disappointed.

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  GREEN MACHINE - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By EASYED - June 12 - 3:23 pm

  The sports package tires and rims do not meet the rough roads (potholes,etc.). Expect out of pocket costs (new tires/new rims )potentially after 25,000 miles. Out of pocket costs could near $3,000. Also, three recalls to date, which are not what I expected in a $60k vehicle. Cupholders are terrible!!!

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  Could be better - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By JMZ - May 30 - 8:13 pm

  Like the looking and performance. Marked 225 hps but feels stronger than Infiniti G35 during the acceleration, which claimed 280 hps. Navigation system works better than my portable Garmin one, particularly the voice reminder, split screen: one for map and one for arrow direction. Parktronic and adaptive headlight are good features. The basic stereo sound is already better than the Bose in my previous Infiniti i30. Things I do not like: the interior looks cheaper than most of the same level cars in the market. IDrive is ok but not much advantages. No mp3 playable although the manual said so. No DVD playable in parking like Infiniti M Series.

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  If it worked it would be great. - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bwertma. - January 28 - 3:44 pm

  This could be a great car, but repeated problems with the computer system make it unacceptable. Episodes of the headlights not coming on but instead all exterior lights start flashing rapidly on and off warnings that the passenger airbag is off when an adult passenger is in the seat warnings of brake and steering problems etc. We have had many computer modules replaced and software upgrades to no avail. Because of these types of recurring, potentially dangerous problems we dont even feel comfortable enough to drive our 530i out of town. It is really fun to drive. If I had gotten one that worked reliably, I would love it.

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  at a glance and gone - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By morrika - December 29 - 4:49 am

  Love this car. I would say the 535i is a great buy based on gas savings durig these times. But power is the name of my game This car handles wonderfully. The sports package is a must. And while enjoying the ride listen to the Harmon Kardon how real can you get? Just a nice all-around confortable drive. This car turns heads, then youre gone and you cant help but smile.

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  When it works, Its Great - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By AW - December 11 - 5:37 pm

  Have owned a 99 323 and a 01 530- Great Cars, no problems. Cannot say the same about 04-530i. When it works, drives great, fun to use stuff inside. Dealer cannot get all the iDrive to work consistently. Fix 1 item, something doesnt work. All 4 tires have been replaced and I still have vibration at 60mph. Dealership cannot figure it out. Going back again for 4th appointment to fix new iDrive problem and tire issues. Only good thing, BMW loaner car (3 series) which drives great. If you can get a 2003 5 series-grab it!

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  Get rid of the I-Drive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill Chipman - October 26 - 2:00 am

  The I-Drive is one of the worst ideas ever designed for a car! The engine and performance is great but over the past year it has been in the shop 5 times with each time having to address the I-Drive. This will be the first and last BMW I ever purchase.

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  a long time BMW driver - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By wanger - October 23 - 2:00 am

  While new is usually better, in the case of the new 2004 530, it is not. After driving the 1998 528, and a 330ci, this new 2004 530, while technologically more advanced than the former model, is like driving a large sedan. It does not feet like a drivers care. It feely heavier, the radio controls make it a lot harder to switch between channels, the attention to deatil to save costs are noticeable...no longer is the gear shift knob in wood. Thats a $150 option. The door panels are too large, making the passenger windows too small. If you are a back seat passenger, you are wedged too far down in the seat to be able to look outside. Overall, go find a 2003 530/545 and dont let it go.

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  Lemon Law - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RJC11 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive-when I have it. Vehicle has been at the dealer twice for a total of 18 days so far with the same electrical problem. Going back for a third time. 3 Strikes and youre out.

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  2004 BMW 525i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By lulu - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Tight steering and rapid acceleration surprising for a 2.5L engine. I-drive is complicated and requires studying the owners manual extensively. After owning for over 2 weeks I still havent quite gotten a handle on the I-Drive. Would like to have the navigation sytem but it is not available until March 2004 production. Dont exactly know if it will be possible to install after the fact.