Overview & Reviews

This is your last chance to get a traditionally styled 5 Series -- next year, its styling becomes more closely aligned with the controversial 7 Series. For now, BMW will offer a DVD-based navigation system for the existing 5 Series -- but alas, you must still give up an in-dash CD player if you opt for the nav system. Besides that, rear head protection airbags (optional last year) are now standard across the line. Additionally, all six-cylinder models get a standard moonroof. Standard on the manual-shift 540i (and optional with the automatic) is a new sport package that includes 18-inch wheels, a revised sport suspension, front and rear spoilers, visible exhaust outlets, black side molding, a black headliner, titanium-ringed gauges and an M footrest for the driver. Finally, the 525i gets a new alloy wheel design, and its premium package now includes rain-sensing wipers.

• Thrilling to drive, superb ride quality, upscale interiors, wide range of trim levels, clean exterior styling.

• Some confusing interior controls, demanding manual transmission, high-end models are pricey.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 224.00

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  Transmission problem - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By lawrence - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Once the 6 year 100k miles warranty is gone, surprises! Maintenance very expensive and for those equipped with lifetime ZF HP19 transmission youll be lucky if it last past 100K mark. Especially in New England weather.

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  Got to LOVE IT! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Viper1 - August 23 - 1:57 am

  I read some reviews that talk of the cup holders and other issues. We bought our 2003 525i and simply love it. The thing is on rails but also feels heavy but responsive. The weight is good for absorbing road imperfections. Just feels solid. Performance is nice, just need to hit the sport tronic trans at right rpm range. This car looks better than the newer model and BMW has changed it back to the E39 style with a more squat body. I had to change the alternator, but like our broken cup holder, alternator, and brakes, all of which I changed myself with the Bentley E39 Service Manual and the write tools and she is as tight as, well tight feels good. We Just Love Her, Silvia, because its silver.

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  Great car, if you ignore reliability - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike12345 - July 18 - 6:38 pm

  I love the handling, the ride, & the fuel efficiency. The engine power is only slightly lacking. However, a car must also be reliable. This car requires repairs every 8 to 12 weeks (seriously). Thank god for the extended warranty. I fear the day the extended warranty expires & I still owe monthly payments. I love this car&hate its ongoing issues: new radiator new plastic radiator reservoir washer fluid pump failure (3 times) pcv valve failure ($700 to repair) & my personal favorite is when the seat warmer caught fire. The car is awesome to drive and looks like poetry in motion but my 30 year old Ford truck has been more reliable. German efficiency does not seem to include reliability

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  BMW 530 past 60,000 miles - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TonyH - January 29 - 8:51 am

  The 530 corners as if it is on rails and it accelerates very quickly and smoothly. I also own a E350 Benz and the BMW kills it in terms of performance (and the Benz is no slouch). The difference with the Benz is that the quality of the interior is hugely superior to the 530 - indeed the 530 is pretty basic in comparison. The BIG problem with the Beemer is reliability. Since hitting about 60k its been own thing after another. First the door locks stopped working, then the doors started leaking, then the AC started acting up, then the alternator died, then, then.....the dollars just keep flowing out the door. For a car that is competing in the luxury space this is just BAD

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  Used BMW the Good and the not so Good - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Hoosier BMW - December 23 - 2:57 pm

  Had BMW for 6 months now. Read many reviews. Like the older body style. It was a one owner all books and records. Impressions..handles well but stiffer than my many Hondas, ride is great, comfortable, Conti tires good. Maintenance costs more, if you buy used make sure you have records. Car is heavy and 525i has limited low end power, use only premium gas, so it costs more, I baby it. Bought aftermarket cupholders..solved that problem. Not so good in snow..snow tires a plus..but an added cost. Dont cheap out on maintenance. Oil changes cost $100+ and use synthetic...but a longer interval...10k, love car, but wife doesnt..says it drives like a tank.

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  Excellent Power Train but Bad Gadgets - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Steven - December 23 - 11:19 am

  This is an excellent piece of machine especially if you like its aggressive and bossy exterior look. However, given the power train and the handling are excellent, there are just too many little problems that constantly haunt you. For example, weak cup holder (I replaced it twice), flimsy exterior thermostat (replaced twice), unreliable cooling system.

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  dont buy the sport package with contis - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By wackowacko - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The tires that come with the sport package are the worst I have ever seen. Contintial Sport contacts replaced at 7500 miles. In addition from day one there has been a vibration in the steering. 5 rotations 2 alignments later it is still there. Dealer says it is a known problem on sport models.....

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  BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By nstajka - March 9 - 5:58 am

  Great car. Love at first sight. I knew I would buy it as soon as I walked in the dealer.Then reality sets in. Seems like Im in the shop every six months. Last time the fuel pump or the pump sensor or relay? They didnt know. But after three trips in and almost $600.00 (Again!), Im ready for a Ford again. It was fun but unless I win the lotto Im done with BMW.

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  Never Again - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Scott - August 4 - 3:03 pm

  Being stationed overseas I figured it was time to buy a new BMW. I owned this car for 4.5 years, replaced all 4 rotors three times, also replaced 4 of 6 ignition coils throughout my ownership. All under warranty, luckily. Replaced the cub hold assembly, too easily broken. Its great to drive especially on the German Autobahn, but the headaches of maintenance were too much. I sold this car and after three months the new owner e-mailed and said the ignition coil went out.

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  Performance with a Price - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill - June 27 - 7:02 am

  Just a splendid, intoxicating driving experience that had the hair on my head tingling for the first 2 months that I drove... BUT, OMG tires wore out at 15K, stabilizer bar, computer problems, display board problems surfaced at 3 yrs. $5K in repairs later (out of warranty on the listed items) and a few other "normal" expensive repairs and I am ready to sell it for a more reliable performance vehicle. Just frustrating to have to endure the financial and disappointing pain a $50,000 car should NOT give you. Be cautious when you purchase this one.