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 101 through 110 of 224.00-
Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Yura - April 7 - 2:00 amPerformance is not all about acceleration. 525i does not have strong pull of a 540 or an M5 but it has all the right genes, awesome handling and road manners; it is full of potential. Pleasure to drive, first car in which I do not regret talking longer way home.
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Best combination of Luxury/Sport - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By scbsee88 - March 21 - 3:00 pmFrom the solid doors, plush leather and the Automatic Climate controls, the BMW takes car engineering to the next level. If you havent driven a 5-series, I suggest you do and then youll realize why all of the BMW cliches are right-on: Ultimate Driving Machine..."feel one with the road"..., etc. Dont believe the conventional wisdom that Lexus is more luxurious and BMW is more of a drivers car. My 530ia has got enough bells and whistles (sunroof, power seats, Automatic climate controls, stereo) to keep me more than satisfied. As a telecommuter, I have to come up with excuses to drive it out of my garage. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a 2003 while they come back from leases!
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Buy Smart , Buy CPO - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Neil Barker - February 23 - 6:48 pmI bought a 2003 540 Sport/Automatic from the BMW CPO program. No regrets so far, car has functioned flawlessly. The 540 is manufactured in BMWs premium factory, hence high quality. This car handles like a sports car, fits 5 people fairly well...though I only allow 4 max due to the factory lowered suspension. The Automatic is a dream to drive,its like a personal business jet for the road. The E39 has classic looks, its a good investment, it will look good years from now. New 5 Series ? Horrible!! I could design a better car. Chris Bangle, the new designer for BMW, has done me a favor.He saved me $30000. I bought a clean used CPO BMW. Thanks Mr. Bangle. Get one while you can.
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good but not perfect - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By hrp - January 1 - 10:00 amThe BMW 540i is fun to drive but lacks interior comfort. Why cant they build a car with the comfort of a Lexus or Mercedes on the interior with the good looks of a BMW on the outside. I have owned three Mercedes and ejoyed their interiors and comfort but always thought the drive was not spunky or exciting. The 540i delivers a thrilling ride and wonderful handling, but I miss the comfort. Am I too old for this car?
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An awesome car. - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By fuzeboxny - December 31 - 6:37 pmI have loved driving this car since May of 03. The feel of the BMW on the road is unmatched in this class. Im sadly turning this baby in, but, for a new 06 530xi.
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Fabulous Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By smeagol - November 30 - 3:19 amI always wanted to own one of these babies even after having a Mercedes E320. A ride in a 2004 X5 got me really thinking about it, so when I needed to give my college age daughter a car, I gave her my 4 year old Acura and picked up a used 525i with 16k. What a fabulous purchase. Without a doubt, the most civil road hugging vehicle I have ever owned and tastefully, impeccably appointed inside to boot. And NO iDrive!!!
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A Rocket Ship at the Right Price - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Miami Vice - November 14 - 10:00 amPurchased a 540i with Nav in June 2003. My 4th BMW and what a delight to drive the 38 miles R/T to work. No problems so far. The best part was the deal...paid invoice with a trade. You can do better now with an under invoice deal. The time to buy is now.......but its your $$$
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Ultimate Addiction - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Daniel - October 31 - 3:43 pmThe BMW 5 Series (E39) is great - its a pleasure to drive I have on several ocassions got into the car - not because I had somewhere to go, but because I wanted to drive that baby. Cornering is amazing, the aggressive suspension will hug hairpin turns, body roll is almost non existent, I feel safe accelerating through the turns and whats more even my passengers feel secure, the brakes stop the E39 so quickly you have to watch your rear view mirrors because not many cars will stop as effectively. Key in ignition and the car recalls my preset steering, mirror and seat positions Yes! Its my car!! Almost aero road noise. At night the orange cock-pit lighting is just right. Well done BMW, kudos.
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The Best of The Cutting Edge - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Qais Hroub - October 2 - 10:00 amThe Best of The Cutting Edge
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THE BEST 5 SERIES - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By CMB - September 26 - 10:00 amDear consumers, All i can say is that the BMW 5 series IS the untimate driving machine...I have driven it from San Francisco to Mexico and have never had a bad experience....the comfort zone is amazing..The seat adjustments alone are worth the price...Take it for a test drive and find out for yourself...you will not be disappointed.
