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 131 through 140 of 224.00

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  Best value on the road - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By blp - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Best performing auto ever owned. Handling, braking, economy and safety in a complete package. Absolute fun to drive.

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  good - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hardcorerocker97 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  great car, if ur looking for a sweet nice looking car with a good price tag this car is the one. I would recommend it for anyone, last long too.

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  Best Performance Sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Antonio Valla - January 12 - 1:57 am

  Love this car. I had numerous VWs (GTI, 2 Passats, New Beetle), and a BMW 325i Touring, but always lusted after the "5". When I realized the 2004 was going to get the Chris Bangle treatment, I went out and bought one of the last 2003 available.

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  Glad that I bought it - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Onisiu - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a very solid car. It takes off the moment I put on the pedal. We also have a C280 Mercedes now but for sure we will get another BMW next time, possibly X3 or 330i. Handling is excellent. Its very funy to drive. I bought it two months ago but I am still telling my wife that its a great "Ultimate Driving Machine." I prefer this stype than the new 2004 model so I decided to get one before I cant. I got an excellent deal at the dealership as well.

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  Sheryl - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sheryl - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Great Car!!! I love this car....Family loves car and husband too

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  d - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By SKD - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Very Good itis diffetly the ultimat driving mahine. Very littl cain noise

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  Not My Last Beemer - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By macjanum - November 24 - 10:52 pm

  This is absolutely the best all-around automobile I have ever owned or leased, including Mercedes. Superb reliability, comfort, handling, performance, safety. All I have added was an Alpine CD-changer and all- weather rubber floor mats. Forget the cup holders and drive! The 530iA has met or exceeded all of my expectations and disposal value remains high. This was my first BMW - I dont think it will be my last.

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  So glad I dont have an 04 or 05 - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TK540iA - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my third E39 model 540, and is clearly the best one Ive owned. The 540iA Sport package is a dream to drive, handles and rides like a champ, and does NOT have the I-drive or the Chris Bangle inspired ugly ass styling of the new 5 and now middle aged 7 series. I originally leased the car, assuming that Id love the new 5 series, but have now decided that I will buy the vehicle once the lease expires. If you are in the market for a 5 series, find yourself an E39 and you wont be unhappy.

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  Great car but get extended warranty - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dcdriver - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 2002 525 wagon new at the end of 2001, and it has been a great experience on the whole. The car is a joy to drive. It has also turned out to be practical for a family with young kids and a dog, and there is little that you can fit in an SUV that cant be coaxed into the back of this wagon. Our only complaint is that some of the electronics and interior fittings are not wearing well. Both of the front power seats have already failed, the stereo has had to be replaced, and numerous plastic fittings have fallen off. Our dealer told us that power seat failures are very common and a design flaw. Very expensive repair off warranty (which we are not yet).

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  Skip the Sport Seats - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Billil - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car with terrible Sport Seats. They are very, very hard and impossible to get comfortable in. You also loose the heated stering wheel with the sport package.