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 141 through 150 of 224.00

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  My 540ia experience - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By opptheman - October 2 - 2:00 am

  First let me mention that I previously owned a 1997 740il since 9-2001. After taking out a 540i on a test drive back in April, I knew I had to have one. A 528, 525 or 530 may look like a 540 but believe me that 8 cylinder makes a world of a difference. Beware that dealers seemed to charge a premium for this car so I lucked out and found a private owner selling a 2003 for a tad bit more than the dealer wanted for a 2001. The car drives like a dream, corners on a rail and is lightening fast and silky smooth. Its also a conservative clean cut look so most people wont have a clue of how sporty it really is. My 740 drove great too but didnt respond in turns and wasnt nearly as quick.

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  530I Comments - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Big Dawg - September 23 - 2:00 am

  This is an incredible vehicle. Highly recommend it! Only critique is the flimsy cupholders. Best vehicle Ive ever had.

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  Very Impressed - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael Simone - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is an absolutely perfect car. Black on black 530 with sport package and premium package. It turns heads, its fast, comfortable and the interior is perfectly designed.

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  530 Lives Up to its Name - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Jay Emm - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent performance, responsiveness, and handling. The sport package gives performance tires and improved suspension that grip the road & offer a smooth ride. The premium package pampers you with soft Montana Leather, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and rain sensing wipers that function well. Heated seats are great in cold weather. Interior is well insulated. The vehicle accelerates well (0-60 in 6.8) and runs at 2900 RPMs at 90 MPH. The 530i is very adept at accelerating from 60 to 80 quickly. Spacious in the front and back, with 10-way power front seats. Seat, mirror and steering wheel settings can be programmed into your key.

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  MY BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By rafael bacares - September 1 - 10:00 am

  It is a fantastic car to drive.

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  Love My Beamer 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By C Juhl - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Drove this car out of the dealers and have never gone back except for nomal upkeep/manitenance and that has been only once since I got it. I simply have no complaints. Ive owned more than twenty cars and have never had a better one than this 530i. My dealer told me the in line 3.0 liter engine was made for car. After nearly 18 months of driving it, I believe it. Driving machine is really on target for this car.

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  No complaints - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By texbmw - August 3 - 2:00 am

  By far the best driving car I have ever owned. I test drove both an E- 500 and the 540 and the two cant compare from a performance standpoint. The Merc is more luxurious but the BMW has the best driving experience hands down.

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  No Real Complaints - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By 4 Time Owner - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the third 5 Series Ive owned, and they keep on getting better. The extra low end torque compared to the previous 528 version is noticable. It still handles like no other mid-size sedan, and Ive test driven all of them. If you enjoy precise road feel, steering, braking and cornering, this is the car to own.

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Anthony H Jessen Jr - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Was able to get in on the factory incentives at the last minute and find the model I wanted. This car is esentially eveything I wanted in a sprots sedan.

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  BMW 530Ci - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Dennis DeCArlo - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a very well engineered, and built vehicle. I would recommend it to anyone interested in buying a high quality vehicle.