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 181 through 190 of 224.00-
Nice Driver - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Sports Car Fan - October 24 - 2:00 amFirst BMW Ive owned but its a real drivers car. Having had recent STSs which disappointed me, the BMW is a real sports sedan. Well worth the price.
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The Best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By WJB - September 30 - 10:00 amIt may be the final generation of cars that really looks like a BMW. Drives and handles beautifully. 530 probably a better choice for extra power, but the 525 really doesnt feel anemic on the highway. Gorgeous interior, high grade materials, quiet and comfortable. Im sure the future generations of BMW will be impressive, butIm glad I grabbed one of the last of this breed.
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164K and still a true road car! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Corey Stark - September 16 - 1:25 pmI just bought my 525i a couple of weeks ago. I have owned a couple in the past---328xi and an X5. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about buying a car with so many miles on it but I was really up against the wall. WIth 4 kids in college, my funds were limited. But I just loved the ride. I am 62" and 240lbs and an ex football player. Needless to say, I need my comfort. This car handles me just fine. I bought it and decided to take it on a road trip with my sweetheart. We went from MPLS, MN to Albuquerque, NM and back...then went to Lewistown MT!! No issues at all. Speed limits were 80 mph! This vehicle just loves the open road. Comfortable---even at the gas pumps. Considering my speed we still managed over 26.6 mpg overall for our 5k trip. Performance is totally acceptable, quiet cockpit, and the handling---oh my, the handling. There is simply nothing like a BMW on the road---it is happiest there! Now just after purchase I did get stuck with a crank ventilation valve issue. $1043.00 at the dealer. and the ABS system is on the bug. But I am pretty old school and never liked ABS anyway. Dealer said it wont hurt the car not to fix ($1700.00 plus $400 for reprograming) so I am running it as is. The one previous owner took good care of this vehicle. So as far as a recommendation goes for this car, I would have to say that I recommend it highly. CHeck it out thoroughly when you come across one with higher miles on the clock. Then take it to a BMW dealer and have it scoped--about $150.00. Trust me---get this done! Then you can be very comfortable with your purchase.
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Best Car Ever - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By M1fuller - August 23 - 2:00 amIve only owned this car for a week but can sum up this extordianary car in one word...WOW...Im extremely excited about this car...email with any questions.
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Awesome - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By snagiel - August 18 - 2:00 am"Ultimate Driving Machine" is more than a marketing tagline, its the true philosophy behind this car. That it manages to be so comfortable and refined as well is not only a great benefit, but it practically boggles the mind how they were able to accomplish both these seemingly polar characteristics. The car is always composed, even when making maneuvers that would outwit some sports cars, let alone luxury sedans. The interior is quiet and refined, yet revving the engine is sweet music. The precision and linearity of the brakes, throttle, and steering are simply amazing.
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My 9th Bimmer with no surprises - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Bimman - August 13 - 10:00 amPicked up my 6 speed Black on Black in April 2003, with no surprises. Ive got 5,000 road miles already. This car is truly a great performer. Ive had BMWs from 1983 to now and the improvements in performance has come a long way. This by far is the best E39 Ive had. The more mileage this car gets, the better it runs.
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Great car to drive... - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By jcc - August 6 - 10:00 amI was going to buy the 325i, but changed my mind with a week before I actually bought the 525i. With the new design coming out next month, this car is by far the best value out there if you are looking to buy a BMW right now. Great car to drive for years. Test drive one and turn a few corners, youll understand why.
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Mikes BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Sticklmj - June 25 - 10:00 amFun to drive. Transmission is best feature that provides smooth shifting matched to a capable engine. Steering, handling and suspension are excellent. The ride is ultra-smooth without sacrificing handling and performance. Climate and CD/radio controls are not driver friendly. Rear seat leg room is tight. Trunk is tight. Conti tires handled well, however they started making a "whining" noise after only 15,000 miles. Love the intense windshield washer fluid and the automatic wipers.
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Zoom...zoom...BEEMER - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Eugene Svistun - May 30 - 2:00 amDo Europeans have use for cup holders at all? Or they just making a little fun of us? PLEASE-SOMEBODY TELL THEM GERMANS TO DESIGN MORE USEFUL CUPHOLDERS!!!!!!!
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As good as it gets ! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By itwizard - May 13 - 10:00 amI bought this car after test driving several competing cars from Mercs, Lexus and Audi. I needed something with 4 doors. This 540 is an absolute beauty. It has speed, power and superb handling. Above all it feels real solid and safe while driving. Kids love it and so does the wife.
