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 191 through 200 of 224.00

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  POWER... - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By makisig - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd BMW (former was a 330ci). Bought a brand new 540i this past weekend, and the increase in power and speed is just well beyond my expectation. The amazing thing is that this 540i cruises at 80 mph with the rpm hovering around 2500. When it accelerates, it does nimbly and with such power and control. I am in my mid 30s, and I think this car is just perfect for that age group. The 540 version asks for a lot of $$$, but I think its worth it if you can afford it. A nice compromise for people who want power but not the price and power in an M version.

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  Complete Thrill!!! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jcmet64 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  WOW! The car is simply awesome offering comfort, luxury and PERFORMANCE! I had very high expectations and can honestly say, Im very impressed. This is the last E39 (real BMW style) and argueably the best value/performance BMWs ever built. V8, 6-spd, awesome M5 looks, what else is there!?! No compromise!!!

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  Cant beat a BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TAMA - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a BMW 530I with the sports and Premium Package. At first I was worried that it would not live up to my BMW 328I, but I was very impressed. After reading the reviews, I settled on the 530i over the 540i and saved the difference. I will always own a BMW.

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  Everything I wanted it to be... - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Pej - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this car back in April and fell in love... Unfortunately I couldnt stomach the $65k price tag. On the test drive I was having so much fun, the salesman had to remind me that I was doing 120 MPH!!! The car was so smooth and glued to the road it was as if I was drive 40... The recent reduction in price brought the price of the 540i down into my price range, so I couldnt resist. I am very happy with my purchase of my first BMW.

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  The 5 sets the standard! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By bmwmrc - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I love the handling, fit and finish, and yes even the power of the vehicle, even though its missing a little bit of horse power. The car however, is a dream to drive. I compared it to others in it class including Lexus, Acura and Saab and nothing drives or feels like the ultimate driving machine!

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  Best BMW Ive Owned - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By chb - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 4 5-series and 1 7-series and my husband had a M6 and a M3 and this is the best BMW yet. My last 5 was a 2000 540i Sport 6 speed also. I could not believe the difference between the new one and the old one. The handing is super, the suspension wonderful. I love to drive it.

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  balanced sport sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed Wormuth - September 15 - 1:41 pm

  If well maintained, the E39 BMW is an excellent choice for a daily driver that is fun to drive, safe and comfortable.

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  balanced sport sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed Wormuth - September 15 - 1:36 pm

  If well maintained, the E39 BMW is an excellent choice for a daily driver that is fun to drive, safe and comfortable. I have since sold the car and bought a newer MB E350 coupe.

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  BMW 5 Series - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By mrm - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Nothing drives or performs like a BMW.

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  Sportswagon review - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By satch59 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  My kids cant understand why I have a wagon, instead of a big SUV. I can park any where, low center of gravity, and its a sports car with a big trunk.