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 31 through 40 of 224.00

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  BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By nstajka - March 9 - 5:58 am

  Great car. Love at first sight. I knew I would buy it as soon as I walked in the dealer.Then reality sets in. Seems like Im in the shop every six months. Last time the fuel pump or the pump sensor or relay? They didnt know. But after three trips in and almost $600.00 (Again!), Im ready for a Ford again. It was fun but unless I win the lotto Im done with BMW.

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  A great car! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By kjm - March 3 - 1:44 pm

  This is my 4th BMW and the one I kept the longest (prior 3 were 3-series). This car does everything well style, performance, handling, comfort & safety. I have not experienced any major problems with the car - routine work only. 87000 miles and going strong. I still get compliments on the car even after 6 years!

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  Love my BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By DBCAFY - February 24 - 9:13 pm

  Best car ever build. Combination of 5 passenger seating, room for golf clubs and best of all - sports car!

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  2003 540i 6spd Sport - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By lochaven - February 14 - 1:44 pm

  Purchased new in Sep 03 after driving 2004 530i (liked the styling, interior, and lack of iDrive of 2003 better). Traded a 2 year old Corvette. 540i only has 85% of the Vettes performance but is 200% more refined. The manual 6 spd was a little notchy for the first few months but was smooth after that. Seat and door seal squeaks were the only quality problems I had and the dealer eventually fixed/replaced them. One dealer frustration was they didnt know why my auto-headlights didnt work after two trips the the shop. I later learned that this feature is disabled when foglights are on! After 5 years I want to buy a new car but just cant find one with better styling or performance.

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  The best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Dayo - February 13 - 2:00 am

  The best car you can own

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  525ia - awesome - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jz - February 2 - 10:00 am

  great perfromance on the 2.5, dont need the 3.0 as I "stepped down" from a X5 4.4, love the deisgn, all he features, the only thing that BMW needs to introduce is an in-dash CD changer

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  Love it!!!! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By sean neill - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Best car i ever ownd.... but i am going to trade it in for the new one

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  This Car is Wonderful! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Califlygirl - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car makes me smile every time I slip into it and take it for a ride! It is smooth, extremely well-built, lovely to look at and is recommended highly.

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  540i - Sport 6 speed - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By pdegel - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fast, fun to drive, silent and strong engine. No complaints at all, but I hate the rear-end styling of the new (2004) design. And it waits to be seen whether the I-drive joystick will be more user friendly than in the 7 series.

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  The old 5 will remain on top - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By rmarsh96 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  However, Like the commercials say, I do find excuses to drive. I would buy this car again. Unfortunately there are a few negatives. The cup holders are small and awkwardly placed. When using them it is almost impossible to access the climate control system. I did not purchase the navigation system because I didnt want to give up the on board CD player. My 530 is a manual shift and came with the sport package. I find the gear ratio rather difficult to handle in stop and go traffic. The car wants to get up and run. BMW has engineered a marvelous automobile that will continue to be a pleasure to drive for many years to come.