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 41 through 50 of 224.00

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  My Dream Car Lives Up to My Expectations - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By LadyTLS - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new in January 2003 and have been grinning ever since. The ride is a great combination of luxury and performance -- meaning you ride in comfort but you still feel connected to the road. And when you hit the gas, you know youve got power under the hood ready to meet your needs. I also had to take a quick evasive manuever once when another car turned in front of mine, and I quickly discovered that this car handles like a champ!

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  530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By guy colvin - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have owned. 3.0 liter engine has reasonable power for the money but the 4.0 would be better. 5-speed manual trany is fun to drive but not always as smooth as I would like (could be my fault to). Have 7K miles on it and have had no warranty or other issues.

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  Great Performer - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Gary W - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a German Car before. I am amazed of the performance of this car. It is solid and feels very heavy and safe on the road. I currently have a lexus as a second vehicle and this BMW totally out performs it. I recommend it to everyone. I will be looking to get another BMW when The Lexus lease is up. Cant wait.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Berna - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is superb. Is so much fun to drive that I actually enjoyed driving every day. The handling, the power the leather seats are incredable. Very reliable and with the premium and sport package you cant go wrong. Since BMW is changing the model I suggest you hurry up to the dealer because they are making deals and the new ones are more expensive.

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  BMW 530i 2003 - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By mark - November 26 - 8:06 pm

  This car is the perfect balance between sport & luxury. Purchased new in 2003. Now have 95,000 trouble free miles. Have owned many cars from a cobra mustang 500hp to a honda crx and everything in between. I now also have a mazda speed 3 also nice. BMW makes some of the best cars for the money out there. Smooth, quiet, peppy, comfortable, reliable and nice looking. Runs better now than when I purchased it. Most of my miles have been highway. I get about 24 mpg with 70% hwy 30 local. I also enjoy driving the new and old 3 series.

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  My 6speed dream come true! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By flyguy102 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery on this black on black 6 speed 540i 2 weeks ago. First test...700 miles to Scottsdale and back. In a word...IT BLEW ME AWAY! The powertrain is an art form! Low end torque incredible. The cars build quality is so strong that you become oblivious to speed. Ride and handling impeccable. Interior build/sound quality is excellent. Fit, and finish wonderful. Im so glad that I didnt drop $65K on a Lexus convertable instead. This was my first BMRr and now Im a convert for life. Next stop...a companion M3 convertable for my 6 mile RT commute to work!

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  Never Again - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Scott - August 4 - 3:03 pm

  Being stationed overseas I figured it was time to buy a new BMW. I owned this car for 4.5 years, replaced all 4 rotors three times, also replaced 4 of 6 ignition coils throughout my ownership. All under warranty, luckily. Replaced the cub hold assembly, too easily broken. Its great to drive especially on the German Autobahn, but the headaches of maintenance were too much. I sold this car and after three months the new owner e-mailed and said the ignition coil went out.

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  Great car when not in shop - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By mathwonk - August 3 - 3:49 pm

  This car is beautiful comfortable powerful solidly made and enjoyable. The only problem is I am a longtime Honda owner. I admit a Honda does not compare in acceleration, stopping power, beauty or safety to this BMW, but on the other hand, essentially nothing ever goes wrong on a Honda either, and that has me spoiled. The beemer was in the shop at least 7 times for a leak that occurred in any hard rain, and has only been ok in that department since the drought made rain less common. Two days ago my wife was driving down the highway and the wheels locked up at 50 mph and refused to roll. She skidded to a stop in the road and could not even get into the breakdown lane.

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  BMW 525i Response - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sanjay Ganju - July 17 - 7:32 am

  I have a 525i sports trim for the last 4 years. First there is constant problem with the dashboard electronics. Some pixels keep missing. Also there are chronic issues with alternator and additional electronics in the car. It is like dying a death by 1000 cuts. This car stalled on me twice on the highway. Somehow I came out one piece. Each time a repair is conducted results in 500-1000USD tab and if you go to their dealer then God help you. BMW is a sleek and sporty car but sell it as soon as the manufacturer warranty is over.

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  Awesome ride - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By csfischer20 - July 15 - 9:47 am

  I picked up this Bimmer at a great price and I fell in love with it the second I sat down and started it. They come well equipped and ride awesome. Ive had an Audi before and it was just too much to maintain. The more research I did the better I felt about getting a BMW. Its certified and has all of the records. Just enough pick up on the streets, but not a gas hog. I didnt like the body style of the 2004 so I went with this one. Its everything I hoped it would be.