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 11 through 20 of 224.00

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  Perfection - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dino - June 14 - 10:06 pm

  Im a former racer, but this is my daily driver. A blast yet still "practical" with two kiddos. Have yet to find a better new or used car.

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  Solid Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Northern Rider - May 3 - 10:50 pm

  I have had this car since 2007 and just recently had its first problem, a gasket leak that cost $800 to repair, its been reliable, solid, wonderful to drive. Its the best looking car on the road in my eyes, I love the ageless design.

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  03 525 keeper - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By ckem - February 25 - 9:39 am

  Bought it to beat model change and avoid Bangle butt. Second BMW. And second car so do not drive in bad winter weather much. Not as swift as prior car which was 325--same motor but heavier. Get 28 mpg on highway and 24-26 mixed driving. Run on unld regular at times. Plenty of room, comfortable and handles very well and has been reliable after some early quirks new coils, ignition wires and alternator. OEM Pirellis were noisy so after much discussion with dealer, I bought Michelin All Season and dealer mounted ,balanced did alignment free. No problems .Also had pixel problem on steering column and dealer did free computer replacement even when out of warranty. A keeper!

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  BMW 530 past 60,000 miles - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TonyH - January 29 - 8:51 am

  The 530 corners as if it is on rails and it accelerates very quickly and smoothly. I also own a E350 Benz and the BMW kills it in terms of performance (and the Benz is no slouch). The difference with the Benz is that the quality of the interior is hugely superior to the 530 - indeed the 530 is pretty basic in comparison. The BIG problem with the Beemer is reliability. Since hitting about 60k its been own thing after another. First the door locks stopped working, then the doors started leaking, then the AC started acting up, then the alternator died, then, then.....the dollars just keep flowing out the door. For a car that is competing in the luxury space this is just BAD

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  Used BMW the Good and the not so Good - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Hoosier BMW - December 23 - 2:57 pm

  Had BMW for 6 months now. Read many reviews. Like the older body style. It was a one owner all books and records. Impressions..handles well but stiffer than my many Hondas, ride is great, comfortable, Conti tires good. Maintenance costs more, if you buy used make sure you have records. Car is heavy and 525i has limited low end power, use only premium gas, so it costs more, I baby it. Bought aftermarket cupholders..solved that problem. Not so good in snow..snow tires a plus..but an added cost. Dont cheap out on maintenance. Oil changes cost $100+ and use synthetic...but a longer interval...10k, love car, but wife doesnt..says it drives like a tank.

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  Excellent Power Train but Bad Gadgets - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Steven - December 23 - 11:19 am

  This is an excellent piece of machine especially if you like its aggressive and bossy exterior look. However, given the power train and the handling are excellent, there are just too many little problems that constantly haunt you. For example, weak cup holder (I replaced it twice), flimsy exterior thermostat (replaced twice), unreliable cooling system.

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  540i M-Sport (where do I go from here?) - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Dan - December 19 - 7:32 pm

  Experiencing the performance of this car is simply amazing. This car does everything so well (acceleration, handling, comfort and luxury) all while looking so classy. I expect I will be hard pressed to find something to replace it any where close to the 61K I paid for it. The M-Sports package does some pretty remarkable things to this car. I definitely love the edgy, aggressive look of this car as compared to the E60. So, far I have had a few repairs which can add up at the dealership but I honestly think taking very good care of this car is so worth it. If they sold this exact car new, I would buy it again - its that good. I would highly recommend it if you can find one.

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  Awesome!! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By John - December 15 - 12:25 pm

  Needed a sedan for my wife and wanted something fun to drive for me with room for kids, dog and golf clubs. Purchased the 530i with sport package. Never expected the handling and responsiveness. Enough power for a car this size and decent gas mileage. The sport wheels just want to make you stare at the car and admire!!!!

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  dont buy the sport package with contis - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By wackowacko - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The tires that come with the sport package are the worst I have ever seen. Contintial Sport contacts replaced at 7500 miles. In addition from day one there has been a vibration in the steering. 5 rotations 2 alignments later it is still there. Dealer says it is a known problem on sport models.....

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  A little more than the speed limit. - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By 2manycars - December 4 - 12:31 pm

  I dont care where Im going or how long it takes to get there, this car is way too much fun. Four people and trunk full, run 80 or so, and still get 29mpg. Stop for minute, get in and do it all over again. No road weary travelers in this car. 8 hour drive seems like 4. Regular maintenance, no major problems, not the cheapest car to maintain, and its not easy to find a "good" BMW shop, but still its worth every penny. I think Ill keep this car for a while, if I can get it back from the wife.