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 51 through 60 of 224.00

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  After its fifth birthday - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dmotzev - July 8 - 4:43 pm

  Just recently, I happened to trade in a six months old Japanese coupe for this 5 year old German saloon. What a difference! This is my first personal BMW and although it has almost 60000 miles on it, it feels tight and responsive. In fact, I test drove an E60 530i before I bought this one, but it just did not feel right. The combination of the M Sport package, the Premium package and the manual transmission creates an extremely convenient, yet amazingly looking everyday driver. Navigation is handy, but costs money to keep up-to-date. If you prefer adrenaline pumped driving, better look for a 540i/M5, but if you do not require extreme performance, you are going to love this car!

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  4 door Porsche - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By donelonpc - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I got the 540i with the Sports package. Massive 18" rims are incredible. The car has an amazing ride over rough serfaces, yet feels like a stiff sports suspension when needed. It handles on a dime. This machine plain out halls a**. 0-60 in 6 seconds. You have to use the cruise control or get in trouble. I drove a new Boxster, and really believe this car out accelerates and handles the 2 seater.

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  Great Ride - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By bobby boy - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Rides and handles as smooth as can be

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  Performance with a Price - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill - June 27 - 7:02 am

  Just a splendid, intoxicating driving experience that had the hair on my head tingling for the first 2 months that I drove... BUT, OMG tires wore out at 15K, stabilizer bar, computer problems, display board problems surfaced at 3 yrs. $5K in repairs later (out of warranty on the listed items) and a few other "normal" expensive repairs and I am ready to sell it for a more reliable performance vehicle. Just frustrating to have to endure the financial and disappointing pain a $50,000 car should NOT give you. Be cautious when you purchase this one.

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  BMW 2003 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Enzo - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Best car on the market!

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  Solid and Nimble - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By davethewave - June 12 - 3:11 pm

  Very good build quality and performance. 93K and still no rattles, but rotors and heater are sounding worn out. Had computer chip go out under warranty, so reliability is not as good as expected for car at this price level. Dealer service was inconvenient. I have no regrets, but I would probably not buy another one new - mainly because I live too far from a dealer, and I dont like the new 5-series styling and high price.

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  Cant beat it with(out) a stick - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By HipFan - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Simply incredible. Anyone who disses this car obviously hasnt driven one, and certainly doesnt own one. Go peddle your sour grapes somewhere else.

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  Electronic Problems - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By seabreez - April 24 - 11:07 am

  We picked up A CPO 530i just off of lease. Records were clean & initially car lived up to the BMW standards. 3 months in the electrical system started going haywire (sensors) & has been a pain ever since. It has gotten to the point I contacted the CEO of BMWAG in Germany. Very disappointed they threw it back on dealer. It is the mfg. fault, not the dealer. At present working with dealer to roll out into another. Dealer is being very helpful & I hope for a resolution soon. Other than this the car is what you expect from a BMW.

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  Still love this car after 5 years - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom Mager - April 16 - 4:28 pm

  This has been a great car. Fun to drive, fast, extremely comfortable (the sport seats are wonderful for me - the only car I can drive for hours with no lower back pain), very reliable, and looks great. With the 6-speed manual transmission, I also get decent mileage considering the size and power of this car - 21 in mixed city/hwy, and mid-to-high 20s in all hwy driving. BMW makes some very nice cars but I dont see a new one I would trade this car for.

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  Best Sport Luxury Perfomance Sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By K-Kar - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the second 5 series Ive purchased in 5 years. I really think the technology in the 2003 has hit the mark.