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 71 through 80 of 224.00

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  2003 BMW 540i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By D.Chow - March 26 - 11:14 pm

  How can I say this... I finally understand the true meaning of, "The Ultimate Driving Machine!" I brought a CPO 2003 540i with the sport package in 2006. This is my personal sports car, family car, golfing car (room for foursome and 4 sets of golf clubs - they even give you a picture of how to best store the clubs in the trunk). I have so much fun driving this car. Sometimes I even take the longer but winding road home just to feel the acceleration and handling of the 540. Even with the automatic, I can either put the transmission in "S - Sports" mode or just shift it manually. Its FUN either way. My 9 year old son is already counting the days until his 17th birthday.

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  The best for the money - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Kristal - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply the best one for the money. It has an excilent ride and manners. It sounds increable and is unbeliveble comfortable at any speed. Truly the best. Cant wait for the new one!

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  A True Sport Wagon - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Eric D. Koster - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Having traded in my Porsche, I found the 540i wagon with the sport package to be the perfect vehicle for my current needs. It holds my family, as much sailing gear as I reasonably need, cruises comfortably on the highway, handles secondary roads well enough (although the ride is too harsh with the 45 series tires), and, despite BMWs disavowal, hauls a trailer with ease.

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  A Great Transition - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By euroman540i - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a Porsche Carrera for my 2003 540iA three weeks ago and it has been a joy! I had owned a BMW 3 and less muscular 5 series in the 80s and was amazed at the brands tremendous qualitative evolution over the past 13 years. The 540iA is simply the best car Ive ever owned - bar none. With its world-class performance, safety features and elegant design, I would ethusiastically recommend this outstanding car to anyone who appreciates combining true value with a great motoring experience.

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  Former M3 Driver - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By A pleasure to drive - March 3 - 10:00 am

  As a former M3 owner, I was concerned about this cars performance. Not anymore. Equipped with the sport package and 5 speed Steptronic transmission, understanding that this car is not a hot rod, acceleration is excellent, while handling is formidable. Fuel consumption overall has been 21.1 mpg according to to vehicles computer. This car provides for me what is necessary to be considered a true sport sedan.

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  Dont waste your money! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By steve - February 14 - 8:12 pm

  I bought this vehicle as a certified pre-owned BMW. Let me tell you, at first, I loved it! I liked the feeling of driving a luxury car. Now well get to the bad stuff. We drove 1000 miles away from home to visit family. We made it up there just fine. while we were up there, we had to take the "Bimmer" to the shop four times in three days due to a electrical malfunction. After the first two times of the dealership servicing the car, it overheated because one of the hoses had a hole in it! i expected better from BMWs certification process!

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  Amazing Drivers Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By natesatl - February 10 - 12:10 pm

  This car is the most fun to drive ever, the V8 has endless power and the 18 inch rims from the M-sport package glue it to the road. Dont complain about the cupholders because youll need both hands on the wheel. No complaints at all. Im glad I got the last year of the old model, I dont like the new styling. Its just a real solid build.

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  525 with M package - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By haas311 - January 26 - 10:30 am

  It is probably the best car that I have ever driven, and I test drive cars for fun sometimes. This is not a cup holder type car especially if you have a stick shift, which doubles the fun for me. I dont eat, drink, or do much of anything else but totally enjoy the daily driving experience. I love spending 2 hours washing it inside and out. It does not have a lot of horse power but the torque made a Mustang GT seem like a turtle to me. I will probably never get rid of it.

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  Man This Car is Fast!! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By NateD - January 25 - 1:55 pm

  I bought the 03 540i with M Sport Package Steptronic Transmission, Nav black on black and I couldnt imagine driving the V6. This car has head jarring torque, it scares all those in the passengers seat, and the 18 inch wheels make the 290 horses stick like glue. I heard the 525/530 handles a little better because theyre lighter and weight distribution is closer to 50/50, but Id rather have the power, knowing this is one of the faster cars on the road, you cant help but use the autostick at red lights. Other cars must respect this car on the road, and for all those who complain about the cupholder, you can buy one that goes in the slider drawer and pops up for $89 online.

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  Best of all - BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By BayAreaBimmerFan - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 530i with Primium and sports packages about two weeks ago. It is absolutely the best car that I have ever driven, the performance, the handling, the road manner, the design, .... I have also test-driven 525i w/o the sports package before deciding to go with the 530i. 525 is an equally nice car but I felt it switched gears often and it made the riding less smooth. Besides, I got the car with very very good price.