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 1 through 10 of 224.00-
Electronic Gremlins - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By veinr - September 4 - 11:07 pmI bought this car a little over a year ago and have spent approx. 2K in repairs. The radiator is plastic as is the water pump impeller motor. It had several oil and hydraulic leaks which I had repaired. The rear tires wear on the inside quite rapidly due to camber settings with the independent suspension. The battery burned a hole in itself and Ive had several turn signal issues, lights burning out, shorts etc. Right now Im getting a low oil pressure light at idle even after replacing the sending unit. The cupholders and interior buttons are very cheap. Other than that, this is a really fun car to drive. The motor is bullet proof. I got 23mpg on a recent trip with 3 bikes on the roof rack.
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A Mans Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By psorota - September 4 - 10:00 amI drove so many luxury cars before my husband talked me into trying the BMW 525i that I just assumed that this car would have all the creature comforts that my former Lexus and others had. NOT! No place for CD storage, no place for purse, no lumbar support, seat belts practically strangle me, hard to get in and out of (too low, I guess), small trunk, no A/C vents in back seat. Altho I love the Septronic transmission, I am not comfortable in this car and have concluded it is a "mans car" (my husband loves to drive it). I doubt Id buy another BMW for these reasons.
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BMW 525i Response - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By Sanjay Ganju - July 17 - 7:32 amI 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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Dont waste your money! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
By steve - February 14 - 8:12 pmI 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!
