Overview & Reviews

For 2005, the interior of all models receives more extensive wood trim on the center console, and adjustable front lumbar support is now standard on the 530i and 545i. Poplar wood trim is now included on the 525i and 530i. Anthracite Maple wood trim is a no-cost option. The 525i receives 17-inch Star Spoke cast-alloy wheels, and park distance control is now standard on the 545i. Active Steering is now offered as a stand-alone option on all models. The 545i now comes standard with the six-speed manual transmission, with the six-speed steptronic automatic available as a no-cost option. BMW's innovative SMG sequential manual gearbox is available on the 530i and 545i.

• One of the most satisfying midsize sport sedans you can buy, ultrarefined engines, multiple transmissions, tastefully appointed cabin, exceptional build quality, strong resale value.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 142.00

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  Design Defect - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Regina Wofford - July 17 - 11:32 am

  I love my car, but there is a definite design defect. The electronic module that controls most of the electronics in the car is located under the tire well in the truck. Its very easy for liquids to seep into the compartment and cause an "electronic malfunction". I was carrying groceries in my trunk and some liquid spilled. Before I made it home, my cars electronic system went haywire. I took it to the dealer and explained my problem and he new exactly what it was. It seems many other car owners have had the same problem. At a cost of $790 they repaired the problem and relocated the electronic module. It seems this is an ongoing problem and BMW should have made owners aware of the issue

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  I-drive (CCC system) is an issue - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Lauren - April 9 - 10:01 pm

  I LOVE this car. It is fun to drive and is sporty while still being a 4-door sedan. It handles well and really does adjust to your driving style which I really love. There is one BIG issue, the iDrive system that controls the a/c, heat, radio, entertainment, etc. It malfunctions about twice a year and the dealership acts as if theyve never seen anything like it. (After researching, it is evident this is an ongoing issue with 5-series.) They did replace my CCC/ iDrive unit while under the warranty but now it is doing it again! This time its NOT under warranty and it is quoted to cost thousands of dollars to fix this computer module! This issue needs to be resolved.

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  Brake Booster failure with 53K miles - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Steffi - April 2 - 6:12 pm

  I am very disappointed to drive with a supposedly quality build car just to figure out it started to fail breaking while waiting in the car line to pick up my children. Unbelievable, I needed a full replacement of the brake booster and the brake Master cylinder after only 52K miles. Good luck to all of you driving this car which almost became a liability for me. That will be my first and last BMW ever.

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  Top of its class! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By RLo - January 30 - 1:47 am

  The car is great, loaded with all the features (premium, sport, cold-weather, navigation, etc) although rather pricey. The car is an absolute joy to drive, and handles like a dream. The performance isnt the greatest, i recommend not getting 530 because the 530i isnt such a great investment. If you want power, just go with the V8, its not much difference the 530 with 525. However, the quality of the car is great, and it is a real head turner. The leather has great quality, as well as the dash, real wood, and other things. What I dont like is the cost to own, but I guess you should expect it since you own a BMW. Also bothers me that everything is optional. (htd. seats, mp3, cd changer, etc)

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael in Florida - December 29 - 10:53 pm

  Ive owned Mercedes, Lexus, Cadillac, Audi, Porshe, to name a few, but never had a BMW until I bought the new 525i 8 weeks ago. I was, and continue to be, totally awed by the vehicle. This is a well-built, eye-catching and unbelievably performing machine in every way. The styling is unparalleled; the interior is roomy and erognomically satisfying; the trunk is spacious and can hold 4 sets of golf clubs; the horsepower is deceiving, only 184, but it responds assertively and appropriately to any demand I place on it. I recommend the xenon package with adaptive headlights, the premium package, and the satellite radio. Great surprise and highly satisfying - best of over 40 cars Ive owned.

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  Stay away from 545i - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert - December 20 - 1:55 am

  Great handling but there it ends. One of the most unreliable cars Ive owned (and Ive had Italian cars!). Some of the problems the dealer has been unable to fix because they are fundamentally flawed: radio (because of terrible computer in the car), transmission shifts. If you need to find it, look in the shop.

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  The best car on the market - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By John H. in Ca. - November 27 - 11:53 pm

  Everything considered, I really think this is one of the best cars on the road today. It is so fun to drive and I get compliments all the time. Ive only had it for 3 weeks, and havent had 1 thing go wrong or found anything not working as it should, except the garage door opening device, although, I havent really read up on that yet. Ive driven BMWs now for 15 years and they just keep getting beter and better.

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  iDrive is not the problem - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By ray cutler - September 6 - 2:50 am

  I purchased my 2004 530i after trading in my 99 328 convertible. I had test driven a Z4, but wanted to move to something a little more refined an quiet. The 530i is, as you would expect, a driving pleasure. I have the sports option, which is highly effective in this generation, and includes the "drive by wire" steering, popularly known as racing steering, and yes, iDrive. I have enjoyed the entire experience thoroughly, and have not been disappointed except in the reliability and consistency of the iDrive computer and the run flat tires. Also, the steering wheel was delivered off center to the right about 15 degrees. First service is coming up and I will asking them to center it.

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  Great car... very fun to drive. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Balsar - July 13 - 10:17 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 9,500 miles on the Odometer. It has been an incredible car. Fast, reliable, comfortable and economical. I drive very aggressive yet still average 23mpg overall in LAs bumper to bumper traffic...amazing mileage! We also own a 06 330xi...also a great car - a lot more nimble than the 5 series when driving twisty roads...but the 545I can easily keep just using the extra power.

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  Pretty but a Pain in the ___. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By hyeonlyfe - June 26 - 2:33 pm

  This is a fun driving mid-size sedan but the "new" computer driven BMW is not at all perfected yet. We have taken it back to the dealership for so many different computer glitches that my wife knows the service personel by name. I would not recommend buying this car for another year or so. Maybe they will have all the kinks worked out of the system by then. PS The cup holders suck.