2003 BMW 5 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, 2003 BMW 5 Series owners are quite impressed with the car's handling, performance, and luxurious feel. Many drivers appreciate the smooth ride, strong acceleration, and stylish design. However, several reviewers expressed disappointment with the engine performance, often describing it as 'gutless.' Additionally, maintenance costs and fuel economy were common concerns, with some noting the need for premium gas and expensive repairs."
Everything. This car bought used drives like a new car with a very tight suspension. The engine and transmission perform like new with effortless acceleration and firm but smooth up and down shifts. So far the car has been very easy to perform maintenance on; German engineering I'm sad to say is years ahead of our domestic auto makers.
October 22, 2010I love this car. It handles well in just about any weather condition (not ice). The interior is in excellent condition. It looks as if it were almost new. The outside is in great shape and looks fabulous. BMW had it right. It is the ultimate driving maching.
May 12, 2014Overall this is a phenomenal car, if taken care of can easily go 250K miles. Incredible driving experience with acceleration and handling phenomenal for a luxury sedan. Sport shift mode good for more power when needed but also gets fairly good gas mileage 22mpg. Classic look, black exterior and tan interior with wood trim beautiful.
September 20, 2012What owners say
Everything. This car bought used drives like a new car with a very tight suspension. The engine and transmission perform like new with effortless acceleration and firm but smooth up and down shifts. So far the car has been very easy to perform maintenance on; German engineering I'm sad to say is years ahead of our domestic auto makers.
October 22, 2010I love this car. It handles well in just about any weather condition (not ice). The interior is in excellent condition. It looks as if it were almost new. The outside is in great shape and looks fabulous. BMW had it right. It is the ultimate driving maching.
May 12, 2014Overall this is a phenomenal car, if taken care of can easily go 250K miles. Incredible driving experience with acceleration and handling phenomenal for a luxury sedan. Sport shift mode good for more power when needed but also gets fairly good gas mileage 22mpg. Classic look, black exterior and tan interior with wood trim beautiful.
September 20, 2012Purchased this from the BMW CPO program and am blown away by the value for money. The car, like many BMWs, performs wonderfully with a great balance of handling and ride. Truly an executive sports sedan. The optional sports package gives an extra degree of crispness to the handling without compromising comfort. Build quality is beyond reproach as you would expect from a premium German marque. I love the styling, and even now prefer it to that of the current model. A design that is approaching 10 years old still looks fresh. Life is not all peachy though. Maintenance is pricey and don't expect to save by doing oil changes at the local lube shop because BMW uses specialized parts even down to the oil filter.
July 16, 2008Super road handling, frightening acceleration. Very pleased.
January 11, 2008Love it - Its hard for me to believe this car is 9 years old. It handles like a dream. Entering the freeway or passing at highway speed is a breeze. It practically begs you to take the long way home and find a twisty road. I've had it about 11 months and can never go back. Maintenance does cost more but in my case it's because I actually care about making sure the car is in great shape. In the past I've driven cars for months with the engine light on and it never phased me. Now I'm actually doing a legitimate maintenance plan. My advice skip the Starbucks or expensive dinner once a month and stick that money in your BMW account and have fun. (Less)
April 2, 2012Possibly the nicest looking car on the road. The BMW E39 chassis (5-series, 1997-2003 models) were some of the best cars of their time, and highly respected among enthusiasts. Ranging from the "economical" 6-cylinder models: the 2.5L 528i / 525i (1997-2000 / 2001-2003, respectively), the well-balanced 3.0L 530i (2001+)...to the powerful V8 models (292-HP 540i, and 400 HP M5)...these cars are very rewarding to drive. The 525i is a bit lacking in the power department; but (M5 excluded), handles the best due to it's fiairly light weight, well-engineered suspension, steering and brakes, and perfect 50/50 weight distribution. V8 models are powerful, and a 6-speed manual transmission was available all model years. Reliability isn't great, and these cars require a lot of attention....but you get it all back with a superior driving experience. Suspension bushings, shock absorbers, and key cooling system components have a short lifespan (60,000mi), and brakes / tires wear out fast if driven hard. Rear wheels have negative camber, causing uneven wear (on the inside), but provide better handling. Expect to pay between $2000 and $5000 in maintanance and repair per year / 12,000mi (without a warranty or maintenance plan).
October 6, 2009I love the car but..,it has a gutless engine, still runs like a top though. Driving the car at 110 mph the other day and the car was still eagerly pulling (like it wanted to go faster) It still amazes me everyday even though the biggest dissapointment is its gutless engine.
January 26, 2008The car's acceleration is something i 've never had before you have to gauge your foot, because when the light turns green your off and gone. You don't mean to take off like that, it's just the great response the car has.
October 24, 2012I'm speechless, this vehicle is the epitome of German engineering, nothing compares.
December 21, 2007
