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2003 BMW 5 SeriesMinor equipment shuffling is the main 2003 change of note as BMWs midrange line prepares for a model-year-2004 redesign. The 525i sedan and...
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Minor equipment shuffling is the main 2003 change of note as BMWs midrange line prepares for a model-year-2004 redesign. The 525i sedan and wagon use a 2.5-liter inline 6-cyl engine, the 530i sedan a 3.0 version. The 540i sedan and wagon have a 4.4-liter V8. The high-performance M5 sedan comes only with a 4.9-liter V8 and manual transmission. Other versions offer manual or automatic with standard or extra-cost manual shift gate, depending on model. All 5s include an antiskid system, front side airbags, and front head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear torso and head-protecting side airbags are standard on the M5 and optional on other models. All 6-cyl models add a standard sunroof for 03. And now standard on the manual-transmission 540i sedan and optional on other 540i models is a new Sport Package with 18-inch wheels, front spoiler, and sport suspension.
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9 Reviews from Shopping.com
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One of BMW's best, as long as it was serviced properly
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Pros: Excellent Handling
Comfortable on long trips
One of BMW's best engines
Cons: Parts can be pricey
Back seat not so roomy
Cooling system replacement at 80k? Really?
The Bottom Line:
Once you try it, it's hard to go back. At the track, in traffic, long trips, and open back roads, it'll always put a smile on your face.
After three years of owning my 2003 530i, I officially told my wife that I intend to take this car to 200k+ miles. There are so many great cars on the market these days, but few offer up the pleasure of driving of the 5. The perfect steering, great chassis balance, roomy trunk, and 30 mpg on the highway make this a very compelling car for the road warrior that needs a good mobile office or someone with a small family. Finally, until the Pontiac G6 came along, this was one of the only big cars I could find with a manual transmission.
Many people criticize BMW maintenance prices, but if you can do your own basic maintenance, the costs come down dramatically. In 77k miles of driving, I've only had my car in the shop for two very common failures; the automatic climate control going haywire ($300) and the pixels on the mileage display failing ($160). Other than that, it's been completely trouble free. That said, there are things that need to be done on these cars, such as replacing most of the cooling system at 80-100k miles that the seller may not warn you about. Ask if it's been done- if not, you could be in for a nasty surprise at an inconvenient time.
The only criticism I have for the design of the car involves the ergonomics for the passengers. The back seat is a bit cramped. Great for my 4 and 1.5 year old, but not so much for my 6' 5" coworker. The cupholders are completely lame, but there is an aftermarket cupholder that works well for $100.00.
If you're considering a 5er, I'd also recommend looking at a Cadillac CTS or a Nissan Maxima. However, if you truly care about performance and want one of the best sedans on the market, you've gotta get a 5.
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