Used 2003 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M) Consumer Reviews
Used 5 Series for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
164K and still a true road car!
Corey Stark, Ennis, MT, 03/04/2016
BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
21 of 21 people found this review helpful
I just bought my 525i a couple of weeks ago. I have owned a couple in the past---328xi and an X5. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about buying a car with so many miles on it but I was really up against the wall. WIth 4 kids in college, my funds were limited. But I just loved the ride. I am 6'2" and 240lbs and an ex football player. Needless to say, I need my comfort. This car handles me just fine. I bought it and decided to take it on a road trip with my sweetheart. We went from MPLS, MN to Albuquerque, NM and back...then went to Lewistown MT!! No issues at all. Speed limits were 80 mph! This vehicle just loves the open road. Comfortable---even at the gas pumps. Considering my speed we still managed over 26.6 mpg overall for our 5k trip. Performance is totally acceptable, quiet cockpit, and the handling---oh my, the handling. There is simply nothing like a BMW on the road---it is happiest there! Now just after purchase I did get stuck with a crank ventilation valve issue. $1043.00 at the dealer. and the ABS system is on the bug. But I am pretty old school and never liked ABS anyway. Dealer said it wont hurt the car not to fix ($1700.00 plus $400 for reprograming) so I am running it as is. The one previous owner took good care of this vehicle. So as far as a recommendation goes for this car, I would have to say that I recommend it highly. CHeck it out thoroughly when you come across one with higher miles on the clock. Then take it to a BMW dealer and have it scoped--about $150.00. Trust me---get this done! Then you can be very comfortable with your purchase.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best car I've ever had
bdclass, Denver, PA, 10/18/2015
updated 10/20/2016
BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought in September 2014 with 93,000 miles from a family friend. Only paid $5400. She bought it cpo in 2006 for $32,000 had 19,000 miles when she purchased it. Incredibly reliable car. Only issues with the car are the clutch crapped at 101,000 miles, new clutch for $1,200 drives like new. Passenger side power seat died when our friends owned it they spent around $1000 to fix. The drivers side power seat has died on me in my position so we aren't fixing it. The instrumentation is pixlelated, also too expensive to fix. I put 16,000 miles on it in one year of ownership and have never been worried about it leaving me sit. For a 12 year old car it drives like new, I enjoy driving it much more than my 2009 Honda Accord v6, despite it being half the age with 30,000 less miles. (Also a nice car though for those on the market for a car.) Once I get a new job I'm going to buy a new 3 series, because that is about the last 4 door BMW you can buy with a manual transmission. Update: has a terrible oil leak, but is still driving well.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2003 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
3 of 26 listings
- 525i SedanMSRP: $3,9957 mi away
- 525i SedanMSRP: $5,60027 mi away
- 540i SedanMSRP: $12,88858 mi away
See all 26 listings
Got to LOVE IT!
Viper1, 08/23/2010
BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I read some reviews that talk of the cup holders and other issues. We bought our 2003 525i and simply love it. The thing is on rails but also feels heavy but responsive. The weight is good for absorbing road imperfections. Just feels solid. Performance is nice, just need to hit the sport tronic trans at right rpm range. This car looks better than the newer model and BMW has changed it back to the E39 style with a more squat body. I had to change the alternator, but like our broken cup holder, alternator, and brakes, all of which I changed myself with the Bentley E39 Service Manual and the write tools and she is as tight as, well tight feels good. We Just Love Her, Silvia, because it's silver.
The greatest car on the road!!!
anthony_e39, Hermosa Beach, CA, 07/24/2014
BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
Being only 16 years old I am fortunate enough to have a 2003 525i for my first car it's got 45k miles and this car is truly a dream! It rides so smooth! Mine has the sport package and it is a joy to drive! It handles like a dream and the most fun car to own! If you have the opportunity to own one DONT HESITATE!!!! The repairs are kinda pricey but if you're a car guy like myself DIYing it will save you plenty of money! Truly love this car and am now a loyal BMW owner!
Solid Car
Northern Rider, 05/04/2010
BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have had this car since 2007 and just recently had its first problem, a gasket leak that cost $800 to repair, its been reliable, solid, wonderful to drive. Its the best looking car on the road in my eyes, I love the ageless design.