2004 BMW 5-Series

I have a 2004 BMW 530i that was purchased new when the current body style first came out, towards the end of 2003. I test drove many cars before buying and while it was a much higher priced car than I would normally buy, this car drove like a dream and I had to have it. If you have never driven BMW, try it. If you have driven BMW, take their driver training course and you will appreciate your car even more. What I like most about the current 530i is cornering, braking and general interior esthetics. Take a look under the hood. The engine is what you are paying for.

The car I purchased had a problem that took about 5 visits to the dealer before they fixed it. There was an idiot light and warning about the seatbelt/airbag system that kept getting triggered for no reason. I presume it was fixed through software. The BMW dealer gave me an equivalent car to use every time I had to come in for this problem. They were less generous when I had to leave the car for general maintenance. I have not had any other significant problems with the car. Make sure you get warranty coverage if considering a pre-owned car. Out of warranty repairs are probably very expensive for this car.

While this car has amazing feel, there are a few flaws:

Going over a speed bump at moderate speed tends to bottom out the front suspension. This car feels heavy but it is supposed to be light, as aluminum is used. Maybe that is why it feels very susceptible to side winds.
The cost for winter tires on wheels is high. Snow tires are definitely needed for snowy driving conditions, otherwise the rear end swings far too easily. Service costs for out of warranty work is very high, relative to US domestic cars.

If you can get it for a good price, do not hesitate to buy. I rate the 2004 BMW 530i a full 5 out of 5. Actually, I would give it a six, if i could.

I had always liked the look of the 5-Series, but hadn't actually driven one until I purchased mine on ebay. Needless to say, I was overly impressed of the car's performance and comfort. I have owned and driven many performance cars, and I hate to even use the word car when talking about it. BMW nailed it when they called it the ultimate driving machine.

Gary:

Now that I have had the car for a couple of weeks I wanted you to know I couldn't be happier. I thought I was buying a reasonably priced luxury sedan that had a lot of life left in it. I didn't realize that I was getting a fun sports car with fuel economy that rivals my friends crappy looking Hondas! I have a set of chrome wheels sitting around and I think they will fit the car. I plan to have the existing tires mounted on them. If it works out I will send you a pic of the car when I am finished. Attached is a Photo-shop demo of what it may look like if they fit.

I may become a Beemer convert. Well I guess I already am.

Yours truly,

Jerry Chasteen
President / Owner
HI-TEC Industries
6100 S. Fairfax Road
Bloomington, IN 47401
Office: 812-824-8000
Cell: 317-413-4756
U.S.A.

Killer Car!
What an Ebay deal!
BMW is the Ultimate Driving Machine!
Nothing else in the class compares.

Like the looks of the BMW, specially the 5 series. What I do not like is the high maintenance cost.
Drives very nice and at the same time sporty (mix between luxury and sport)
Will definitively buy BMW again.

I really love the BMW, actually. The car is fantastic! The only complaints I have is that I rec'd the car with a cracked coolant reservoir. All three hoses attached to the reservoir had to be replaced. The car had to be serviced. Oil change, brake fluid system flushed, and four (4) new tires, came out of my pocket!!! Also, it looks as if the car was key'd, a 8 inch deep scratch on the left passenger door is very noticeable. Paint chip marks on the hood and a scuff make on the right fender, above the tire. This scuff make is 3 inches wide, 4 inches long. It was really kind a difficult to actually and truly see what defects a car had when I went and purchased one online. Other than that, I'm satisfied with the BMW.

I love BMW's. This is the 2nd one I have purchased on Ebay. Wonderful experince with the Seller and much cheaper than purchasing locally or from a dealer

I got my 545i with 52k miles, so it did not have any warranty left. It is pearl black with black/orange interior, has sport package, 6 speed manual, navigation, xenons, heated seats and steering. The only option I wish it had, is the comfort seats and parktronic. I got sports seats, so it took getting used to the seats. Otherwise, I cannot complain about anything. Great handling, acceleration, and braking. I don't see what is the issue with the idrive that most reviews complain about. The menu is clear and the controller is easy to use. I spend a lot of time driving, so I wanted to enjoy it and this car is the perfect solution. I had it for about half year and put on about 10k miles. During this time, I changed oil ($80 at any no BMW mechanic) and per BMW manual recommendation, changed brake fluid ($20 + my fluid). If you are handy, this car is easy to maintain yourelf. Overall I enjoy this car and recommend it to anybody who is looking for a great daily transport.

Bought mine used still under orig. full maint./warr., this is now my 3rd BMW 5 series..I love the cars...drove all the contenders..still this wins my heart based upon it being in my foot and seat. The interior is much larger than previous generation 5...still trying to get my sport seat in the perfect spot for me..The seat is a bit stiffer and head rest doesn't lean forward to cradle my head like the former model. But if that is all I have to complain about..oh darn..

Pricing winter tires tonight...having difficult time finding proper winter time runflats for car..driving w/ 245/40 18" (29 lb front/32 lbs rear). May just go to an all season tire on existing rims..the OEM summer runflats don't cut it for the Chgoland snow season. Oh, did I mention this is my winter driver..hard to give up performance for function...just call me a crazy woman that loves cars! My summer toy car is stored for season..might sell soon!! Anyone interested in a 2001 Torch Red Vet (modified 370hp..and new OEM goodyears, only 38K miles)?

This car's appearance is its best feature. Very comfortable to sit in and drive, handles great. Pickup speed is not impressive but is a great ride on the highway. This car is supersmart and let's you know when something needs to be fixed. Sound system is excellent which I didn't expect.