My sis is interested in getting an older 5 series and a friend of hers says he has (or someone has) a 2003 530i (might be a 540i, I can't remember at the moment) with 35k miles for sale. She didn't have a price, but the friend was saying that 2003 was the best model year for the 5 series cars. Is this true? Also, are the Edmunds prices about right? Please take pity on a Porsche owner and help me help my sis.

Thanks,

Bro

 

Not sure what you mean by best model year, but it was the last year for the e39. So in that case I would think it was at its best--all the bugs were worked out and all the improvements were made before it changed to the current model.. I actually prefer the look over the e60(2004-current)-- so in that regard it is certainly a good vehicle---Not to give credit to consumer reports, but they did call that car the best car they ever tested.. if the price is right --get it --bimmers are fantastic.

 

03's are good. You want to stick with a 2001 and up seeing as you'll get the upgraded headlights. If you look a around a bit you can find 540's with the sport package that includes the full M-Tech body kit (e39 M5 bodywork).

 

i think what you are referring to is,
consumer report found the e39 5 series 03 model to have the least issue in initital jd report whatever mamba jamba.
5 series are good. go for it.

 

My wife has a 530i with the Sport Pkg and no problems at 120k miles (knock on wood). Very well balanced car, has enough get go and good on fuel. If your sister wants a little more substance, find an 03 540i with the PERFORMANCE PKG...M5 looks without the M5 price ;-). Last hurrah for the E39.

Here's an example from Denver....is she looking for an auto or stick?!?

http://cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp...6&aff=national

 

my sister has the 540i and she says it is one of the best cars she has owned.

raja

 

My 1998 528 with 117,000 runs greats and gets decent gas milage. My dad likes driving it around town more than his 2000 M5. We have lots of stop and go traffic. Between his lightweight flywheel and different clutch going back in forth from 1st to 2nd constantly while sitting in traffic for and hour sucks.

Well atleast he claims he likes driving mine around, but for some reason he won't trade me when I offer. I think the 200hrs has something to do with it.

 

out of the E39, sure why not. best 5 series? no. the newest one is best.

 

2003 e39 530i is a very dependable, rock solid, trouble-free car in my experience. nothing exciting but very good daily driver, great for what it is intended to be.

 

Great cars, I like them more than the new ones. We had a '97 540i and a 2000 M5, both were entirely trouble free...well except the chrome kept peeling off of the M5 shift ****, it was replaced with a leather one -- no biggie.

For the record, the bodywork is VERY clos, but is not the same as on the M5.

2003 540i Sport



2003 M5:


Jeremy

 

My mom has a 98 528 (5speed Man) and believe it or not shes reaching 197K and shes still on her orig. clutch.


bulletproof car. when she replaces it soon, i will be pushing for a 03 530i