New To This Forum

[l8kerswillwin]

thinking about getting a 2004 525? anyone here have anything good/bad to say about the car??

also if i get one i will be getting an automatic, as that is the reason that i am looking for a new car.....is there any problems with the auto's??

thanks for your help

[rsn48]

Overall a good car. There is some controversy over the idrive, so check it out and see if you like it. Auto is fine. You might be surprised to find you might prefer the 2003 and save some money in the process. Given the choice of a 2003 or 2004 personally, I'd opt for the 2003, more luxury feel and I think the lines of the car are much more of a "classic" line. This is just my take. Of course many are buying the 2004 and are happy with it.

[Silver4evr]

Welcome to the forum!

Check out forums.e60.net

There are pros/cons of every year/model. The new 5 series has been very controversial in styling changes. A used CPO 2003 would save some money and be a very good car. You could easily get a 530 then.

Consumer Reports has very good historical info.

If you can afford the 2005 530, there's an upgraded motor that's supposed to be out in the middle of next year that I've heard that's worth waiting for.

The new 5 series has had many 1st year glitches, some severe. Most revolve around software. Those probs. should be solved. The bigger issue is the poor BMW after sale service.

[rsn48]

BMW and service - some guys seem to have a bad after service from
BMW dealerships, others not. My experience is that I have a good dealership who has been good to me - even with a used car to boot. I think this is one of those issues that is dependendent on the dealership and not just the make of the car. I had a bad experience with a Toyota dealership service when the assistant service manager tried to say I was responsible for a malfunctioning trunk lock on a car under warranty. I can remember asking him "just how am I responsible for a malfunctioning lock when all I did was put the key into it and turn it?"

There are loser human beings every where - unfortunately at BMW as well.

[///Matt]

I would have to agree with rsn48, the 2003 does have a more luxurious look, and from what i can tell, also a better feel. The iDrive of the 04 model is "interesting," some hate it and some love it...But the E39, nothing beats it.

[BeelZibub]

Originally posted by ///Matt@Oct 12 2004, 08:25 PM
I would have to agree with rsn48, the 2003 does have a more luxurious look, and from what i can tell, also a better feel. The iDrive of the 04 model is "interesting," some hate it and some love it...But the E39, nothing beats it.

[snapback]209968[/snapback]

AMEN TO THAT - Buy an e39

[l8kerswillwin]

is there really that much of a difference in power
i guess i have to go test drive
thanks for the help

[rsn48]

I have a 528 and I am happy with the power. Some however want more "spunk" to it, it depends how deep you want to sink into your seats upon acceleration. I haven't tried the 2004 525 but I suspect I would be happy with the power. However... lol... with the money you save with the 2003.... lol!... you could get a 2003, 540.

[Silver4evr]

the 2004 525=187hp
530=225hp
545=325hp

If it's hp you're looking for, the 2003 530 or 540 will get you there over the 2004 525. If it's new technology, the the 2004 is the way to go.