The Lemon Index2003 BMW 5 Series.
The 2003 BMW 5 Series has too few complaints to score: 17 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 16 to 22 mpg combined. The best BMW 5 Series year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 97 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 26K to 100K miles on the car (59 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- airbags 2019
This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel.
- airbags 2015
The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusio.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 50 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Sport transmission paddle shifters inoperative-diagnosis
- Engine wiring harness section replacement for ignition coils
- Engine will crank but not start
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3600–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving in traffic on surface street, car in front slowed to a stop. I was unable to stop my car because when I applied the brakes the car accelerated until impact with the car in front.
2003 BMW 5 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 10051091
More owner reports
While applying brakes vehicle accelerates intermittently.
NHTSA complaint 10042126
2003 BMW 525i died twice leaving the consumer stranded.**
NHTSA complaint 10135620
Quick answers
Is the 2003 BMW 5 Series reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 17 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2003 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (41%), electrical (24%) and seat belts (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 5 Series have?
2 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 BMW 5 Series get?
16 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2003 BMW 5 Series problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 26,000 and 100,800 miles. The middle report was at 76,800 miles, from 59 complaints.
Does the 2003 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2003 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $3600 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 BMW 5 Series have?
2.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2003?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2016, 2015 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works