2003 vs 2004 BMW 5 Series

2003

• Cooling system failure All years

  What to check: Ask for records of the expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and radiator, and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive.

  Euro Premium Parts calls the cooling system the most critical issue on the six, with plastic parts that turn brittle and can fail together, overheating the engine. CarGurus also advises watching the cooling system and changing the coolant regularly.

  CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Timing chain guides on the V8 All years One source so far

  What to check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start.

  Euro Premium Parts says the M62's plastic chain guides wear, and that a failed tensioner left alone can wreck the engine.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Cracks at the rear subframe mounts All years One source so far

  What to check: Have the rear subframe mounting points inspected for cracks, especially on a 540i.

  Euro Premium Parts says the mounting points in the body can crack under stress, making the car unstable, and that the repair means reinforcement welding.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Worn front control arm bushings and ball joints All years One source so far

  What to check: On the test drive, feel for vague steering and listen for clunks.

  Euro Premium Parts calls this nearly universal on E39s past 80,000 miles.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Missing pixels in the instrument cluster All years One source so far

  What to check: Look for dead rows of pixels in the cluster's display.

  Euro Premium Parts calls this very common on older E39s, and minor.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• VANOS wear on the six All years One source so far

  What to check: Feel for a rough idle or a loss of power.

  Euro Premium Parts says the VANOS solenoid and seals degrade with age, and that a rebuild kit is a well-known repair.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

2004

• A failed brake booster All years One source so far

  What to check: Feel for a hard, stiff brake pedal.

  CarGurus lists failed brake boosters, which can stiffen the pedal dramatically, among the E60's typical problems.

  CarGurus

• Worn control arms and bushings All years

  What to check: Feel for vibration under braking and listen for clunks, and look for uneven tire wear.

  CarGurus lists broken or worn-out control arms, and Euro Premium Parts says worn front bushings cause vibration under braking.

  CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Early iDrive units that fail 2004–2007 One source so far

  What to check: Try every iDrive function, and watch for a blank screen or a unit that restarts itself.

  Euro Premium Parts says early CCC units are prone to failure and expensive to replace, and that the later CIC system is far more reliable.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Cooling system parts All years

  What to check: Look for coolant leaks, and ask whether the water pump and thermostat have been replaced.

  Euro Premium Parts says radiator, expansion tank, water pump and thermostat failures are routine at around 80,000 to 100,000 miles on the sixes. CarGurus lists bad thermostats and fuel pumps too.

  CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Oil use and leaks on the V8s All years One source so far

  What to check: Look for blue smoke at start-up and oil around the timing covers.

  Euro Premium Parts lists worn valve stem seals, timing cover and alternator bracket gasket leaks, and high oil use even on well-kept cars.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Battery drain and electrical faults All years

  What to check: Ask about battery warnings, and try the locks, lights, windows and climate control.

  Euro Premium Parts lists battery drain from the battery sensor or the trunk wiring, and CarGurus lists a variety of electrical issues and leaky sunroof seals.

  CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

2003

• Rare 540i M-Sport Package

  A limited run for the US in 2003 A published reference

  1,190 built for United States A published reference

2004

Nothing that 2003 lacks.

2003

• 15V318000 2002–2003

  Moisture can get into the driver's dual-stage airbag, whose inflator can then rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the airbag. NHTSA

• 19V015000 2000–2003

  The sports steering wheel's airbag inflator can explode as its propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers inspect and replace it. NHTSA

2004

• 04V303000 2004

  A retention clip at a quick-release coupling on the fuel supply line may be missing. Dealers fit the clip. NHTSA

• 04V344000 2004

  The engine management control units were not made to specification. Dealers fit a new unit. NHTSA

• 04V575000 2004

  Getting in and out can damage the heating mat in the seatback bolster, which can then get too hot. Dealers modify the seat heating circuit. NHTSA

• 08V384000 2004–2006

  Cracks can form in the front passenger seat's sensor mat, switching off the passenger airbags and lighting the warning lamp. Dealers rework the mat, and BMW extends the warranty on it. NHTSA

• 10V446000 2004–2010

  A check valve in the brake vacuum pump can leak oil, which over time can contaminate the brake booster. Dealers repair it. NHTSA

• 12V126000 2004–2010

  The positive battery cable's connector may have been fitted wrongly to the trunk floor, so its bolt can loosen and the connection overheat. Dealers inspect and secure it. NHTSA

2003

Transmissions

Five-speed manual Edmunds, a published reference, Five-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference

Body styles

Sport Wagon (1999–2003) Edmunds, a published reference

Packages

540i M-Sport (2003) A published reference

2004

Transmissions

Six-speed Steptronic automatic Edmunds, a published reference, Six-speed SMG automated manual Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

2003

• Orient Blue Metallic 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Alpine White 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Jet Black 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Titanium Silver Metallic 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Oxford Green Metallic 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Slate Green Metallic 2003 Edmunds
• Sterling Gray Metallic 2003 Edmunds
• Topaz Blue Metallic 2003 Edmunds
• Blue Water Metallic 2003 Edmunds
• Titanium Gray Metallic 2003 Edmunds
• Steel Blue Metallic 2003 Edmunds
• Toledo Blue Metallic 2003 Edmunds
• Kalahari Beige Metallic 2003 Edmunds
• Black Sapphire Metallic 2003 Edmunds

2004

Nothing that 2003 lacks.

2003

• Sand 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Gray 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Black 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Stone Green/Black 2003 Edmunds

2004

Nothing that 2003 lacks.

2003

• Sought after: The E39 as a driver's car All years One source so far

  CarGurus says the E39 is generally considered the most rewarding 5 Series to drive and the best of the breed to many fans, and that it is starting to appreciate as a classic. CarGurus

2004

• Watch for: The SMG gearbox All years Walk away One source so far

  CarGurus lists trouble with the SMG transmissions among the E60's problems and says it is better just to stay away from them. CarGurus

• Watch for: An early 545i without full records 2004–2005 Walk away One source so far

  Euro Premium Parts says to avoid an early 545i unless it is fully documented. A seller's guide (unofficial)