2003 BMW 5 Series
US · Compact Cars
The 2003 BMW 5 Series is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.5L 6-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder (GUZZLER)
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.5L 6-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder (GUZZLER) | |
| Displacement | 2.5 L to 4.4 L | |
| Cylinders | 6 to 8 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Aspiration, Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 5 to 6 | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
10 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
- 525i · 2.5L · RWD · 5-speed automatic
- 525i · 2.5L · RWD · 5-speed manual
- 525i Sport Wagon · 2.5L · RWD · 5-speed automatic
- 525i Sport Wagon · 2.5L · RWD · 5-speed manual
- 530i · 3.0L · RWD · 5-speed automatic
- 530i · 3.0L · RWD · 5-speed manual
- 540i · 4.4L · RWD · 5-speed automatic
- 540i · 4.4L · RWD · 5-speed automatic
- 540i · 4.4L · RWD · 6-speed manual
- 540i Sport Wagon · 4.4L · RWD · 5-speed automatic
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 18, 2026.
19E058000: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Remedy: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
Reported August 28, 2019. View on NHTSA
12E029000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing…
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
Reported August 10, 2012. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 17, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 17, 2026
Data verified: October 18, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
2002 BMW 5 SeriesGasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.5L 6-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder (GUZZLER) · RWD
22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km)
2004 BMW 5 SeriesGasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.5L 6-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder · RWD
22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2003 BMW 5 Series have?
Varies by configuration: 2.5L 6-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder (GUZZLER). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2003 BMW 5 Series?
Combined fuel economy is 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2003 BMW 5 Series front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: RWD.
Are there recalls for the 2003 BMW 5 Series?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 18, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.