The 2003 BMW 530i in late 2005

I am not an expert but I can and do read car reviews. Therefore, in November 2005, I bought a 2003 BMW 530i automatic with all the original options from its original owner . The car was made in April 2003 so it is 2 years and about 6 months old. I usually buy new cars: why did I not buy a new one now?

Simple. I could not find a new 2003 - BMW 530i model, although the used 2003 BMW 530i I bought has only about 21K miles on it. OK, so why a 2003? Simple again. Reviews. Also, the 2003 BMW 530i did not have the odd new BMW design applied to the 500 Series in the 2004 model year nor the universally disliked iDrive feature.

Consumer Reports for 2003 rated the 2003 BMW 530i the finest care they had ever tested. That is a remarkable assertion -- a really big deal. Consumer Reports ratings for the 2004, 2005, and recently the 2006 model of the 530i all start with the title: Most Disappointing Models.

OK, but why the 530i not the 525i or the 540i? Simple again: reviews. The 525 was and is regarded as under powered. The 540 was and is regarded a gas guzzler. Gas is no cheaper today than in 2003. QED

Oh, by the way, my used 2003 BMW 530i with its sports and premium option packages and all the other bells and whistles is a dream. I will be keeping this car for a long time.