Overview & Reviews

The 2011 BMW 5 Series has been completely redesigned. Highlights include less adventurous styling than in years past, more powerful engines and new technology features. The wagon model has been discontinued. All-wheel drive is not available currently but will return later in the model year.

• Respectable fuel economy.
• Clean interior design with high-quality materials
• Plenty of high-tech features
• Strong turbocharged engines
• Capable handling

• Feels a bit bulky on tight roads.
• Smaller trunk than rivals

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 88.00

• 

  2011 535xi = Worst Car Owning Experience - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Mo - April 6 - 9:48 pm

  Ive always leased cars and thought I should finance for a change. I couldnt see anything wrong with that decision figured BMW quality is top notch (German soccer), performance (autobahn), and good looking (even old German cars look sexy). In order to be safe I even ditched out 5k for extended warranty which didnt cover anything. Couple months after my purchase my tires need to be replaced. Couple weeks after that Im merging onto the freeway and my piston blows up and takes out two cylinders with it. Twenty grand after that my thermostat breaks and I have no heat in the middle of winter (thank god for electric heated seats). Couple snowstorms after that my battery needs to be replaced

• 

  Good riddance - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By yossarian7 - March 17 - 3:53 pm

  Electric throttle + turbos = you never know what you were going to get, or when you are going to get it. Merging onto a highway was a stressful event. Seats were uncomfortable. Not enough leg room (Im 61"). Run-flat tires were junk - developed bubbles and made for harsh ride. Alloy wheels were so soft, and/or car was so heavy, that it was not possible to keep the wheels "round" or in balance. HVAC temperature control never worked right (it always blows hot air). Car handled like crap - the opposite of the ultimate driving machine. The car rolled so much during a turn - usually suddenly - that it was downright scary. Car was way too heavy. I was glad to trade it in.

• 

  Poor Tires equipped for the 5 series - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By jackz1 - September 22 - 12:44 am

  Im a BMW fan and had several BMW cars bought or leased from BMW dealers before this 550I leased in Sept 2011 from Nick Alexander Imports in LA. No problem with BMW cars before this 550I which we had replaced 3 run flat tires within 7 months of lease with the same problem-internal cuts on tires. This is really unusual as I never had this tire issue with other BMW cars before. I filed a complaint with the dealer from which I leased the car but was told driver was responsible for tires.

• 

  Not a BMW anymore - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By bummer5 - August 4 - 11:26 am

  I have an 02 530i, love it. Purchased a 550ix because I love BMW....used to love BMW. This car drives like a Buick. Even sport mode floats on the road. The seats are awful and the engine sounds like a 4 cylinder Honda. I cant believe BMW would even put this out! I finally gave the car to my wife and went back to my 02 530i. Now that BMW is no longer "BMW", what do I buy?! So disappointed! Shame on you BMW!

• 

  Handles like a Hippo on Stilts - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By burnrub - March 17 - 2:52 pm

  I upgraded from a 335 to the 535 cuz I wanted a bigger car. The transmission failed in the 1st month and they had to do a complete rebuild, which cost @ $3,000. The car is pretty fast, but unfortunately, it exhibits way to much body roll and modest curves have to be eased into. The interior quality is top-notch, if a bit bland. Also, BMW will nickle and dime you for pretty basic features on a luxury car. There are better cars out there. Choose Wisely.

• 

  Disappointment city - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By nomore528s - June 22 - 10:22 pm

  I have had two 528 sedans in my life. The first was a 2000, and the second was a 2011. I picked both of them up at the facility in SC and drove both them to CA Lotsa fun was had both times. The 2000 over the time I owned it was great... not a lick of trouble. The 2011 was more disappointing than my first wife. The first issue was those useless tires, one of which failed 3000 miles from home causing me to have to spend three nights in a hotel while a dealer ordered a replacement. Unacceptable! The next issue was the computer telling the power steering to stop working. Another computer glitch finished me. I traded for a 2011 Crown Vic. Im much happier. Hitler was Bavarian too.

• 

  The End of a Beautiful Relationship - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By nashvegasbmw - January 21 - 7:42 am

  I have owned at least one BMW since 1974, when I bought my first - a 2002tii sedan. A 528, 530, a 330i, and a 325xi later. I considered myself a devotee. This 535xi wagon is the single-most unreliable car of any make that I have ever owned (and Ive owned Jaguars and MGs). The drive-by-wire-electronically-controlled everything just doesnt work. Furthermore, the word is out on this defective car line and the resale value has PLUMMETED. And, unlike the old days, BMW Customer Service could care less. I will never buy another. I feel like a scorned lover.

• 

  2011 528 lag machine - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By jkmj9999 - January 5 - 12:12 am

  it sucks !! dont buy it .. maybe for your grand parents .. step on the gas.. either lags or burst into speed (sport mode) from time to time.

• 

  Average - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By bell10 - June 30 - 9:34 pm

  I have owned this car for a year and find it very average. The steering is terrible and the transmission gear selection is also terrible. The rest is borderline average. It demonstrates very little value for the money. Its much to heavy. Its far from the ultimate driving machine. Not much fun to drive.

• 

  Tires, Tires and More Tires - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By sleepy8 - March 21 - 2:54 pm

  This was the car I thought I always wanted-500xi with Msport package--what a mistake. This car can not handle a single small road defects without the Goodyear LS2 run flats getting a bubble in the sidewall. I have less than 2500miles and have gone through four tire and two rims. This all wheel drive car was not properly tested to handle the roads in the USA. It could do well on the autobahn, but not here. It should not have been marketed with 19 inch wheels and fragile sidewall run flats--what a mistake! Look elsewhere if you want a car that you can actually drive vs on that just looks good in the driveway.