Overview & Reviews

It's no exaggeration to say that the BMW 5 Series sets the standard for premium sport sedans. Introduced for the 1972 model year, the midsize 5 Series has long offered a near-perfect blend of performance, luxury and interior room. It's also highly regarded for its refined styling and innovative technology features.

Most BMW 5 Series models you'll come across will be rear-wheel-drive sedans, though you'll stumble upon the occasional 5 Series wagon on the used car market. In addition, all-wheel drive has been optional for some time, and many used sedans in colder climes will be so equipped. Traditionally, the 5 Series has featured an inline six-cylinder gasoline engine, but BMW has also offered V8 engines, turbocharged four-cylinders and even diesel-powered options. When people ask us to recommend luxury cars, the BMW 5 Series is invariably high on the list, new or used.

User Reviews:

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  2008 BMW 535i Sport - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By BillPort - April 27 - 8:09 pm

  The 535 with the Sport Package is truly a 4-door sports car. Seating adjustments abound and you can program different profiles on the different keys. Handling is superb and 4 wheel drifts are doable with the "Anti-s" disabled. I averaged 20.7 MPG combined city/hwy. Sport mode and paddle shifters are a hoot. If it werent for repair issues, I would love this car. Hi-pressure fuel valve went out 2x in 3 months. Unacceptable for car in this price range. Cheap materials in sunshades (no extender), cupholders are crap. Reverse light burned out at 33K miles. Turbo lag is noticeable at take off and throttle is twitchy at take off. I want more time driving, not in shop, even w/warranty.

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  Great car but unexpected problems - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Fouad - April 13 - 7:05 am

  Bought brand new in 2004 and I still use it now. At first fule smell inside and dealer couldnt fix the problem till now also annoying sound from the roof like plates hitting 1. After 2 years I had to replace my suspension system for a cost of $2,200 (done by dealer) but I had to change all rft tyres because of that on my account for aboutt $2,400 2. After 3 years gearbox had to be replaced for a cost of around $7,000 (done by dealer) 3. After 4 years again I had suspension sys problem 4. Ac not cooling and compressor should be replaced for a cost of around $2,200 5. Oil level is always low according to computer screen but oil level is ok 6. Left front passenger window doesnt close any more

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  Wait a second - its a wagon - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By goodmaj - April 9 - 10:28 pm

  You wont believe youre driving a wagon. It drives just as well as the sedan. Sport seats are completely the way to go, very, very comfortable for long trips. Performance is great, next thing you know youre driving 80. Perhaps too many commands/too much functionality in iDrive, I would probably prefer a bit of a mix though in 2008 this got better - Audi MMI is probably better. But, that said, if youre familiar with computers, even at a basic level, youll be just fine. Tight steering, decent suspension. Neat wagon-y features in the back too such as cubbys for groceries.

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  I-drive (CCC system) is an issue - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Lauren - April 9 - 10:01 pm

  I LOVE this car. It is fun to drive and is sporty while still being a 4-door sedan. It handles well and really does adjust to your driving style which I really love. There is one BIG issue, the iDrive system that controls the a/c, heat, radio, entertainment, etc. It malfunctions about twice a year and the dealership acts as if theyve never seen anything like it. (After researching, it is evident this is an ongoing issue with 5-series.) They did replace my CCC/ iDrive unit while under the warranty but now it is doing it again! This time its NOT under warranty and it is quoted to cost thousands of dollars to fix this computer module! This issue needs to be resolved.

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  On the fence - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By OnTheFence - April 5 - 11:13 am

  My lease comes up at the end of the year but not sure if I would buy it. It was at the dealership multiple times due to the high pressure fuel pump and gasket leak issues. Morning starts feel like a boat motor. Engine misfires. Car lurches back and jumps forward at stop lights etc. Its a joy to drive when the engine is trouble free. I-drive is so slow it drives me nuts. The blutooth works about 50% of the time. Im eying the infiniti M and the lexus G because I really want a trouble free vehicle with better ergonomics. Ill have to sacrifice the driving dynamics of this vehicle though. There should not be a compromise for a $60,000+ car.

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  Fuel System Problems - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - April 4 - 12:52 pm

  Great car, amazing when running well. My 535 is having a lot of problems with the car running very rough and has had several engine malfunctions. The dealership has put in a new module, high pressure pump (HPP), and several new injectors. Problem is routine to N54 engine. BMW acknowledges the problem is a design fault. Check out and have good warranty if purchasing. Love the car when it works.

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  Bad Experience 540, m-sport - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By rams - March 27 - 4:03 pm

  I purchase this vehicle for my wife. Looks and feels excellent. powerful v- 8, excellent handling however it had 277,000 kilometers. i understand that with this mileage the car may need repairs et.. however the engine had a stalling problem. When stopping the RPM gauge would drop causing the engine to stall sometimes. the problem became progressively worse. BMW and 2 other mechanics looked at the car and ran scan tests. Nobody was able to solve the problem. I sold the car as is and lost thousands. Buyer beware

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  My first and last BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By phmokda - March 20 - 12:46 pm

  On the advice of a friend, I ended a twelve year streak of Lexus ownership for a new BMW. The tipping point for me was the unlimited warranty for four years or 50,000 miles. The car rides great but the I control is maddening and the car is way too computerized. It drops my bluetooth settings regularly and the battery has died three times in the last 11 months. The tow truck driver today told the cars he has to jump the most are BMWs! I am convinced it is a computer problem and they really dont know how to fix it. The driver seat, despite what seems like 1,000 different settings, is uncomfortable and has no support between the shoulder blades. This will be my last Bimmer.

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  High-maintenance - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By etc - March 20 - 1:11 am

  E39 doesnt age well. The cooling system is sure to fail by 100K - radiator, water pump and more. Front end likely shot by that mileage. Rear end suspension too. All kinds of leaks, power steering, transmission hoses. All the vacuum tubes get extremely brittle and disintegrate when you touch them. The VANOS system is likely shot by that mileage, decreasing MPG and power. Automatic tranny replaced at 80K Basically just ridiculous how such an expensive car can have reliability of a 1980s Ford. Its a true FORD car, Fix-Or-Repair-Daily.

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  Great power, Poor ergonomics - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By danimal - March 10 - 7:43 pm

  Have had this car for 2+ years and my lease is up in May, 2010. I was thinking about doing a buy-out but I just cant get past the interior ergonomics. There is zero storage space to put anything. The cup holders are cheap and pop out from the dash. There is nowhere to put sunglasses, maps, coins, receipts, over-sized bottles, etc. There is also no rear seat leg room. The car itself is undeniably the best performance vehicle in its class. The twin turbo is an absolute joy to drive with unmatched power. I will miss it but, again, I cant deal with the interior anymore. BTW, the I-Drive system is easy to figure out but its slow as molasses.