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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  Best car I ever drove (so far) - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By melvin - July 23 - 1:51 pm

  Note: I own a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country, 1991 Patherfinder, 1993 Ford Escort and there are no comparisons to any of them. I bought this 10 year old BMW with 91000 miles on it. I must say that this car is the best car I ever drove. The car makes me feel that I have full control of every inch to the car. It gives me the feeling for ESP, because the response time is incredible.

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  #1 again - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By ezzie - July 21 - 2:00 am

  bmw again is the ultimate car...must get sport pkg. to get proper performance..the road handling is approaching my porsche and the variable steering is greatttt..even the i drive is easy and im not the gadget type....

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  Best by far - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By waxahach - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I tested every other make in its class including Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, Lexus, Infiniti and Cadillac. While all the others were very good cars, the 530i is a in class by itself. Truly the Ultimate driving machine, its new styling and outstanding engineering coupled with an unequaled performance makes it the buy of the decade. You have done it again BMW and thanks.

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  Just over a year and love it - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff Allen - July 20 - 8:24 pm

  The car is solid, goes like mad and is a blast to drive. The V8 is a hoss, smooth and has lots of power. The balanced handling is also incredible. It is hard to believe you are driving such a big car. No reliability issues to speak of yet. The car sucks the gas if you drive it - not much of a surprise there. The stereo is also very good and feature list goes on and on. Sport package is a must. Mine has no GPS but I dont know if it is necessary - less to worry about breaking.

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  Overpriced hassle - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By TexRider - July 20 - 8:51 am

  This car offers good balance between comfort and fun sporty ride. Bit stiff for this class, unless youre driving on the perfect highway, you feel every little bump on the road. Seats are very uncomfortable. After 3 years of ownership, I suffer major back problems. Sound insulation could be better. But the biggest and the worst problem with this car is reliability. I have never owned such unreliable vehicle. Something breaks every 1000-1500 miles. I purchased mine as Certified Pre-Owned and cant get out of repair shops. Most of repairs are covered by the warranty, but I am tired of going to the dealership every month.

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  If I werent typing Id be driving!! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By axelro43 - July 15 - 11:39 am

  I love this car!! Handling and speed are superb. Xenon is wonderful. The Interior is plush and driver friendly. Cupholders arent great but you wont think about drinking anything while driving this performance machine!! In addition I believe that this is one of the best looking vehicles on the road as well as best performing! Youll never sell it!!

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  BMW vs Audi - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By kent green - July 15 - 2:00 am

  After having a Audi6 and loving it i didnt think i would find a car that was better then my Audi.I was about to lease a new Audi when i saw the new 2004 530I I drove it and the rest is history.I think its such a safe feeling to drive the 5301 i love how it handles, the stering is precise and so much fun to drive.I love my new BMW.My son loves the stereo as well.

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  Joes review - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Joseph Simonson - July 15 - 2:00 am

  A very good car next to a Masarati its the best fun car there is.

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  I love my car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By aerokittie - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Coming from an Audi S4, the BMW 530i 6 speed manual is quite luxurious. I do have to say I miss the torque in my Audi S4. However, once in third gear the BMW starts to perform. Handling, cornering and the xenon headlights are awesome.. so far I really enjoy driving it. A very nice car to take a baby step up, in.

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  545i w/sport suspension 2 yr impressions - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bruce S - July 14 - 12:41 pm

  Excellent handling, one of the best cornering cars ever with the active roll stabilizers. The car is safe, smooth and fast, however, the electronic throttle seems to make the acceleration feel a little less tight. The sport suspension gives a little too much clunk for my preference, but if cornering is your priority, the harsher ride can be overlooked. Quality of construction is excellent and solid. I feel the dash could be better looking. Overall, if youre looking for performance, this car has to be considered.