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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  Sam - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Samuel - June 24 - 2:06 am

  I love this car. It is great.

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  Senior Bimmerman - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed A - June 21 - 9:48 pm

  This is my 3rd BMW and it is the smoothest, quietest, best performing of all. It has the driving performance and still has creature comforts. I tried an Infiniti G for a year, but had to get back to a car that had superior driving characteristics and a strong feel and smooth ride.

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  The most fun on the road - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By deb - June 21 - 5:16 pm

  This car handles so easily and it has a safe and sturdy feel on the road. Plenty of power for on and off the highway. The iDrive isnt as difficult to operate as some have claimed. Just take some time to learn it pick your settings thats it. The heated steering wheel is a real luxury. Interior appointments very nice.

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  My big, beautiful beast - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Greg J - June 20 - 11:06 am

  I bought the 2003 540i with the 6-speed manual transmission, which automatically gets you the sport package and, for 2003 models only (in the US), also gets you the M-sport package, which includes front and rear fascia, 18" M-parallel rims with staggered tire sizes, along with a host of ///M badged goodies, such as shift knob, steering wheel, doorsills, etc. This is the closest thing you can get to an M5, and is in fact more rare less than 1000 6-speed 540s were imported in 2003. My car is black on black and is absolutely beautiful. It has a lot of "presence" and gets a lot of thumbs up! Fast, comfortable, but "mature"...no boy-racer junk. Hope to keep it forever.

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  This is a classy car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By JHawk Mike - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Since BMW is getting ready to change the style of the 5-series, I got a sweet deal on a lease... and I feel like a thief. Im getting this awesome car and paying this little? Its got power and style and its very fun to drive.

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  BMW 04 530 I comments - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By silber - June 16 - 10:35 am

  Best car we have ever driven performance, economy, style

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  The Greatest 5 Series - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Lover - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The newest 5 Series is the best ever the ride, quietness and new features such as hud Diplay.

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  Best Buy Classic - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Jose - June 14 - 3:05 pm

  After months of research and comparisons with MB and Lexus, I found my 525 5-speed. Considered a 98 but the 95 has the styling that wont look dated. After a year and 12000 miles no mechanical problems to speak of. Only gripe is brake light circuit warning light that has a mind of its own. Average overall MPG about 20 so far with the ability to get 28 or more on the highway if I can drive under 70 mph. Great car. Still under 100k so looking forward to many more ahead. Not a burner off the line, but better mileage than a v-8.

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  Delighted with first BMW - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By FB - June 13 - 12:03 am

  This is my first BMW and we waited until the 5 was available in AWD before taking the plunge. After an initial issue with a too-dark Nav screen that was replaced, this car has been fantastic. The bottom line is that driving goes from being a chore to being something I look forward to every day because of this car. And I have lost count of how many people have commented on how great it looks! BMW, I hope you never stop making manual transmission cars like this one. And Bluetooth makes using the cell in the car so much easier and safer (not safe in an absolute sense, but safer if you have to be on the phone). BTW, the cupholders may look corny, but they actually hold cups quite well!

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  better than the best - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By seawer - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive ,lovely & comfort