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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  Great car - could use more hp & torque - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By interceptor - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Great handling car with the sports package. Responsive and precise. Although the interior is smaller than most of its competitors, its exterior is still the best in my mind. Aggressive, sporty and purposeful without being trendy and tacky.

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  Worth every penny! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By 4 Murphs - May 10 - 10:16 am

  Im a BMW fan, just sold my 2002 325i sport/premium. 530i is an excellent value/jump up. With updated engine (255hp), this is a fun ride. Either love or hate the exterior, interior is well designed. IDrive was no issue for me, if you can navigate an internet web site, you can use IDrive...I highly recommend the Nav system, especially for safety (not having to look around while driving, it tells you when and where to turn). Trunk space is a big step up from 3-series...premium package a must (nice leather). Decided against sport package, since I live in N. PA...snow and ice is not recommended for sport package. Loads of technology in 06 model...enjoy the toys. Love the way it handles.

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  BMW 530IA Sport Package - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Todd Baker - May 9 - 10:07 pm

  The BMW 530IA is one of the best cars on the road. It is extremely reliable as far as making sure you get to and from your appointment. Many times, even the car is having issues.. the parts are so tough that they will even get you to the dealership in a reasonable amount of time w/o a tow. Of course.. there have been no major failures thus far. The car handles like a race car.. but you can put your parents in the back seat for those trips to and from the airport. Lots of space where it is needed.. but gives most Corvettes a real run for the money off the line and at high end speeds. The car is at home around 90mph on the freeway. You hardly notice when you pass 120. NICE CAR.

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  Investing in the past pays in the Future - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Stacy - May 8 - 7:55 pm

  I purchased a 1993 BMW 525i when it had over 121,000 miles on it. I did not blink when this great automobile came my way. I paid under market value for the car and it was in excellent condition. I have not had any problems with this thirteen year old beauty. It drives smooth and incredibly quiet. The style is a little dated, but the interior features are not. This old car is still quite a luxury. Anyone thinking about owning an older BMW should not think too hard, because my car is proof that reliable engineering will last over 200,000 miles. This 13 year old BMW is the first one that I have owned and I now claim to be an exclusive BMW owner.

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  BMWs Colossal Blunder - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Shifty - May 7 - 8:23 pm

  Great car, fun to drive... but impractical! The sports package comes with run flat tires and a donut. No room to put in full sized tire in the well. But I am better off than those with a 2006 or later 3 series who have no spare at all.. Get a flat wiith these babies and you can go 150 miles. You can put on the donut and go about the same distance. Get a flat tire over the weekend like I did and you are out of pocket for 2 days. Nobody, I repeat nobody stocks the odd ball tires. This is a MAJOR flaw in the BMW. Hear that Edmunds? BTW, the run flats are not repairable, so you are looking at over $300 a pop for a flat. Also they ride terribly and have 15,000 mile tread life.

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  Best BMW Yet! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Dbarks - May 6 - 11:30 am

  I have had three BMWs including the heralded 1998 E39 528i. The 2006 530i is better in every way. Better ride, better handling, more room and much better seats. This car makes the E39 look old. This is the best car BMW has made yet.

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  Best 5 Series yet - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By DanB - May 4 - 11:39 pm

  I have had three BMWs including the all time favorite E39 1998 528i. This is a better car in all regards. Big car feel, much more power and great features such as idrive and bluetooth. It makes the E39 look old. My 2006 E60 has been flawless. The ride is perfect. I read the reviews at other sites on other cars and you can tell that the true BMW lovers that couldnt get past the new look are desperately trying to console themselves. They wanted a 5 series BMW, didnt buy one and are going out of their way trying to justify it to themselves. This is the best car on the road. And, I get 23 MPG in city driving.

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  Great Sedan - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By petepeter - May 4 - 11:11 am

  Purchased my 528i new & have driven 84000 miles. Great road & @town performance. Just had a wreck, a total loss. Doors still open and no injuries. I was in control to swerve & miss a head-on collision & was hit on the drivers door and to the rear. Great safety for its age. Cant find a comparable to replace it.

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  Another Beemer Success - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By L. Rogoway - May 3 - 11:50 pm

  This is the third 5 series we have picked up and driven in Europe. Our previous 5 was a 1997 540i, a dynamite aggressive vehicle. This 530i, while having a less powerful engine is similarly aggressive in due partly to the six speed automatic transmission. It is quick from the get-go while being very miserly in fuel consumption. We absolutely love the i-drive and seriously disagree with those who criticize it. It sure beats hunting for which button to push on the dashboard to change something.

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  Best ever - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By v laprade - April 30 - 9:16 am

  This is the third Beamer I have owned and by far it is the best in all areas. The fuel economy is very acceptable for this size car, I just wished it did not need premium gas. The handling is very BMW and the acceleration for the 530 is excellent. I am having some difficulty adjusting the driver seat to a comfortable position. The front of the seat seems to be titlted too far back and presses on the underneath of my knee.I like the size of the trunk but wished the rear seat folded without having to buy it as an option. One thing about BMW is that there is nothing free if they can charge for it. The rear seat could use a little more leg room. I have no trouble with the I drive.