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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  550i - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Darrell Johnson - March 13 - 12:41 pm

  First BMW. Ex Porsche guy. Surprised at performance and balance - simply excellent. IDrive is nonsense. In and of itself its not so hard to use, just plain silly. Cant even check oil accurately. Have yet to figure out how to store a radio station. Sat radio, though, is outstanding. Nav system w/ voice activation is almost useless as apparently German written instructions dont decipher into understandable English. The extra $240 for the 2nd year road assist is a waste. Got most options except heads up display & wish I had checked the headlight auto bright control option. Would have been nice to have. No real problems.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Doug - March 11 - 11:40 am

  WOW! What a pleasurable car to drive. This car makes you want to simply go out for a drive. The design of the cockpit helps the occupants feel like they are part of the car. In the sport mode this car is a fast and tight luxury sports car. Its very agile, and responsive. I was searching for one for about a month when I just got a smoking hot deal. Be patient, and you will find a very nice model, that you will not regret buying.

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  A wagon thats a sports car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By jimg - March 8 - 4:56 pm

  Previously owned a Mercedes E class wagon and this is a totally different experience. I do find myself still comparing the two vehicles. I think the Mercedes seats have more support and my biggest disappointment with the BMW is the turning circle which is not nearly as tight as the Merc. Getting used to the iDrive but I still think theres too much confusing and unnecessary engineering in these new-age vehicles.

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  545i Great Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By fall in love - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great performance and handling. Have tested drive E500, E500 is pretty nice too but not as fun to drive as 545i. So if you wanna play, go for 545i.

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  My 04 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe G - March 5 - 1:44 am

  I very much enjoy driving this car. It is fun to drive and very reliable. I had some computer problems early on, but they were repaired and have had no problems since. I have also had many compliments about the styling and appearance of the car. I will get another one when this lease is finished next year.

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  A dream car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Downunder - March 4 - 9:04 pm

  Had a 1997 535i I loved and couldnt part with. Finally and reluctantly I bought my 550i - shouldnt have waited - its a simply fantastic car. I look forward to the morning drive more than ever and my SL500 stays parked in the garage. Great performance, handling and comfort as well as all the hitec gismos to keep me happy - and they are useful too particulary headup and satnav. Great. IDrive is simply learnt in a few hours that motoring journos obviously dont give it. Simple - intuitive - and very easy to use regularly when needed.

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  1999 BMW 528i ... very, very nice - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw_owna - March 4 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this vehicle certified pre-owned (CFP). BMW has one of the best CFP plans in the US. I love the car. I have had a few technical problems but other than that I love the car. I highly recommend it.

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  better than an e series benz - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By lwm - March 2 - 12:47 pm

  So far, so very good. Fun to drive, great on turns. Good pickup for a 6 cylinder car. A very smooth ride. If you have only one car, and want a fun ride, this is your car. No, dont like the design of the rear end, so I approach the car from the front. The onboard mapping system is handy. The iDrive system is fine, but probably not worth the effort or inherent expense. It does eat up gas quickly.

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  Happy, but......... - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By CB - February 27 - 3:00 am

  This is my 6th 5 series and it does have a character all its own. Runs flawlessly and has all the handling capabilities one would expect. Still, the iDrive (which Im still getting used to) is an unnecessary pain especially to adjust vent settings. Voice commands are understood about 70% of the time and Run Flat Tires are just not worth it (cannot be repaired,are $400 ea and have to be ordered if you need one - not in stock at most shops). Installed AUX cable for my IPOD, but that should be automatic and it should work with steering wheel controls and should show all IPOD information on the cars display. Wheels are boring (no style) and have been replaced as well.

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  Id buy one again - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Pam - February 26 - 8:36 am

  I am the original owner, ordered it new. I love the performance, handling and the way it it can make a u-turn in such a small space. With the 42k that I have on it I have had to replace the radiator, and 2 of the sensors. The last time, BMW did not charge me because of the low miles on the car. That I appreciated. Living in NJ where there is a lot of traffic, pulling onto the Parkway is very easy with the power of this car. People are amazed at the speed and pickup that it has.It still does, after owning it for 6 yrs. This car came standard with everything one needs. I would buy another one.