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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  the dream machine ? - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By orcave - February 25 - 9:29 am

  After years of owning Mercedes I decided to go for the bmw based on the good reviews and a very favorable test drive. I bought mine with the sport package. What was I thinking buying mercedes? This is so far the best driving experience I ever had. I regret not buying one before. Build quality and performance are outstanding, as well as confort. Once you get the hang og it, the I drive is actually helpfull. My first taste of BMW has left me already wondering about the M models. If you are thinking about a car in this price range.... think no more, this is it.

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  Buy Smart , Buy CPO - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Neil Barker - February 23 - 6:48 pm

  I bought a 2003 540 Sport/Automatic from the BMW CPO program. No regrets so far, car has functioned flawlessly. The 540 is manufactured in BMWs premium factory, hence high quality. This car handles like a sports car, fits 5 people fairly well...though I only allow 4 max due to the factory lowered suspension. The Automatic is a dream to drive,its like a personal business jet for the road. The E39 has classic looks, its a good investment, it will look good years from now. New 5 Series ? Horrible!! I could design a better car. Chris Bangle, the new designer for BMW, has done me a favor.He saved me $30000. I bought a clean used CPO BMW. Thanks Mr. Bangle. Get one while you can.

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  Not disappointed!!! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Tennesseean - February 18 - 4:06 pm

  Just had my Beemer for a week now. I am totally satisfied so far. Great ride...compared to Jaguar S-type, Lexus 300, Mercedes E-class. No Comparison for price. I drove a 1998 525-i and it was good. This care is awesome!!!!I cant wait to put it onto open highway!!!

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  Best 4 Door Performance Car on the Marke - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill Tabalo - February 12 - 11:29 pm

  This car is truly a blast to drive. Fast, nimble, all the cool toys inside- -THe Ultimate Driving Machinge without question. The engine sounds great, feels smooth and never seems to hit the end of the power band. Interestingly, I get 26-27 mpg on the highway and combined of about 20--not much less than my 325. All in all, this is the best 4 door performance car on the market. After driving it, all the complaints about the I-Drive, styling or other small stuff sounds more like sour grapes from those that do not get to drive one to work each day.

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  Dream Car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Donald Kohn - February 12 - 8:13 pm

  This replaced an 04 E500 AWD Mercedes. This car has far better ride, is more responsive and much more fun to drive. Fit and finish are impeccable. Got the comfort seats which are worth every penny. I Drive is actually fun and easy once you get the hang of it. Big tip: Take delivery at the BMW Performance Center. Dealers rarely share this information with buyers. Its the only way to go, and free. A great experience, and you will learn more about your car and have more fun with it. Once youve done this its unlikely youll ever buy any car other than a BMW.

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  E60 verses E39 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Brandon Boles - February 12 - 7:09 pm

  I purchased my 04, 530i a little over a month ago. So far I am very pleased with the car. Overall it is a dream to drive. It has the sports package and it feels like its on rails. I also own a 98 540i Sport. The overall compfort and flat out performance is a bit better on the 540 but it should be. Its a v8 car. I believe time will tell, that the 04, 530i will be a more reliable car. Believe it or not, the 540i fuel economy is a little better than the 530i. That may be due to driving habits. My 530 has a 6 speed manual, the 540 has the automatic steptronic transmission.

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  The very nice "T" as Touring - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By CNJ31 - February 12 - 3:36 pm

  Had worked in the Old world for many years so 5 doors with AWD are my only interest once return to the New world. There were few models met the criteria in the local market. We finally chose the 530xiT because it is a good example of demonstrating what a car should be like when a car has the right combination of performance, handling, quality, safety and utility. Although the 530xiT does not perform #1 in each category, it is so well balanced!! This is very important for people who are shopping in this market segment. Time to call it correctly: Touring, not Wagon.

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  More than expected - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By DJP - February 10 - 12:31 pm

  This is, without question, the best 4 door sports car on the market. It is not too big like the 7 series or S class and it moves like the wind. It is a pleasure to drive everyday. Powerful but well mannered. The iDrive gets a bad rap, it is not complicated, nor do you have to use it often once you have things set to your liking. Surprisingly, the hwy mileage has been 26-27 mpgs, fairly close to my 325.

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  Best 4door car ever made - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By shakaeagle - February 9 - 4:16 am

  I traded in my 2006 530i, which I thought was the best handling sedan Id ever driven, for the 530Xi. The 530Xis handling is beyond description, it goes around turns as if on rails, irrespective of road surface, rain, snow or gravel. The combination of X drive with Dynamic Stability Control is brilliant - as you enter turns, power balance is to the rear, then near apex it is 50/50 and then as you exit, it seamlessly shifts forward pulling you around the turn. The N52 engine hauls like a grand prix engine, generating breathtaking g-forces as you rocket around the corners. I dont find any acceleration deficit vs the 530i - bottomline - the 530Xi is awesome!!! Porsche/Ferrari drivers take note.

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  Muscle car for adults - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By dg - February 5 - 10:50 am

  This is the best balance of a pure performace car and respectable sedan available. It is a blast to drive, the 365HP engine is quiet and refined during normal driving, but hit the gas and it will nail you to the seat. The active suspension keeps it flat and traction control keeps the rear end in line. This car will make you take the long way home and send you looking for twisty roads. If you have to stick to the highway it will give you a smooth quiet ride and 26MPG.