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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  Disappointing - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Anonymous - February 5 - 3:08 am

  Given the uniformly positive reviews on the e39 body 5-series, I was prepared to love this car. But it has been so disappointing that Im considering selling it after five months of ownership. The problem is simple -- and no its not the cupholders, which I agree are flimsy but they dont bother me. Its the constant and apparently unfixable creaks, squeaks, and rattles from the doors, the rear hatch, the seats, etc. (Ive had it in at the dealer several times.) Also disappointing is the junky sound of the doors when slammed closed. Of the about 10 cars Ive owned, this is one of the biggest bucket of bolts of the lot. If I could go back in time, I would NOT have bought this car.

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  Wonderful automobile - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By David Colorado - February 3 - 8:47 pm

  The 530i has been a joy to drive and own. Reliability is less than perfect but overall its a great car.

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  LOVE MY 530xi - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By wildmanlyle - February 2 - 5:45 am

  This is my 7th new BMW and the 530xi is just Amazing!!! It is as fun to drive as my 3 series BMWs and I look forward to driving it the 18 miles each way to my office. The brakes are the best I have ever driven and stop on a "Dime." The beamer just slips through traffic with outstanding power to fit into the tight spot in high speed traffic. It drives like the drivers car that BMW advertises. I did not get the comfort seats, but the leather seats in the premium package feel great. My wife and I love the IDRIVE and it is as simple to use as a computer mouse, in fact after you make the initial setting you do not have to interact with it much. I can find NO negatives with the 530xi!!!!

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  Great Luxury Car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By fm - February 2 - 5:03 am

  We had a 2006 325i which we traded for the 528i. The 3 series is a fun car to drive but the 5 series is truly a luxury automobile. The ride, comfort, workmanship & engineering is outstanding. My wife & I were somewhat apprehensive about the iDrive, but we both actually like it & it is not that difficult to use. This is our second BMW & would recommend the BMW brand to anyone looking for luxury.

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  Ultimate Sports Sedan - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Tony - January 31 - 12:56 am

  Tried every sport sedan out and was a loyal Lexus buyer. Owned several BMW in past and missed the sporty drive in BMW. One test drive in the 550 was all it took. GS430 and Infiniti could not match the combination of both luxury and sport. Took one year to testing cars to finally buy BMW 550. HUD is the best thing since sliced bread. So far no problems and puts smile on face every time I drive it. I-Drive is so easy to use dont listen to people that have not learned the system it took me two days to master it, once you do you wont go back to anything else.

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  love it - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By smack - January 26 - 12:26 am

  Test drove Mercedes E320 and BMW 520 at least three times each. The BMW had a better suspension, more responsive engine, smoother acceleration and overall much more fun to drive than the E320. The Mercedes was slow to respond during acceleration, required too many RPMs to move the car and shifting was not smooth. The E320 has a more elegant exterior, but felt like nothing more than a pretty version of a toyota.

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  A must have! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Javiso - January 24 - 8:47 pm

  This is my first Bimmer. The 525xi is great in the snow. I am a BMW owner for life now. Already looking towards my next one in 23 more payments as this is a lease.

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  Great Car - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Damon - January 24 - 2:22 am

  My wife fell in love with this car when she saw it. This is our first BMW and we are very satisfied. I am 64 and 280 pounds and there is tons of leg room for me front and back. in fact my favorite spot in the car is riding in the back. This car drives great and handles perfect. I only wish we would have spent the extra money and got the 530 to have more power. Dont get wrong it has great power but only after you get up to 40-50 mph. There is no initial pick up in the 6 cyl, but its great at higher speeds. Gears and smooth and precise. go for it and get one. It is the best driving car we ever had.

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  Best Car EVER - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Autobahn driver - January 22 - 2:56 pm

  This is my 6th BMW and my favorite overall. Took delivery at German factory and drove in Europe for 6 months at autobahn speeds, then another 6 years of pure fun. Quiet, safe and secure at 50 mph or 120 mph. Except for the cupholders and the climate control, everything has held up beautifully, and the body style is a classic. Sports package and 5-speed manual makes the car. Repairs are getting expensive but worth it as I plan to keep this car another 6 years. A radar detector is recommended.

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  buy one if you can - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By icwl - January 22 - 1:14 am

  Probably my 15th car over 25 years of driving. Definitely the best so far. Fun to drive, aggressive styling, few on the road, lots of looks. Gas mileage is acceptable (24 to 27 mpg depending on driving style). At the limit of what I would spend on a car but great size for 4 adults, long trips, safe and solid. The short 6 automatic gears create fun acceleration for a large sedan. And yes, it does go 155 mph.