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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  So Whats Not to Like? - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Happy Owner - January 22 - 12:28 am

  Drove top line Saabs for 20 years. Worries about GMs support of Saab and desire for an AWD vehicle for Northeast Winters sent me looking. 530xi was the hands down winner after jarring rides in M35, A6 etc., minature trunk in Acura RL and worries of Mercedes quality declines. Strange to drive rear wheel car at first, but now love the whole thing. Perfect fit and finish like you cannot imagine. IDrive angst is overrated unless you have never talked on the phone and worked on-line at the same time. In that case this car wasnt meant for you anyway. Navigation system is terrific. Sound system, leather interior and service all top rated. So whats not to like?

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  Best of the best - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bo - January 21 - 1:40 am

  First BMW and without a doubt the best all around car I have ever owned. Traded a 2004 Mazda RX8 for it, the 545 outperforms the Mazda in every way.

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  530 xi review - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By james67812 - January 18 - 2:50 pm

  This car has styling which you can sum up by saying, either you like it or you dont. The Continental tires are horrible. The front tires lose traction easily. Two weeks ago I checked the pressure, the tires lost 15 psi. The iDrive is more of a hassle than help. Also the brakes are pitiful. There is a lot of brake dust, (The dealer said that they are the best brakes in the industry) and there is a huge shock when the car stops. I dont care that they are the best brakes if they have so much dust. I can not even take it off.

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  Used 540 a great deal! - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Pixcutter - January 17 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased my 1994 BMW 540i 6/2005. The car is rock solid, with no rattles or noises. Seat comfort is very good, ride quality, while dependent on tires, is excellent. Maintenance can be expensive, but not often. Average MPG is about 19.5, not bad for 282 hp. The car accelerates like a rocket, and the brakes are superb. With over 100K miles on the odometer, its a great car. Records from the previous owner do show a transmission rebuild at 60K miles which cost $4800.00 But since then only minor repairs. The paint has held up well, and the leather interior is in excellent condition, showing no wear to speak of. The only replacement was the factory radio to gain MP3 playback.

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  95 540 great car - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By jesse - January 15 - 11:27 pm

  Bought with 75K miles on it, nikasil engine block replaced with alusil at 46K mi.. It has incredible power, comfort and highway cruising ability and is extremely well made. You cant beat the classic BMW four round headlights look that these cars have. The V8s do have some problem areas (radiator, intake manifold gasket leaks, valve cover gaskets that leak with age, etc)but any buyer that does his/her homework and buys a solid car wont regret it.

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  Good driver - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill - January 15 - 9:52 am

  I love this car, a bit expensive for non-warranty items (expected). Drives VERY well. Acceleration, handling, and braking are the best I have found so far. Got this car at a bargain price, and paid the price for some needed repairs, but since being brought back to specs it has delivered respectable and dependable sevice. Fuel mileage has amazed me in that when driven sanely I average 21-22 in town and 26- 27 on the highway ... all that in a car that will do over 155 mph if you wish.

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  Awesome Wagon - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By moogplayer - January 15 - 2:03 am

  After loads of research, I narrowed the field to a 94 or 95 BMW 525it. Found a white 94 525it from a 2nd owner private party with 117K and newer transmission with receipts and warranty (for 2 1/2 more years or 30K more miles). Bought it for about $6K. This thing is SOLID. I went from an Altima to this. Talk about enormous difference in all aspects of build quality, performance, handling, braking, everything. I have 2 small kids and feel very safe driving this fairly heavy wagon around. I think this series looks better tan the new wagons. And the 2.5L V6 is bulletproof - tried and true. Ive done some preventive maintenance but other than that this thing has been problem-free since I got it.

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  Overall Excellence - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By David WIlhelm - January 14 - 3:38 pm

  The car is a real blast to drive. The iDrive system could be a little easier. I would prefer a simple radio/CD with buttons but the car is beautifully designed on the in side and especially on the outside. It is quick, responsive and really smooth. Front seat could go back just a bit further.

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  First BMW - wont be my last - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By txranger - January 11 - 2:30 am

  I test drove several vehicles, but after driving the 530i, I said to myself "I have got to get me one of these!" While I enjoyed driving the 3 series, the 530i has the interior room to make it a great family sedan, but when Im alone it is one sweet ride. The 255 HP engine sets the tone, but the car is so quiet and smooth to ride in. I love the idrive. My dealer did a great job walking me through it and now its second nature. I love all of the other gadgets and settings too. I like having an MP3 CD loaded and getting a display of all songs on the idrive display, so I can play them randomly, or dial up some music with the idrive or use the steering wheel mounted controls.

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  Smiles, smiles, smiles, repair... - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By gmoney68 - January 10 - 7:39 pm

  You will love this car! I have the 6sp. Fun to drive, great to look at. Youll receive a ton of compliments. Oil changes are only required every 12k. My radiator has gone twice. Its plastic, but was under warranty. I replaced the cupholders with Ultimate Cupholders that mount near the floor in the front and replaced the rears with a CD holder. You will love this car. Just do yourself the favor and DIY maintenance/repairs or find a reliable private non-dealer BMW shop.