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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  My Favorite Car Ever - Fell In Love - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Tex-Bear - January 7 - 6:45 pm

  Bought black with black interior BMW 540 used - 9 years old (nickname Vader). All my previous cars were just tools for traveling. Vaders comfort, solid construction, and performance made me fall in love- feel safe and pampered. Superior quality leather seats and interior. Exterior is classic and elegant. Gets 19 mpg engine has hp & torque to merge into highway traffic, and maneuver out of danger with ease. Headlights are more like laser beams. No one keeps brights in my eyes if I flash the hi-beams at them! Nikosil engine was replaced by a previous owner. Vader has been reliable daily driver, with only routine maintenance needed, and I travel 100 miles/day. This is one great car.

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  Ignition lock up - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Sree - January 6 - 5:06 pm

  I got my new 06 525i last week. The ignition locked up this morning. The key will not go in at all. Road side assistance told me to wait 30 minutes since this could be an anti-theft protection. However, even after 1 hr the ignition was locked up. I called up the dealter and I was told that to have the road side assistance tow the car in. Not good for a one week old car. Otherwise, the car was driving great..

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  BMW is the only car for me - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike - January 3 - 4:56 am

  This is my 11th or so BMW. Last was the 1999 528i which I loved. At first, didnt like the direction of the new styling, but at least it is not as gaudy as the 7 Series. Forget Audi A6 and Mercedes E class. There is no drive like this one and it gets better all the time. The new sports trans is really nice. I basically drive in that and use regular drive like an overdrive on the highway. There is no ride like the the BMW, the ultimate driving machine.

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  good but not perfect - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hrp - January 1 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 540i is fun to drive but lacks interior comfort. Why cant they build a car with the comfort of a Lexus or Mercedes on the interior with the good looks of a BMW on the outside. I have owned three Mercedes and ejoyed their interiors and comfort but always thought the drive was not spunky or exciting. The 540i delivers a thrilling ride and wonderful handling, but I miss the comfort. Am I too old for this car?

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  Just got my 525xi and love it - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By buzz - January 1 - 6:31 am

  I have finally received my 5er (prm, spt,nav, comfort access) and I have had so much fun driving it. Driving this vehicle on the German Autobahn gives you a greater appreciation for German engineering. I love this car it handles great and I dont regret not getting the 530 this has plenty power. If you have not driven a BMW go test drive one you will not want anything else. Drive it you will own it!!!

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  An awesome car. - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By fuzeboxny - December 31 - 6:37 pm

  I have loved driving this car since May of 03. The feel of the BMW on the road is unmatched in this class. Im sadly turning this baby in, but, for a new 06 530xi.

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  Stepped up their game - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By R.J.Romae Llc - December 29 - 12:28 pm

  Driving this car compared to the previously owned 2002 same model there is a big difference. The car now has a big car feel, big car ride,and big car power. That along with its maintenace and warranty program make it fun to own and drive. I have owned a 318i, 525i, and three 530is this is the best one yet.

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  My First Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By AAK - December 28 - 10:23 pm

  This was my first luxury car. I bought this after a lot of research. I had to wait for 6 weeks to get the Comfort Access as part of the package. But the wait proved to be good. It is a great mid size luxury car. I took this car out for a long drive from BWI to PIT and I enjoyed its handling in curves and drive in bad weather (ice and snow storm).

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  Whats not to like? - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Phil B. - December 27 - 2:48 am

  I am not sure if there is another car that better combines performance and luxury. 0-60 in 5-6 seconds, uncanny handling and feel, superb cockpit, plenty of rear seat room, excellent sound system. Why all the controversy over iDrive? It is about as easy to master as a simple video game. It seems the reviewers just needed something in the "con" column, because everything else is "pro".

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  Love this car! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By gkatlanta - December 26 - 9:21 pm

  I have owned three previous BMWs including an E39 Wagon but nothing has come close to the performance and handling of this car. Definitely a wolf in sheeps clothing. Wonderful to drive on a long winding road. Not a single problem since Ive had this car. I still love driving this car every day.