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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  It rocks, but fix the climate control - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Lover - December 4 - 8:33 pm

  I bought this one with 17k miles on it - for $10K under book. What a deal!!! I replaced the noisy Yokohamas with Bridgestone SO2s (Pole Positions) and could actually hear the beautiful engine sounds. Handles like a dream - loves the rainy roads almost better than the dry. Always ready to go as fast as I dare and never balks. I bought an extended warranty to 7 years/100K miles - great idea. Ive gotten more than I paid for the warranty in paid repairs - some are right expensive. Biggest complaint is that BMW Service cant seem to find out why it is blowing A/C in my face when its 45 degrees outside and Ive got both thermostats set on 78-80 degrees. It makes me crazy !!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Envy of all - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By livlif525 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 525i w/sport/premium pkg since 4/04. This is probably the best handling sedan ive driven to date. Lux but sporty. Expected gas mileage to be better around town. Avg 35mpg on the highway. Couldnt justify spending the cheese for the 530. The extra hp is only noticably missing at low speeds. Not a factor on the highway. Finally getting used to the stares at stop lights. If youre thinking of purchasing - stop 2nd guessing and get it. Youll be glad you did.

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  BMW - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By jambo - December 2 - 12:25 am

  Great looks. Power is decent. The only issues I have are the tire wear (sport package) and way too many rattles in the interior. Prefer standard dash contols over the iDrive.

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  Fabulous Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By smeagol - November 30 - 3:19 am

  I always wanted to own one of these babies even after having a Mercedes E320. A ride in a 2004 X5 got me really thinking about it, so when I needed to give my college age daughter a car, I gave her my 4 year old Acura and picked up a used 525i with 16k. What a fabulous purchase. Without a doubt, the most civil road hugging vehicle I have ever owned and tastefully, impeccably appointed inside to boot. And NO iDrive!!!

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  I love my 545! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Juneblooms - November 30 - 1:38 am

  This is my second BMW. My first was a 3 Series which I also enjoyed. The only reason I traded in my 3 series was due the pressure from my husband to upgrade. Once I drove my 545 just a few times I fell in love. I have never loved a car until I drove this car. Im a mom and this car was my compromise to Momhood. I have room for three kids in back. Tons of trunk room and a sports car to drive. Yippee. The only bad part is I dont get to play with it very often because Im usually hauling kids.

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  Alabama Review - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Peri - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the vehicle overall. I experience some problems with the transmission that revs up when going down a hill which bother me. I understand there is a recall for the exhaust system so will have to take it in for that also.

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  Miserable $60,000 Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Rich D. - November 28 - 2:30 am

  This car, while brilliant in performance characteristics, is utterly unreliable. With only 23,000 miles driven, the list of mechanical and electrical problems I have experienced are too numerous to mention. Suffice it to say that this car and the BMW service from the dealer where the car were purchased have provided me with the worst car ownership experience I have ever had. Although born in Germany, I will never purchase another German made car - Japanese cars are simply far superior - an imperceptible loss in performance is worth the peace of mind of knowing you own a reliable, well built machine.

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  A Rocket Ship at the Right Price - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Miami Vice - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 540i with Nav in June 2003. My 4th BMW and what a delight to drive the 38 miles R/T to work. No problems so far. The best part was the deal...paid invoice with a trade. You can do better now with an under invoice deal. The time to buy is now.......but its your $$$

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  Awesome car - - delighted with it - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Abbas - November 12 - 7:55 pm

  My first BMW but certainly not last. Excellent car with superb looks inside and out. Very fun to drive and extremley reliable. Buy the extended service - - well worth the money.

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  1999 528i i love it! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By pauljr - November 4 - 5:09 pm

  Bought this car used with 117,000 miles on it. Ive put almost 5000 on it since august. I love it! Ive had a Mercedes E420 a 1997, a 1992 911 carrera 2, 1997 911 C4S. This BMW drives like a cross between the others. The interior is by far the best of all the other cars. The 2.8 inline 6 gives just enough power to have a great time without the tickets you get in a Porsche.