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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  problem after problem - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By matt c - January 26 - 8:32 pm

  Great to drive and a wonderful car that gets 24 mpg in mixed driving when not broken. After about five months an oil light came on and then noticed a large oil spill at the house. The oil pump had exploded so the dealer took care of it. Then the power steering belt broke and took the AC out with it. Not exaggerating in saying the car went in for at least 10 visits and half were on a flat bed. I really like the car other than the fact I dont know when I am going to be stranded by the car. The Dealer did a shoddy job of fixing the initial problem which turned out to be a leak in some gasket they found after about ten visits. It appears that caused all the other problems.

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  Great...when it runs - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By n - January 26 - 1:08 pm

  I really liked this car until it left me stranded on the highway. Bought it new 1 year and 3 months ago and put 26000 miles on it. Its consistently had problems with cold starts and then completely died a week ago. I know that the high pressure fuel pumps have been a problem for these cars, but I thought a $60,000 car would at least come with a functioning fuel pump

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  BMW Fan Disappointed - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris - January 24 - 7:22 pm

  This is my third BMW. The car handles as expected and offers the joy and experience BMW owners have come to expect. However, the reliability on this vehicle is unacceptable. First, I had a fuel pump failure. I noticed several slow starts, took it in and they found a fault with the fuel pump. Next, I was accelerating hard when the engine lost power and the message "Engine Malfunction: Reduced Power" displayed. So far, the dealer things its a software issue. I love these cars, but reliability is sub-par. If BMW doesnt resolve their reliability issues, I purchased my last one.

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  Almost perfect - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By DIC_CAMARILLO - January 21 - 12:07 am

  Ive owned my 540i for about 6 years now. What a blast to drive - I actually prefer driving my 540i over my 911. The power is great, suspension very precise and brakes rock solid. The interior is awesome (great leather). This is my favorite 5 series body style. My 540i looks fast standing still. Gas mileage is about 18-19 combined. The problems cause me to selectively drive my 540i. The transmission is acting up again. I had the valve body rebuilt and everything was good. Then the transmission light came on and it goes in limp home mode. The radiator, fan, fan clutch, water pump have been replaced. Ditto for numerous seals and gaskets. Power steering fluid res. cracked.

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  Engine Misfire Light - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By John - January 13 - 11:06 am

  I have owned this vehicle since August of 2009 and during the first 2000 miles the engine misfire light went on and the manual instructed to immediately go to a service center before damage to the catalytic converter occurs. I was told that it was not a problem and that the light just needed to be reset. Then at 4200 miles it went on again and the engine reduced the power so that the car would barely start. It is now back in the shop for repairs. When this car performs it is perfect. However, I am sincerely disappointed with the reliability of this car. Lets face it, being able to rely on a car to take you where you need to go is the only really necessary feature.

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  Not the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By samsride - December 31 - 6:47 pm

  Thought I got the ultimate driving machine this spring. At 5K miles, check engine light came on 3 times! Fixed 3 times (software update, fuel injector replacement, new fuel pump). At 7500 miles, light came on again, lost power and car shut off! Had to be towed to dealer as fuel injector and cylinder blown to smithereens. Dealer has been responsive in replacing parts under warranty, but car is not reliable and not safe at this point. Filed for reimbursement through Lemon Law since 4th occurrence. No response from BMW after 30 days. Have found lots of others having same issues on many blogs. Stay away from turbo models!

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  Money Pit - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Richie Rich - December 29 - 10:13 am

  Remember the 80s movie with Tom Hanks and Shelly Long-The Money Pit...it was like that. Great car to drive when it ran. Electrical problems caused the battery to drain leading to 3 new batteries and 20 jumps/charges over the course of a year. Add new tires, brakes, water pump, antifreeze and oil leaks, control arms, sway bars, brake/abs/traction control sensors, etc and no repairs are affordable.

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  Used BMW the Good and the not so Good - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Hoosier BMW - December 23 - 2:57 pm

  Had BMW for 6 months now. Read many reviews. Like the older body style. It was a one owner all books and records. Impressions..handles well but stiffer than my many Hondas, ride is great, comfortable, Conti tires good. Maintenance costs more, if you buy used make sure you have records. Car is heavy and 525i has limited low end power, use only premium gas, so it costs more, I baby it. Bought aftermarket cupholders..solved that problem. Not so good in snow..snow tires a plus..but an added cost. Dont cheap out on maintenance. Oil changes cost $100+ and use synthetic...but a longer interval...10k, love car, but wife doesnt..says it drives like a tank.

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  Excellent Power Train but Bad Gadgets - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Steven - December 23 - 11:19 am

  This is an excellent piece of machine especially if you like its aggressive and bossy exterior look. However, given the power train and the handling are excellent, there are just too many little problems that constantly haunt you. For example, weak cup holder (I replaced it twice), flimsy exterior thermostat (replaced twice), unreliable cooling system.

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  Poor engine design - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By XXonarrival - December 21 - 11:05 pm

  My first BMW to be the last, expensive replacement parts, engine head that sits on the engine block is made of an alloy that cant be refurbished, has to be replaced with a new. When the Head goes oil seeps into the coolant ruining the coolant system. When the head is replaced the bock is damaged and has to be replaced. The bolts for mounting head onto the block often damage the block, thus making it obsolete. Read internet response to this particular model overheating. Its a shame BMW hasnt addressed the issue nor recall the poorly design Head.