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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  Great Quality and Fun to Drive - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed - May 17 - 2:59 pm

  I bought this car after having looked at and researched many BMWs. My expenses have been minor. The previous owner had installed the optional 17" tires along with Eibach springs. This gave a great first impression (M5), but he didnt replace the OEM struts which werent able to control the shorter more aggressive springs. I replaced the struts (myself) with Bilstein Sport units and the ride control was much improved. (Albeit a little harsh on rough roads.) Ive put nearly 55,000 miles on the car since Oct 2003 and it going strong!

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  First Time 5 Owner... - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Beamer Novice - May 14 - 2:00 am

  A well built tight driving car. Smooth ride and suspension and handles like a sports car with a luxary feel to it. Idrive takes a day or two to master but after that its a real pleasure to set controls and only reset them as desired. No clutter of buttons or switches on the dash to deal with. Im a BMW owner for life now. Maybe the next one will be the 7 Series.

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  New 5 Series is all they say it is!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jim 5109 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and a LOT more room than the 0202 5 Series. Much more stylish as well. I am completely satisfied

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  Fun with style and quility - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By alvaro correa - May 11 - 2:30 pm

  Handling, reliability are excellent. The iDrive is very easy to use.

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  Great Car - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Marc - May 9 - 11:30 pm

  Fun, extremely fast, and sticks to road as if its on rails. I love driving this every day. I recommend it to anyone who loves to drive. I had the K40 installed also.

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  Bimmer Rating 05 for 1998 540i - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Myles Fields - May 9 - 1:54 am

  This is a excellent vehicle to drive. The V8 packs quite a punch. The interior is wonderful and spacious. the only thing that I thought was a negative was it has some electrical problems. Such as the sunroof. Although I would buy this car any day for its unmatched performance and quality.

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  M550i of the Decade - 2018 BMW 5-Series
  By G K - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Nothing else to say, BMW couldnt have made a better M550i 2018 series car. We have had many other luxury vehicles, including an MB, Lexus, and a Volvo. This outclasses all of them in every scenario, hands down.

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  First 5er, wont be the last - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Phase1 - May 1 - 1:29 pm

  Very satisfied with my first 5-series. The thrill of driving (like when I first got my license) is back. Was worried about reliability problems for BMWs in general and in this 1st year model redesign in particular. Concern proved unfounded as car has been rock solid no need to go back to the dealer. Sure the I-Drive freezes once in a while, but rebooting it is no problem. BTW - I-Drive isnt best thing, nor is it the root of all evil. It does take a little getting used to, but once done, its quite functional & does serve to: 1) get rid of many buttons/dials on the dash 2) allow more customization of car functions. Good thing there is a speed alarm b/c I drive much faster now.

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  Inherited Car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Teri - April 29 - 9:41 am

  Im not a "car person" so you guys bear with me. I inherited this car from my husband. We were married this year and this was his car he was left with after the divorce (wife got Toyota Land Cruiser and he got one for himself after awful experience with a Ford Explorer) The car has alot of miles on it, but according to others, not alot for a BMW. All maintenance is expensive! Still needs a bit of work, but drives like a dream and looks great! I have thought of trading in for something new, but Ive decided to keep it because it really is good quality. If I could buy a brand new car and price was not an option, it would be another BMW.

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  Happy all around - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Hans - April 22 - 1:30 am

  Given that I choose the lowest HP engine, I am impressed how well it still performs, especially on the highway. I dont miss one Hp. I took it for a 1500 mile roadtrip and had the most delightful drive I have ever had. I have owned over 50 cars - so far the only section any other car performed better was in acceleration because I had cars with big engines as well.