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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  BMW545i - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By 545i - April 20 - 8:04 pm

  I love everything about the car but the iDrive control. Gas mileage is far less than stated on the sticker.

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  Excellent Sedan - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Kenneyu - April 20 - 12:37 pm

  I purchased the 530i from a private party used with 117k miles on it. It was well maintained and has exceeded all expectations I had for this car. Just a fantastic 3.0 eight cylinder engine. Great ride and gets 20 plus mpg.

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  Is it a Lemon? - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By 1stBMWLastBMW? - April 20 - 11:20 am

  Took ownership end of Feb. Less than 12 hours later the car said I had a flat. Had to wait 1/2 day to diagnose myself and reset. A week later the computer reboots while doing the voice commands. A week or two after that Navigation tells me Im driving in the ocean. Took it in and a week later its fixed but after the s/w upgrade the computer rebooted twice (after it went to sleep a 2 days). Locking the car doesnt blink the lights nor chimes (intermitent). Going up the hill, it feels like it wants to stall (but doesnt). And now the latest: Steering wheel is pointing right. I feel like Im driving a very expensive, very poorly designed car. Current mileage (1700)

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  535xi has fallen behind the times - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By dteich - April 10 - 10:36 pm

  I took delivery 2 weeks ago, but the disappointment still stings. My previous car was a 2005 RL, my second car is a 2008 G53x. The 535xi is less fun to drive than the G35x, and its electronics, for the most part, are less advanced than the 3-year old RLs. I also find the seating positon too low, and the drivers seat does not go high enough (I am 511"). And then there is the much maligned iDrive. In my opinion, the critics are understating the inelegance and lack of thought put into the iDrive.

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  2005 BMW 5 - Never Better - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By GJ - April 10 - 12:39 am

  My 3rd new BMW. Almost didnt buy due to Consumer Reports ratings and negatives about iDrive.Tried comparable Mercedes and Lexus but they dont compare. Glad I stuck with the BMW. Traveling 60 miles daily on Pkwy and Tnpk, the ride is smooth, totally insulated, comfortable (cabins larger) and responsive, like it understands. Drivers in control. No matter how long you drive it, it will continue to make you shake your head and smile. It out-manuevers any vehicle.Trust me.And iDrive took nothing to work. Its a computer with lots of options and visuals a traditional dash board display would be hard to accomodate. Conflicted? Drive one yourself. Dont rely only on ratings.

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  fun to drive - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By marc - April 9 - 12:26 pm

  Love the car. Just picked it up last week. Fun, very fast, and with the sport package it is on rails driving. I have pushed the car and have yet to hear the tires even start to slide or squeal. The only thing I dont like is that the beverage holders stink.

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  545: Drive it, buy it. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Salberts - April 8 - 7:08 pm

  I did. I was bored. It was rainy. I had the kids. I decided to test drive the new 5. Since I owned (and loved) a 530i (2002), I had no intention of buying the new model. Long story short, I test drove a 545, and I was sold. Not only is power, cornering, and ride vastly superior to the prior 5, the interior and trunk is larger, and the interior is better laid out. After a few minutes of minor haggling, the papers were signed and I was behind the wheel of a new silver grey 545i beauty. I drove it all weekend. Even the kids enjoyed it.

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  Couldnt be happier!!! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By BradS - April 8 - 2:05 pm

  Glad I stepped up to the car I really wanted. Was sold on 530, with premium and cold weather package, but really liked the power of the 545. Traded in my 99 M3 Convertible, which was one of the most exciting cars I have owned, but now with the 545, I now have a rocket with more room and luxury. Considered the new M45, A6 4.2, and Lexus GS, but after driving all, you realize why BMW is the one they are all striving to be.

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  Best of the Best - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Shashi - April 5 - 12:58 pm

  This is my second one, handling is awesome. Especially on highways. Seating design is excellent. On other cars, I cant drive more then 3 hrs at a straight, with my back pain, but in my 540 I can drive more then 8 hrs straight. One of the most comfortable car to drive and you can leave your worries behind. Makes your presence on the road to others ... Sure there are lots of other cars on the road, but its BMW .. :)

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  Pricey to own - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Daddio - April 5 - 12:04 am

  Greetings fellow beamer owners to be. Well this is by far the nicest car I have ever owned. It has everything you will ever need speed, comfort, luxury. A few things to be aware. Servicing this monster is VERY expensive. Cup holders stink, and it could use a better radio for the money.