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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  4-door Porsche - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By donelonpc - March 22 - 7:22 pm

  I had a 2003 540 with an M sports pkg for the last couple of years. I did not think a car could get better than than one. Well, they made everything a little bit better in redesign. Its faster, handles better, bigger, more style in the looks, and many more features. It can outrun and outhandle a Boxster S, and seat 4 people. It is the firmest, tightest car I have driven.

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  Perfection of the drive - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Front Ranger - March 22 - 6:29 pm

  Previous car was 1999 540i sport pkg. Sold and bought 2004 M3. Drove the M for 6 months, traded it on 2004 545 sport with auto. Love it! 90% of M3 performance, way more comfort.

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  4-door Porsche - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By donelonpc - March 21 - 1:23 am

  I owned a 2003 540 with the M-Sport pkg. I thought it was tops in all categories. This one is even better in all aspects. Handles on rails, 0- 60 in about 5.7. I love the styling, and yes even the I-knob. It took little time to learn, and after you make your settings, you rarely use it again.

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  4-door Porsche - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By donelonpc - March 21 - 1:23 am

  I owned a 2003 540 with the M-Sport pkg. I thought it was tops in all categories. This one is even better in all aspects. Handles on rails, 0-60 in about 5.7. I love the styling, and yes even the I-knob. It took little time to learn, and after you make your settings, you rarely use it again.

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  MacGregor Review - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By MacGregor - March 19 - 4:12 pm

  Rides and handles very well. This body style is the best theyve ever had. A solid, well built machine, though a bit pricey to have parts or work done.

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  BMW Board of Executives! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By P. Peterson - March 16 - 11:00 pm

  BMW would have the perfect car if they got smart enough to outsource all of their electronics to the Japanese!!!! Every problem besides the run flats seems to be something electrical...Hands down, engine, transmission and suspension, the best car ever made....until you get all of the latest recalls! BMW, please stick to what you know! Stop trying to keep up with everyone else and go back to the basics, you guys made exceptional cars with exceptional motors, that didnt need any turbos, but still the meanest and best handling sedans on the road....Im sure yall know that! So please get the old band back together and make the kind of music that used to make everyone dance!!!! Im sure you guys see all of the complaints and recalls....So send those Mercedes engineering cats back to Mercedes and get back to basics!!!! Your cars are way too appealing to have those many issues!!! And I loved my E39 2003 540i Msport....With no turbo! Still kick ass!!! I know all of the luxury features going into these cars has to be killing you guys...Go back to making the ultimate driving machine!!! Key word DRIVING!!!!! Somewhere between 2004 and 2010 the design team didnt bring it...now they are!!! But now your reliability is at stake!!! You guys must be shaking your heads! Yeah the cars look better but you cant have reliability issues! Get back to what youve always known.....great look, best engines, suspensions and transmissions= THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!!!!!

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  The Ultimate Sport Sedan! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By RizMalik - March 15 - 8:49 pm

  I bought this car last evening and was surprised by the handling, comfort and performance of the car... its awesome! I got the fully loaded 545i in titanium silver metallic. Yes, the styling is not perfect... but every car these days has some weak spots... so not a big deal. The interior is perfect, power is always there on demand and the luxury is outstanding.The 18" runflat tires look classy and add to the beauty of the vehicle. The Logic 7 audio system will blow you away (will have to spend 1800 bucks for it). The iDrive is simple and easy to use contrary to the confusing articles about it. It is very easy to use and is practical. If you want to get the ultimate sport sedan, go for it

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  Very Happy - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By mike2lane - March 13 - 11:59 pm

  Bought this car because of its lower comparable depreciation, and I couldnt be happier. My only problem is that I really would like better drink holders... how American, I know! The drive is impressively smooth to the point where my friends make comments and two have bought one themselves. I recommend this car if for no other reason than the great service I get at most dealerships come time for service.

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  2005 bmw525 automatic - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bob - March 12 - 11:13 pm

  I love it and have no regrets, it was expensive but worth it and so was the navigation system

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  Ownership of My 3rd BMW. 2005 525i BMW - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Patricia McCoy - March 12 - 10:07 pm

  The performance of the 525i series is outstanding. I have the sports package on my automobile, the grip to the road as you are going around curves. Hugs the road. Love the rotating lights, especially in the evenings the support back in the drivers seat makes this vehicle an exceptional soothing and comfortable adventure. Storage space in the trunk is excellent. The body style is sleek and classy. Hot Las Vegas weather the silver tones are perfect for desert & evening driving down the strip shows off pure elegance. Safety of this vehicle is at the top of the line of autos. I have received discounts on my auto policy for having lo-jack & side, overhead, front airbags. Proud owner in Las Vegas NV.