Overview & Reviews

The 2008 BMW 5 Series receives a number of significant changes, most notably a pair of new six-cylinder engines. The base 5 Series is now the 528i and features a 230-horsepower inline-6, while the 535i is powered by the same twin-turbo 300-hp inline-6 found in the 3 Series. There are a number of high-tech standard and optional additions to the 5 Series that allow it to keep pace and, in a few instances, surpass the rapidly advancing competition. To spot the updated 5 Series, look for a barely noticeable redesigned front airdam, new headlight lenses and LED taillights.

• Exceptional ride and handling dynamics, smooth and vigorous engines, premium cabin furnishings, precision build quality, strong resale value.

• More expensive than most competitors, iDrive system is still a pain in the Bangle butt.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 206.00

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  BMW 528XI 2008 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Rocky Deodg - June 2 - 7:32 am

  This is by far the best car we have ever owned, little to no issues in 8 years and 175K miles.

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  Great Car, but needs real sport package - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Anon3 - May 31 - 12:23 am

  I "downgraded" from a 2007 X5 4.8i to a fully loaded 2008 535xi wagon to get away from the SUV stigma of poor mpg and pollution. Very happy with this vehicle, except that the wagons sport pkg does not include sport suspension or wheels. So this car has a little too much lean in corners and the steering is too light. Performance is excellent for a 6 cyl. and the drive train is extremely smooth, almost too smooth and Lexus-like. This 6 cyl wagon costs as much as a well equipped 8 cyl X5. The vehicle is top notch in nearly every aspect but I have to question what makes it worth almost $70k. Without the sport suspension, it doesnt have the BMW performance edge that justifies the price premium.

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  The best ever - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tamer - May 14 - 10:00 pm

  I was interested in the 5-series but wanted to get the 3-series feeling which I think was lacking in the past 5-series. With the new 2008 twin turbo 300 HP, I am now having the luxury and enjoyment of the 5-series with the road feeling of the 3-series. This in addition to the 4WD that only kicks in when needed.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By me - April 14 - 3:40 am

  Just got the 535i with premium, sport, premium audio, hd radio, ipod, satellite. The car is really fun to drive, the handling is incredible. I like the iDrive, it adds a little mystery and class to the car. But I received the car with a non function sos system. I have to return to dealer and have it fixed. I hope this the only thing that goes wrong

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  Great Choice - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By back to BMW - April 10 - 1:40 pm

  The 528xi handles like a champ and is fun to drive. It has plenty of pep, especially in the sport mode. The iDrive is pretty easy to use, the seats are great, and the car has a muscular but refined look. I left BMW for years when the 7 series repair bills rivaled the cost of my mortgage. The siren song of Lexus lured me for a bit, but life is too short to compromise.

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  Fantastic ride and to drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Kirk - November 23 - 10:21 am

  Repair costs when needed are high, but infrequent.

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  2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By skippydrvr - November 12 - 1:16 pm

  This is the third BMW 5 series Ive owned, and theyve all been great cars. This is my favorite one, nudging out my 1995 540 6-spd. I got the sport package with automatic on this one to satisfy my wife. The twin turbo 6 cylinder is terrific, and the new 6-spd automatic works very well with quick decisive shifts. Its fast and gets very good mileage, averaging 23.5 mpg on my daily commute. The car handles like a sports car while being comfortable and rattle free. Despite car mag complains about the Bangle looks and the iDrive, I love them both. With the sport package and wheels, the car has a low aggressive look. Oh, and no problems in 8 months! This will be a long term keeper.

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  No issues . . . maybe Im lucky? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By nitch - November 12 - 11:31 am

  I seem to have gotten the opposite of lemon. Got the car as a CPO and drive it about 15k miles a year combined city and hwy driving. I have done zero maintenance other than brakes (once), tires (three t8es) and oil changes (every 10k miles). The only caveat is this car will chew through tires - youll get about 30k out of a set no matter what you buy - and because of the AWD, you have to replace all 4 at once. It drives like a dream - especially on the back roads. After a snowstorm once the seal around the rear window got dislodged and water got in the trunk and down into the well under the spare. BMW stupidly put some electronics there and the TPM monitor control until got wet and shorted out. I dug it out of there, dried it off and let it et in a bag of rice of for a day or two. plugged it back in and it worked fine.

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  550i sport - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By jamesg - September 20 - 8:20 am

  I recently moved from an e39 540i6 to this 550i sport automatic. This car is much more comfortable and "luxurious" while maintaining an even better balanced feel on the road (it is winter so i have not been able to push it real hard, yet). The iDrive requires some learning investment, but the payoff is real - you can set up a lot of the car features to your personal preferences. The back seat and trunk are larger. Only downside has been fuel mileage ~16.5 MPG in mixed driving compared with 22 MPG in the old car.

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  The Perfect Middle Aged Car? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By 1Cannuck - August 18 - 2:40 am

  Had the 08 535i for over a month. Took me an hour to configure the iDrive. Other than the climate module, it is actually real easy to use. The car is solid, quite luxurious and now actually looks great. I am driving this like a 50 yr old because I am babying this car and also the higher level of luxury and insulation from the raw elements. By comparison, I am Mr. Hyde behind my M Coupe. The couple of occassion when I had to make more energetic manoeuvre, the car was very stable and responsive. Mind you, I swapped out the OEM tire with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S which in my opinion, the best (Z rated tire with a 400 treadwear and can be driven all year round in Toronto).