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 car/Questionable service - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe - March 12 - 6:03 pm

  This is my first BMW. I looked carefully at other cars before deciding on this one. I have no complaints with the machine. Its solid, responsive and easy to drive. The "bells and whistles" (iDrive, etc) are actually easy to use and functional. Practical too. The front-end of the car seems a little low and I am distressed to occasionally scrape inclines at low driveways and bumps in the road.

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  I love this car... - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Mary - March 12 - 1:39 am

  Ive only had my BMW 525 for 2 weeks now and I have yet to find anything I dislike about this car. I traded in a 2002 Jaguar, which I enjoyed, but after driving this car I knew I had to make the switch. The overall interior is bigger, my husband, who is a bigger guy fits comfortably in both the front and back seats. The car is quiet and easy to drive. The iDrive is different but after playing with it a bit its not a big problem. I like the way it handles the road and the smooth drive. The trunk space is great. Unless something drastic happens I can see me driving a BMW for a long time

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  European Excellence - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By CARNUT - March 10 - 5:10 pm

  If you appreciate European (esp. German) cars and want more than what a Japanese luxury car can deliver, then you will love the BMW 540i series (E39). It has more than enough power to get the job done on the highway. Super comfortable on long drives. The Navigation system is one of the best. Perfect mix of Sport (w/ the sport package) and luxury in a medium sized sedan. At this price point, nothing matches it.

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  SERVES ALL MY NEEDS & MY FAMILYS TOO - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By stephanie M. - March 10 - 1:23 am

  After the birth of our daughter, (3-18-02) My husband said he wanted the safest-best most reliable vehicle we could find for our "new precious cargo" And after much research - we decided on this make & model. And have been extemely HAPPY!!!!! In the past weve owned Porche, audi, Hondas, mercedes.. (all excellent rides!) But this BMW is definetly the ULTIMATE driving machine!!!!! It makes any drive too short, HAHA!

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  BMW 530i - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Spidel - March 8 - 10:25 pm

  I have driven BMWs for 27 years now and this is my favorite yet. The I Drive is definitely improved over the 7 series version, but is still the least attractive part of the car. The handling is superb... typically BMW. Most of my experience has been driving on the Autobahns where this car is simply unmatched. Driving here in the States is a bit more challenging, but still pure fun.

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  What a wonderful car! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By CJ Kim - March 8 - 8:26 pm

  This is such a responsive and performing car. So smooth at the same time powerful! The gas mileage is suprisingly good for 8 cylinder car. During last 3000 miles, it averaged 21.5 MPG. One complaint, the cup holder sucks.

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  The Shy Sports Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By skikid787 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The BMW 540iA Sport is a wonderful veichle to drive. The sport seats provide more than enough support, the steptronic transmition shifts precisely, and the accelleration is exhilerating. It is a true drivers car for the family man who has no room for a Porsche and needs an automatic for daily commuting.

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  E-34 --- The best kept secret ! - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By Josh S. - March 7 - 6:57 pm

  Ive had my 525i for about a year and a half, and have no regrets about the purchase. This car feels like a "real" car. It feels safe and solid, the 2.5 straight six is adequate, and the car handles well. The 50/50 weight distribution is one reason for this. The build quality is outstanding and the design seems straightforward and no-nonsense. It looks timeless, and as a used vehicle, I think one gets a lot for their money with this car. And besides, since this car is designed to be stable at 130 m.p.h., imagine how stable it feels at 70 m.p.h.! Since I enjoy fixing my own vehicles, I consider parts availability and dealership cooperation important. My local dealer has been obliging!

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By albmw - March 7 - 1:25 am

  I had a Lexus GS 300 prior to my 2005 BMW 525. I love the way my BMW GRIPS the road while driving. My previous car was a little more "zippier" at lower speeds, but once you get into higher speeds there is no difference between the two at all. The acceleration is very smooth and very powerful. My last car seemed to have "dead spots" when switching from one gear to the next and was a little jerky at times. On a different note... Personally, I like fast accelerating vehicles. With its higher HP and smooth acceleration, perhaps I should have opted for the 530i for more power (however... probably not worth the extra $$).

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  Pricy Toy For New Execs. . . - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Hooligann - March 3 - 5:46 pm

  Ive driven every series of BMW and thisvehicle has the best overall value. It handles like a dream and literally hugs the road (you can accelerate into 90 degree turns). The sports package adds additional creature comforts and toys that I highly recommend, like the moving Xenon headlights, leather comfort seats. I also recommend the Bluetooth. It doesnt always work properly, and people say they have a hard time hearing me, but its a great substitute for the built in telephone. This car is a road predator, its not a sissy car like the CLK, its made to be driven hard, and it actually respondsbetter when you push it to the limit. Use the Steptronic on windy canyon roads.