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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  Get One - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By PK - December 26 - 11:05 pm

  unbelievable power, silky smooth.... I have sports pkg--the handling is terrific..can be driven aggressively but still has great manners...the car is stunning, beatiful-i have titanium silver. Premium sound is great. MB doesnt have the power and looks like an old mans car.(exception..E55 AMG for 20-30K more)

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  A fun ride - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Barry - December 23 - 11:42 pm

  This is a great car if you dont need to haul any extra passengers or misc. gear. The trunk is smaller than previos 5 series that I have owned and the back seat is cramped as well. One other questionable feature is the cup holders, or lack thereof. There are none in the back and the front ones are worse than useless. Other than that, a fun car to drive and excellent performance.

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  Sophisticated, Fun, and FAST - 2017 BMW 5-Series
  By Matthew Randazzo - December 23 - 11:16 am

  Excellent vehicle with first class build quality. The six cylinder engine is exceptional and wont leave you wanting for any additional power.

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  2008 535i: BMW Does it Again - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark Rexroat - December 21 - 6:23 pm

  After owning various BMWs for 10 years now, there is nothing like them. And the new 535i does not disappoint. No need to buy the 550i. This car is absolutely perfect in every way.

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  When it works, Its Great - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By AW - December 11 - 5:37 pm

  Have owned a 99 323 and a 01 530- Great Cars, no problems. Cannot say the same about 04-530i. When it works, drives great, fun to use stuff inside. Dealer cannot get all the iDrive to work consistently. Fix 1 item, something doesnt work. All 4 tires have been replaced and I still have vibration at 60mph. Dealership cannot figure it out. Going back again for 4th appointment to fix new iDrive problem and tire issues. Only good thing, BMW loaner car (3 series) which drives great. If you can get a 2003 5 series-grab it!

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  A driving machine - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By former japanize own - December 11 - 3:38 pm

  A real performance machine. Coulnt be happier. 90,000 miles and drives like new.

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  Youll Never Regret Owning This Car - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By kicker12 - December 10 - 5:04 am

  After an array of domestic and import sports car, I finally found what I was looking for (or maybe I finally got old enough to afford what I wanted). Drove everything out there from Acura TL to 350Z to Corvette to R8 to.... Nearly bought a new TL, for the price is the best vehicle out there. Finally found a 540i and decided to make sure before the Acura. Made it 2 miles on a test drive, called my wife and said we are done looking. Bought a CPO from Markel in Omaha, sight unseen, flew my 21 year old out to drive it back to Boise. He called after 50 miles and said "You should have done this a long time ago." Absolutely the best car Ive ever driven or ridden in, if you can, buy it.

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  More Than A Status Symbol - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By ComfortHog - December 6 - 4:07 pm

  Purchased used and have put 138K on this car (168K total) and loving every minute of it. Sure, it has had its share of repairs - but you have got to expect some maintenance on a 10 year old vehicle.Quality is outstanding - parts are expensive but they are not that cheap stuff you find on other cars. Question is - how long before it totally breaks so that I can justify buying a new one? A BMW is not just a status symbol. It is a statement to other (cheaper) manufacturers that we will not be fooled by inferior quality. Funny thing is that my friends still buy cheap american cars every 3 years and dont understand why they still have a car payment.

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  This car simply rocks! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Ralph Kramden - December 4 - 3:08 am

  I have always been an M3 guy, and took a chance to have something for the family. It is a blast! You feel as if you are driving literally one of the finest automobiles in the world- but buy it to drive, and drive hard. Save the Lex or Merc for the softies.

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  Glad that I bought it - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Onisiu - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a very solid car. It takes off the moment I put on the pedal. We also have a C280 Mercedes now but for sure we will get another BMW next time, possibly X3 or 330i. Handling is excellent. Its very funy to drive. I bought it two months ago but I am still telling my wife that its a great "Ultimate Driving Machine." I prefer this stype than the new 2004 model so I decided to get one before I cant. I got an excellent deal at the dealership as well.