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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  The 5 just gets better! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Hatzakorzian - November 15 - 11:28 pm

  Took delivery in Munich and drove 2300 miles in Switzerland and Bavaria with my family Owned a 98 528 and 01 530 before this 04 530 all manuals.This car exceeds performance and luxury of the previous cars. More rear seat, head and luggage room, better ergomics,better brakes,modern body design.Performance-wise,Sport Package and active steering, Swiss passes or Sierra Nevada in California are a dream. This car out-handles the previous cars, even the 01 530 with Dinan stage 2 suspension. iDrive is a blessing unless you want to take your eyes off the road. Easy, intuitive,fast and no clutter of buttons. Not a good system if you multi-task while you drive. A much safer approach if you try!

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  Things break - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By kathysav - November 14 - 6:34 pm

  I love the way my Alpine wagon drives, but a lot of little things inside break, and often. The cup holder (poor design) has broken 4 times. Now, I no longer use it. The back sunshade has broken, and the indise mouldings fall off if touched while entering and exiting the car. Dealer does not make it easy to buy parts to fix yourself. Great performance, but sad that the inside quality is not up to snuff. I would expect more from our BMW. Seats are not comfortable for long journeys!

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  Best in the end - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Town Savage - November 14 - 5:39 pm

  This is an extremely good buy for someone looking to keep this car for good. It has the perfect ballance between drivability and economy, and performance. The styling is extraordinarily popular all over the world.

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  Outstanding Safety - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Khoa Nguyen - November 14 - 11:03 am

  Was T-bone by a tractor trailor and walk away without a scratch.

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  Should have lasted longer - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By TnD - November 12 - 5:35 am

  Totally babied my 528 with best oil every 5k and easy frwy driving..Thought it would go at least 300k like my old 735 thats still running good , but at 180k [not alot these days] engine needs bottom end rebuilt, [full rebuild]..Very dissapointed..Should have lasted alot longer!

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  2008 535i Black on Black - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By gvitalik - November 9 - 6:53 pm

  Was considering several cars like Mercedes C350, E350, Lexus GS350, Infiniti G35, BMW 528i sport. After driving all of them, the 535i with sport, premium, navi, xenon blew them all away. Great transmission with 2 sport modes and paddle shifters. Car is glued to the road. Active suspension almost eliminates body roll. IDrive is functional just takes some time to learn all the menus. Picks up speed instantly, no turbo lag. Very fun to drive. My 1st BMW and now I know why its called ultimate driving machine. Other premium brands dont come close in road feeling.

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  Get the comfort seats - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By JJROGE - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Took European delivery and loved it. 135 mph on the autobahn with plenty of power to spare. I feel bad that this car wont be able to be driven at the speeds it was designed for, but its still fun to drive in America. I got the sports package on this car. Would reccomend the comfort seats, as sport seats are a little uncomfortable. I Drive is fine, no problem. Upgraded stereo system rocks. This car is smoooooth and powerful. Anti roll stabilization and active steering are fantastic.

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  Made for driving - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By midnightsighs - November 7 - 10:00 am

  It is "The Ultimate Driving Machine". This car was made for those who love to drive. From the moment you enter, as you accelerate past everyone, till you regretfully exit, you know that youve had a unique driving experience. No wonder BMW owners are lifetimers! How can one drive anything else? Doesnt have as many interior features as maybe Lexus. Its all about the drive, the way it steers can only be experienced, difficult to articualte how responsive the steering and handling. Reputation well deserved.

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  MY 540ia - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Kwan chow - November 2 - 4:13 pm

  I wanted a car with the power and handling ability of a sports car. Yet, I wanted the comfort and room of a four door sedan. When it came time for me the buy a new car, I decided on the BMW 540ia (with the sports package). I know the 540ia is not the most powerful, the fastest or the best handling car. And, I know that it might not have the most comfortable ride. However, I do think this is the best car overall, in one complete package.

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  Sport wagon for everyone - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By BMWPILOT - November 2 - 2:00 am

  You dont have to have kids to own this car. This is my 3rd BMW and I love it. Came out of a Nissan SUV which was nice but the gas milage and ride was KILLING me.I am now getting 30MPG on the highway! My last BMW was an 89 3 series (2.5L) that I had for 225,000 miles so I know this engine can go the distance and all of the extras on this car are amazing (fully loaded).