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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  Simply awe inspiring! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Arjun - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitant about getting the new body style at first, but now I totally love it! Its handling and agility is so refined that driving becomes effortless. The interior is roomy and the build quality is what you expect from a BMW. The only design flaw I see are the front cup holders. They are awkwardly positioned and only functional in holding one size. Otherwise a gem - I never thought they could improve on the E39s!

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  fun to drive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By lemont - October 30 - 2:00 am

  bmw did and outstanding job on the new 04 5 series. the new look is sharp and the interior is even better. the new body style is a head turner and i get so many raves about how good this car looks. ive only seen two more new 5 series on the street,but once the word gets out am sure ill be seeing alot more of them.

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  Now Its O.K. - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Stu from Scottsdale - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I was the first to get my 5 series in Scottsdale, AZ. I should have waited while BMW got the minor bugs out. A "run-flat" tire was bad and until it was discovered the car was vibrating so much while driving that the passengers thought the car was equipped with "vibrating" seats. Originally the dealer said thats the way the sports series drives. The service manager was NOT very accomodating and I had to complain loud and often.Then the radio- C/D player repeatedly would not play, all that you could hear was static. BMW after 5 tries finally fiqured out it was caused by the "phone module". The drivers cup holder also broke after the first use. Now I love it.

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  BMW 5 - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By tim dreyer - October 29 - 3:33 pm

  Smooth, quiet and powerful. Excellent gas mileage and ride

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  The best I have owned - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By pathmd - October 29 - 12:28 pm

  Have owned my 545i for 2 weeks. Have Z3 and X5 as well. This car is a monster on the road. Zero to 60 in 5 seconds is no exaggeration. The car is tight, assisted steering is superb. Plenty of heads turn when the car passes. Found i-drive to be no problem - basic controls are still on the dash board. Mileage overall 19.4 mpg after 800 miles. Recommend buyers get the largest engine you can afford. Nothing about this car will disappoint you. Watch your speed. Esy to hit 85- 90 mph without noticing.

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  So glad I dont have an 04 or 05 - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TK540iA - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my third E39 model 540, and is clearly the best one Ive owned. The 540iA Sport package is a dream to drive, handles and rides like a champ, and does NOT have the I-drive or the Chris Bangle inspired ugly ass styling of the new 5 and now middle aged 7 series. I originally leased the car, assuming that Id love the new 5 series, but have now decided that I will buy the vehicle once the lease expires. If you are in the market for a 5 series, find yourself an E39 and you wont be unhappy.

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  Its Time to Go - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By RLight - October 27 - 2:00 am

  The car is so much fun to drive. The pick up is great even though it needs major repair. I can hit 100mi before I know it and it looks cute too. I bought the car with high miles thinking its a BWM, it can go for miles. But the repair problems are mounting. From water pumps, brakes, suspenion, thermostat and theromstat housing, the list goes on. The trunk release motor is shot and dont get me started on those cheap A$$ cup holders. Its no longer cost effective to be able to drive this BWM. Its gotta go.

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  Great car but get extended warranty - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dcdriver - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 2002 525 wagon new at the end of 2001, and it has been a great experience on the whole. The car is a joy to drive. It has also turned out to be practical for a family with young kids and a dog, and there is little that you can fit in an SUV that cant be coaxed into the back of this wagon. Our only complaint is that some of the electronics and interior fittings are not wearing well. Both of the front power seats have already failed, the stereo has had to be replaced, and numerous plastic fittings have fallen off. Our dealer told us that power seat failures are very common and a design flaw. Very expensive repair off warranty (which we are not yet).

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  UNBMW LIKE - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By kLAUSLAW - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my 545 for three weeks but I am very disappointed so far. I just came off a 2001 525 lease and loved the car. No problems for 3 years. The 2004 seems tinny in comparison to my 2001. Further, I feel the 545 does not handle the road nearly as comfortable as my prior vehicle. It is very bumpy w/the run flat 18 inch wheels and further the active steering is very weird. I still dont get it. It feels like the car is fighting me every time I make a turn. Further if their is a rut in the road the car feels like it does not know what to do and wants to go off the road. Further, the transmission is very unreliable and choppy from the start. Cupholders are rediculous as usual.

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  Get rid of the I-Drive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill Chipman - October 26 - 2:00 am

  The I-Drive is one of the worst ideas ever designed for a car! The engine and performance is great but over the past year it has been in the shop 5 times with each time having to address the I-Drive. This will be the first and last BMW I ever purchase.