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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  If only the electronics were executed! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By David J2005 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car! However, everytime the car is started, the "mouse" must be pushed to acknowledge the safety warning. This is a pain. I also have a MB which has the same message, but times out in seconds automatically.

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  BMW 550i review - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By DH - September 25 - 6:59 pm

  this is our 3rd bmw previously owned an 07 convertible & 07 7series. there is alot to luv and enjoy about this car. comfort, ride, luxury all in one package. standouts are the sports mode/pkg/kit & signature silver color. hd radio stands out immediately more car companies should offer it.

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  Wonderful Car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By srm858 - September 15 - 2:46 pm

  I bought my car used, 3rd owner at 108k. I drove it a year and had continuous cooling system problems. It turns out the previous owner cracked the head by overheating the car. I replaced the head myself and now the car is fantastic. You cannot have these cars serviced by the dealer, it is way too expensive. Do maintenance and repairs yourself or find a good independent mechanic, there are many. This is a great car on the highway and the handling with the sport package is exceptional. Overall the car is very well made and you can see where the money has gone to. I would highly recommend to anyone.

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  14 Years old and still smokes em! - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Eric - September 5 - 3:20 pm

  What can I say? Fast, luxurious, ergonomic, loads of technology such as OBC (On-Board Computer) that tells you MPG and other stuff, pretty good handling for a sedan, and all around a great car to have. To this day, as soon as people step in the car the first thing they ask is, "what year is this car?" I tell them 1995 and jaws hit the floor. Ample rear space not to mention the ridiculous trunk space. Awesome stock sound system, comfortable leather seat and leather upholstery. Did I mention the V8 power? Haha!

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  Uber Wagon 18 Months Later - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ian T - September 3 - 7:26 am

  2nd Review. Everything I wrote in 6/08 same except for one recurring power delivery problem. The car has small power interruptions at intermittent intervals. Very annoying but not disabling. Only set a "code" once. 3 trips to dealer to fix plus 1 with a factory engineer in attendance. Never fixed. Destroyed driving experience. Finger pointing between BMW and Dinan. Removed Dinan software but problem remained. 6SM no longer notchy. No other problems but this one caused me to Lemon Law. BMW made a deal for new 2010 w/me instead. My 535i sedan 6sm to be delivered soon. Fingers crossed. The wagon is still beautiful inside and out. It is a piece of art but this aggravation isnt worth it.

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  Fun car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Me - August 16 - 10:49 am

  I bought this car with the six speed manual and it is fun to drive. Shell go 140 before you know it. On road trips I can break 30 mpg on the highway but city is closer to 15 mpg. However BMW quality is gone. Ive had replace the water pump, radiator, a few parts in the drivers seat, sunroof, and lately the battery keeps dying and no one can figure out why.

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  Keeps on giving - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By clockgame - August 14 - 10:09 pm

  Ive put over 100k miles on my car and I still love it. I want to be cool and buy the new body style but I just cant justify it. The quality is great. It is a driving machine, this is no car.

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  Good Bad Ugly - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By John D - August 9 - 8:42 pm

  I love driving this car. At 162000 miles the ride is still great albeit I have redone most of the suspension. Gas mileage on my six cylinder is around 25 with hiway city mix. Repairs have been astronomical. I understand putting money in the suspension, belts, etc but everything is expensive. The ugly. Electronic modules run everything and need to be replaced far too often. I would love to buy another of this design model but just could not afford it.

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  My last BMW - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Jordan - July 21 - 6:13 pm

  Great experience up to the time the warranty ran out. Purchased my car new in October of 2002. After the warranty expired at 50K it was in the shop about every month and each trip was about $700, after my $200 sympathy discount. I by-passed the $1200 front passenger seat dual motor replacement and had them just lock the seat and disconnect the motors. It was one thing after another. The only way I would ever have another BMW is on a 3 year lease and get rid of it as soon as it is over 50,000 miles. Otherwise I loved it.

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  I just didnt know... - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Tony Holland - July 18 - 11:31 pm

  I purchased my 92 525i for 2900 cash. It had 204,000 on the odometer. 4 years later it is still a daily driver. A red 5 speed with all the options. I have replaced about everything under the hood from the a/c compressor to the alternator. Water pump, fuel pump and a new radiator. This sounds like a lot, but the absence of a car payment made it worth the money. The car is a joy to drive. The 5-speed makes up for the lack of power. The car is very at home at interstate speeds and will cruise "Way" over the speed limit for as long as the fuel lasts. This has been a great used car that is a blast to drive. Now I know..."BMW The Ultimate Driving Machine".