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 Fantastic 530i A - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By langar - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a beemer and finally got my new 530i w/A, SP, PP, Kalahari Beige, in October and have never looked back. I have never driven a better car. Handling is fantastic and comfort on long drive is amazing. It is great to drive on the back country roads where you can experience the great handling and performance. I have 11,000 trouble free miles and even get great gas mileage on extended road trips. 1000 miles to Branson resulted in 29 mpg. which is great when you consider its performance.

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  I love my BMW, but... - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By spectacular - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 525IA, and feel like I got a great deal. In hindsight, the 525 at 184 HP might be a hair underpowered, so my only regret is that I didnt go for the 530. In the end, Im extremely happy to own this incredible machine, and love to drive it!!!!! (P.S. Chicks dig it too!!!!!)

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  best bmw - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By susie - October 5 - 4:41 pm

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  best bmw - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By susie - October 5 - 4:41 pm

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  BMW still needs better quality control - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By the5fans - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Own it for 8 day. After shift to reverse and shift back to D, the right mirror sometimes does not tilt up. iDrive sometimes does not start, not even display the main menu. Handling and performance have been improved, a lot better than my 2000 528i.

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  My 540ia experience - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By opptheman - October 2 - 2:00 am

  First let me mention that I previously owned a 1997 740il since 9-2001. After taking out a 540i on a test drive back in April, I knew I had to have one. A 528, 525 or 530 may look like a 540 but believe me that 8 cylinder makes a world of a difference. Beware that dealers seemed to charge a premium for this car so I lucked out and found a private owner selling a 2003 for a tad bit more than the dealer wanted for a 2001. The car drives like a dream, corners on a rail and is lightening fast and silky smooth. Its also a conservative clean cut look so most people wont have a clue of how sporty it really is. My 740 drove great too but didnt respond in turns and wasnt nearly as quick.

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  Problems Problems Problems - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By ReneeBelkin - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive been in the dealer more than the car. Told flaws are fixed in the next years model! Pain in the rear to get the car in. The problems are repeated cup holders broken, in dash software problems, doors rattle, lights stay on, signals flip to one side then ther other, wheel balance is always pulling,seat adjustment controls and overall one thing or another,.

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  the i drive system aint that bad - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jharoski - October 1 - 2:00 am

  the i-drive system on the new five series aint that hard to master, if you can use a computer mouse it should be a snap. once you take the time to set the car up to your liking it is terrific!!! i spent a good hour looking for defects and really could find any except for the lame cup holders. the navigation system is better than the one in my acura and that is saying a lot! the power of the six it fine the eight would produce too many speeding tickets, i could tell. i wonder why i didnt get one sooner! if you are looking for a car dont buy this one, if you looking for a partner for the road this is the machine to buy.

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  525i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By alex zaydel - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Exterior is good, nice body lines. Interior is less fun for driver, but comfortable for passangers. Design of front panel could be much better,that includes I-drive screen portion.Too many conflicting shapes, looks very heavy.Performance is very good, the car is fast and solid. Turning radius could be less but its O.K.

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  Its a winner! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By cowboy359 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  An fun, exciting car to drive - its a sports car with four doors - and the active cruse control and the voice activated features make it like something Captain Piccard would be impressed with.