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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  E34 540im - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Level8Drummer - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Has the 6-speed transmission. Had the engine block replaced with the Nikasil recall before I bought it, so only 65k on the engine. It handles remarkably well for a car its size. Only BMW can make a sedan perform like this one does. Its a shame that the new E60s are so ugly.

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  2004 Chris Bangle 530i Special - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Presley348 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My new 2004 530i is lighter and faster than the old five series models. ...In this day of war time and high Gas prices, I am glad to get 34.7 MPG Highway and approx.: 24 MPG City, but when one need the power it is there: from a stand still 0 to 40 MPH in 3.8 seconds when accelerating onto the interstate. I have own many fine cars over the years i.e. Trans Ams, Z28s, and two new Corvettes, and this new Bimmer 530i puts all the above listed cars to shame!

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  Sweet Engine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By brusstar - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The sweet V-8 mated to the six-speed manual make this car great fun to drive, like a sports coupe but with a decent back seat. Many question the 2004 (E60) exterior styling in pictures, but in real life people agree it looks beautiful, and does not look like every other great sports sedan of the last ten years. It just takes a little time to master the i- Drive, and it really cleans up the dashboard (other reviewers seem to forget this design benefit).

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  Great alternative to the SUV - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By family_hauler - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for a month now. I purchased it as my 3 series was too small for the family. Absolutely the best car I have owned to date. Performance of V8 and sports package is amazing. Steptronic transmission is velvet smooth. Fit and finish are excellent. Maintenance is very reasonable if you do it yourself. Take a look at www.roadfly.org to learn about typical problems. Only problem is that wife and I fight over who will drive it. (she has an Acura MDX) Keep an eye on the radiator as these are known to fail every 50K. (A $300 DIY fix). Purchase a set of winter tires

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  530I Comments - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Big Dawg - September 23 - 2:00 am

  This is an incredible vehicle. Highly recommend it! Only critique is the flimsy cupholders. Best vehicle Ive ever had.

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  Not what it used to be... - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By JWestley - September 21 - 5:26 am

  I am not impressed with this car at all. I leased it even against my own instincts. I was trying to decide between BMW and Mercedes. Even though Mercedes had one heck of a deal, I opted for a younger, more exciting look, but the car has been everything, but... I think BMW needs to go back to the drawing board and redo this model. Otherwise in 24 months, I will not be shopping for this car.

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  Best selling Bimmer! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By orupaperboy - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used, and love it!! Rides great, wonderful handling, great acceleration. Good looking car. Gas mileage would be better, but I commute 15 minutes in the city.

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  I love it !!! better than i expected - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By BH - September 15 - 12:05 pm

  I traded in a C class Mercedes. i couldnt do it fast enough i only had the MB 4 months. Im not one to switch cars my last Audi i had for 8 years and 220K miles so that tells you what i think of that car. the BMWs size is perfect, the ride exceptional, and i love the look. this car just plain fits you perfectly. Ive only had it a few thousand miles but its flawless in how it handles and operates. I cant speak to reliability but Im very happy right now. I never thought id find a car to compare with my Audi but this thing is really really close. Great job I can only hope i feel this way 6 months from now.

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  Very Impressed - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael Simone - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is an absolutely perfect car. Black on black 530 with sport package and premium package. It turns heads, its fast, comfortable and the interior is perfectly designed.

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  Exellence all you can expect from BMW - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Jaixl - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Great Handeling The only manufactur that have being able to create a perfect machine thats its in constant comunication with your sences and your soul.