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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  Great Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Driver530 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 530 in July of 2004. This car has been great. Handles like a dream and rides very smoothly. I am really impressed with the space. I am 6"0 and I have had four passengers that were my size or taller with no problems. Using the "I" drive is simple. After reading the reviews I thought it was going to be hard but it was no problem. When it comes to technological items I can be challenged (my wife always programs the VCR)so I thought this would be a challenge. But after spending a little time studying the manual and watching the DVD BMW provides, it is a snap.

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  MY BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By rafael bacares - September 1 - 10:00 am

  It is a fantastic car to drive.

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  The best car in the world - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Tamra t - September 1 - 2:00 am

  This car has 200,000 miles on it and it runs like its brand new

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  Love My Beamer 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By C Juhl - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Drove this car out of the dealers and have never gone back except for nomal upkeep/manitenance and that has been only once since I got it. I simply have no complaints. Ive owned more than twenty cars and have never had a better one than this 530i. My dealer told me the in line 3.0 liter engine was made for car. After nearly 18 months of driving it, I believe it. Driving machine is really on target for this car.

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  Love it! - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By RogerK - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I highly recommend this car, I have owned since day one. No problems, did the regular maintenance, still drives like a dream. Smooth but yet the performance is still there.

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  Commuting is fun now!!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By PrimaDawna - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new 525i. I was in the market for a E300 and I said, what the hell, lets stop at BMW..fully prepared to hate them. My car drives like a dream. It handles like its on rails and I have the confidence of knowing my car will do what I want. I now look forward to my 50 minute commute to work through the crowded So. California freeways. If I had known I enjoyed driving so much, I would have spent the extra $$ for the bigger engine.

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  Best car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By yuriy - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Combination of comfort, control, and capability is unmatched in its class. Sport package with M-technick sport suspenssion is a must. Velvety smoothness and refined sounds are coming from the engine.

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  Almost as good as it gets. - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Rodney J - August 22 - 2:00 am

  The car handles and corners amazingly well considering how soft, quiet, and luxurious it otherwise rides. The inline six is sporty enough but could use some more torque. The black interior looks luxurious and a little wicked at the same time. I took a friend of mine who recently bought an Infiniti for a ride in my 528. Within a mile he was already talking about getting a BMW. The reliablilty, compared to Toyotas, is dismal. The dash electrics, air conditioning, exhaust, 3 sunroof repairs, engine idle solenoid, window motor, trunk release, radio have all had problems (1 non- routine problem per 6,800 miles).

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  Fix and Repair Frequently - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By UNHAPPY/04/530i - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have an 04/530i with sport suspension.... what is that old adage...never buy a first year model..the car has been towed to the dealer 3 times., radio has been replaced, the LCD screen has gone dead numerous times and the dealer has had to replace it, no numerous occations the "i-drive" LCD screen will not operate until 5-10 mins., after the car has been started., the chasey creeks, rattles...ps this has all hapeened over the last 10 months.....road noise from front tires(had them checked by dealer....no unusally wear) sounds like Im driving a truck wit old retread. By the way my wife has a 03/525 that is a dream .

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  Transmission Jolts/Jerks/Clunks Fuel Ec - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Greatly Disappointed - August 22 - 2:00 am

  From speed of, e.g., 30 mph, as gas pedal released to bring vehicle to stop/lower speed (when coasting and/or braking), as vehicle slows driver feels jerk/jolt forward a number times as vehicle shifts/lurches down from gear to gear (seems to be caused by abrupt increase, and then decrease in speed and sometimes associated with a clunking sound) as it comes to a stop. At a stop, when placed in reverse, and after releasing the brake pedal, without depressing the gas pedal, the vehicle suddenly moves in a backward motion and reaches a speed in excess of 5 mph. BMW&service states: "normal" conditions.