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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  Transmission Problems - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By noles01 - September 7 - 12:06 pm

  This is my third BMW 5 Series and Im afraid its my last...... The transmission hestitation at low speeds is absolutely maddening. Its much worse than any turbo lag. I wish i still had my 2008 528i. Ive taken it to the dealer three times and was told "its just the nature of the beast and there is nothing we can do". Sure wish I would have read about the conerns posted here before I leased this car for 36 months. Four months and four thousand miles of misery. Doubt I can last. My new Bimmer is a Bummer. Any ideas?

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  Great car for the money - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By rlandrews - August 14 - 7:18 pm

  i bought a 550i with 6-speed and sport package. The engine is terrific. My last two cars have been Corvettes, and this car does not leave me wanting for more power. The torque is massive. I wish the suspension were a little more firm, and I question whether I should have ordered the Dynamic Handling Package on the car in addition to the sport package. Overall, a great car and much more car for the money than the Corvettes I have been driving.

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  Great When Everything Works - Over Designed - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By timbo52 - July 22 - 1:24 pm

  Exhilerating and fun when everything works! Love to drive my 2008 535i with Sport package- when it is not in the shop. Lots of power and totally responsive. Many problems which has been worked on under the factory warranty.1) entire head lamp module (less than 1 wk after delivery), 2)fuel pump, 3)fuel injectors, 4)car suddenly went into limp (lower power) mode when entering hwy- no solution yet from BMW(fortunately I was not in heavy traffic), 5)new gear shift handle, 6) iDrive goes crazy-dead black screen. Hopefully, nothing else shows up. I love the way the car handles but the trips to the service department has become too aggravating! Selling before warranty ends!Bitter/sweet experience.

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  BMW number 9 - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By 550ixfan1 - July 19 - 6:16 pm

  THE BEST EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE AS DRIVER, after a series of approximately 20 owned cars ( some 10 BMWs ), and several rented, leased and borrowed during 45 years.

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  Poor reliability and dealer experience - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By hooch999 - July 11 - 4:53 pm

  I guess my expectations were set too high - dealer sold me this CPO car with a bent wheel, no floor mats and various missing bolts and accessories (as discovered later). Overall car handles quite well, but does not shine in any area: braking is good, but touchy and not progressive acceleration is good but vibrations coming form V8 are way too much for a luxury car, plus theres not much torque below 2000 rpm. Leather on seats wears off way too quick, sport seats are not super comfortable, front leg room is surprisingly small In less than 1 year I had to visit dealer for repairs 6 times! And car still has issues with leaking wiper system, shuddering on idle and jerky transmission.

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  Average - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By bell10 - June 30 - 9:34 pm

  I have owned this car for a year and find it very average. The steering is terrible and the transmission gear selection is also terrible. The rest is borderline average. It demonstrates very little value for the money. Its much to heavy. Its far from the ultimate driving machine. Not much fun to drive.

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  buyer beware! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By citroen3 - June 29 - 2:27 pm

  I bought a 2011 550i Xdrive in late 2010, within the last six weeks I have had 4 runflat tires (on 19inch wheels) go bust over fairly minor pot holes. they were 4 unrelated incidents. Cost to replace, just shy of $2000. Last week my car with about 10,500 miles on the clock, broke down on the highway, message transmission malfunction. One tow and 5 days, later I got it back with the rear differential replaced. One day after I got it back from the local BMW dealer, new warning 4 by 4 chassis stabilisation malfunction contact your BMW dealer , do not brake hard Given that this fully loaded, nearly $70,000 car is completely unreliabe, I am seriouly thinking of getting rid of it.

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  2011 BMW 5 Perfect Balance of Art and Function - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By el168 - June 28 - 10:43 pm

  Nice performance from a beautifully designed BMW! Base model could use a little more HP, excellent sound system, luxurious interior

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  First BMW, wont be my last - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By basio - June 28 - 6:49 pm

  Ive owned this car for 9 months and have put on over 25,000 miles. I absolutely love the feel and style of this car. My daily commute is 58 miles one way, and before purchasing the 528, the drive was a chore. Now I look forward to the peaceful trek to and from work in the quiet cabin. I talk on the phone a lot in the car, and road noise is non-existent. I purchased the car with 28,000 miles, so I have over 53,000 now. I have had no reliability issues or equipment failure. Regular service (free), and the car keeps making me happy.

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  1995 540i BEST BMW CAR EVER!!! no nikasil problem. - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw540ifan - June 23 - 9:25 pm

  I just got my first BMW A 1995 540i with the original engine block Nikasil. Never was replaced. Only has 80k on it. Runs JUST FINE!! I love this car it handles great, wish I could buy another. Great with turns, has POWER... Had the local BMW shop check the engine out and said its still strong and good. The whole Nikasil thing was blown out of the water, some were affected while others were not. I will never go back to a honda again thats for sure. Love this car will and go to the grave with it. SMOOTH SMOOTH SMOOTH...