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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  Cracks in 18-inch wheels/run-flat tires - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By ron2hoff - July 14 - 11:59 pm

  BWM refuses to acknowledge that their rims are defective and crack as a result of normal driving, especially their 18 inch rims when coupled with run-flat tires. We dont take speed bumps at 40 mph, run over curbs, or not slow for a potholes... events that might possibly crack a rim or break a tire. Yet BMW’s excuse for not replacing 2 cracked rims was that the cracks must have been caused by the driver, not faulty rims/run-flat tire combination. In the past several years we have owned 3 BMWs... but this will be our last because of such a head-in-the-sand approach taken by BMW NA.

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  Great car... very fun to drive. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Balsar - July 13 - 10:17 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 9,500 miles on the Odometer. It has been an incredible car. Fast, reliable, comfortable and economical. I drive very aggressive yet still average 23mpg overall in LAs bumper to bumper traffic...amazing mileage! We also own a 06 330xi...also a great car - a lot more nimble than the 5 series when driving twisty roads...but the 545I can easily keep just using the extra power.

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  Great value great running condition - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim Mal - July 7 - 4:00 pm

  I know a mechanic who worked at BMW 7 years said this model and years were some of the best

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  Pretty but a Pain in the ___. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By hyeonlyfe - June 26 - 2:33 pm

  This is a fun driving mid-size sedan but the "new" computer driven BMW is not at all perfected yet. We have taken it back to the dealership for so many different computer glitches that my wife knows the service personel by name. I would not recommend buying this car for another year or so. Maybe they will have all the kinks worked out of the system by then. PS The cup holders suck.

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  The Ultimate Pre-owned Driving Machine - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Whipp - June 8 - 5:33 pm

  WOW, WOW, WOW.... What a great vehicle and a workhorse. I feel lucky to have the purchase. Fun to drive and is fast, handles well. Do your due diligence and you will be rewarded. Wanted a second vehicle (mini-van is primary) to bounce the wife and I around town for errands. This fits the bill. Not cheap to own... but preventive maintenance goes a long way. Use a real BMW mechanic and go on-line to the BMW forums and you will really enjoy the car.

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  First car! - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By bdelaney - June 3 - 3:13 pm

  Well I bought my 525i about 3 month ago it is my first car. The car broke down on me about 2 weeks ago and I just barely got another job so I can fix it. I love this car, greatest car Ive ever drove. The crank position sensor went but shes got a lot of miles. I put some upgrades into her (Aftermarket clutch, Cold air intake and straight pipes). This car is so fast with the upgrades, but the engine does need to be rebuilt.

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  Engine - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By bennett - May 26 - 4:41 pm

  We have had the car in the shop for the same reason 4 times. They have replaced 6 ejectors, fuel pump and a gas line. We got it out of the shop on a Thursday we went on a trip on Sunday and it backfired and made a loud noise and smoke filled the inside of the car. By the time we got it stopped and out, the car was burning. It burned up. We did all we could to get it repaired.

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  I love My 535 - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike - May 24 - 7:39 pm

  I bought this car three years ago with 143K miles and I have 205K on it now. I have replaced the driveshaft twice and the heater core. I recently did the exhaust, which was expensive - $1300 for the cat back. I am handy with cars and do most of my own work. This car has not one rattle and very minor rust after 19 years! What a fantastic car!

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  Dysfunctional Love/Hate Relationship - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Vinn - May 24 - 2:42 pm

  I purchased this car used/private sale as 3rd owner w/ approximately 60,000 miles. I absolutely loved to drive this car. Driving it out on the highway was a little slice of heaven. Great feel. Solid. But wait. In the two years I owned this car, I put roughly $6,000 into the car on repairs. I had to have it towed so often that I had my local towing company programmed into my cell phone. Repairs averaged $600 per hit. I finally had to throw in the towel when the last repair (something electrical) totaled over $1,200. Used the car as trade in for new Lexus. Have heard from my local BMW repair specialist that these cars often hit the wall at approximately 70 to 80 thousand miles. Beware.

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  1st time "Beamer" owner - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Colleen Weber - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Really fun to drive....kinda like falling in love in highschool! REALLY wish they had front wheel drive though. Im from S.D. and we get plenty of snow and ice in the winter. Since this is my first "Beamer", I am concerned about how I will make it through the elements with this car.