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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  Love the wagon - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By JimP - April 10 - 4:43 pm

  just traded in my 2001 X5 for the new wagon - awesome car (just have to get used to sitting so low) - I agree that having that wagon is a big advantage over the sedan (given that I have two dogs). Was initially concerned about trading down to a V6 from a V8 but so far seems to have more than enough power

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  lots of feedback - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By whazzap - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Solid. superb handling. lots of torque. understeer oversteer is great. never roll . 140mph on freeway and want some more. lots of feedback.

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  paradigm of performance/luxury - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By enthusiast - April 8 - 2:00 am

  One of the best performing cars I ever owned. Had the sport package and could not believe the superb handling...especially around curves and corners. Its best to accellerate on corners as the car seems to bight the road with tremendous control and grip. Traded up to 2003 745. Loved my 5 series but not the styling of the new 2004 model.

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  540 is #1 - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By G-ADAMS - April 7 - 2:00 am

  BMW IS NOT CALLED THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE FOR NO REASON. THIS V8 IS GREAT. IT IS A SPORTS CAR CAMOUFLAGED AS A FAMILY SEDAN. I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE.

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  My First BM Dub - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By TejMan - April 7 - 2:00 am

  After years of deliberation - I recently became the proud owner of a 2001 525i. First impressions, to put it simply, Im looking for excuses to drive this Vehicle... The exterior to this day still turns heads. (Noticing lots of brake dust on front wheels..)

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  Finally A Grown Up Car!! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By pikesfish - April 2 - 2:00 am

  After owing two previous Toyotas I took a chance on a BMW and have not looked back. Impressed with safety record, handling, power and performance. Definitely would consider purchasing another one in the future. Cant say enough about the looks when I pull up at work now. Thanks

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  Wunderbar! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed - April 1 - 3:23 am

  535i Sapphire Black/Black with Sport & Premium. Simply awesome. Very well built, comfortable, fun to drive, quiet inside and bloody fast. Test drove an A6 3.2 Quattro and an E350 Sport. The Audi was really nice but felt a little underpowered (after driving the 535i). The E350 is a great passengers car, not that great a drivers car.

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  rafic 5 serious - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By rafic - April 1 - 2:00 am

  i love this car i lovee the handling the performance confort every thing i like the new 5 serious way better then my causins 2003 lexus es 330

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  This car rocks! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Brad Gessner - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 540i used with 62K miles but totally clean. This car is so fun to drive... fast, good breaking, & cornering. I got the sport package, but still feel the suspension could be tighter. Perhaps it needs new shocks. The stereo in this car is my biggest complaint. Not sure why BMW cant put a killer amp in the car so the 12 speakers rock. Ill upgrade this myself. Other than that, I cant image why anybody would spend more money for a new car that cant even come close to this one!

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  The 1994 530i V-8 Auto..In Alpine White - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By DixonMillerRN - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I inherited my 1994 530i V-8 when mom upgraded. Sheepskins on the seats REALLY preserve the leather. No visible rust save on door edges where 1-2 mm. spots peek through. The car drives quite well and you have to remind yourself that it is actually 10 years old. The road "feel" is GERMAN solid. It shines in handling, avoiding accidents opposed to merely surviving one, & surprise stops/lane changes. Itll bring you home alive no matter how bad the road conditions/other drivers may be. This car is a classic of understatement and abhors the idea of being pimped out.MAINTENANCE is key.Overall, this car may not "rock" but it is rock solid.