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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  It Sucks - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike76 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I thought i bought a real dream but it was all a nightmare. i bought this 90 525I with 120k on it in 98. it ran great for couple of miles then fell apart. the drive shaft fell off $600, crank shaft $1000, electrical problems. i can go on and on.

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  Great!!!! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Angeleyes - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive always owned a BMW but only with the 3 series family. However, I finally upgraded to 5 series and its great. It feels heavy bec of lack of power but it has been reliable and has not given me any problem as of yet. I will always own a bmw just bec they are safe. I got into an accident(Truck T bone my car, passenger side) and none or I got injured. Great car.

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  Yea!!! it was worth it. - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By instep99 - March 18 - 2:00 am

  At 147,000 miles, Im still thrilled. This is my second 5-series. I got 110,000 miles on a 1986 528i when I began having problems with the (auto) transmission. This one is a 5-speed and Im hoping to get 200,000 just on g.p., although this Bimmer is now only used for "recreational" driving.

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  Awesume car to own and drive!!! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By R J Calderon - March 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to own and drive... I never used to look forward to driving in traffic...

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  Best 5 series ever - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bert - March 16 - 2:52 am

  Ive owned a lot of Bimmers. The E60 5-series 550i is my absolute favorite. Very composed and agile for its size, it comes with a screaming 4.8l V8 good for 360HP (or about 500HP if you put an ESS supercharger on it like I did). I have owned mine for three or so years now, and the only issue I have had is with an intermittent clock reset due to a failing comfort access door handle. It is roomy, smooth, and comfortable for those long highway drives, but one must constantly be aware that the car tends to want to cruise at its comfort zone of around 85MPH - i have had many occasions where I am doing the 65MPH limit, get distracted talking or listening to music, and then find myself at close to 90 when I look at the speedo again. The car is near silent and rock solid, so you really dont get the normal cues that you are speeding. Gas mileage is the Achilles heel of this car, though. I averaged about 15-16MPG in normal combined driving, which would drop to 10-12 if driven hard.

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  Get back to basics - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris - March 15 - 6:59 pm

  I previously owned a 95 M3 that was rarely in for repair. This 2011 535 has seen the dealership far too many times. In a span of just over 2 years the following has occurred: keyless entry failed (multiple times), water pump failed, AC failed, valve cover gasket replaced, another oil gasket leaked (last 2 were total $2,300), 2 wheels bent, 1 wheel cracked (run flats not for typical roads), sway bar replaced to name a few I recall. Other than that, I do love this car. X-Drive is probably better than most SUVS out there. Love the aggressive looks of the M-sport package. Car is bank vault solid. I feel very safe hauling my family in it. I-drive is decent but not as intuitive as Acura. Gas mileage is outstanding for such a large car (29 hwy). Long trips Ive done 34 mpg. Power is impressive. Hesitation from stop is there as others have written. Very odd. Feels like transmission is slipping. Dealer claims its normal. Seems almost any brand has issues. If you get lucky with yours, you will love it. BMW simply needs to simplify their electronics. Stop the over engineering and focus on building a solid car again. My problem is I visit the Philly auto show every year. Not another car out there that meets my need for performance, style, price, awd, safety and comfort. Sounds like a market opportunity...

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  Good Solid Performer - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By jtwizard - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 25,000 miles. It now has over 173,000 on the clock. Overall it is certainly above average. The exterior look is attractive and timeless. The car is well thought out and most services are easy to do (except the pollen filter). I personally went through the entire car when I purchased it, so I could trust it. It has proven to be very reliable. I have an automatic transmission and would trade it for a stick shift in a second because I prefer a stick.

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  2008 528i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ronald Bussey - March 11 - 2:48 pm

  Well maintained outstanding vehicle

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  Compliments Abound when you hit the road - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By New5Fan - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Had this beauty for just about 3 weeks and not a day passes without a compliment about its great new look. The new 5 Series is striking and has on two occassions been initially mistaken for a 7 Series. Rides great and handles like a luxary sports car or sedan.

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  528i pre-owned sport - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By bwmowner - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Quality vehicle. My second BMW (both 5- speed manuals). Saved me big time when hit by red-light runner, so proven safety record. V6 gets me up onto frwy very nicely and out of jams . Exceptional on long trips and gas mileage around 32mpg hwy avg. Only problems have been electronic, as on my 1998 5-series guess its the Germans. Also some seat rattles no one can fix. Ill take manual trans over auto trans any day (Im middle aged female, too!). Now ISO a pre-owned 2003, manual transmission.