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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  Stereo is NOT good - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By gas - May 20 - 6:49 pm

  I didnt get the high end stereo package and it has really minimized my affection for the car. At 60k this stereo sounds similar to a much less expensive car. Shame on you BMW!

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  Awesome Car!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By 3sons66 - May 13 - 9:02 am

  Although Ive only had this car for 3 months and 5K miles..so far so good. Weak spots are definitely the cooling system (water pump, pullies) and leaking valve covers. Although if you can turn a wrench...fairly easy to DIY and numerous forums that cover DIYs. Car absolutely hauls...one of the fastest "family" cars Ive ever owned. Purchased for $12200 with 50,XXX miles on the odometer. Overall, very happy with this car. As for fuel mileage, I expected much worse since I cant keep my right foot off the floor board. City / Town is 19.9 average and recently got 24.6 on a 300 mile trip with the set at 80 mph. Nice surprise since most were claiming much lower figures. Stereo stinks.

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  Inconsistent Idle - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By EratticIdle - April 13 - 9:41 pm

  15 year BMW owner. This car/engine has an idle issue. If you are thinking of buying one observe how it idles after reaching temperature. As you stop, the car idle drops to normal. 2 seconds later it drops, shakes the car, returns to normal. Happens a lot. Been to dealer 6 times. Have driven other 2006 and 2007 530s and noted the SAME issue although some vehicles not quite as noticeable. Worried about long term viability of this car.

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  Fun to Drive--but has many issues - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Marty B - April 10 - 5:02 pm

  This has been a recurring problem with the 08 535i where the engine light comes on: ENGINE MALFUNCTION-reduce power. I took it once to Palm Springs BMW, but they did absolutely nothing. I took it to Pacific BMW where they replaced the fuel pump back in Nov 08. Early April I took it to Alexander for the same problem--ENGINE MALFUNCTION- reduce power. It turns out to be a leaking high pressure pump and broken injector. Both were replaced, and now its in working order. All at no cost. How soon will it be before the ENGINE MALFUNCTION--reduce power light appears? I was promised that everything is in working condition. Yes, but how long? We have a 353i coupe with the same problem.

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  Sorry to have purchased this car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By LongTimeBMWOwner - April 3 - 9:32 pm

  Car is very nice except for a problematic idling issue. Been to the dealer over 6 times (lost count thereafter), talked with BMW of North America several times. No satisfaction even though the car is under warranty. If you are looking to own a BMW hope that you get a good one and not a lemon as I have. I have owned several BMWs over a 15 year period and feel completely let down by the situation. Two more observations: sound system is average, very average. Wind noise from the sunroof is annoying.

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  Good car - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Dutch in Texas - March 27 - 9:06 am

  The 540iA with Sport Package is great to drive. The car is rock solid on the road, but I have had a number of parts replaced. My one gripe with the car is it sits too low to the ground. My front bumper cover and front air spoiler were torn off by objects. The car is solid to speeds up to 145 mph (yes, we drove it that fast once as per the speedometer). There is likely some small amount of speedometer error. I purchased the extended warranty, and it was a wise investment. The extended warranty cost ~$3,300, but it got me a new factory radio, radiator, radiator expansion tank, power steering pump, and several thousand dollars of replacement suspension parts (plus service).

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  I Love Going Fast - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Slicrazy06 - March 26 - 10:38 am

  The 2005 BMW styling is great. All avid 5 series owners fall in love with it sooner or later. My favorite aspect of the car is its reliability, Ive had to fix nothing! Pretty fast with the V8, does 0-60 in 5.5 sec and is wonderfully smooth through the transitions. Great fuel economy for a V8 at 18 city and 26 hwy The sports suspension with active steering does wonders and the interior is really well done. BMW continues to be a leader in the auto industry.

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  Dont make em like this any more :) - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By K Johnstone - March 24 - 11:08 pm

  Every once in a while things come together and result in a special product. The BMW E39 is an example of such. - The 540iA Sport Package is a near ideal blend of sports sedan and luxury cruiser. Build quality is superior to modern BMWs with thicker body work metal and orange peel free paint. Hoping that the new F60 will match it - somehow I doubt it. The E39 is I think that special.

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  BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By nstajka - March 9 - 5:58 am

  Great car. Love at first sight. I knew I would buy it as soon as I walked in the dealer.Then reality sets in. Seems like Im in the shop every six months. Last time the fuel pump or the pump sensor or relay? They didnt know. But after three trips in and almost $600.00 (Again!), Im ready for a Ford again. It was fun but unless I win the lotto Im done with BMW.

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  BMW 530iA - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By TheoMD - March 4 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned. Absolutely love it except for the awful cupholders and lack thereof in the rear