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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  Air Conditioning odors - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jag - November 1 - 2:00 am

  There is a terrible odor which is created by mold growing from condensation on the air conditioner. BMW has not been able to fix it. After futhur research I have found that this is a common problem on the 5 series. If you read the owners manual carefully you will see that BMW is aware of this problem, and has choosen to address the problem by saying that condenstion is normal. What a joke!

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  Hmmm. a car without coolant tempera gage - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Andrew122 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I tested GS300, C320 & 530i in one day and I ended up with a 530i. Its fun to drive this car. Very spacious. i- Drive doesnt turn out to be such a nuisance. Sound is not as good as the 325i I used to own. They want you to pay top $ now for the upgraded sound system. Didnt see weather band radio as described in the manual.

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  Great Car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Excell - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car used in 1/2000 with 44,000 miles. Now have 119,000 and it has been a great car and given great service. I have never driven a car that is more fun to drive.

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  Gotta be one of the BEST cars in the World !.. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By 9Musicman - October 27 - 6:26 pm

  there is a Simple "Reason" it is Called the Ultimate Driving Machine ....It "IS". the Build Quality is Wonderful, the Engine is a "Perfect" Balance of Economy/Performance Very Bullet Proof, and NO! you do not need 400 horse power. i cant find one Problem with its Design and Build ,my 2000 538-I sedan came with a Great Professional Business Sound System as Good as any Recording studio Ive worked in,and that is What I do for a Living over 35 Years now. yes the Owners before me took "Great" care of it, it looks and Drive like a NEW car..NO leaks at all I mean NONE, not a drop. rare for any car, guess Im lucky. it now has 180,000 miles .I did fix the two front windows with a Indie Shop in Laguna Beach for only $150 each window, it has Luxe 20" wheels on it and it Looks and Performs as a Euro-Racer. I just Cleared the inside rear Wheel wells a bit so there was no rubbing of the 275 Tires. I do light work on it myself, but there are only two shop Id let touch it. it has a Performance Air filter on it but no other modifications at all. Im just Driving and Enjoying it as long as I can. Id not Trade or sell it for any Reason, Again. I got Lucky,.. if you take care of your car ! it will Serve you and keep your Family Safe, ..what price do you put on that ? I think cars "Know" when you love and care for them. in the future science will figure it out and give it a name.

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  Gotta be one of the BEST cars in the World !.. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By 9Musicman - October 27 - 6:26 pm

  there is a Simple "Reason" it is Called the Ultimate Driving Machine ....It "IS". the Build Quality is Wonderful, the Engine is a "Perfect" Balance of Economy/Performance Very Bullet Proof, and NO! you do not need 400 horse power. i cant find one Problem with its Design and Build ,my 2000 538-I sedan came with a Great Professional Business Sound System as Good as any Recording studio Ive worked in,and that is What I do for a Living over 35 Years now. yes the Owners before me took "Great" care of it, it looks and Drive like a NEW car..NO leaks at all I mean NONE, not a drop. rare for any car, guess Im lucky. it now has 180,000 miles .I did fix the two front windows with a Indie Shop in Laguna Beach for only $150 each window, it has Luxe 20" wheels on it and it Looks and Performs as a Euro-Racer. I just Cleared the inside rear Wheel wells a bit so there was no rubbing of the 275 Tires. I do light work on it myself, but there are only two shop Id let touch it. it has a Performance Air filter on it but no other modifications at all. Im just Driving and Enjoying it as long as I can. Id not Trade or sell it for any Reason, Again. I got Lucky,.. if you take care of your car ! it will Serve you and keep your Family Safe, ..what price do you put on that ? I think cars "Know" when you love and care for them. in the future science will figure it out and give it a name.

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  So far so good - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By gbucey - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car a little over six months ago with almost 107,000 on it and it now has 113,500 miles. The car is fun to drive, very reliable and very comfortable. A lot of power for a six cylinder and very smooth ride. Ive had no problems with it whatsoever thus far.

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  Excellent - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By jiggly - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the best ive ever owned! Its my first BMW and i must say that im extremely impressed. The ride is exemplary, the engine quiet and smooth and the performance very good. I have recommended this car to many of my friends who are looking for a new car. They have all been just as in awe as i was and still am. You wont be dissapointed i you choose this car!

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  great sports sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By x021627 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  previously owned acura tl and moved up to 530i. excellent handling, standard stereo and excellent materials and workmanship. i just love to drive this car!

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  03 BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jeff epperson - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Second BMW, its all it claims to be.

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  2004 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By gonzo40 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  have logged about 350 miles on it already, fun to drive, quick and agile, had a 02 330i before, opted for the new 5 for more room. styling is great, the lines, raptors eyes, etc., i never get tired looking at it. I- drive is easy to configure - no problems there! handling is superb! got the Premium, Cold Weather and Sport Packages, Xenon and Steptronic - wondering if other options are worth it, PDC, Premium Sound, Rear Seat Heating, etc.