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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  Fantastic drive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Farbton - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. Power is insane. There is no logical reason for having this much power other than it is a total blast to drive. Handling in turns is equally impressive. Active steering is very intuitive. No lean at all in hard turns

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  Nice Driver - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sports Car Fan - October 24 - 2:00 am

  First BMW Ive owned but its a real drivers car. Having had recent STSs which disappointed me, the BMW is a real sports sedan. Well worth the price.

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  BMW E34 530i - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By E34-E39-E36 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 2000 with 107K for my wife. Things show up due to age, but the engine is bulletproof, transmission is silky. 2 years later I bought myself a 98 528i, then my cousin leased a brand new 2002 X5i. Then my sister-in-law got herself a 97 328is. Handling on all of the them unreal - I avoided an animal on a highway at 75MPH once, then I spun the 530 going at about 70MPH, trying to avoid an obstacle on the road without flipping the car on its roof. As I was told, anything other than a BMW (and some other high level brands) would have flipped in the air. Those two incidents made me a fan.

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  Manual 528i - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By PR Driver - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive owned, period. No car handles and performs as well for the price. Reliability has been superb.

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  Exc lent certified pre-owned buy - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Ravi - October 17 - 8:02 am

  Excellent quality, 4-year / 50000 mile warranty and free maintenance. BMW handling and performance with beautiful interior. Would buy again

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  4 an Awesume Driving Experience.. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By calderon - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many many cars but never a BMW. I had heard they were fun to drive but that was all. After purchasing mine, I have never enjoyed my commute to work as I do now. I feel safe and comfortable in this car. All controls are easy to reach and well thought out! I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO ANY OTHER MANUFACTOR... My NEXT CAR WILL BE A BMW!!

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  Outstanding Automobile - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By borsyst - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Last summer as i moved to germany for three years, i was quite excited to learn that the new 5 series would be available, so i ordered one and in August, i picked up my 530i. After 10 months...what a car. I dont understand what the issue is with the styling that C&D and MT complain about. This car is hot. On the Autobahn, I have taken it up to the governed 250km limit (155mph) and usually cruise somewhere between 200- 230kph (124-143mph)...this car is smooth. The handling and brakes are first class. The i-drive is quite helpful with the Navi and with the Bluetooth mobile phone connection. I highly recommend this car.

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  HUD - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By weazer - October 14 - 10:00 am

  the sport mode for the auto trans is very atheletic, makes this car drive like its got 225+ hp, like a small v8. the steptronic manul takes a lil time to get used to, but is really very fun. I drive is incredibly easy, but it takes a bit too many steps to get to what you want, one solution is to use the voice control, which picks ups the hole that the idrive coudlnt all fill.

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  best car on the road - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Chad Klimek - October 14 - 2:00 am

  couldnt ask for a better car

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  wolf in sheeps clothing - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Tyson - October 12 - 2:00 am

  What a treat it is to peek over your shoulder as you leave it in a parking lot. But this pales in comparison to the effortless excelerating that awaits your return. The engine and transmission co-operate beautifully. The auto-tranny seems to downshift at just the right momment, never leaving you in search of power. Steering is predictable and responds as only a rear drive car can. If youre still wanting more, try overriding the stability-control. Now the 540, already responsive, really perks up ( be cautious in wet conditions). Comfort is splended as long as youre sitting up front. Rear seats are comfortable, but at 61" its a litttle cramped.