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:

• 

  93 BMW 525i - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By NJBMWowner - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 10 years and it has been great. It still drives as if on rails. Acceleration and handling are outstanding. The five speed manual is smooth as silk. Interior is holding up well. Heated seats are great in the winter. When in for service, I get a free loaner. It is always a comfort to get my car back as I believe it actually drives better than the loaner cars even after these many years.

• 

  NEW 5 bliss - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By NYbmwGUY - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is beautiful. Its my first rear-drive and theres just no comparison to front-wheel drive cars. I had no problem with traction in 2 recent NY snow storms, either. Inside is sporty but somewhat austere. Thats what a sport sedan is supposed to be! I hate auto magazine editor reviews!!! BTW, If youre computer literate enough to read this, you can manipulate the iDrive.

• 

  Classy Sport - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By tango - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 180,000 kms appeared to be in mint condition and fully serviced. Performance is better than I was led to believe with this car in automatic and the six cyl.. Handing is superb with 17 TSW wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE730s. Only problem is the lack of a cup holder. Gas mileage is great - motor runs like a sewing machine. Model looks sportier (more aggressive) than current version. No regrets buying this one and will be upgrading with engine and transmission chip and a Dinan High Flow Throttle Body. Considerably more luxurious than my other BMW (84 533i).

• 

  Wagon is the way to go - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Ferko - September 2 - 1:10 am

  I just came back from Europe where a large percentage of cars is wagon. I was looking for something different than a sedan, and definitely not an SUV. (I own one). I was leaning toward an A4 Avant with the sweet 2.0 l turbo engine. When I saw the 530xi I bought it the same day afternoon. The balance of the car is so unique that I dont know of anything else in this price range. It has been a pure delight.

• 

  excellent car - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By strongsafety841 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a few months now and I can honestly say I look forward to driving it everytime I drive. I just got some 17" M5 rims, so the car picks up the road a little more, but before when I had the 15" rims, it was the smoothest ride I could have ever imagined. It is also a very quick car , which I think is its best feature. I have had a few problems with the transmission so far, but I beleive that is due to it being 8 years old and is all part of owning a used car. The engine, however, is still running strong and I havent had any problems with it other than the transmission.

• 

  Ah, back in a wagon again - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By john f - August 26 - 4:30 pm

  I went from a Mercedes wagon to a Volvo XC90 to the BMW. Had never driven a BMW before so wasnt sure what to expect. My wife and I looked in the dealer lot after a return from a second honeymoon and she said "This is nice". Had ordered the new ML500 and she "hated" it. Test drove the car, was really impressed, bought it a week later. Very high tech, great ride and love the heated rear seats. I am a car junkie so I researched many vehicles. Promised my wife I would keep this one. Everything on this car exudes quality. Just cant say enough good things about it. Great looker, awesome headlights, solid build.

• 

  A 5 thats almost a 10 - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By BoyOboi78 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  had an Acura TL but didnt want another one. had a 99 Audi A6 and had nothing but problems, so no more Audis for me . tried out a Mercedes Benz E320, nice car but didnt seem to ride as nice, handle as well, or be smoother or quieter then the 5, plus the price and value didnt seem to be worth it. The Lexus GS300 was also another nice car i drove, but was to underdamped in my opinion and didnt feel as refined as in closing the doors or the trunk like the solidness of the 5 series. Jaguar S type, well basically build in partner ship with ford and kinda screamed cheap from a few of its parts. the 5 series has the right combination of an upscale luxury car

• 

  530i - fine sports sedan - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By brad_t - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my 530i w/ Steptronic and Sports Premium pkg. While its not as powerful as, say, a G35 sedan, its better balanced handling, precise steering and grippiness make it the most satisfying sports sedan in the mid luxury class. New 5 coming soon (with fancy steering), but I think most people will find the old 5 fine enough. 5/5 stars... and Im not alone, "Car" of UK rates the 5, 5/5 also. Brad

• 

  A Truly Fine Sport Sedan - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By UT VOL - August 24 - 3:46 pm

  I have had 5 different BMW cars and this is the best one yet. I find many of the magazine reviews perplexing in their critical comments on the I-drive, the variable steering, the shifting, and the sport suspension. The I-drive takes just a little effort to figure out. The variable steering is a joy to use in that low speed maneuvers are effortlessly executed and the transition of steering ratios as speed increases are imperceptible. I have a six-speed, sport package car and the shifting and clutch are smooth, smooth, smooth. The sport suspension is perhaps the most remarkable feature in that the car corners almost flat. It has a great ride too. Those magazine editors are techno grouches!

• 

  Riding a Silver Bullet - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By TranC - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This is definitely a drivers car. My only complaint is that I should have gotten the sports package. You definitely get the lookies from other luxury car drivers. The torque-ie engine makes the car feel a lot faster than it really is, but at cruising speeds, the passing power of this car can be felt and seen by those in your rear view mirror all you have to do is nudge on the gas a bit, all without having to downshift like other cars. This is, after all, a car meant for the autobahn where everyone drives like speed racer.