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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  Mixed feelings - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By tnnative - March 1 - 11:59 pm

  After 2 plus years of ownership this has been a car I still love to drive. However, the cooling system has been a series of expensive repairs... Radiator, oil radiator, thermostat, water pump, head gasket, hoses. Otherwise a reliable car other than normal issues they all seem to have (upper door trim comes loose, easily diy fixed). Ive researched these tremendously, and the 3.0 liter v-8 seems to need many parts replaced between 100-130k miles. My BMW mechanic informed me of this, however, so there were no surprises. A great highway car, very quiet up to 80 mph. Good a/c (replace the filters, makes a huge difference if they havent been maintained).

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  Reliability?? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff - February 12 - 2:48 pm

  Update on reliability issues on my 535xi. I contacted my dealer with my concerns and they arranged a face to face meeting with the dealer CEO, Service Manager and BMW North America. I was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting. I am glad to report that BMW is standing behind its product. I posted the note below on "Reliability???" and only feel it it right to give props to BMW and my dealer for handling my issues in a very professional and respectful manner.

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  2000 BMW 528i car for rich people - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Andre - February 5 - 11:27 pm

  Very expensive to maintain. A lot of plastic details clips, houses, etc., in engine that needs to replace. Only rich people can afford to have this car serviced at dealership. You need to have 1K in your pocket all the time for unexpected maintenance. I would not take this car for a very long trip. Prepare to downtime. Do not buy it if you do not have a good mechanic you can trust.

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  Reliability?? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff - February 3 - 5:04 pm

  This is the second review after owning the 535xi for 18 months. I can not say enough good things about what I like about this car (see first review for that). However, the reliability of this vehicle is just not even close to expectations. I had it in the shop 7 times in the last 1 1/2 years. 5 times for check engine light and rough running: 1) replaced fuel, 2) replaced computer, 3) replaced ignition coil, 4) replaced fuel injector, 5) replaced fuel pump. The 6th time I brought it in the front suspension was creaking worse than my 70 Mustang. Dealer said it was normal, but somehow they fixed it. 7th time was for an iDrive malfunction. For the problems I have had, BMW should provide an extended warranty free of charge. If they could make this thing reliable and restore my confidence, it would be the best car ever.

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  06 550i sport - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By bluebimmer - January 30 - 4:35 pm

  Love my Bimmer! The sport package is a must! Drives and handles very well. I heard things about the iDrive but realized that it is not complicated at all, I can even input on navi while driving, cup holders do not bother me either. Heads-up display is awesome, it even shows directions from navi. Very comfortable. Overall the car makes a statement!

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  New 5 needs refinement - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By PCM - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for 1300 miles. The car is not as stable as the older 5. Sport suspension is bouncy. Quirky electronic. Very weak radio reception. Lots of statics and losses all AM signal running underpass. Passenger airbag sensir could not sense an adult passenger sitting in passenger side - a safety hazard. Jerking transmisson. Dakota leather harder than Honda leather. Head rest angel does not conform to body shape, too far from head.Poorly design turn signal stick. I have confused the poor guy behind me when Itry to bring the turning sign back to off but going left and right instead.

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  545 IA bargain - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Mau - January 19 - 2:34 pm

  Was able to get hold of a 2004 545 IA with 24k miles for US $28k. After having a couple of Impreza WRX rally cars and STI I decided to go comfy. I have found that the 545 is just superb. Great power (miss the turbo though), a little slow on the take offs due the heavy weight but more than happy with all the equipment and comfort. Tried the 525 and 530 - simply no comparison. V8 all the way!

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  Loyal BMW Driver for 20 yrs - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sharon gamba - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the 2004 530I. I like this car alot better than my last 5 series (2001)as far as performance and quality, it doesnt look as sporty, its more elegant. Handles well, feels tight, lots of new toys, and as far as the I Drive, I really like it. I do not like the seatbelt feature, I find it really annoying, and intrusive. On a more positive note, i adore the high beams, they halo the road, and night driving is fabulous because of this feature. Overall, BMW seems to have climed a notch in the quality of this vehicle.

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  What a Hassle! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By SLVRG35Coupe - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car, but has caused me nothing except problems! One day the engine wouldnt start and when it finally did the engine would rev and the Service Engine Soon light would be on. Also, the Passenger Airbag Off is always lit. To top off the trouble, today the car completely broke down! Less than 3 months old, and it is dead. Engine wouldnt start, emergency lights wouldnt work, dead! Unbelievable, nobody can believe it, this is a BMW were talking about! I have no clue what is going to happen, but I am being dead serious. I hope and am pretty sure that this doesnt and wont happen to anyone else, but theres always a chance, so beware buyers!

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  Growing on me - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Mac M - January 3 - 12:59 am

  The dominant item of this car is the V-8 engine. It is nothing but superlatives: extremely powerful, very fuel efficient, wonderful sounding, impossible to operate smoothly in stop and go traffic, incredibly complicated (I hope valvetronic is reliable). The car itself is very modern. Most of it is made of aluminum. The interior (standard seats) is comfortable, though storage space is limited. Brakes, transmission, electronics such as Logic 7 radio and nav are first rate. The latter, of course, is already outdated by todays hard drive systems, but the basic car still remains leading edge. I cannot overemphasize how good the engine is. Dont even consider the 6 cylinder.