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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  No wonder it won so many accolades! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By DDS2B - July 27 - 2:00 am

  The complete package!! Absolute fun to drive!

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  A blast to drive Rocket Wagon - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By JDMartin - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has plenty of room to carry whatever you need, but with the driving pleasure of a sports car. A long time luxury SUV driver (Grand Cherokee, Denali XL), I wanted a car that handled better for a change. This is definitely the one. It is definitely nice to look at, and if you take this car out on your favorite windy road you will experience complete exhilaration.

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  Solid, and classy - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Techmaniac - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Who would have known that a four door sedan would handle like a rocket ship. I had a littl 318, and the 5 was a definite step up in life. The power and feeling from the engine are great for any driver who likes to have complete control.

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  2008 BMW 535xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By magic frog - July 22 - 12:03 pm

  I owned a 2007 BMW 530xi so I can tell you from experience that the new car is light years above the previous year in all areas. It out-performs it, it is built better, it handles better, and although most of the changes were subtle, they were in the right place, such as the window controls on the dirvers side. This vehicle is a veritable rocket for a 6 cylinder car this is amazing. I also own a late model Mercedes with a 382hp 8 cyl that can barely stay in the same room with the BMW performance wise.

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  This thing rocks! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By SteveW - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Saab 9000 turbo, a Range Rover, a BMW 6-Series, etc. All-in-all, this is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its "subtle", esp. w/the 6 cyl. Its so competent, so smooth, esp. with the auto trans., that it took me awhile to realize the many ways in which it excels. Just take a 5-Series on a road trip.....10 miles out, youre thinking, "OK, I could drive to Canada right now, no problem!" I used to wish for the V8, but the BMW 6 cylinders are legendary for reliability, smoothness, & make really nice sounds. The "Touring" model is a bonus all the goodness of a Five, but more distinctive, & with cargo capacity.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bagwhan - July 21 - 4:56 am

  This is an unbelievable car. I test drove the 535 with the twin turbo, but its no match for the smoothness and sheer grunt of the V8. I had a Mustang GT before this and this is faster, smoother and more fun. Mine is optioned to the max, with HD radio, Satellite radio, HUD, sport package, cold weather package, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Nav and so on. The 19 inch wheels look very cool! I also have the sport transmission, with paddle wheel shifters. So far, I have not used these that much. All in all a great car, that I highly recommend.

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  Un-Beemer-Lievable - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Mr. Beems - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding handling beautiful, classic design, reliability, outstanding service.....and those are the low points. I cant wait to purchase my next Beemer hopefully the new 7 or the newest 5 series.

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  Lots of things to fix at 146K miles - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Sky - July 17 - 6:06 am

  Its a family car thats turned over to me. I have mixed emotions. Happy because its a gift. Nervous because its turning to be a money pit. I have a long list of things to fix: driveshaft replacement, oil pan gasket replacement, transmission service and selector shaft seal replacement, upper control arm bushings replacement, brake rotors, pads, water pump, thermostat and hoses replacement for preventive maintenance. Update: Its now on its 151K miles and didnt replace water pump, thermostat, and cooling system hoses. I didnt replace the driveshaft and oil pan gasket. I only lose 200 ml of engine oil every 5K miles. I can live with the driveshaft "ting" noise only at take of anyway. Update @ 157800 miles - Car is strong. Engine oil leak is not bad and I replace the oil at least twice a year. Cooling system is ok without replacing any parts since 145K miles. This BMW E39 is really comfortable and reliable.

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  Lots of things to fix at 146K miles - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Sky - July 17 - 6:06 am

  Its a family car thats turned over to me. I have mixed emotions. Happy because its a gift. Nervous because its turning to be a money pit. I have a long list of things to fix: driveshaft replacement, oil pan gasket replacement, transmission service and selector shaft seal replacement, upper control arm bushings replacement, brake rotors, pads, water pump, thermostat and hoses replacement for preventive maintenance. Update: Its now on its 151K miles and didnt replace water pump, thermostat, and cooling system hoses. I didnt replace the driveshaft and oil pan gasket. I only lose 200 ml of engine oil every 5K miles. I can live with the driveshaft "ting" noise only at take of anyway. Update @ 157800 miles - Car is strong. Engine oil leak is not bad and I replace the oil at least twice a year. Cooling system is ok without replacing any parts since 145K miles. This BMW E39 is really comfortable and reliable.

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  530xi Wagon review - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Gino - July 15 - 6:20 pm

  The car is solid but the front seat is a bit deep and the back of your legs at the knee will touch the seat and forces you to slouch forward for clearance or inflate the lumbar support feature to move you forward and clear the behind the knee issues. You see, for a 57" adult like me and my wife is 5 foot even the rear seats are too deep and makes small adult legs float and not reach the carpet which makes your legs numb after awhile. But the car is solid handler so it washes out.