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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  New car with defect parts - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Unlucky Owner - July 9 - 12:00 am

  I had a bad experience with 535xi purchased recently, which was customer ordered from BMW manufacturer. With less than 100 miles, the car has been found to have two defective parts: 1. failed tire presure sensor; 2. faulty engine cylinder injector. They showed up in this brand new car, and malfunction signal displayed on the panel. I am really disappointed with that. Having other new cars and I never have such bad experience. Maybe this just bad luck.

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  The best car I have EVER owned - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By jss - July 2 - 2:00 am

  WOW! what a car! such good build quality, extremely fun to drive and boom! is it fast or what?

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  Smooth as silk, though expensive to keep - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Cruiser-Joel - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Got this car in 1997 from a guy who babied it. Had 68k miles and was perfect and maintained on schedule. This car rides so nice, I hate to part with it. I have 138K miles on it and it still drives like new. Down side is it is so fricking expensive to maintain. I only have it serviced by BMW. However, it will do 200K easily and I intend to keep it for at least another 2 years. Some rust on the doors but nothing serious. I have spent at least $10,000 on repairs over 5 years. But, it was worth it.

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  This car made me a wagon lover - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By lsbarkley - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth BMW. By far the most practical and useful. Solid yet nimble and smooth. Leather is very thick...mine looks new at 9 years old. Have 145000 with no issues to report. So easy to load/unload the rear with either big rear hatch or just the glass hatch. Roomy with all the fun stuff...even the dual sunroofs are unusual. BMWs to me combine everything you need in a car.

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  I expected more - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By California Driver - June 28 - 2:00 am

  My previous car was a 87 BMW 325. Got 257,000 miles with no major repairs - wonderful car. I have 150,000 on this car - just replaced the drive-shaft, control arm is going and some bushings as well. The transmission (auto) has slipped twice and my mechanic tells me it will need to be replaced soon. Thats about $7000 total. I expected much better reliability, especially compared to my previous car.

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  loving the autobahn - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By back2backbimmers - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I drive my 530i(sports premium,18" wheels) from Heidelberg to Frankfurt on a weekly basis. One word..exhilarating. If performance,quality ride, and luxury is what you want, then this is the car to buy. All I can say is that I love to see the "unlimited speed" signs.

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  Hard to Beat - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By ThinGuy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car (6speed, Sport Package) is a hoot to drive. Insane amounts of torque, and a suspension that strikes just the right balance between comfort and capability. If you want a reasonably roomy sedan that shows the world how successful you are, buy a Lexus or a Merc. If you want a sedan that delivers a superior driving experience, buy a 540. My car was in the Certified Pre-Owned program, so it has warranty until 100K miles or 6 years from the original in- service date. With 13K miles when I got it, it was indistinguishable from a new car, with a better-than-new warranty.

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  Mikes BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sticklmj - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Transmission is best feature that provides smooth shifting matched to a capable engine. Steering, handling and suspension are excellent. The ride is ultra-smooth without sacrificing handling and performance. Climate and CD/radio controls are not driver friendly. Rear seat leg room is tight. Trunk is tight. Conti tires handled well, however they started making a "whining" noise after only 15,000 miles. Love the intense windshield washer fluid and the automatic wipers.

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  needs better feature quality. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By patrickandmike - June 23 - 2:00 am

  great drivers car, but why do so many things break on it? seems ours is cursed by that and being a "target" of problems (keying of total car, rock chips in windshield, nails in tires, shredding of tire sidewall when rotating, cupholder breaking, shimmying at fwy speeds a couple of times for no reason, cd changer jamming up, etc.). love the engine, but needs better interior quality.

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  lots of fun! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By cachitongo - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my car for 2 weeks but am loving it! It is solid, predictable and responsive. Awesome brakes and suspension. Beautiful car - a real head turner! Im glad I made the leap.