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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  1 of the best - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By kingsteinway - April 1 - 2:00 am

  the 540i is one of the best, if not the best 4 door sedans ever built. I have owned over 25 cars since I turned 17 and its not an accident that my last 4 have been BMW 5 series.

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  Great drive, average reliability - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By kevin528i - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used while still under warranty, thank goodness. Fun to drive and great acceleration, had multiple issues with the vehicle - ranging from emissions to faulty sensors. Expensive to maintain, but the best car I have ever driven.

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  Big time repair bills - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By bentrodri1 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is idyllic for the performance driver that likes to go fast.

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  More fun than an x5 - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By ninasdad - March 30 - 2:00 am

  a fun manual tranny for the soccer moms and dads. Has been an incredible road- trip car (philly to Wyoming/AZ/TN and back. Great seat comfort and solid passing power even fully loaded. 21+ MPG (premium fuel)

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  I love it - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By bamajamer - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It drives like a dream. From now on I will only drive a BMW

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  For Passionate Drivers Only by DWR - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By ReinState Inc. - March 21 - 2:00 am

  True German engineering at its finest. As a passionate driver and an attendee of BMW club gatherings, I appreciate my 528i Sport to the utmost. Sure IÂ’m not impressed with the cup holders, but those whom have that to comment on probably are talking on their cell phones,drinking your drink, all-the- while splitting the white lines doing 40 in a 55. What I appreciate as a 25,000 mile a year driver is what the Germans are all about,DRIVING. Confidence, security, and performance all sum up what I canÂ’t fully express. The only other car I would consider is the 540 SportÂ…Â…oh baby. At age 28 I feel blessed to have the finest made car on the road.

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  Upgrade from a 3 to a 5 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bostonsports - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the I-Drive intimidate you, it is very simple to learn. I spent all of 15 minutes doing all the programming necessary. The auto itself is great! Power, and styling is awesome-many compliments from other luxary sedans are being passed my way.

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  Too Much Fun - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By JMac - March 17 - 5:26 pm

  I drove the 2008 535 sport & 550 sport back to back hard. My advice to anyone looking at both of these cars is this. If you cant feel much of a difference between the two cars, get the 535. I felt the difference immediately that is why I went with the 550. It feels very close in over-all performance to the 2001 M5 that I used to have. My wife had a different point of view but I used the Jedi mind trick on her value focused mind. She was happy enough with the 535 sport. I would agree that the 535 sport is 95% as good as the 550 sport for about 10% less money. I just happen to be one of those people who enjoy driving in that extra 5% zone and dont mind paying a little more for it.

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  What a family truckster - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By danno - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Tired of your SUV, rising gas prices... want german luxury, and yet flawless performance handling. This BMW wagon rules the mid size wagon roost... and for those of you with families, its top notch safety ratings can let you get a "sportscar" in a wagon.

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  1992 525i - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By dmoss - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car! The car is built like a tank, and it is still solid at 11 years old.