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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  The 535i Still Looks Classy - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Silver Fox - February 25 - 2:00 am

  A blast to drive! It looks rich, even today, its comfortable and classy. The automatic transmission is fine after 123,000 miles. I had to replace a leaking head gasket at 123,000. Otherwise, it has only needed regular repairs. The black paint still shines up well. Friends think it is a newer car than it is.

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  UDM - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Eddei - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Just more space at the back seat and you have a winner in all catagories.

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  535i Rocks - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Kid Rock - February 21 - 9:26 am

  Whats not to like. Style, class and the twin turbo is like a rocket. I drove the MB E class, to stuffy. The Lexus had no personality. The BMW does it all. What really sold me was seeing all three together. It was no competition for the BMW.

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  the ultimate family wagon - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By gillie - February 20 - 1:16 pm

  Quality of build is noted just openning the doors. Interior appointments are perfecto. Compares favorably to my M5 in terms of finish and the good feeling sitting in drivers seat engendors. The iDrive is simple, perhaps too simple for the auto critics. 28 mpg on the road is just fine. I wish it were a couple of thousand cheaper but this car is a keeper so the price is not so upsetting.

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  Lots of Fun - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By zipper - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Combines luxury with performance. Very fun to drive.

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  Superb Euro Sedan - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Blondebeard - February 19 - 2:00 am

  The ’97 E39 540i Sport is a study in contradictions, completely in-line with expectations. I’ve had mine about a year, and just crossed 72K miles. On the whole, the car has been a splendid purchase. They stop on a dime, handle well, and start to really shine where other cars sign off. With the right tires and fresh clutch, they’re a blast at track days, too. Imagine that: a family sedan that performs well at the track. Short of an M5, I cannot recall another sedan that can make this claim.

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  The best of both worlds. - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By gallois - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Euro Delivery on a 525Ti is the way to experience the capabilities of this car without looking in the mirror for black and whites. Pick up the car in Munich, its ready to go, fully insured for 30 days, a tank of gas and no restrictions, plus you save 7% off the US price. The car is a dream, sports suspension, tiptronic shifter and adaptive controls make driving a pleasure. On a French road a dog ran out at 60mph+, I hit the brakes thinking new hood ornament, the car stopped so fast my wife didnt have time to scream ! The dog walked away. The 525Ti takes the biscuit. I should have known this when I noticed Munich cops in 5 wagons as standard issue.

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  540i The Ultimate Sedan - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Kevin_mahopac - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my 540i 6spd. It is fast 0-60 in 5.x sec, and luxurious. Having owned many true sports cars I was afraid the BMW was going to be too big to be fun, was I ever wrong. The car is an animal on the highway, cruising at 90mph @ 3,000rpm and has a huge reserve of torque in any gear. My only complaint was the shifter throw was long which was remedied by a short throw shift kit. this car has it all looks, quality, comfort, and gobs of speed.

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  BMW 528i - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By skeetjunkie - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Great European sports sedan for the money. Unless youre driving the Autobahn or wide open roads of the West, the 528i gets you there plenty fast with much better gas mileage than its bigger brothers. Have owned 528s since 85 and this particular model design is their best yet.

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  Massive Torque BMW 540 - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Big Bad BMW - February 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the car for those who enjoy driving and driving fast and this is important...under CONTROL!!