2008 BMW 5-Series Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.51/5 Average
206 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2008 BMW 5 Series receives a number of significant changes, most notably a pair of new six-cylinder engines. The base 5 Series is now the 528i and features a 230-horsepower inline-6, while the 535i is powered by the same twin-turbo 300-hp inline-6 found in the 3 Series. There are a number of high-tech standard and optional additions to the 5 Series that allow it to keep pace and, in a few instances, surpass the rapidly advancing competition. To spot the updated 5 Series, look for a barely noticeable redesigned front airdam, new headlight lenses and LED taillights.

Pros:
  • Exceptional ride and handling dynamics, smooth and vigorous engines, premium cabin furnishings, precision build quality, strong resale value.
Cons:
  • More expensive than most competitors, iDrive system is still a pain in the Bangle butt.

User Reviews:

Showing 171 through 180 of 206.00
  • BMW Brake Noise - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This car is very nice and fun to drive until you come to stop and hearing all that brake noise. It makes it sound like an old truck. That really takes away from the joy of driving it. The sad aspect is, BMW informed me that it is a natural for the cars to do that. I believe that that is a defect. The passenger cup holder is an obstruction if you have plus size people using the car.

  • Great car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This car is a pleasure to drive I am enjoying every day that I drive. Very confortable an a lot of room no noise inside the car and good performance. I love the car

  • Too Much Fun - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    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.

  • 535i Rocks - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    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.

  • Worlds best car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I had a 2003 525i and thought it was a nearly ideal vehicle. This car, however, is almost perfect. It is roomy for long trips and hauling children as well as for looking really "cool" on the road. Low maintenance costs. The iDrive is very simple to learn, even for those who arent very technological. Other brands cant compare to BMW!

  • Flying car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I would have rated this car very high if it was not the hesitation in acceleration from full stop and location and size of control buttons

  • Excellent - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Just purchased the 535xi. Its the best car I have ever driven. I have owned Mercedes, Infiniti and Acura and is far superior in quality and craftsmanship. The car is fun to drive, quite on the road, accelerates quickly with the 300HP turbo. Within two hours, you can master the iDrive. Its not as difficult as made out to be. Just have to go through a few more steps than other systems. I would highly recommend this car. The money is worth it when compared to others in the same price range.

  • 2008 BMW 535xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Had this car for a month now. I test drove M, A6, E350. Now theyre all great cars. But you never choose a car by what other people are saying. Its just what you "feel" when you drive. BMW 535xi had an "x" factor which no others had. Im sure other BMW owners know what Im talking about. Some dislike the rear end, but I think it was ahead of its time and others are catching on. Some say M is at same level as BMW. Are you kidding me? Maybe 2007 model. Not the bi-turbo 2008. I dont know what the fuss is about iDrive. It was confusing during test drive. But if you know how to use a computer or playstation, you should be smart enough to get it down within a week. Even my wife knows how.

  • Blend of luxury and performance - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    The 535i has enough power to make it a performance car. They dont give you a lot (compared to Cadallac and Infiniti, etc) and the options are borderline ripoff, but what they do give you - fantastic. The 20 way sport seats and iPod adapter are worth it!!!

  • This car sets the NEW standard - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This car handles very precisely. Engine feels like a V-8 even though it is a V6 turbo. It is scary-fast... if you are not a good driver you can get in trouble with this much speed. the interior is very comfortable -- the Premium Package seats are highly adjustable and best I have ever sat in. I previously had a 2000 528i and a 2002 X5. BMWs build quality and design is just so much better than even a few years ago. For the money, this is the best sports sedan period. Better than Lexus, Infiniti and even Mercedes that costs $10,000 more. The iDrive is a little tough to use, but if you are technologically proficient, itll only take you a day or two to figure out.

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