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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  Flying car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Flying Car - December 6 - 11:30 pm

  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

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  Keep the dealer on speed dial. - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By JosephJ - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The car handles curves and cruising on the highway like no other car I have ever owned, but on acceleration the car lacks any real power. It is the slowest BMW I have ever driven. You might be 0 to 60 in half a minute. The car eats cash. Minor repairs are still in the hundreds of dollars. The smallest of plastic parts are expensive and when you include labor at ANY BMW dealer, you can count on even a dashboard light replacement costing you about $200. I have owned this car for 2 years and have spent nearly $4000 in repairs and upkeep. In addition, I have had three dead stops and had to be towed to the dealer.

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  Same $ as a camry - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike . - December 3 - 2:00 am

  well, for the price of a new camry 2003, I got a 5 yr old bmw 5-series with only 41k and a full warranty...which was the better deal? duh. my only complaint is the window rubber trim is crappy...is brittle and weathered too much for a BMW

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  Just what the dorctor ordered.... - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Joynkev - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Having trst driven everything in this class that Mercedes, Audi, Lexus and Jaguar had to offer, I returned to the 540 with open arms. The 6-speed stick- shift just clinched it for me every time. (The M5 had not yet been released, and at $75K+...er...I dont think so).

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  Cant beat a BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TAMA - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a BMW 530I with the sports and Premium Package. At first I was worried that it would not live up to my BMW 328I, but I was very impressed. After reading the reviews, I settled on the 530i over the 540i and saved the difference. I will always own a BMW.

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  Excellent - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By john - November 22 - 7:20 pm

  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.

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  Fun, quality, and styling at a price - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By S90 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has "soul" and loves to be driven. It is rock solid and handles beautifully, but at 75k mi., you are going to have to pay for the fun: a new radiator, thermostat housing, hoses and water pump, power steering hoses suspension bushings, struts, valve cover gaskets, drive belt, etc. Once you pay for all this, the car is like new again and you just keep driving it and enjoying it. If you dont want to pay for maintenance, get a Japanese sedan. If you want to enjoy the drive to the office, get the 5er. Drive them back to back and you will understand. Also, be aware that the early V-8 motors (530i and 540i) had issues. Avoid them.

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  Amazing Teuton - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By SemperUbi - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Despite its age, it holds up well. Ours is a 1990 Bronzit (BMW-speak for gold) auto the slushbox is perhaps the cars only fault. It is a crime to bipass the BMW stick. Anyway, it has 208 hp, but feels like much more. Roars back and forth between CT and NYC in 2 hours (we live on the eastern side of CT) easily. Has never had any major problems. May or may not require the timing chain done better to do it than face the risk. Reliability has been totally spotless. As Yuppies start to sell these in favor of more haute couture cars, these become great buys. Destined to be a classic.

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  Best used car value anywhere - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By G. Wolfe - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first e34 body style on Ebay because it was too cheap to pass up. It turned out to be the best car I had ever owned. The car had 135K and ran like a new car. The handling was indescribable. The car was totaled in an accident and it saved my 1yr. old and I from serious injury. I now have a 1995 540i Sport and would not give it up for a million bucks. (Actually yes I would)

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  fantastic all around - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By ginzoes - November 18 - 2:00 am

  when a company allows the factory warranty to remain withe carirregardless of #of owners,its plain to see a car company that believes in their product!