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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  Pure Pleasure - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By ClaireKrais - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This cars overall performance and luxury is excellent. A solid car that drives out perfectly as if it were still brand new. This is my second BMW. The only thing better than my 528iA...could only be the new 745Li!

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  Amazing power and mileage with 535d!! - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Wade Lestage - November 1 - 10:22 am

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  WHAT A EXCELLENT CAR - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sade - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS OUT OF MY CAR.NOW I GET LOOKS BECAUSE I WAS NOT GETTING LOOKS ON MY 98 NISSANN ALTIMA I JUST HAVE TO SAY AND GIVE IT AN EXCELLENT.

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  2008 BMW 535xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Newyokie - October 31 - 1:53 am

  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.

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  My favorite car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Richard - October 31 - 1:33 am

  It pays to use a private mechanic for routine maintenance, but if you have to go to a dealer for BMW tech issues, such as electronics, be prepared for high cost. This car is really fun to drive with a stick shift, and handles beautifully, as you would expect with a BMW. Its body is still in great shape after 10 years. People compliment me on how well it rides and its comfortable seats. Ill be sad to part with it.

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  What a ride - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By fasr - October 28 - 2:00 am

  One of the nicest cars Ive had the pleasure of driving. Great build quality, classic looks, outstanding performance. Not a cop magnet, but a lot of fun to drive around. I hope to have my 540i for a long long time.

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  540 - good choice! - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By BahnBrenner - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 94 540i a little over a year now. Its a pleasure to drive any and every time I take it out. The 4.0 liter engine with 285 hp is one of BMWs best - no doubt. And despite being a v-8 machine, I average 19.5 miles to the gallon. The computer controlled 5-speed automatic transmission does an excellent job determining how you want the car to shift. (My biggest problem has however also been the transmission, failing at only 102K miles. The rebuild cost $2600.) I have never had any other major problems. The car is fast, handles superbly, stops on a dime, looks good, and is practical.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By UNKNOWNBMW M5 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Best Car on Earth All BMWs are

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  Pure Excellence - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By John Doe III - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this Beemer for almost 5yrs It has taken me to a level never dreamed of with 40 other cars, trucks. It is more like my airplane construction quality. Solid ride, no expense except maintainence to 116000 mi. 29 mpg Hy all day on PLUS. Paid $19k in 98 w/36k mi...cant find another "deal".

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  Save your money - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By TeeMo - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Reading the other reviews,I wonder if I was sold a completely different car. First,the seats are so deeply contoured that the left bolster interferes with comfortable shifting. My leg goes to sleep after about 30 minutes. If I get the steering wheel in a comfortable place, I can no longer see the instrument panel. The shifter is sloppy and the clutch has no definite point of engagement. The upper gear ratios are so close that it is hard to tell which gear I am in. Combined with that is the fact that 1st gear is so tall that I am at redline not much above 20 mph.