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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  bmw 541 - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By yd - October 21 - 2:00 am

  this car is fun to drive but takes a lot of gas.

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  Last Beemer for me! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By dh56 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed with this my 2nd BMW. Yes - its a wonderful, fun-to-drive car. BUT - A/C has died 2nd summer in both cars - $1300 to repair!! Cupholders are a joke - unusuable and constantly broken - and now the water pump went -2 months before my lease ends - another $1000 to fix. For $700/month Im going to be looking elsewherefor my next car. And the dealership is NO help - they act like its a privilege to own one of their cars.

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  1998 BMW 528 - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Bob Gottlieb - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving BMWs off & on for 20 yrs. Started with 3s, movedup to 5s. Driven Saabs, Infinitis and Mercedes in between. No other production sedan handles like a BMW. Quiet, catlike on turns and NOTHING brakes like a BMW. Great sight lines too.

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  Everything I wanted it to be... - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Pej - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this car back in April and fell in love... Unfortunately I couldnt stomach the $65k price tag. On the test drive I was having so much fun, the salesman had to remind me that I was doing 120 MPH!!! The car was so smooth and glued to the road it was as if I was drive 40... The recent reduction in price brought the price of the 540i down into my price range, so I couldnt resist. I am very happy with my purchase of my first BMW.

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  540 - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By bentrodri - October 9 - 2:00 am

  All that a perfermormance sedan can be. Outstanding car!

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  1995 BMW 530i - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By jpac - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Excellent road car, great performance in any engine. Handling is best part of the car. Better than most new cars I have driven.

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  The 5 sets the standard! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By bmwmrc - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I love the handling, fit and finish, and yes even the power of the vehicle, even though its missing a little bit of horse power. The car however, is a dream to drive. I compared it to others in it class including Lexus, Acura and Saab and nothing drives or feels like the ultimate driving machine!

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  Best BMW Ive Owned - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By chb - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 4 5-series and 1 7-series and my husband had a M6 and a M3 and this is the best BMW yet. My last 5 was a 2000 540i Sport 6 speed also. I could not believe the difference between the new one and the old one. The handing is super, the suspension wonderful. I love to drive it.

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  6 Speed 540i - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By BCUZICAN535 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  BMw is goin in the right way i also have a 91 535i 5-speed and the 540 is much more powerful. The clutch is really have and has rapid engagement. The car is one of the best handling cars out their and its a sedan. I have not had any major mechanical problems yet. Maintanance is high but you do get what you pay for.

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  Excellent Car - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I got it with 89,000 miles on it. Transmission shifts like butter and it has a very quiet engine (and I thot the Honda I owned previously was quiet). I took it to a BMW dealership for a 120 point check up and all they had to do was add some freon to the a/c. Looks great for its age. Definitely a head turner