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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  Think Twice Before Buying 540i - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By disappointed2 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive been through 3 engines ($6,000 per), two transmissions ($3,000 per), 3 driveshafts ($1,500 per), and 2 alarm modules ($800 per). That should speak for the car and the dealership experience is no better. They like to replace things instead of repairing things, parts are terribly expensive, and overall service is a joke. If you want a BWM, buy a new one or a slightly used one, especially not any 5-series. 3-series may be okay. Good luck with your Big Money Waste!!

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  Id buy it again - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By sezme2 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  My next automobile will be the M5 vs. S500, until then, this machine is more than adequate. Id love a roadster type, but theyre too impractical for a family-man. I chose this car for its stellar passive safety ratings (checkout hywsafety. org) and its ability to handle precisely to actively avoid a collision. My wife had not been an auto-phile, but this car has made her passionate about driving.

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  BMW Sport Wagon - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Jello - September 30 - 1:30 pm

  Well balanced and fun to drive. I bought a US spec car in Europe at the Military discount. Very well equipped for the price. Tons of gadgets, too many for my wife. Drives better than the MB it replaced.

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  peaceful dream come true - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By peace - September 30 - 2:00 am

  An anniversary from my husband! Special ordered with platinum exterior and tan leather interior. Drives like a dream and reminds me of my first car... 73 bavaria bmw, white with blue leather and sunroof.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Sunny Tom - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The slogan says it all: The legendary suspension system has no equal off the racetrack; Acceleratiion and braking beyond compare; An interior made by the only people qualified to make them; and style that leads the industry. This is the most fun car to drive in the world... Why else would you see so many of them in front of Monte Carlo?

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  The 5 drives fine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BimmerUser - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Just finished my first 1k in it.Sports package variable ratio steering is great,feels like a smallercar. Can be tricked into over compensating though. Nice grip from the MXMs but the brake feel is a tad bit mushy.6 spd auto is nice with the torquey inline6.There isnt the 2nd push youd expect past 4k+. Low end is nice.Ergonomics are a bit off:Driver cupholder is too far away to use safely while driving. iDrive is nice but unuseable when driving. Sound Sys controls menus are stupid and non-intuitive, requiring too many steps to change CDs. Unable to change CD in changer from steering wheel.CD changer in the back of the glove compartment a dumb idea.

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  A great Automobile - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By W.D.T. - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a pretty fast car but could be much better. I do give the handling at high speed a thumbs up. But again could recieve some help. Nothing put out yet since the introduction of the M3 has given the BMW its reputation of a really fast,economic,handling,comfortable, all around great car and following the time of technology and improvement! Which is what I would love to say. I have considered a Benz to tell you the truth.

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  Best value for used sedan - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve C - September 29 - 2:00 am

  First-time bimmer owner. Amazed at the quality of the ride, drive, and fit of the car. No wonder auto mags rave about this company. Gotta drive to understand. Handling is its top feature - road-holding tightness and smoothness of the inline 6 is amazing.

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  Wow, what a car! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Styve - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever driven (and I have driven a lot). Fast, great handling, looks great, and room for the family. What more could one want?

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  Blend of luxury and performance - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By rndymn16 - September 27 - 9:00 pm

  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!!!