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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  balanced sport sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed Wormuth - September 15 - 1:41 pm

  If well maintained, the E39 BMW is an excellent choice for a daily driver that is fun to drive, safe and comfortable.

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  balanced sport sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed Wormuth - September 15 - 1:36 pm

  If well maintained, the E39 BMW is an excellent choice for a daily driver that is fun to drive, safe and comfortable. I have since sold the car and bought a newer MB E350 coupe.

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  BMW 530i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Anshuman - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall, very impressive. Its quite a joy to ride, with incredible handling. Enjoy! Anshu

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  New 525i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By gms - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Bimmer and I am quickly finding out way consumer report has rated this vechile the best value in its price range. This machine is responsive and quick! The automatic steptronic transmission is probally by far the best way to feel the solid platform. Besides, the transmission makes this car extremely fun to drive. If I had any complaints, it would be that I expected more comfort when snuggled in the bucket seat. In this department the Volvo S80 has the Bimmer beat (we also own a 2001 S80.) Other than that, if you are looking for fantistic machine that is blast to drive, go for any model in the 5 series line up.

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  Candid Comments - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By M. Walters - September 10 - 7:16 pm

  Just purchased a 2006 530xi this past weekend. The car is everything youd want in a BMW -- styling, speed and sassy. Few disappointments though: No compass, armrest storage compartment is small and a single CD player. I can understand the CD player, but not making the compass standard on the rear view mirro is odd. And, BMW has a long way to go in understanding how to best use storage areas in their cars. In any event, the car rides like a dream and the blue tooth synch into the car phone system is flawless. If you enjoy the open road, youll love this car! Ill have this car for a long time.

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  1990 BMW 525i - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By W E Phillips - September 9 - 2:00 am

  One of the best BMWs ever made. I have owned three BMW and I have enjoyed every one, but my 1990 525i has been unbelievable. 140,000 miles on the brakes and 155,000 miles on the original clutch and still counting. This is with four different drivers and 50/50 city and highway driving. Great looks, functionality, and dependability. Now if it just had a little more horsepower.

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  happy camper - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By ted davis - September 8 - 2:00 am

  we finally put to rest our 1982 MB deisel wagon,a slowpoke,but good driver,and solidly built..Looked at Volvos,Saabs,and BMWs. All in high 30s or more.. Took a test drive in a 5 series wagon,checked out storage space and found no strut towers blocking rear space,as in others. The basic 6 is best engine I have ever driven Imagine what a 530 with 225 HP would be like.. The car feels solid and safe. My wife drives it to Houston evry month ( 400 mi. RT),and just loves it. Faults: too much plastic in the interior,and the power seat controls can get broken easily as they are housed in cheap plastic..have had to fix these twice.

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  The Ultimate Drivers Car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By KernelPanic - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW and 1st 5 series. I simply love this car. It is well-appointed, seats five comfortably and drives like a demon. The 4.4l engine is built like a Swiss watch, and can easily run up to red-line with no hint of roughness. The low-end torque is outstanding as well. With the 6 speed and sport differential the car hits 65 MPH in second gear in around 5 seconds. The sound system is excellent as well.

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  knock on wood - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By pupjr - September 6 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical problems, no reliability problems. The most solid, quiet car I have driven. Whats with the AM radio reception? Am beginning to get a little bit of hesitation in first shift of the automatic, could the beginning of the problems be near? 75,000 miles and I hope all this talk about expensive to repair isnt going to come true! What else out there drives like this for the money AND is cheap to repair?

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  Im *STILL* in love... - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Kimo - September 5 - 2:00 am

  If you love to drive and can handle the price, you should own this car. There is nothing else (except the M5) like it. Its fast, tight, refined and inspring to drive. After 16,000 miles I still get excited every morning when I back out of the driveway and head out onto the road.