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 5 Series - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By mrm - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Nothing drives or performs like a BMW.

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  Got lucky - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By SrfngFn - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I had been keeping my eyes open for an import station wagon, and happened across this beautiful car. I absolutely love it--by far the best driving car I have ever owned and the styling is classic -- people usually think this car is newer than 94, and it has almost 150,000 miles on it! A couple of things to watch out for in buying a used one: check to make sure the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced--there are apparently a lot of problems with this particular model. You also may need to invest in new control arms in the front end if they havent been replaced already -- the bushings apparently get worn.

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  528 WAGON - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By ROSS TAYLOR - August 29 - 2:00 am

  WAGONS DRIVING PERFORMANCE IS EXCELLENT WITH EXTRAORDINARY CORNERING AND TYPICAL BMW CONTROL. A JOY TO DRIVE AND CARRY A LOAD OF FAMILY SHOPPING TRIPS.

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  BMW 5 series - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Dirtbag - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, sporty, yet smooth ride. Plenty of power for most situations. Interior design functionality lacking - i.e. flimsy pop-out drink holders obscure heat/air controls, poor location for phone unless you buy the outrageous built-in phone. Optional design features, such as fold-down rear seats improve functionality.

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  The Best Car Ever Made - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Mr. M - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I would add to this car is factory installed radar detector.

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  Serious Sedan - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By XERIC - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a Serious car. I have the 528i with the Sport Package. A must for the price, it adds a better suspension, M series steering wheel and 17" rims w/ low profile sport tires. It is comfortable and sporty, has a big trunk (holds clubs and luggage easily)and handles great. Not only is this car fun to drive it looks awesome, this added to the fact that long distance travel is as easy on you as city driving. Overall the best sedan in its class (except the 540i).

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  wow! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By edandruth - August 25 - 2:00 am

  this is not a car.....its an automobile! It handles unbelievably smooth, very comfortable and excellerates effortlessly. This is truly the finest machine I have ever driven. Unfortunately, I bought it for my wife who only allows me to drive it on weekends!

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  Best Car Ever Driven - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By E39 Lover - August 24 - 2:00 am

  What an awesome, fun to drive car! Best combination of sport and luxury on the market. Car handles incredibly. Ride is supple and quiet. Car has 33K miles and accelerates like new. Its hard to get me out of the car, I find excuses to run errands.

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  NICE TO DRIVE, BAD FOR YOUR POCKET! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By GEORGES - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The ride is great, it is fun to drive, good performance, good looking, but bad reliability... I have changed all the fans rumbling and some rear drivetrain piece because of a strange TIK" coming from the rear of the car when you start up with the car. If you have much money to spend on your car, its a great choice

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  Drivers choice - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By FatCat - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply the best. Its gives a great driving experience and serves as a practical car, with four doors and spacious trunk. Power is excellent with the V8, and control is spot on, the big tires plant themselves to the road and just dont let go. I dread the day, many years from now when Ill have to give up this car.