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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  Excellent Car - Bullet-proof - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Ruze - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has been very reliable for many, many years. I am right now in the market for a 540i because Id like something more powerful. But it has been more than adequate for commuting and can handle high speeds with ease. It is also as comfortable and feels like a new car inside (no sagging seats at all).

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  A Great Vehicle - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Spudcake - July 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is in the process of being passed down from my parents to me. I only have a permit, but have driven the car and have been living with it for about 4 years. Its so much fun. I think the exterior styling and interior comfort and luxury combined with the performance of its engine make it the best beginners car I could have ever hoped for. We have only had one maintanence problem with the vehicle but it was kind of a Doozy. But otherwise, a near PERFECT car.

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  My First Beemer (a 540iA) - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Gumdoc - July 10 - 2:00 am

  If you asked me, "Would you ever buy a BMW?" longer than 3 months ago. I never considered it. I always felt BMW was not generous enough with appointments. . .till now. I bought a low mileage 2001 that was in pristine shape 7500 miles and not a mark. I had been looking for a luxury car and was drawn to the Mercedes E Class. On a whim I called my local dealer and they had just taken what became my car in on trade that morning. They were out of new ones so they let me drive the car. In its condition, it was an ideal purchase for me.

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  BMW - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By CHEF - July 9 - 2:00 am

  great driving car, love the handling and the comfort, not spacious enough, needs more leg room

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  Some like it Hot! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Habu - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic performance, acceleration, and handling. overall Quality unexcelled except perhaps by Mercedes. The 6-speed trans. makes me feel like a teenager again. I cant wait to drive it, even just to the grocery store. My next car will be the "M5".

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  What a dream! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris, Wheeling WV - July 3 - 12:13 am

  Just picked up my 08 535xi with Nav, Logic 7, SAT Radio, IPOD, Premium Pkg, PDC, Cold Weather & sport wheels. Handles great, fast as a rocket and the most comforable seats ive ever been in. IDRIVE is simple. Also the best headlight around. I dare you to drive it, youll love this car. It screams luxury inside!

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  First BMW - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By yost - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I am 67 years young so have owned many autos both domestic & import. My 530i is by far the best car that I have ever owned. My grandchildren beg me to let them show it off to their friends and love to drive it. BMW is my friend for th rest of my life! This year & model is so good that I feel it will become a collectors classic in years to come.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By magic1688 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This BMW is very reliable and fun to drive. Excellent quality and nice deep shine paint finish. Gas mileage is excellent for a heavy and 6 cyclinder car. Traction works great in wet road surface. Strong brakes. Great feedback on sterring feel. Smooth shifting automatic transmission. Deep bass on the stereo system!

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  so far, so good - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By citizeningermany - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Im an american living in germany, and Ive been able to drive some very sporty cars. I settled on the 525i since the real performance beasts just werent worth the extra money for me. If you like comfort, get the comfort seat option, heavenly. Really enjoy the sport package, although $800 for the xenon lights is high. I love the solid, responsive handling on the tight, twisty roads of bavaria, and it really unwinds on the autobahn. Still does very well on gas mileage (and over here, it REALLY counts). Im gonna hate to bring it back to the states!

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  pieces of a dream - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By dr.g - June 19 - 2:00 am

  fun sedan, love the 5 speed hardly ever needs repairs. ive driven over 100,000 moles with this car, i put 85000 miles on my previous 1986 535 without any major problems