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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  High performance and All Wheel Drive! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By George B - June 18 - 10:46 am

  I went from a 2005 745Li with a V8 to to the 535xi. I was a little worried I would miss the 7. This car has been great! Fast, smooth and fun to drive. The improvements on the iDrive are substantial. The technology is easier and more reliable than the 7. The acceleration is better than 7, also. So I am getting great performace and all-wheel-drive in one. No more snow tire change over like I had to do on the 7 series. My only criticism is the fuel tanik capacity. I used to be able to go forever with the 7 series large tank. This 18 gallon tank means Im at the pump every few days. If I could change one thing, it would be a larger fuel tank.

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  Great Car BUT.... - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By ADG - June 17 - 4:10 pm

  Just purchased a 2006 525i this week. This is my second BMW (just upgraded from a 3-series to a 5-series). Overall driving performance of car is outstanding. Like the design, however, I think the technology could be improved. The idrive takes a bit getting used to but is easy to learn. Disappointed to find out that Bluetooth on cellphone not compatible w/ BMW system (I have a new Motorola MPx220 Smartphone w/ Cingular)-apparently PDA- phones like Blackberries, Smartphones, iPaqs, etc. are not compatible w/ BMW system

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  My 2000 540i Sport 6-speed - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By jimi3 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The 540i Sport is as close as you can get to the Ultimate Sport Sedan, the BMW M5, for thousands of dollars less. The ride quality and all-around performance characteristics are top- notch. The DSP sound system is also without compromise for a factory installed system. The braking and clutch operations leave little room for improvement. No wonder BMW is called the "ultimate driving machine."

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  Fun to drive - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By RufusA - June 14 - 10:00 am

  A great car and fun to drive. Get the standard 6 speed. The i drive is not a big deal as published in the car mags.

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  not a singal flaw - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By mattertisdfghsidfg - June 12 - 2:00 am

  remember that driving the ultimate driving machine is sort of like dating a super-model... and everything will fall into place

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  Fun Vehicle - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Coaster - June 11 - 6:16 am

  Only drawback is accepting the i drive each time you start the car, Its a pain in the butt. I know the system, took a little time to learn but You should have the right to adjust its features, more than they allow.

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  10 years - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By Gerome - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW, and although I now know they start to need some attention at about 10 years old, the engine if taken care of will perform forever. The overall build, quality and performance of these cars are remarkable and I will probably always own a BMW.

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  Awesome Car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By rapids23 - June 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is serious. I just bought it last month and I have never been more impressed with a 4 door sports car. I had turned in my SL500 and this car is everything that car was (except for the convertible!) and I can put a baby seat in the back!

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  bullet proof - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw fan - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Hope the new model is as good.

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  pros and cons - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By rwirtz - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the best driving car I have ever owned. However, the Audi A6 had better interior ergonomics. I know that many people like the exhaust roar of the engine, but more sound dampening in the interior to eliminate the noise would enhance the total luxury driving experience.