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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  535im - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By BigDoug - February 27 - 11:16 am

  Awsome... when running.

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  The Ultimate Machine (under statement) - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By AAA - February 26 - 10:45 am

  The best car I every driven. The Lexus GS300, Acura RL, Benz E300, absolutely no comparison!

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  Are you kidding me? - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By twisttoopen - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the best handling vehicle I have ever driven. The perfomance is amazing in every category. Even though I have a tendency to drive faster with this top notch engine, I also feel considerably safer due to the way the 545 responds. Go get one...but not in my neighborhood. I am the envy of all!

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  Great Car! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Long Island Driver - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I just turned in a 2000 M-B CLK320 Cabriolet and was a little down about giving up my convertible. I have gotten over that in the first week with my 530i (Orient Blue w/ Auto. Trans., Prem. Pack., Prem. Sound and Sat. Radio.) Now that the Sat. radio is a factory installed option, if you are leasing, it is a "must have". Everybody that sees the car loves both the exterior and interior. Tinted the windows and I am really happy with that decision. Blows away my CLK320 in the way it drives. Drive is much smoother and considerably more powerful. Cannot see any reason to spend the money on the 545i.

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  Even my wife says. . . - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By marsch - February 11 - 10:00 am

  You could blindfold me & I could tell you its a BMW - from the support of the seats, the firm and responsive drive plus even the sport sound of the muffler.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By TGoldman - January 25 - 12:46 pm

  Having owned 3 Porsches, a CL600 MB, and various other cars I can honestly say this is the best car Ive owned. The car is quick and seamlessly fast especially in the sport mode. The electronics are all integrated and I found the much maligned iDrive to be easy to use. The ride is superb and I would easily say it rides as well as the Lexus LS 460 which I test drove. Living in the Northeast I anticipate the x drive will be invaluable. Ive already tested the car on wet pavement and it pulls beautifully thru turns without the concern of the rear end going out that the Porsche is known for.

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  530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sport - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Came from a 2002 330i which has sport suspension, very low profile tires and firm seats. I loved the whole package. However, at my age and physical condition a softer ride was needed. The 530 provides that and many other desirable features more approprite to my situation.

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  Sweet Ride - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By BilLil - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Sport Seats are a little hard. Having difficulty getting it just right. Whats up with those useless cup holders?

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  I might have gotten a lemon, but a money pit - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By DHecker - January 19 - 1:35 am

  The most telling example of the problems Ive had with this car is the following. The BMW has warning signals for many different things, including that the outside temperature is now 37°. However, it does not have a warning signal to say that for whatever reason a seal in the transmission has blown and all of the fluid is leaking out. Leading to the need for a new transmission. I have had innumerable problems with the engine, electronics, lights, you name it. There is now once again an engine warning light on. I bought the car in 2011 with only 25,000 miles on it. If I have not spent $15,000 in repairs since then, I would be shocked. Dont waste your money. On the positive side, when it is working and especially on the highway it is a lot of fun to drive. It gets mediocre mileage around town (it is quite heavy). But it gets somewheres around 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

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  Awestruck - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BIMMERLVR - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I loved everything about it so I just had to buy it. I got one of the first ones and I can rave enough about it