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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  early impression - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By dieter - October 18 - 2:00 am

  have driven the car only 1500 miles (sport package/premium/auto). love it overall. the steering and suspension in particular. much better than my last car, a 2000 3 series which i also enjoyed. engine is very responsive with very good power-surprising considring the numbers.

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  A stag in the forrest of wanabes - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Paulo at Whitehouse - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Hunterdon BMW (Whitehouse, NJ) provided a lone stag namely, 530i 2004 fully loaded Titanium 4 dr sedan drives like a dream. Corners like a NASCAR winner. Acceleration is awsome. Comfort and class is better than LEXUS. Worth every dollar at $44,600. Styling is five years ahead of its time while the driving pleasure unbelievable. Hold 4 golf bags with ease, back seat passengers think they are in a big SUV with internal quietness at 80 mph as if you are sitting in their living room. BMW engineers (BMW production)should be proud & very pleased with this design, execution and delivery of a near luxury driving machine-Next decade performance and comfort.

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  3rd BMW - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By tjm atl - October 14 - 8:43 pm

  Traded in my 05 545 for an 08 535i. BMW is obviously mis-representing the 300hp rating on this car. It is faster than the 08 550 off the line and is only .1 secs slower to 60mph. Why pay the extra 10K? The torque and shift sequencing is incredible, especially in Sport mode (dont be cheap, get the sport package). Loaded up on all the extras, Major improvements on the nav, iDrive and iPod interface. Thought I was possibly downgrading moving from 325hp down to 300hp, believe me... the 535 hands down out performs the 545, gets better gas mi. than the 550, and from my experience, is equally as fast.

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  Its OK, but too slow... - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Jerry Kadash - October 13 - 5:33 pm

  Ive had two problems, I can live with them till service. One is annoying with the sun roof. It operates, but BANGS/pops closing most times. Close once, bang, open close again, less bang. Seems most awful when hot, car parked. Anyway, Ive had 530s previously...very nice. My 525, I thought the quicker 6 spd autotrans, it would have more zip. Seems very anemic on the highway and byway! Bodystyle Ive grown to appreciate and like. The competition is copying it. Also I now know if I pass my bodystyle on the road, its an 04 or later.

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  Outstanding - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Amir - September 25 - 8:30 pm

  This is the first time that BMW has made the 5 series in to an all wheel drive. The drive, smoothness, performance, electronic features are beyond expectations.

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  Best in its class - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Bob Ikenouye - September 19 - 7:39 am

  Up grade to the 550 from the 28 or 35 you wont regret it

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  08 535 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Drew - September 9 - 3:10 pm

  What a blast to drive, a real rocket ship, steering has a little much feedback, but the car is all about the driver. I have had an E Class and this blows it away. The gadgetry is a hoot once you master the iDrive, cruise settings at 1 or 5 MPH is cool and the 3 blink turning blinker was smart also. Sirius radio is a must, and when you get your stations preset... enjoy the ride!

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  540ia - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By raul - September 3 - 10:00 am

  best car ever had

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  545IA - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bdh - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car of 2 months. It is the best driving vehicle I have ever had. Terrific acceleration and handling. The Logic-7 sound system is awesome. The i-drive has many uselful functions but I question its overall benefit. It is not too obtrusive if you are willing to spend the time to learn it. The active steering and suspension adds to the experience. I drove all of its competitors and they are not close to matching its handling characterisitcs. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Rory - August 11 - 3:46 am

  IDrive not as bad as many people think. With the option to set the buttons on steering to your specific feature is great. Otherwise, there is no reason to play around with the iDrive while driving.