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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  06 BMW 530i A Great Improvement - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By HiHoMike - January 30 - 5:00 am

  I traded in my 05 525i on my new 06 530i. The increase in horsepower to 255 makes all the difference in the world. Ive got over 2000 miles on the new BMW and the fuel economy is even better than with the smaller engine on my 05. Im averaging 23 mpg city/hway combined and over 32 mpg on the highway in cruise control. The performance of the new 06 is far superior to the 05 and the fuel economy even better.

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  BMW 545 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By cjkstar - January 22 - 2:00 am

  The car is quite fast and handles very well especially when cornering. Driver comfort is excellant but could use some more space for storage in the glove compartments. The 6 speed shifting is the only way to go with this auto. Beware of bad weather as the car does not handle well in snow and ice. The i drive system is easier than the old one but still is a bit tricky and sometimes takes your eye off the road.

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  ANOTHER STEP UP - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By CASEY4777 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT A NEW BMW 325 THREE YEARS AGO AND WAS BLOWN AWAY BY ITS PERFORMANCE AND THE SERVICE OF ITS DEALERS. BASED ON THIS I DECIDED TO GO ONE STEP FURTHER AND BUY A NEW 2004 525. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE BUT IT IS EVEN BETTER THAN THE THREE. I LIKE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.

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  Bmw 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MaTRiX - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all. The sportness for driving, comfort and luxury cabin, and the excellent feeling while driving/riding in it. It sure is kind on roads.

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  as close to perfect as a car can get - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jasonnga - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had several Mercedes, Lexus and this is my 2nd BMW (first was M3). All cars have something that I would change, but this is definitely the best car I have ever owned. The only complaints are cup holders, radio, and seats. The seats are too narrow. I am a weight lifter with wide shoulders, and I cannot fit inbetween the lumbar supports. I have to sit sideways. Even the M3 did not do this.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Alan10899 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Not the fastest, or the best handling, but the total package is perfect.

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  Read My Review - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bizm - December 16 - 3:06 pm

  My friend said it great "BMW drives as if its on rails, other cars just swim all over the place". This is so true. I test drove Benz CLS550, E350, Infiniti M35, Lexus GS350. No car can compare to the overall performance of BMW 5 series. On a turn that I took with Lexus GS350 while it was squicking and felt as if it was about to skid, BMW didnt even lean. Amazing car. If you want a couch on wheels buy a Lexus. If you want comfort and at the same time an "Ultimate Driving Machine" go with BMW 5 series. Dont waste money on Logic7 sound . We compared standard sound system to Logic7. There was very little difference in sound. Dont waste money there.

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  Owned for 6 years - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By JKC - December 8 - 4:41 am

  Have had the 535 Sport package for 6 years/70,000 miles so far. Still like new with not a squeak or a rattle - a traditional solid built tank. All materials still like new and no problems. Previously replaced cars every 3 or 4 years, but now I find little logic in doing so since it is still like a new car, and maintenance has basically been just oil changes and brakes have been lasting a long time. Cant believe the blue book value for the car is incredibly low now. I have a deposit for a Tesla Model 3, but I can probably hold onto this car for another 10 years and be better off, so may not get the Tesla. Im still not bored of it, and still all original, except for replacing the run-flat tires with regular Continental tires that have provided a surreal quality experience.

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  The Ultimate Tool Box - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MBZ Lover22348454154 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The Benz E500 has the same level of handling as the BMW with none of the rough ride. The Benz shocks adjust their damping rate 100 times per second, and have the ability to stop body roll entirely. Does the Bimmer have any of this? Nope 4 plain old shocks that are adjusted to dislodge your molars at the first pothole. A stiff ride does not mean that your car handles better, It just means that its stiff and LOW Tech. BMW does not offer Nav system until the fall. BMW does not offer Bluetooth until next year. BMW does not offer 7 speed transmission, period.

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  bmw 5 - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By frankbank - December 5 - 6:20 am

  Many bugs in my 5 series. 530 is under powered, get the 540!! In the shop 5 times for minor problems ie computer chip malfuctions, iDrive, and tires.