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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  BMW 550i Sport - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Peter B - October 15 - 6:26 pm

  Just traded my 2005 545i for the 2008 550i and it feels like a completely different car. Interior is more luxurious and the car handles much better than the 2005. Automatic transmission is much smoother. This is my fourth BMW and it is by far the best one I have owned.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael A. - October 15 - 2:00 am

  A pleasure to drive. I thank myself everyday for buying it.

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  Green 525 - Love it - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Executive Class - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the most appealing vehicles on the road. Ive had people on the highway give me the thumbs up as if saying, "Nice car man". It feels and rides great. I have a friend with a Cadillac and one with a Mercedes and they both brag about my 525. The 525 has superb handling and power to merge and pass. The I-drive is easy to learn and an innovative convenience. I am able to reach every button in the front area to include the passengers door with ease. This is my first 5 Series and I will always own a 5 series from now on. Oh! The full maintenance warranty will be hard to beat. The factory sound system has no distortion at high levels. There is plenty of trunk space.

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  Goodbye Lexus - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By NJ530xi - October 9 - 6:56 pm

  I was set to buy a Lexus GS 300 AWD until I drove the 530xi. It is a great, but expensive, car! Also drove the Audi A6, Infiniti M35AWD and Acura RL. The handling is superb and the attention to detail is appreciated. Long live iDrive - for me it is like using a mouse or joystick. No more fumbling for the correct button or the proper position on a touch screen! Should have listened to the owners forums and ordered the Head Up Display.

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  The Jury Is Out - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By LoyolaCub84 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 530i. Currently, dealers are offering heavy discounts due to factory incentives to make room for the newly designed 5 series coming in October. Im happy so far. I agree with many of the reviews that the car has both sport and touring car characteristics. More sport than touring, however. Time will tell if it turns out as reliable as the Lexus whos place it took.

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  The Last 5 Made By God - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By SPUY767 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  When we stroll through the annals of automotive history, I dont think that any car quite embodies all aspects of a perfect car like the 5 Series. Power, handling, comfort, economy, style, its all there, and in droves. I do not think that anyone has ever built a more refined vehicle than this generation of the 5.

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  Wow ! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By susan - October 3 - 12:13 am

  The 545 is my first BMW. I am thrilled with its performance. Sport package, sound system, head up display etc. makes the drive fun.

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  Best car ever own - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Eric Sebastian - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love the way the car handles with its AFSteering system. Idrive is very easy and idiot can figure it out with some time spent using it.

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  My BMW 530I - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Ron Caterino - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the finest automobile I have ever owned. It drives like a dream, has excellent acceleration and a very smooth ride.

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  04 530i is awesome! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By molly brown - September 22 - 2:00 am

  It is a joy to drive. Handling is great. Style and comfort exceptional.