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:

• 

  BMW should try again - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By famnp - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 1989 535I until 11/03, I was very happy to consider a new 5 series. When I saw the 2004 I had to have it. I love the perfomance and the handling(nothing like going over a winding road at 80 and not knowing it). I love the safety and the looks. They need to get rid of the 7 series technology. Every 6 weeks the car is at the dealer with an air bag/restraint system failure and no seems to be able to fix it.

• 

  Go for it! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By rich545 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded in a 2003 330xi for the 545 and I was hesitant at first because I loved the 330, but wanted a bigger car. No regrets now! The 545i is a great car, period. Enough power to throw your head back into the seat, and handles like its on rails. Just got a recall notice, but thats not uncommon for the first model year. The dash is a little spartan looking, but I dont understand the most common complaint; the iDrive. Anyone that can use a computer should find it a breeze to use. Plus, all you really do it set your preferences with it. Most things can be controlled without using it.

• 

  Enjoying it - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By nb525 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Just put 1000 miles on it in two weeks and enjoyed every minute of it. Have been driving the solid Volvo 940 and sporty Maxima, 525 is much better than the sum of the two. Hope the 525 will last even longer (240k for Maxima, 240k Volvo is still running).

• 

  Great Car! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Ella - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my car, although I would prefer a more user-friendly electronic/audio system. The car is extremely comfortable to drive and ride in.

• 

  04 bmw 530i sport package - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jmmymack - April 30 - 10:00 am

  the car is really an amazing vehicle from the active steering to the anti roll feature. i-drive is as simple as using your mouse on your pc. minor problems have been drivers side window anti trap device making window go half way up and then down again as well as broken drivers cup holder. besides those minor ( but annoying) problems, car is trouble free and a real eye turner.

• 

  BMW DUD - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By pranch - April 23 - 1:03 am

  I have had my BMW less than a month and it has already had to be at the dealership 4 times to be repaired. It is stil not fixed. I dont know how this vehicle gets a 9.2 rating on this web-site. I have driven this car approx. 360 miles and 260 of that has been to the dealship to get it repaired. Think long and hard before you buy one. I called BMWNA (customer relations) and they told me to take the problem up with the dealership, they werent trained to handle this kind of problem. Since I bought this car I have yet to find anyone that owns a BMW that says they have not had multiple problems with their car. Beware.

• 

  Fun to drive, but unreliable - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By lindy62 - April 22 - 5:44 am

  I have owned many German AWD cars, after the Audi S4, this is the most fun to drive. That being said, it is not the most fun to own. I have had numerous mechanical issues and even more electronic issues. I have heard a few complain about the battery. I have switched to an Optima battery, which is cheaper and lasts longer. I have heard that BMW knew about his battery draining issue before they release it, but decided to replace the batteries instead of fixing the issue. The VANOS system had a glitch out east, oiling system out west, sparkplug in the Midwest, and a constant brake issue. I am afraid to open the sunroof for fear that it will not close properly and I’ll have to take it apart and manually close it. The parking assist doesn’t work at all and when it had worked it was over sensitive. Our front windshield was replaced and I still can’t get the intermittent wipers to work properly. The transmission seems to be slipping and I am not willing to spend the money to replace it. If it was repaired at a BMW dealer, it would total the car. Nothing is cheap to replace on the car and local shop don’t have the tools or electronics to work on it, so I have to drive 6 hours to fix something and spend big money on labor and parts. On the bright side, it gets good mileage for the performance. It rides well, but I feel it is too soft. The backend wiggles on slick roads when it hits a bump at speed and that can be a bit unnerving. There is a lot of room in the back with the seats folded down and have used it as a makeshift tent in bad weather (as long as the sunroof doesn’t leak). The interior has held up well and the body hasn’t rusted. Would not buy one again, because of the reliability issues.

• 

  An awesome car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Frank - April 21 - 2:03 am

  I was interested in AWD, coming from a Benz SUV, and looked at Audi, Acura, Infinity, Lexus, Mercedes, and Cadillac. The 535xi was simply the best car that I drove. It also was the most expensive of the group that I tested. In fact, like others have said, it is the best car that I have ever driven! The technology is not intrusive, it is helpful and with a little practice and reading the manuals, the navigation system and communication systems are your best friends. The fit and finish of the interior is impressive. The combination of pure driving capability, speed when needed, technology, and creature comforts in the cabin, made me covet the car.

• 

  Uber Wagon - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ian T - April 20 - 1:40 am

  Nav, Cold Wx Pkg, Premium Pkg. I traded a 2005 Acura TL 6sp to get more space and still get a manual. So nice not to have squealing tires when damp. This car can put the power down in all wx with its smooth clutch. No drama. Space for gear and people are great (my 64"son rides comfortably in back). IDrive is a pain but learnable. Lots of over-engineering. NOT intuitive on many levels. Seat memory where you cant see it. Door unlock button on dash (not on doors). Honda has sensibilities sewn up. Still, I got what I asked for. Best upgrade was Dinan chip reflash for 384hp and 421 torque and removes top speed limit. Good power before. Now, the Ultimate sleeper! MPG:20/25 driven carefully.

• 

  Perfection - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW528i - April 3 - 7:30 pm

  I upgraded from an 02 525i, which I loved and was afraid to sell, to an 08 528i and the 08 is a totally different animal. It has been perfected inside and out. I love iDrive and I cant understand why every car on the road doesnt have an iDrive system. I love the iPod adapter they offer and its simple to use. I encourage anyone in this luxury market to drive this car. I cant wait to drive it again.