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:

• 

  Transmission problem - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By lawrence - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Once the 6 year 100k miles warranty is gone, surprises! Maintenance very expensive and for those equipped with lifetime ZF HP19 transmission youll be lucky if it last past 100K mark. Especially in New England weather.

• 

  European trip with BMW - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Bull1379 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  To drive this car on Autobahn (German Highway) was a joy. Its what its built for. I picked my car up in Munich (through European Delivery Program) and drove for 2 weeks in Europe covering 5,151 km (over 3,000 miles) and 12 different countries. Like an Amazing Race, so 3 of us practically lived in it. Went 143 mph while passing German cops. Drove on Nurburgring (German racing track), great handling of a 143 turns. Crossed Alps via Stelvio Pass. I dont mind driving for 24 hrs and this BMW is one of the joyful and comfortable machines to do it. Its more of a comfort oriented then performance.

• 

  Too many problems - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By S - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive, great performance, good fuel economy-but- way too many major mechanical problems. In three years there have been a major oil leak- had to carry a quart of oil with me to get it to the nearest dealer-battery failure, compressor failure and most recently high pressure fuel pump failure 400 miles from home. On several occasions BMW has been less than cooperative in addressing the warranty repair.

• 

  I lover my BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By nelson Martinez - October 16 - 2:00 am

  My first German car and the moment I test drove this car i felt how the handling was so tight. On a open highway I feel free as a bird. Cold weather pkg makes this care a breeze to use on those cold days. Heated seats, steering wheel dual zones meant no fighting between me and my wife who is always cold no matter what type of weather it is in New York. I purchased this car as an early retirement gift but I keep getting in it despite own 2 other vehicles for commuter cars. All I can say over all this BMW is off the hook and a attention getter on the road or parked.

• 

  2011 5 Series Car of the Year - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By EL - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This post Bangle-era 5 Series is the best so far from BMW! Definitely fun to drive and has adequate power for most drivers. Interior space is very nice. It doesnt come with a BOSE system but the improved 12-speaker stereo system from Harmon Kardon is decent. Bluetooth is standard for this car.

• 

  2011 BMW 5 Series - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By John - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This post-Bangle era 5 Series is much improved in almost ever category. The new 5 series has added horsepower than previous models, look much better, and has a roomy interior.

• 

  Sublime - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Tim - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car bought it from a friend who upgraded to the M5 with the SmG. Has all options except heads up display. She now misses her 550i and I love it. Acceleration is smooth but stupidly fast. Can do 120 and not even break a sweat. Fuel economy is around 17 for city, but 27 for highway doing 80. Impressive. Love the interior, 20 way comfort are great. Idrive is useful I think older people just get confused with new technology (Im 24). Can be finicky at times however. The styling works for the car depending on the color. Mines black with tan interior so it looks understated and all business. Keep making excuses to go drive somewhere. Car is so much fun.

• 

  Could Be Better - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Bistro - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Not a fan of run-flat tires--ride is harsh--doesnt take bumps well. Car does not feel as solid as my 2003 325ci. Steering is on the numb side.

• 

  BMW 2011 528 - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By el168 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Best 5 series to date Much improved styling This car drives well, some slight interior noise on highway, iDrive system was confusing at first.

• 

  The Best Car For A Man - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Jake - October 5 - 2:00 am

  The 550i is amazing. It handles beautifully. The power is so amazing. It just pulls you into the seat. The headlights are awesome. The sound system is A+. There is nothing that I could think of that needs to be changed in the 550i. The seats are also a huge deal. They are super comfortable. The only thing is it eats fuel but the highway fuel economy is really good. But its worth paying extra for fuel because the power is a great feeling.