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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  The Best Sedan - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my third BMW. This car is simply outstanding. It looks great outside and inside. It has the perfect combination of luxury and performance. The 4.4L engine is incredibly powerful/fast and the transmission is very smooth. The interior is incredibly nice also. This car is awesome.

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  Fuel System - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Disappointed - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but the problems with the fuel system are ridiculous. 4th time it has been in, reprogrammed software, new software, new fuel pump. This is a serious safety issue as the car will not get fuel and will stop or lose acceleration. BMW needs to take this seriously.

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  CCC Problem - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By black545 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car but there is a issue with the CCC aka iDrive. I had one go out under warranty at about 40,000 and now again it went out at 79,000 but this time I have to pay and it costs $1600 to replace. I have the certified pre- owned warranty which the dealership that I bought from said was bumper to bumper (the salesman lied) and now I have to suffer the consequences. Also the brakes squeal even though they do not need to be replaced. The rear tires wear fast because in the sports suspension, the wheels are slightly inward on purpose for handling so you will have to change tires frequently. Do not recommend if you dont have a lot of money to pay for service.

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  First BMW - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By dsbmw - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Cant be happier with the new 5. Decided to wait for the new design and it was worth the wait.

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  The best car ever made - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By antoine bahi - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my second BMW , i will never change to other cars. drives solidly, handling is excellent, i enjoy being in the car ,

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  Great Car - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By scottz5 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I love BMW and the new 5, I just wish BMW would not nickle and dime us. Like fold down rear seats as an option. Please the lowest price cars have this standard.

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  Charge me - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By longrun - September 12 - 2:00 am

  In all the recent reviews of this model,I do not see the most exasperating quality of its day to day performance. I refer to the battery drain when parked.The first winter I used the car,I did not start it for about 3 weeks since I do not drive on salted roads. The display had suffered a reset which happens when the battery voltage gets too low. I received a statement from BMW that the car must be driven at least 40-50 miles daily to avoid this reset happening.I am retired and use the car mainly for shorter distances-less than 50 miles.As a result I have to connect a sustaining charger every 2 or 3 days to keep the volts up. Annoying and apparently still needed on the 2011s!

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  Always can be better - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By knot1711 - September 7 - 12:02 pm

  Great road/touring car! Have owned a total of five BMWs. Almost as fun as our Porsche! Pretty good in the snow. Turbo makes driving real fun! No reliability problems after a year.

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  A Fine Sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert - September 6 - 9:48 pm

  After seeing and driving the 2004 E60 5 Series, I immediately leased the last 2003 E39 540i at my dealer. At the end of the lease, I still didnt find a better car, so bought the car from the leasing company! Now after 7 years and 76,000 miles this car continues to impress. Ive been fortunate to own many high end cars, but the E39 540i has been one of the best. It has pleasing styling, a comfortable, stylish interior and great ride/handling balance. Mine has had some reliability issues: door locks, power seat cables, and radiator, all covered under warranty or extended warranty. I know this can be an expensive car to fix as it ages and I should replace is soon, but with what?

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  Do I need a new mechanic? - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By needsanewone - September 3 - 11:43 am

  After reading all these stellar reviews Im beginning to wonder if I need a new mechanic. I bought this car used, 6 years ago. Its pushing 200,000 miles, but I hear these cars can last forever. It shudders HARD when I drive between 45-55 mph, drivers side window regulator regularly craps out, belts fall off, has a severe oil leak that cant seem to be fixed, and a coolant light that beeps at me no matter what I do (so I either leave my lights on, because Ive grown to ignore the beep, or run the risk of overheating because it cries wolf all the time). Interior display has dimmed to the point of invisibility, and the following parts melted off: hood ornament, side mirror, interior door frame.