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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  Great performance. - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Roger K. - August 7 - 10:12 pm

  Arguably the best sports sedan of its time (M5 excepted) and a classic in the making. This car is all about driver synergy and performance. You feel integrated with the machine: it does what you want, when you want. Reliability is a problem: radiator, digital displays, door seals, HVAC have all failed. Although problems are expected four years out, I never had this much trouble with Japanese cars. That being said, try finding a Japanese sedan that is as good to drive. Low profile tires and sports package make for cautious parking (but I cant blame BMW for that). Buy this car if driving experience is the priority.

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  Nice 5 series - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By 1990bmw - July 15 - 5:22 pm

  I have had this car little over 2 years and have put over 60K on it. The thing is a rock solid tank, 17 years old with 217,000 miles and counting, no problems outside of brakes and tires. Air is air cold and the heated seats are great in the winter.

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  some items need help - 2018 BMW 5-Series
  By Double Ds - June 20 - 1:48 am

  Seat belt recievers in front seats are to low, hard to connect belts. Door sills by front seats are to high, which makes it hard to get in and out. Seat settings are not automatic, you can set the seat the way you want them,but you have to push 1 or 2 on the door to activate, this is going backward if you ask me. The last six cars I have had all had seat setting that happened automatic when getting in or out of the car. You need to get side view option as there is a blind spot when pulling into left lane, I have to be very careful, side mirror needs help. The 540 I is a good driving and handling car. This is my first BMW. always had top GM or Lincolns in the past. I guess all cars have some good and bad points.

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  Aged very well - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Alex - June 5 - 12:30 pm

  I enjoyed driving this car especially on the open road where it excelled. I had a few unexpected problems with the injector system. Also the rear hatch and window gave me some trouble. I only wish the drivers seat would move back 2 more inches!! I am only 60" tall, but I would get uncomfortable on longer trips and my wife, same height, actually disliked the seats even more. The switch for the heated seats is badly located. When you fold down the rear seats you can carry a ton of stuff! Even at over 100k miles it was a purring cat. The extra long double sun roof was awesome. Gas mileage was a problem with high prices, but the power and stable ride are the trade off. No cup holders, though!

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  Teutonic engineering at its best! - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Matt - June 4 - 9:46 am

  I never intended to buy a BMW but thank goodness I did! the 530 is an awesome car, it is comfortable yet still has a sporty feel. The engine response is slightly delayed due to the automatic gear box (it takes half a second longer than a manual shift to kick in) but after that first pause, it flies. I have only owned this car for 3 weeks but it has stolen my heart. I would recommend a 95 BMW 5 series to anyone. P.S. If you are getting a very weak airflow through the dashboard vents, make sure you check the pollen filters (found buried under the dash, you can access them from the drivers foot well on right hand drive models). They clog up with dirt quite quickly and reduce air flow.

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  One of the Best BMWs ever made - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By MilosD - June 3 - 1:34 am

  This car has served me very well in the past 3 years. I used to commute 100 miles every day and it didnt miss a beat. I put in a rebuilt head, which it didnt really need, but other than that I have 50K on it since I bought it and it hasnt taken any money to maintain since the cylinder head rebuild which cost me 3K. Other things to go bad are the thrust arms, remedied by installing urethane busings at a cost of $200.

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  540i cannot be beat - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By raj - May 7 - 12:51 am

  Best car I have ever driven. Also own a CL500 and I prefer the 540 over the Merz. Great car and the only reason I would replace is if I get a 545i. Performance cannot be beat, great ergonomics. BMW really builds a car around driving. Dont get this car if you like eating or drinking in the car, thats what American cars are for.

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  1995 BMW 5 Series - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Dream Master - May 5 - 1:06 am

  This car is a mixed bag. It is extremely comfortable in front but cramped in back. It gets fairly poor gas mileage, about 19 mpg in mixed driving. OTOH it is fast even by todays standards the engine is a joy, and it handles amazingly well for such a big car. The steering is perfect, the brakes are excellent, and the controls are generally within easy reach. One exception is the window controls, which inexplicably take up most of the area between the front seats, where a console should be instead.

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  2013 550i - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By William - April 10 - 1:29 am

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  Great handling - electronic bugs - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Paul M - March 21 - 11:13 pm

  I have the curent body style BMW 530i, purchased near the end of 2003, when they first came out in Toronto. The driving experience is incredible. Handling is excellent compared to every other car I have driven. I tested many before buying the 530, including Volvo R60, Porche Cayenne, Audi A4/S4/A6, Mercedes SL500, Jag XJ-S, and loads of rental sedans. It has a heavy, solid feel compared to most other cars. A muscle car like a Mustang feels like there is more under the hood but the BMW is much more refined and very sporty. I took the BMW driving course and have gained a greater appreciation for the computer controls that keep you on the road. This car needs winter tires for snow conditions.