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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  Not the best 5 - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By mike - August 7 - 10:31 pm

  Runflat tires ride harsh noisy and blowout. Had 750i with 20 inch tires the ride and handling much better. Steering feel is more like Lexus then BMW. Rear suspension hits bumps very harsh. Not what I expected from BMW. Rattles inside over bumps.

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  Transmission fault - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By daisy2 - August 5 - 8:48 pm

  Transmission fault came on and then i have to stop in the middle of the road to restart for light would go off . This is the worst BMW ever the car only have 85k . and my friends has a kia with more miles and there no problems with his car even the BMW shop tried to fix the car but they fix the wrong thing, i hate i ever got this car

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  Better than I ever Thought - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Markymarc - August 4 - 2:21 pm

  So, Ive only had my 535i for about a week, But so far its been amazing! The finish and quality are beyond anything Ive seen before, and Ive had many E and S class sedans! Also considered the new E and the new M, and after driving the new 5, there was no question. The E is over a full second slower and interior felt cheap with too many hard angles. The M couldnt touch the flawless ride of the BMW (but it does have a better stereo!) In the end, the new 5 was the fastest, handled the best, and had the richest interior. You HAVE to see the anthracite wood. I REALLY regret not getting the sport package. For $2k, the wheels are much nicer, adjustable ride amazing, and seats are way better!

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  A great bimmer - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Jimmy - August 3 - 6:43 pm

  I love my BMW so far! Its so fast and so smooth. Love the idrive. Drove it from Pittsburgh pa to Naples Fl. Not one problem. Was more of a pleasure to drive than a chore. I will keep my bimmer for a long long time.

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ron - July 24 - 1:45 pm

  A fun car to drive. Integrated an amazing sport car into a sedan body. Very responsive and safe. Very comfortable front seats and a great sound system. The rear seat is comfortable for 2 adults and one smaller adult in the center.

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  Fabulous! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Guy - July 21 - 2:43 pm

  535, 8 speed auto, sport package, premium package etc. Fun to drive, adaptive drive system can be changed with my mood. Controls intuitive. Quality materials contribute to solid feel. Engine has power to spare, transmission smooth. Very quiet cabin. Seats incredibly comfortable. Audio system sound excellent. Its a harmony of technology and power providing a superb driving experience.

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  Great car, if you ignore reliability - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike12345 - July 18 - 6:38 pm

  I love the handling, the ride, & the fuel efficiency. The engine power is only slightly lacking. However, a car must also be reliable. This car requires repairs every 8 to 12 weeks (seriously). Thank god for the extended warranty. I fear the day the extended warranty expires & I still owe monthly payments. I love this car&hate its ongoing issues: new radiator new plastic radiator reservoir washer fluid pump failure (3 times) pcv valve failure ($700 to repair) & my personal favorite is when the seat warmer caught fire. The car is awesome to drive and looks like poetry in motion but my 30 year old Ford truck has been more reliable. German efficiency does not seem to include reliability

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  If you appreciate cars, look no further! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - July 18 - 12:37 pm

  Ive always been hesitant to purchase a BMW, and this is my first, whether due to the stigma or wanting to pursue a less predictable path, Ive just avoided them. After jumping in to this car however, I can say Im amazed with it. In spite of driving some very good sedans, this thing is just remarkable. The looks, both inside and out are outstanding. The refinement in this beast is special. I didnt realize a mid-size sedan could look, handle and perform like this either. Absolutely no complaints. Its all good.

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  Design Defect - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Regina Wofford - July 17 - 11:32 am

  I love my car, but there is a definite design defect. The electronic module that controls most of the electronics in the car is located under the tire well in the truck. Its very easy for liquids to seep into the compartment and cause an "electronic malfunction". I was carrying groceries in my trunk and some liquid spilled. Before I made it home, my cars electronic system went haywire. I took it to the dealer and explained my problem and he new exactly what it was. It seems many other car owners have had the same problem. At a cost of $790 they repaired the problem and relocated the electronic module. It seems this is an ongoing problem and BMW should have made owners aware of the issue

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  Love My 5-series Touring - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Maggio Slooter - July 14 - 5:16 pm

  This car was super-clean at the time of purchase, and had close to 80,000 miles on her. I was a bit apprehensive about purchasing a vehicle with that many miles, but this car has been the most reliable we have ever owned, and now has over 180,000 miles. I replaced the 15" wheels with M-series 17" of that era, replaced the springs with M springs, and added a performance chip. I never tire of driving her and continue to admire the styling, which to my eye, is timeless. For a car which is now 18 years old, it very much holds its own in looks and performance. Its also damn practical. Ive hauled all kinds of heavy stuff, and the self-leveling system works brilliantly. I give BMW an A+