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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  Pleasure and pain - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By cobra27 - October 30 - 6:19 pm

  I bought the car w/38k miles. In the 22k Ive put on it, its given me lots of smiles, and also had me cursing at it. Its a great performer and handler, but Ive replaced a mass air sensor, camshaft sensor, CD changer and more. Im not sure if I would get another one.

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  First BMW, Its Amazing! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Quetzalcoatl - October 23 - 12:50 am

  This is my first BMW. I fell in love with German engineering when I owned the 98 Passat. This is that multiplied by 10. The car is a pure joy to drive. It makes the slog of the commute worth it, at least for a little while. I-drive is nowhere near the horrible extra everyone says. The cupholders arent great, but they do the job. The one complaint I have is minor, and that is the odd compartments in the center armrest. Whats the point?

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  Good Car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By hmcdade - October 2 - 12:11 pm

  Like owning the 2000 BMW 528i. Performance is perfect with soft braking. Maintenance is higher than other cars (to be expected), but if you stay away from dealer and find other BMW specialty mechanic shops, your wallet will be happier.

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  Love this car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Wilfredo - September 20 - 3:05 pm

  My 1997 540i is 163,000 miles-old and it still feels & drives like a brand- new-year-model. With a powerful V8 thats not designed to pull you back into your seat when taking a ride, but instead, gives you the smooth enjoyable feeling which makes you just want to keep driving. At first it all had to do with just experiencing what was to have a BMW, but once I had it, it all changed. I thought I had tried it all, I was very wrong. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine. Quality Interior design & components, powerfull awesome engine,... There are new cars coming out every year (Lexus, Infiniti, etc) and most of them dont even come with the gadgets that came in my BMW 540i 1997 model.

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  Texas BMER - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By dalworth55cars - September 6 - 9:50 pm

  This car is tight and handles well and feels sturdy. The drivers leg room and seat adjustments are a little cramped. I am very pleased with the highway gas mileage, however the city miles are less.

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  Not for real road driving - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Los Angles - September 2 - 12:12 pm

  Nice and fun car to drive, but not for real road driving apparently. Drove thru a puddle of water over a dip (deepest part 15 in), killed the whole engine by hydrolock (in a 2 years old car!) Air intake valve in this car is a lot lower than most of the cars (behind the front bumper). So it only looks good in the showroom and drives well in a closed course? Better wish it never rains in your area. Well never buy a BMW again.

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  Great Car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Military Buyer - August 13 - 9:06 am

  Bought the car on military sales overseas, nice price with a 3k rebate (just under 53K fully optioned, no HUD/auto cruise but NVD, etc). No glitches, drives wonderfully.

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  Disappointing for this much money - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Owner - August 1 - 6:23 pm

  After thoroughly enjoying my 3 series, I looked forward to the 530. What a disappointment, I have never had any car in for service so often, the high battery drain others have mentioned, iDrive replaced, tires have been replaced twice at no charge due to noise and excessive cupping, brake sensor malfunction resulted in having brakes replaced at 10K miles. While BMW has replaced all these items, having to take car in over 10 times in a year is just ridiculous. Not what you expect for this much money. Also just cant get this seat and steering wheel adjusted to point its comfortable for more than a little while. All in all, a great looking car, and I enjoy it - when it runs correctly.

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  Joes review - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Joseph Simonson - July 15 - 2:00 am

  A very good car next to a Masarati its the best fun car there is.

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  545i w/sport suspension 2 yr impressions - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bruce S - July 14 - 12:41 pm

  Excellent handling, one of the best cornering cars ever with the active roll stabilizers. The car is safe, smooth and fast, however, the electronic throttle seems to make the acceleration feel a little less tight. The sport suspension gives a little too much clunk for my preference, but if cornering is your priority, the harsher ride can be overlooked. Quality of construction is excellent and solid. I feel the dash could be better looking. Overall, if youre looking for performance, this car has to be considered.