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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  New to me! Elegant and fun A+ - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Xclent - April 21 - 10:48 pm

  Having just recently purchased my first BMW 530iA, although used, I can honestly say I am not disappointed with my decision. This car is superb. Sport, convenience and premium package with 17 inch wheels. I did order new headlights from an aftermaket internet wholesaler and that did the trick. The front looks new again. Getting rid of yellow and cracked lights will give your BMW or any car for that matter a new look again. If you decide to purchase a clean title BMW 530i you will be pleased every morning when you turn the key to go to work. :)

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  among the best in the world - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By A - April 12 - 5:26 pm

  Completely different car from my previous Honda Accord. Its superior to just about any car out there overall - smooth, elegant, comfortable, reliable, and the performance is amazing. Even after 16 years, if I go to a new car dealership and test drive some high-end model, I drive back home and think to myself how much better this one is. I was initially hesitant about it due to its age and mileage (and reports of subpar BMW reliability), but its held up as well as my Honda, looks way better and is far more comfortable. What really sold me was feeling like I was driving 40-50mph, and seeing that the speedometer showed about 95. Too easy to get speeding tickets.

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  Ultimate Driving/Trouble machine - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By lobo - April 12 - 2:19 pm

  I purchased 06 BMW 530i in 08/2005. When the car works, it is really fun to drive. It does fit you like a glove. The acceleration and brake are two of my favorites. Exterior looks so cool. My complain is that it nees too many trips to the dealership. So far, I got power window motor replaced, high battery drain that require re- programming, trip computer mal- function. The engine stalled couple of times on me at low speed. The dealer can never figure out what is wrong. The execuses I got include low on gas (the computer shows 100 miles range left), bad gas (Shell is bad according to dealer, I am only using Chevron now)

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  Disappointed After 15000 mile check up - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By donna - March 22 - 10:49 am

  Minor trouble prior to 15,000 mile update with one tire continuing to leak air and prompt message to screen. After dealership updated, car transmission seems different and shifting mode not in time. Just doesnt feel the same! Cant say enough positive about this car prior to 15,000 miles. Get up and go was amazing! I dont like the drivers drink holder location. In the way of front seat passenger. Notice brake dust often on wheels.

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  better than an e series benz - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By lwm - March 2 - 12:47 pm

  So far, so very good. Fun to drive, great on turns. Good pickup for a 6 cylinder car. A very smooth ride. If you have only one car, and want a fun ride, this is your car. No, dont like the design of the rear end, so I approach the car from the front. The onboard mapping system is handy. The iDrive system is fine, but probably not worth the effort or inherent expense. It does eat up gas quickly.

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  Happy, but......... - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By CB - February 27 - 3:00 am

  This is my 6th 5 series and it does have a character all its own. Runs flawlessly and has all the handling capabilities one would expect. Still, the iDrive (which Im still getting used to) is an unnecessary pain especially to adjust vent settings. Voice commands are understood about 70% of the time and Run Flat Tires are just not worth it (cannot be repaired,are $400 ea and have to be ordered if you need one - not in stock at most shops). Installed AUX cable for my IPOD, but that should be automatic and it should work with steering wheel controls and should show all IPOD information on the cars display. Wheels are boring (no style) and have been replaced as well.

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  Buy Smart , Buy CPO - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Neil Barker - February 23 - 6:48 pm

  I bought a 2003 540 Sport/Automatic from the BMW CPO program. No regrets so far, car has functioned flawlessly. The 540 is manufactured in BMWs premium factory, hence high quality. This car handles like a sports car, fits 5 people fairly well...though I only allow 4 max due to the factory lowered suspension. The Automatic is a dream to drive,its like a personal business jet for the road. The E39 has classic looks, its a good investment, it will look good years from now. New 5 Series ? Horrible!! I could design a better car. Chris Bangle, the new designer for BMW, has done me a favor.He saved me $30000. I bought a clean used CPO BMW. Thanks Mr. Bangle. Get one while you can.

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  Disappointing - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Anonymous - February 5 - 3:08 am

  Given the uniformly positive reviews on the e39 body 5-series, I was prepared to love this car. But it has been so disappointing that Im considering selling it after five months of ownership. The problem is simple -- and no its not the cupholders, which I agree are flimsy but they dont bother me. Its the constant and apparently unfixable creaks, squeaks, and rattles from the doors, the rear hatch, the seats, etc. (Ive had it in at the dealer several times.) Also disappointing is the junky sound of the doors when slammed closed. Of the about 10 cars Ive owned, this is one of the biggest bucket of bolts of the lot. If I could go back in time, I would NOT have bought this car.

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  Wonderful automobile - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By David Colorado - February 3 - 8:47 pm

  The 530i has been a joy to drive and own. Reliability is less than perfect but overall its a great car.

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  530 xi review - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By james67812 - January 18 - 2:50 pm

  This car has styling which you can sum up by saying, either you like it or you dont. The Continental tires are horrible. The front tires lose traction easily. Two weeks ago I checked the pressure, the tires lost 15 psi. The iDrive is more of a hassle than help. Also the brakes are pitiful. There is a lot of brake dust, (The dealer said that they are the best brakes in the industry) and there is a huge shock when the car stops. I dont care that they are the best brakes if they have so much dust. I can not even take it off.