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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  Awesome Ride - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Awesome - June 10 - 3:12 pm

  I traded in my 07 750LI for the new 5er. Even though I loved the 7 I was desiring more performance. The new 5 has given me everything I could want. 400 hp and handling second to none. Im sure this will cause some MB E buyers to think twice. Definitely think you should at least test drive the car before you commit to anything else.

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  Peace of mind - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By piece of mind - June 2 - 5:29 pm

  I love my 5 series its the best car Ive had in years. Comfort and drive ability are awesome, I just lowered it for better handling because man I love cruising it, only minor repairs done like fuel and air filter and an aftermarket exhaust along with brake kits for front and rear, if you want a great car with good mpg then this is the way to go.

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  Fun car, i love it - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By GE - May 31 - 4:03 am

  Bought the car used, unfortunately it had rear axle problems so we went through 3 sets of tires before it was found but after that problem was fixed everything is running perfectly. The car originally had 70k miles on it and there is now 111k miles on it and we have not had to do anything but routine maintenance on her. I plan to drive her until she dies. Mom has an 86 3.25es and it still runs like it did the day she bought it, so Im hoping for a long life.

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  What next? - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Tony - May 28 - 3:46 pm

  Bought it with carfax one owner 72k miles. Now 166k eight years later only major repair new radiator and a/c components. Most important thing is to have a great mechanic whose accurate diagnosis can save you thousands. He warns me higher operating temps of later bmws is main reason for parts failures. Really want a 528 or 530 2001-2003. How many miles can these cars go? Very wary of late model bmws unless on a lease.

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  My first BMW & love it! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Michele - May 28 - 12:28 pm

  I just purchased my BMW after reading several reviews on here. iDrive seemed to be the biggest issue for people, I figured it out in about 20 minutes and I like it personally. The car itself is wonderful. I was warned about the motors because they werent BMW in previous years. In 2007 they put BMW motors to support the power of the car. I feel like Im driving a sports car and my husband and I look for reasons to drive it all the time. We have had 2 Lexus & this was a fantastic change. Its a much more exciting drive. Its smooth & very roomy for taller people. There is hardly any storage, but was told, you can have storage or a quiet ride. I hardly hear any road noise. I will buy another!!

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  No Substitute - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By svenminneapple - May 20 - 2:06 am

  Needed a wagon for its utility value. Wanted the BMW for its performance and fun value. This vehicle delivers in both departments. I look forward to driving to work and sometimes take the long route home to spend a few more minutes behind the wheel. This car simply kills the SUV on drivability. Too bad most Americans look at wagons as their grandparents cars.

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  No substitute for a V8 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By tjdjr - May 18 - 5:10 pm

  You will not be disappointed with the 550i Sport Package. You must order the sport package with the sport transmission which includes the "wow" button and paddle shifters. You also must order the Logic 7 audio with the USB iPod adapter. Finally Heads up display should be on your option list along with NAV. This car is very comfortable at 90 miles per hour on the interstate. At a steady 75 MPH you will get 24-25 MPG, about 17 MPG around town. I have owned a 2006 750LI, a 2004 Porsche C4S Cabriolet, a 2003 540i Sport Package and other than the open air motoring of the Cab this car takes the best pieces of each and puts them in a single package. Find a good used one with low miles!

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  Shell cost you! - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By eholmes - May 16 - 4:02 pm

  I bought one of these private sale last year. What a great ride!. I had never driven a vehicle that tight before. Lots of power and handles like a monorail. Rear-wheel-drive with traction control was fantastic in the snow I was really surprised. Unfortunately the one I bought was a little beat. Rust on the bottom of the doors, front end parts kept loosening up ($400 each), needed pads and rotors, and tires, leaked oil, seemed to be burning coolant, window controls shot, antenna broken, sun-roof broken - you name it, it was broken. But it was a fun car to drive. So I traded it in towards a newer 528i.

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  Looks good but full of bugs - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Eugene Namyotov - May 15 - 8:03 am

  The best car you can own if the roads you travel every day are glass smooth. The car handles as well as BMW should and the pick up and braking is outstanding. The issue is in the electronics as for most of the owners i know, the engine light goes on and off at times, the AWD malfunction light goes off at times, once i had a turbo fail light go off and go away after a car restart. It becomes annoying that a 50k car has little bugs that were not taken care off pre-production. I have the M package and the wheels and tires that got damaged by NYC roads are not available for purchase in USA, must be ordered from Germany which takes 4 to 6 weeks. i have been waiting for a front right rim 4wks.

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  I love this car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By pedro - May 9 - 9:41 pm

  I had more than 10 cars, the last 2 were infinti g35 and lexus IS 350, I am very please with the ride and handling, nice car, no compartment space at the front, but i get lost of compliments about the car. On snow days the car drive as a tank solid performance.