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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  Used 540 a great deal! - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Pixcutter - January 17 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased my 1994 BMW 540i 6/2005. The car is rock solid, with no rattles or noises. Seat comfort is very good, ride quality, while dependent on tires, is excellent. Maintenance can be expensive, but not often. Average MPG is about 19.5, not bad for 282 hp. The car accelerates like a rocket, and the brakes are superb. With over 100K miles on the odometer, its a great car. Records from the previous owner do show a transmission rebuild at 60K miles which cost $4800.00 But since then only minor repairs. The paint has held up well, and the leather interior is in excellent condition, showing no wear to speak of. The only replacement was the factory radio to gain MP3 playback.

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  95 540 great car - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By jesse - January 15 - 11:27 pm

  Bought with 75K miles on it, nikasil engine block replaced with alusil at 46K mi.. It has incredible power, comfort and highway cruising ability and is extremely well made. You cant beat the classic BMW four round headlights look that these cars have. The V8s do have some problem areas (radiator, intake manifold gasket leaks, valve cover gaskets that leak with age, etc)but any buyer that does his/her homework and buys a solid car wont regret it.

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  Ignition lock up - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Sree - January 6 - 5:06 pm

  I got my new 06 525i last week. The ignition locked up this morning. The key will not go in at all. Road side assistance told me to wait 30 minutes since this could be an anti-theft protection. However, even after 1 hr the ignition was locked up. I called up the dealter and I was told that to have the road side assistance tow the car in. Not good for a one week old car. Otherwise, the car was driving great..

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  good but not perfect - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hrp - January 1 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 540i is fun to drive but lacks interior comfort. Why cant they build a car with the comfort of a Lexus or Mercedes on the interior with the good looks of a BMW on the outside. I have owned three Mercedes and ejoyed their interiors and comfort but always thought the drive was not spunky or exciting. The 540i delivers a thrilling ride and wonderful handling, but I miss the comfort. Am I too old for this car?

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  Stepped up their game - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By R.J.Romae Llc - December 29 - 12:28 pm

  Driving this car compared to the previously owned 2002 same model there is a big difference. The car now has a big car feel, big car ride,and big car power. That along with its maintenace and warranty program make it fun to own and drive. I have owned a 318i, 525i, and three 530is this is the best one yet.

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  Hit to the wallet - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Larry - December 19 - 1:59 pm

  I was in love with this car for almost two months. This 528i was a previous lease and then a BMW certified used car. I put 2500 miles on it and the transmission completely ate itself. Transmission (not dealer replaced) and two control units (dealer replaced) my wallet is now $5500 lighter. This after 78500 total miles on the car. I hope my letter to BMW falls on sympathetic ears.

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  BMW - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By jambo - December 2 - 12:25 am

  Great looks. Power is decent. The only issues I have are the tire wear (sport package) and way too many rattles in the interior. Prefer standard dash contols over the iDrive.

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  Alabama Review - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Peri - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the vehicle overall. I experience some problems with the transmission that revs up when going down a hill which bother me. I understand there is a recall for the exhaust system so will have to take it in for that also.

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  540 Sport - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By DC - October 17 - 11:46 am

  I bought this vehicle with a little over 7k on it. It was a worthly vehicle for about a year. Electrical problems started with the HVAC system which eventually led to a major electrical fire. An igition coil overheated which melted the entire electrical main housing. The car was under warrantee, but was in the shop for 47 days. I fought BMW and they agreed that I got a lemon.

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  NIGHTMARE VEHICLE - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By T Rodriguez - October 8 - 4:06 pm

  This is my first BMW purchase and it has been a nightmare from day 1. The iDrive has caused problems, the steering rack had to be replaced at 6,000 miles, the run flat tire sensor continually shows up whether I have a flat tire or not. BMW is unwilling to take this vehicle back. They stated that the car has ONLY been in the shop 20 times, which is not enough according to their standards. NEVER again I will purchase a BMW!!!