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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  Solid Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Northern Rider - May 3 - 10:50 pm

  I have had this car since 2007 and just recently had its first problem, a gasket leak that cost $800 to repair, its been reliable, solid, wonderful to drive. Its the best looking car on the road in my eyes, I love the ageless design.

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  Loving it! - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Yoshodeep - May 3 - 10:08 pm

  Lexus has more comfortable and plusher interior, Infiniti can be more reliable, Acura can cost less to maintain, Mercedes has a better designed exterior, Jaguar has more sophisticated technology so why would anyone buy a BMW? Well, take a test drive and youll know, yes, it is overpriced, but it is such perfectly balanced, the connection to the road you feel while driving, it makes you forget about the other cars for that little while.

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  Wonder Machine - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Jason - May 2 - 8:20 pm

  After reading many BMW reviews, I decided to do test drive for BMW 535i. The car is a dream machine, I did not bother trying other competitors. Handling, performance and speed are amazing. I was going to wait for 2011 but I fell in love with this design. No reliability issues so far only pure driving pleasure.

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  Love It - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Bob Whalen - April 29 - 12:06 pm

  This is simply the best car in the world. It handles like a sport coupe, super quite, and its safe. I cant see why BMWs putting it out of production. Its by far the best car in their lineup and there getting rid of it?

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  2008 BMW 535i Sport - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By BillPort - April 27 - 8:09 pm

  The 535 with the Sport Package is truly a 4-door sports car. Seating adjustments abound and you can program different profiles on the different keys. Handling is superb and 4 wheel drifts are doable with the "Anti-s" disabled. I averaged 20.7 MPG combined city/hwy. Sport mode and paddle shifters are a hoot. If it werent for repair issues, I would love this car. Hi-pressure fuel valve went out 2x in 3 months. Unacceptable for car in this price range. Cheap materials in sunshades (no extender), cupholders are crap. Reverse light burned out at 33K miles. Turbo lag is noticeable at take off and throttle is twitchy at take off. I want more time driving, not in shop, even w/warranty.

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  UBER WAGON - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By AM - April 25 - 9:51 pm

  Got rid of XC90 for this wagon. I-drive is simple, can set buttons on wheel for fast control. hands free is excellent, much better than my wifes 10 MDX. Comfort seats are unbelievable - makes the purchase. I am now a cornering demon and still get better mileage then my XC90 or the MDX even though they are driven more conservative. The car is also the quietest Ive ever owned. My brake pads started squealing and I did not hear until I opened the windows. Plenty of room for 4 adults and a big dog. The cargo cover also has a pet partition built in. Ride quality is superb and unexpected for such a capable sport machine. Price if too high so buy used.

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  Joy to drive - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Ryan - April 14 - 8:58 pm

  BMW 528i, power is adequate and gas mileage is excellent for car of this size. Truly wonder machine on road, feels glued, people slow down on turns I do opposite and car does not complain! It truly deserves ultimate driving machine title.

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  Great car but unexpected problems - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Fouad - April 13 - 7:05 am

  Bought brand new in 2004 and I still use it now. At first fule smell inside and dealer couldnt fix the problem till now also annoying sound from the roof like plates hitting 1. After 2 years I had to replace my suspension system for a cost of $2,200 (done by dealer) but I had to change all rft tyres because of that on my account for aboutt $2,400 2. After 3 years gearbox had to be replaced for a cost of around $7,000 (done by dealer) 3. After 4 years again I had suspension sys problem 4. Ac not cooling and compressor should be replaced for a cost of around $2,200 5. Oil level is always low according to computer screen but oil level is ok 6. Left front passenger window doesnt close any more

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  Awesome ride without a beverage - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By db - April 13 - 6:03 am

  Overall an awesome ride that sacrifices comfort for performance. If you want to sit on a couch while driving get a 7 series! I love this car, and it moves pretty fast! I thought gas consumption would be worse than it actually is with the 4.4 v8, but not too bad I guess? I love the lines of the car, and get many compliments from people as well. I feel safe in the car, as I have kids, many great safety features to reassure the feeling. This car is very durable and fast (2nd mention), I forget Im driving a family station wagon at times!

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  1st 5 Series - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Olson - April 12 - 2:57 pm

  Bought this car used, I adore this vehicle. I smile and actually giggle every time I click the door open. I have had a 3 series in the past and was hesitant about going to a car so much bigger. I was wrong. It handles like a demon when accelerating. The rear wheel drive in Wisconsin does require special care, but the way it conforms to me and the heated seats and steering wheel more than make up for it. I have every intention of holding on to this car for many years to come. The previous owner took such care of it, one would never believe it was used. Love, love this car, just pray it does not break in any way, expensive to fix.