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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  Wait a second - its a wagon - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By goodmaj - April 9 - 10:28 pm

  You wont believe youre driving a wagon. It drives just as well as the sedan. Sport seats are completely the way to go, very, very comfortable for long trips. Performance is great, next thing you know youre driving 80. Perhaps too many commands/too much functionality in iDrive, I would probably prefer a bit of a mix though in 2008 this got better - Audi MMI is probably better. But, that said, if youre familiar with computers, even at a basic level, youll be just fine. Tight steering, decent suspension. Neat wagon-y features in the back too such as cubbys for groceries.

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  I-drive (CCC system) is an issue - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Lauren - April 9 - 10:01 pm

  I LOVE this car. It is fun to drive and is sporty while still being a 4-door sedan. It handles well and really does adjust to your driving style which I really love. There is one BIG issue, the iDrive system that controls the a/c, heat, radio, entertainment, etc. It malfunctions about twice a year and the dealership acts as if theyve never seen anything like it. (After researching, it is evident this is an ongoing issue with 5-series.) They did replace my CCC/ iDrive unit while under the warranty but now it is doing it again! This time its NOT under warranty and it is quoted to cost thousands of dollars to fix this computer module! This issue needs to be resolved.

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  On the fence - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By OnTheFence - April 5 - 11:13 am

  My lease comes up at the end of the year but not sure if I would buy it. It was at the dealership multiple times due to the high pressure fuel pump and gasket leak issues. Morning starts feel like a boat motor. Engine misfires. Car lurches back and jumps forward at stop lights etc. Its a joy to drive when the engine is trouble free. I-drive is so slow it drives me nuts. The blutooth works about 50% of the time. Im eying the infiniti M and the lexus G because I really want a trouble free vehicle with better ergonomics. Ill have to sacrifice the driving dynamics of this vehicle though. There should not be a compromise for a $60,000+ car.

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  Fuel System Problems - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - April 4 - 12:52 pm

  Great car, amazing when running well. My 535 is having a lot of problems with the car running very rough and has had several engine malfunctions. The dealership has put in a new module, high pressure pump (HPP), and several new injectors. Problem is routine to N54 engine. BMW acknowledges the problem is a design fault. Check out and have good warranty if purchasing. Love the car when it works.

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  Brake Booster failure with 53K miles - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Steffi - April 2 - 6:12 pm

  I am very disappointed to drive with a supposedly quality build car just to figure out it started to fail breaking while waiting in the car line to pick up my children. Unbelievable, I needed a full replacement of the brake booster and the brake Master cylinder after only 52K miles. Good luck to all of you driving this car which almost became a liability for me. That will be my first and last BMW ever.

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  535XI Wagon w/Dinan Stage II - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By njtriguy - April 1 - 5:24 pm

  Stuck with the basics (sport Package, upgraded stereo, premium package), did not get run flats - and am VERY happy with the car. Have had no mechanical issues. Added Dinan Stage II upgrade and the car is scary fast while still getting 25+mpg on the highway. I love the exclusivity (under 900 2009s sold) and the ability to fly under the radar and behind large SUVs on the highway. Now that the 2011 wagon will not be brought into the US, I am glad to be "stuck" with this beautiful car for many more years.

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  Great car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Paul the Preacher - March 31 - 8:02 pm

  I purchased this car used July 2007 with 150,000 miles. I love this car. The previous owner took good care of it. Its like new on the inside. If gas was cheaper I would have a million miles on it. I only have 181,000 mile. It is a joy to drive. Ive only had minor issues with it, and they all are covered in other reviews. cup holder, battery dies, tie rod, and alarm system a little crazy. I will purchase at least 2 more.

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  Screaming Fast - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By BVBEAMER - March 29 - 8:05 pm

  I have owned 2 Acura TLs, and Infiniti G35 and several other lower model Acuras and even a 1987 325. This car is a blast to drive. Super fast. You can take a corner as fast as you want and the traction control will prevent you from ever losing control. Tried that in a G35 and the car spun out. Ive had some issues with battery drain and dealer said battery was fine. After reading many posts I decided to get BMW battery tender. Very easy to use and BMW didnt engineer the car to properly maintain battery charge if you are opening closing doors, trunk etc without driving it. Knock on wood. havent had trouble. I do notice trans lag when car is cold but is fine after a few minutes.

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  New to BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Leonberger - March 29 - 7:51 pm

  After much research I made the plunge and bought a low mileage 530i. My observations: Ride: the car has a great tight ride. Either you like it or you dont - I love it. iDrive: reviews of idrive nearly caused me to buy another car. If you expect to get in and drive off and immediately operate idrive, you will likely be frustrated. If you will read the manual while sitting in your driveway for 20 minutes, it is not much different than Windows and a mouse. Im 57 and computer literate. Climate control was the only part of idrive I did not master (without needing to look) in 24 hours. Fuel economy from FL to GA was an amazing 31 mpg @ 75-80 mph. I love the car.

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  Bad Experience 540, m-sport - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By rams - March 27 - 4:03 pm

  I purchase this vehicle for my wife. Looks and feels excellent. powerful v- 8, excellent handling however it had 277,000 kilometers. i understand that with this mileage the car may need repairs et.. however the engine had a stalling problem. When stopping the RPM gauge would drop causing the engine to stall sometimes. the problem became progressively worse. BMW and 2 other mechanics looked at the car and ran scan tests. Nobody was able to solve the problem. I sold the car as is and lost thousands. Buyer beware