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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  1st BMW - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Diane Martinez - February 28 - 8:25 pm

  Well, I had been driving a 1991 Volvo, so the 2008 528 is a major treat!!! Unbelievable in the workmanship, performance and handling!! I hope to always drive a BMW. It just hugs the corners when driving. Cant wait to try it on a Calif hwy like Hwy 1 in Half Moon Bay!

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  Glad I leased and didnt buy- be careful - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By djl - February 28 - 6:08 pm

  This was my first BMW and likely my last. Was initially excited about the ride, performance, and interior (except cup holders) until it stranded me twice. One engine failure at 75 mph! Have been through 3 thermostats, computer reprogramming, and more. Had hoped to buy it initially after lease end, now Im glad I leased so I can walk away.

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  ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By alan robinson - February 27 - 6:08 pm

  Acquired 5 years ago - this is a sport car sedan. Driven properly it has no serious maintenance issues. It does run through tires every 25,000 miles. Avoid around town driving - best if driven on interstates at 70 mph minimum 30 minutes. Basically, I drive it 1-2 days per week for pleasure. An extremely powerful vehicle that clings to the road. It is the ultimate driving machine.

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  528xi - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By hawk - February 26 - 7:20 pm

  First time BMW owner, a solid car, fun to drive, break is strong and smooth, precision steering, communicative road feel, wish had 535i, power is okay, but feel a little weak when loaded with 5 people, Navigation told me to get off every exit on NJ TPK for no reason and then get back on no matter what mode I select. One time when fuel was low, the car was driving rough and jumping on the road, stopped the car, refueled, and restart - the problem run away.

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  03 525 keeper - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By ckem - February 25 - 9:39 am

  Bought it to beat model change and avoid Bangle butt. Second BMW. And second car so do not drive in bad winter weather much. Not as swift as prior car which was 325--same motor but heavier. Get 28 mpg on highway and 24-26 mixed driving. Run on unld regular at times. Plenty of room, comfortable and handles very well and has been reliable after some early quirks new coils, ignition wires and alternator. OEM Pirellis were noisy so after much discussion with dealer, I bought Michelin All Season and dealer mounted ,balanced did alignment free. No problems .Also had pixel problem on steering column and dealer did free computer replacement even when out of warranty. A keeper!

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  Truly the ultimate driving machine - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Wonder machine - February 24 - 9:32 am

  This is my first BMW 535i, I have to say it truly deserves the ultimate driving machine title. The power is unbelievable and hard to stay on speed limit, handling is superb, reliability so far is too soon but no issues so far,this car can challenge easily anyone who doubt its power.

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  1998 540i - 2nd owner - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By adius - February 22 - 9:12 pm

  Purchased this with 60K on odo as 2nd owner in 2004. Selling it with 108K. Replaced radiator. expansion thank and heat connection because of known weakness. Other issues were only wear items. Great handling and brakes. Comfort is terrific in all seats. Upgraded stereo is very good. Road MPG dropped 2 mpg with ethanol. Have Blizzaks for winter that work very well on car. Hated to sell. Reliable and smooth. Rated by car mag as the best sports sedan ever built up to that point and I agree. Hate to see it go. Would sell this car to my mother.

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  2010 550i M Sport - It growls - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Martin - February 22 - 6:16 pm

  I also own a 2000 540i. So my expectations of the 2010 550i were pretty high. It had to be the same or better. My expectations have been met. Its carbon black with cream interior includes all the M sport trims you can get. Its an excellent vehicle and fun to drive. If my wife asks me to get milk and eggs, Ill do it 2 trips. The vehicle with its 19" wheels rides on rails, a notable growl can be expected from the mufflers after 4000rpm. Surprisingly smooth suspension. Has many hidden features not all described in the brochure. As with my older one, its 10 years ahead of its time.

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  Been a great car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Susie - February 20 - 4:56 pm

  I have had my 540 for almost 5 years now. I love the car, fun to drive, fast, reliable. Gas mileage is poor but it is a big V8 under the hood. Have only done routine mileage related repairs that any car would need, only at a much higher cost and we do all our own repairs. Hate to say it has been hit twice and is the only 10+ year old car I know of that was totally covered for a combined 10k of body repairs. My only re-occurring complaint is the need of new tires, alignments more often then most cars, I only put 20k on it in 5 years and I am on my 3rd set of tires. Oh and for winter driving, this car stinks, which is why my next auto, later this year, is the X5!! I do love my 540 though!

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  BMW = Bring My Wallet! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Sissy - February 20 - 9:28 am

  This beauty is my second Bimmer and I am addicted to BMWs but can no longer justify the costly repairs. The first big repairs began shortly after purchasing. All went well until passing the 75,000 mark and then the expensive, timely and major repairs began...oil leaks, radiator/flywheel replacement, power steering, transmission, etc. The cup holder did break & the brake lights constantly require bulb replacement but those are so minor compared with the others. I LOVE my girl and feel so safe but cant afford these continuing repairs.