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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  My Second 530i - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Frank A - January 29 - 10:54 pm

  This 2006 530i is my fourth BMW, and the best yet. The combination of performance, comfort and excellent fuel mileage is unmatched in other vehicles. Like many others, I had concerns about the iDrive, but it has proven relatively easy to use and get used to managing. Interior comfort and quiet is exceptional, and those who complain about the cup holders in the 2006 must not have owned a BMW from the early 2000s, or they would appreciate the engineers efforts to improve them. I have only owned the vehicle a short time, but it is delivering 23+ mpg in primarily city commuting. Highway touring is smooth, quiet and comfortable. Overall, this is the nicest all around vehicle Ive owned.

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  BMW 530 past 60,000 miles - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TonyH - January 29 - 8:51 am

  The 530 corners as if it is on rails and it accelerates very quickly and smoothly. I also own a E350 Benz and the BMW kills it in terms of performance (and the Benz is no slouch). The difference with the Benz is that the quality of the interior is hugely superior to the 530 - indeed the 530 is pretty basic in comparison. The BIG problem with the Beemer is reliability. Since hitting about 60k its been own thing after another. First the door locks stopped working, then the doors started leaking, then the AC started acting up, then the alternator died, then, then.....the dollars just keep flowing out the door. For a car that is competing in the luxury space this is just BAD

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  Magnificent at 9 yrs old - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By heymatey - January 28 - 11:08 am

  Wonderful car, looks great, drives better. V8 thirsty around town but not bad (25mpg) on hwy, 19mpg avg over 40k mi. Ill dare to say 6-spd manual has long-ish throws & clutch delay valve (CDV) makes smooth driving tough. Bought used w/80k, now have 117k. Repairs: Final stage unit (FSU) for climate control (installed myself), coolant reservoir (recently cooling system had been gone through before I bought). Now needs brakes (again--they were replaced just before I purchased), some clunking from front end (but steers/rides fine). What other car can one find for under $10k w/this much gravitas, ability & quality? Much prefer to newer 5-series. Still stylish/impressive to clients. A classic.

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  problem after problem - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By matt c - January 26 - 8:32 pm

  Great to drive and a wonderful car that gets 24 mpg in mixed driving when not broken. After about five months an oil light came on and then noticed a large oil spill at the house. The oil pump had exploded so the dealer took care of it. Then the power steering belt broke and took the AC out with it. Not exaggerating in saying the car went in for at least 10 visits and half were on a flat bed. I really like the car other than the fact I dont know when I am going to be stranded by the car. The Dealer did a shoddy job of fixing the initial problem which turned out to be a leak in some gasket they found after about ten visits. It appears that caused all the other problems.

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  Great...when it runs - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By n - January 26 - 1:08 pm

  I really liked this car until it left me stranded on the highway. Bought it new 1 year and 3 months ago and put 26000 miles on it. Its consistently had problems with cold starts and then completely died a week ago. I know that the high pressure fuel pumps have been a problem for these cars, but I thought a $60,000 car would at least come with a functioning fuel pump

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  Keeps on keeping on - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Egg - January 25 - 10:32 pm

  Excellent car! Bought it 2 years ago and the car now has 164K on it. No issues - just a belt change and a brake job. Total money spent on the car other than oil: 600. The car was ahead of its times, I think. Its got heated leather seats, speed sensitive windshield wipers, a comprehensive trip computer. Reliability is great, fuel economy is good and the ride is second to none. I love my cruiser!

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  BMW Fan Disappointed - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris - January 24 - 7:22 pm

  This is my third BMW. The car handles as expected and offers the joy and experience BMW owners have come to expect. However, the reliability on this vehicle is unacceptable. First, I had a fuel pump failure. I noticed several slow starts, took it in and they found a fault with the fuel pump. Next, I was accelerating hard when the engine lost power and the message "Engine Malfunction: Reduced Power" displayed. So far, the dealer things its a software issue. I love these cars, but reliability is sub-par. If BMW doesnt resolve their reliability issues, I purchased my last one.

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  What a car! - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Don - January 24 - 4:15 pm

  After owning many marques, finally bought a BMW. The car handles like a slot car, is quiet and good-riding, and has fantastic brakes. Wish Id bought one years ago.

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  Almost perfect - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By DIC_CAMARILLO - January 21 - 12:07 am

  Ive owned my 540i for about 6 years now. What a blast to drive - I actually prefer driving my 540i over my 911. The power is great, suspension very precise and brakes rock solid. The interior is awesome (great leather). This is my favorite 5 series body style. My 540i looks fast standing still. Gas mileage is about 18-19 combined. The problems cause me to selectively drive my 540i. The transmission is acting up again. I had the valve body rebuilt and everything was good. Then the transmission light came on and it goes in limp home mode. The radiator, fan, fan clutch, water pump have been replaced. Ditto for numerous seals and gaskets. Power steering fluid res. cracked.

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  Engine Misfire Light - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By John - January 13 - 11:06 am

  I have owned this vehicle since August of 2009 and during the first 2000 miles the engine misfire light went on and the manual instructed to immediately go to a service center before damage to the catalytic converter occurs. I was told that it was not a problem and that the light just needed to be reset. Then at 4200 miles it went on again and the engine reduced the power so that the car would barely start. It is now back in the shop for repairs. When this car performs it is perfect. However, I am sincerely disappointed with the reliability of this car. Lets face it, being able to rely on a car to take you where you need to go is the only really necessary feature.