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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  Built like a Tank - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Ty7 - January 10 - 2:04 pm

  I purchased this car 5 months ago from its 2nd owner. I actually only paid 1500 for this car and it definitely had its share of wear. When I bought it, it had 204,000 miles and now has 211,000. I commute 42 miles a day for work and this car runs like a champ! Some people may say "Wow, thats a lot of miles on it" but my 1984 318 had 330,000 and was still running when I sold it. Of course I had to replace a few things like tires, wiper blades, etc. Just basic maintenance things. This model is an excellent vehicle. Nothing drives like a BMW. So far, no problems whatsoever. It had some miles when I bought it, but I think I got a heck of a deal.

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  Still going strong - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By k - January 2 - 1:43 pm

  I have driven this car hard for a year and a half and have yet to go through any technical problems with the car. This car is tough as nails. The engine is extremely smooth, and the Sport mode is like attaching rockets to your car when you need it to pass someone on the highway. The trunk is spacious, as is the rear seat, as two 62 guys have sat comfortably. The N54 engine (the TT L6) is easily one of the best BMW engines, and has won Engine of the Year awards consistently. Has never been to the shop other than scheduled maintenance, despite being somewhat abused by a young driver with a lead foot for about 14,000 miles. Never had a problem starting in cold weather, and no malfunctions.

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  Not the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By samsride - December 31 - 6:47 pm

  Thought I got the ultimate driving machine this spring. At 5K miles, check engine light came on 3 times! Fixed 3 times (software update, fuel injector replacement, new fuel pump). At 7500 miles, light came on again, lost power and car shut off! Had to be towed to dealer as fuel injector and cylinder blown to smithereens. Dealer has been responsive in replacing parts under warranty, but car is not reliable and not safe at this point. Filed for reimbursement through Lemon Law since 4th occurrence. No response from BMW after 30 days. Have found lots of others having same issues on many blogs. Stay away from turbo models!

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael in Florida - December 29 - 10:53 pm

  Ive owned Mercedes, Lexus, Cadillac, Audi, Porshe, to name a few, but never had a BMW until I bought the new 525i 8 weeks ago. I was, and continue to be, totally awed by the vehicle. This is a well-built, eye-catching and unbelievably performing machine in every way. The styling is unparalleled; the interior is roomy and erognomically satisfying; the trunk is spacious and can hold 4 sets of golf clubs; the horsepower is deceiving, only 184, but it responds assertively and appropriately to any demand I place on it. I recommend the xenon package with adaptive headlights, the premium package, and the satellite radio. Great surprise and highly satisfying - best of over 40 cars Ive owned.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Ironbird0 - December 29 - 2:44 pm

  I bought my 2006 530XI AWD Wagon used in August 2009. I love it, although I have had one issue regarding one of the ignition coils which broke on Christmas Eve morning. Luckily, my Greenwich CT dealer has been top-notch so far and took it in immediately and had me back on the road and home in time for the holiday. I just would like to see the Manufacturer use better coils in this car as Ive heard this is a common issue for this car. Otherwise, this car is AWESOME! Acceleration is great once you are up to speed-but I find a little sluggish from 0-60 mph.

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  Money Pit - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Richie Rich - December 29 - 10:13 am

  Remember the 80s movie with Tom Hanks and Shelly Long-The Money Pit...it was like that. Great car to drive when it ran. Electrical problems caused the battery to drain leading to 3 new batteries and 20 jumps/charges over the course of a year. Add new tires, brakes, water pump, antifreeze and oil leaks, control arms, sway bars, brake/abs/traction control sensors, etc and no repairs are affordable.

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  SAAAAAADDDD BMW owner - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Annie - December 27 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this car used with a clean car fax in 2010 with less than 15000 miles. I bought an extended warranty just in case. I spent 8 month researching vehicles i would like to own and keep for 10 years. I have made a very poor decision. The maintenance cost on this vehicle will exceed its worth. Its been fun to drive, a very comfortable car with decent gas mileage. However, when Ive taken it in for service, its like sleeping with the devil. Goodbye emergency fund and hello credit card debt. Its the most disappointing feeling to love a car so much and be saddled with such repair bills. Fuel injectors replaced, water pump, thermostat, numerous hoses and vacuum hoses, and now replacing turbos and catalytic converters all before 90,000 miles. Not good resale either!!!

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  Used BMW the Good and the not so Good - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Hoosier BMW - December 23 - 2:57 pm

  Had BMW for 6 months now. Read many reviews. Like the older body style. It was a one owner all books and records. Impressions..handles well but stiffer than my many Hondas, ride is great, comfortable, Conti tires good. Maintenance costs more, if you buy used make sure you have records. Car is heavy and 525i has limited low end power, use only premium gas, so it costs more, I baby it. Bought aftermarket cupholders..solved that problem. Not so good in snow..snow tires a plus..but an added cost. Dont cheap out on maintenance. Oil changes cost $100+ and use synthetic...but a longer interval...10k, love car, but wife doesnt..says it drives like a tank.

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  Excellent Power Train but Bad Gadgets - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Steven - December 23 - 11:19 am

  This is an excellent piece of machine especially if you like its aggressive and bossy exterior look. However, given the power train and the handling are excellent, there are just too many little problems that constantly haunt you. For example, weak cup holder (I replaced it twice), flimsy exterior thermostat (replaced twice), unreliable cooling system.

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  Better than Advertised - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By tonyc67 - December 23 - 4:43 am

  Test drove A6, GS 350, E550 and there is no comparision with this car. Had it a week and drove from SF to Santa Barbara and wanted to continue driving, it is so comfortable and fun to drive. Sport, premium, Logic 7, Sirius, Sport Shifters.