BMW 5-Series Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.61/5 Average
2,190 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 351 through 360 of 2,190.00
  • Poor engine design - 2000 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    My first BMW to be the last, expensive replacement parts, engine head that sits on the engine block is made of an alloy that cant be refurbished, has to be replaced with a new. When the Head goes oil seeps into the coolant ruining the coolant system. When the head is replaced the bock is damaged and has to be replaced. The bolts for mounting head onto the block often damage the block, thus making it obsolete. Read internet response to this particular model overheating. Its a shame BMW hasnt addressed the issue nor recall the poorly design Head.

  • Stay away from 545i - 2005 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Great handling but there it ends. One of the most unreliable cars Ive owned (and Ive had Italian cars!). Some of the problems the dealer has been unable to fix because they are fundamentally flawed: radio (because of terrible computer in the car), transmission shifts. If you need to find it, look in the shop.

  • 540i M-Sport (where do I go from here?) - 2003 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Experiencing the performance of this car is simply amazing. This car does everything so well (acceleration, handling, comfort and luxury) all while looking so classy. I expect I will be hard pressed to find something to replace it any where close to the 61K I paid for it. The M-Sports package does some pretty remarkable things to this car. I definitely love the edgy, aggressive look of this car as compared to the E60. So, far I have had a few repairs which can add up at the dealership but I honestly think taking very good care of this car is so worth it. If they sold this exact car new, I would buy it again - its that good. I would highly recommend it if you can find one.

  • My last BMW - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This is the familys 5th BMW in 10yrs. I gave up a low miles 01 330i sport to upgrade. There was a reason why someone traded it in with only 35k miles on it. It shakes and shudders while idling, the Traction control goes berserk around corners, no pick up, drives like my grandmas Volvo S80 which was a fraction of the cost. The BMW svc ctr says its a flaw in the engine that makes it shudder, BMWNA says no such flaw and now the svc ctr is angry that I called BMWNA and I cant get a diagnosis. This is insane for a car that initially sold for $45k with the prem & cold weather pkg. Never again. If I want a volvo sedan- Ill buy one.

  • My baby will be ten soon - 2000 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I got this car new, blue with the M sport suspension, then did a ton of mods right in the first year to make it unique and just an absolute monster in terms of HP and torque. Lowered, body kit, Dinan engine and transmission mods, Remus exhaust system, 19-inch wheels, subwoofer, bigger brakes, too many upgrades to list. I love this car, the performance is incredible, I have pegged the speedo at 155mph and driven for over an hour at 135mph with the engine staying nice and cool. The 4.4L V8 with custom exhaust has an awesome sound. Having said all that, you really need to be on top of your game keeping this car running well. You need to have a race mechanic that knows everything about BMW.

  • Awesome!! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Needed a sedan for my wife and wanted something fun to drive for me with room for kids, dog and golf clubs. Purchased the 530i with sport package. Never expected the handling and responsiveness. Enough power for a car this size and decent gas mileage. The sport wheels just want to make you stare at the car and admire!!!!

  • Very good & getting better - 2009 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This is our 3rd 5 series starting in 2003, 2006 and 2009. Each model has gotten better, especially with horsepower. The 2003 could barely get out of its own way. Over the years they have increased horsepower by 50. The car drives great, handles well and is good on gas. Sound, navigation systems are great and seat comfort is also fine. It still could use an upgrade on horsepower over 230.

  • DONT BUY ONE - 2004 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I bought this 2004 545i in Oct 06. It had 48k miles on it and was in near perfect condition. I had problems within a month of driving it. The default light for almost every system alarmed. After 4 visits I bought a new $170 battery which fixed all the problems BMW could not. Recently the transmission default light came on. BMW offered to fix it for $8200. Ridiculous!

  • dont buy the sport package with contis - 2003 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    The tires that come with the sport package are the worst I have ever seen. Contintial Sport contacts replaced at 7500 miles. In addition from day one there has been a vibration in the steering. 5 rotations 2 alignments later it is still there. Dealer says it is a known problem on sport models.....

  • Eh - take it or leave it - 2007 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Very jerky in 1st gear. NO storage, idrive is wacky. At 6 3" I should have purchased the 7 series. I dont actually know what all the fuss is about. Great brakes though!

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