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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  A little more than the speed limit. - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By 2manycars - December 4 - 12:31 pm

  I dont care where Im going or how long it takes to get there, this car is way too much fun. Four people and trunk full, run 80 or so, and still get 29mpg. Stop for minute, get in and do it all over again. No road weary travelers in this car. 8 hour drive seems like 4. Regular maintenance, no major problems, not the cheapest car to maintain, and its not easy to find a "good" BMW shop, but still its worth every penny. I think Ill keep this car for a while, if I can get it back from the wife.

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  Ultimate driving Machine - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Best car Ive owned - December 3 - 8:39 pm

  BMW truly deserves the title of ultimate driving machine. The 528i has enough power with exceptional handling and ride quality. No other car provides the same steering feedback and handling. Love the car and cant wait to drive it, car gets looks while on the road. This is my 1st BMW and will not be the last.

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  The best I have driven - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By leoklaus - December 2 - 1:47 am

  I am currently driving a 530i. It is very reliable car and so far nothing has been changed or broken. Excellent handling and comfort. I love the car and every time I drive it, it is truly a superb experience. I am a one happy owner. Of course there is still a room for improvement ... M5.

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  The best car on the market - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By John H. in Ca. - November 27 - 11:53 pm

  Everything considered, I really think this is one of the best cars on the road today. It is so fun to drive and I get compliments all the time. Ive only had it for 3 weeks, and havent had 1 thing go wrong or found anything not working as it should, except the garage door opening device, although, I havent really read up on that yet. Ive driven BMWs now for 15 years and they just keep getting beter and better.

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  Smooth - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Uncle Walt - November 25 - 9:33 pm

  Bought this car as a CPO with 27,000 miles on. Like new condition. Of course it drives great however, one surprise. 32.5 MPG!! Ive had Cadillacs, Volvos and several other cars none come close to this car.

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  Did anyone at BMW think about the inside - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Scott - November 25 - 11:23 am

  If someone had told me that I would ever be disappointed driving a BMW Id have told them they were nuts. With all of the obvious thought given to the exterior design, the mechanical, electronics, etc. Why would they screw up on such no brainers like climate controls, storage, and the ridiculous cupholder arrangement. Did someone at BMW spill coffee on the plans and so the factory just winged it? Other than those minor irritations, its a great car, quiet, responsive, fun to drive (although nowhere near as fun as my infiniti was), gets decent mileage, and gets a lot of appreciative looks from others.

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  First BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By MAM - November 23 - 9:33 pm

  Picked up a low mileage CPO, well equipped plus it has manual trans. Only have had it a week but.... Wow... This might be the perfect car. It does everything well. Not super fast off the line but quick enough and it can go from cruising to autobahn speeds in a flash. Very comfortable and I am 66" (comfort seats help). Nav system is weak compared to my Garmin but am still figuring it out. Logic 7 sound system is excellent and I have not played with the equalizer yet.

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  NEW BMW 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By lousado - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Very classy yet fun to drive.Better than previous model.Annoyng seatbelt sound (does not stop until seatbelt is on)

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  Engine Failure - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimmer-R - November 21 - 11:16 pm

  This is not the best of BMW, this is my 2nd 5 Series and I expected better. Fuel leak twice, engine failure twice, car stopped once, engine rattling as if it was going to die most often than any used cheap car. Worst production twin turbo of BMW. Engine runs fast if it does not go nuts. I highly recommend people to buy another model with no turbo for now. My first one had the whole seat replaced, whole sun roof replaced, engine barrier replaced...this one had engine failure twice, disaster memory seat program, I hate to say this but I will really have to be convinced to buy another BMW this will go back to them! Do not learn it the hard way... read the other comments and you will know why.

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  Very Reliable - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By scott - November 20 - 9:03 pm

  Bought this car with 85k on it. Sold it with 130k. Only had one problem ac related 150.00 fixed it. Ran great good gas mileage and looks beautiful. Blizzaks on the back will make winter driving no problem (within reason). Dont be afraid to buy. Engine and tranny are bulletproof.