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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  535i with M-Sport - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By gene1680 - November 15 - 12:43 am

  A great car. A right blend of sportiness and luxury. The only thing I find less satisfying is the shifter (small knob and the parking button) but this is a small thing in comparison to all the great things about this car.

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  Love it!! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Matthewt - November 14 - 5:21 pm

  I have had my 528 since July of this year, and love it!! It has 101k on it and is a blast to drive. Everyday I look forward to the commute to and from work as it is my unwind mobile! I average around 26-28mpg combined, yet it has snappy off the line and low end torque. Mine has the 5-speeds which is what I was looking for. Only maintenance problem was a broken motor mount ($40) done myself, relatively simple repair, and a rear window regulator ($95), again, did it in 1hr!! The fit and finish of BMWs has always impressed me, and the 528 does not disappoint!! People gripe about the cost of parts, but thats a fair trade off for a quality, well-engineered car that is designed to perform!!

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  Great car but iDrive is still ridiculous - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By patrick - November 12 - 12:17 am

  The car handles incredibly well as a BMW should. Its quiet, fast, comfortable and fun. But if you are cold or hot...dont expect iDrive to help you out. It takes several minutes to get through the menus. Stupid. If you have an ipod...you better not have a lot of music on it...unlike the ipod scrolling function it takes FOREVER to get through the list. If you want to use the navigation to plot your route...dont use this system. It chokes on the simplest request. In short iDrive, if I had known how truly bad it was before I bought the car would likely have made me buy an Infiniti (and add Dynamat soundproofing). Better value. More intelligently designed user information and climate controls.

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  Really "Ultimate Driving Machine" - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Vladi - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Perfect blend of luxury and performance.Was very interested in purchasing MB 320 but "fun to drive" factor was crucial to make decision.Also, there is reliability issue with MB cars. I-Drive is not an issue at all, it is actually fun! Anyone with basic computer literacy can figure it out in 10 minutes

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  Worth the Wait-Factory Order-6sp Manual - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Ian T - November 11 - 6:21 am

  Replacement vehicle for a 2008 535xi wagon with engine hesitation issues. This sedan is perfect however, after a month. Optioned w/manual trans, value pack, cold wx pack, Sat radio, fold rear seats, and nav. The turbo motor/manual trans combo is flawless. Ample, smooth power w/lots of torque early. Great clutch. Standard tires and suspension sublime over all surfaces and silent on highway. Handling tight and neutral-no drama. DSC kicks in too early but is defeatable. Much less ponderous than wagon. Interior is artwork. Newest idrive much friendlier than 08. Cup holders still too small. Front pax one will break if left open and long legger gets in. 20mpg city. Overall beautiful in and out!

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By scott - November 3 - 12:19 pm

  Car gets great gas mileage with great performance, super quiet interior. This is my first BMW but it wont be my last. Im hooked!

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  Sweet car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Manny - November 2 - 5:59 pm

  Interesting to see all of the problems with the twins 535i. On BMW number 3, first 528i after two 3 series a 99 and a 06. Traded up from the 06 325i with 16" run flats, and could not stand the ride anymore, although it cornered like it was on rails. Chose the 528i because I did not want run flats tires on the next bimmer. Car runs great and has only needed one oil change thus far. Drove a 1200 miles round trip averaging 30 mpg at 80 mph. If not sure, stick with the aspirated inline 6s they are bullet prove. Ask any service center mechanic and they will tell you that the 5s are the most trouble free BMWs in the line up. Good solid car.

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  550i - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By BRokicki - October 30 - 11:49 am

  I purchased a CPO 06 550i 6 months ago with 46K miles. This car is amazing, it already has over 53K on it and there isnt one rattle, this car really has held up over the years. I drove a new 535i and could hardly tell the difference, so I decided to save $30K and buy it used. This car is such a joy to drive, it begs to be tossed around. Every seat is comfortable, and there is tons of cargo room. The only thing that bothers me is that I only average 9 mpg in the city driving normally, but much better than expected on the highway, about 25. You really need to watch the pot holes, I had to replace 2 tires at $500 a piece, dont get the sport package if you live in an area with bad roads!

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  BMW for life - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Correy - October 29 - 4:37 pm

  Just bought my 2nd BMW, first 5 series. Was planning on sticking with the 3 series coupe, but after testing a 5 series, was sold. Love it. Love the Service texts that the iDrive provides, love the MP3 capability, love the fact that for just a bit more for a payment and everything is covered for the next 100,000 mi. or 6 years. Living in Mn, the xi was an option I could not do without and was thrilled after making the purchase to find the "REST" button, (keeping the car warm when its shut off). Immaculately beautiful, inside and out. That being said, two small gripes that everyone else had already said: storage -not so great and gas mileage. But I drive fast and knew what I was getting into.

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  A Keeper... - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By RolandP - October 26 - 8:37 am

  This has been a remarkable car since the day I purchased it. Great car for long trips. It still delivers 29+ mpg with premium fuel. The manual transmission provides everything I expected. The car is steady and responsive.