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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  1995 530i - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By cjnel - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used from a friend that has taken great care of it. Very roomy inside. Much better than a 3 series. V8 engine that provides good top end power and has the fuel economy to prove it. A little slow out of the gate though. Maintenance is a real problem. Its hard to get the parts to fix it ourself and the guys down at the shop want too much. Ive had a lot of problems with oil leaks and each time I go in to have them fixed, it costs me around $500.

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  2008 BMW 535xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By magic frog - July 22 - 12:03 pm

  I owned a 2007 BMW 530xi so I can tell you from experience that the new car is light years above the previous year in all areas. It out-performs it, it is built better, it handles better, and although most of the changes were subtle, they were in the right place, such as the window controls on the dirvers side. This vehicle is a veritable rocket for a 6 cylinder car this is amazing. I also own a late model Mercedes with a 382hp 8 cyl that can barely stay in the same room with the BMW performance wise.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bagwhan - July 21 - 4:56 am

  This is an unbelievable car. I test drove the 535 with the twin turbo, but its no match for the smoothness and sheer grunt of the V8. I had a Mustang GT before this and this is faster, smoother and more fun. Mine is optioned to the max, with HD radio, Satellite radio, HUD, sport package, cold weather package, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Nav and so on. The 19 inch wheels look very cool! I also have the sport transmission, with paddle wheel shifters. So far, I have not used these that much. All in all a great car, that I highly recommend.

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  Lots of things to fix at 146K miles - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Sky - July 17 - 6:06 am

  Its a family car thats turned over to me. I have mixed emotions. Happy because its a gift. Nervous because its turning to be a money pit. I have a long list of things to fix: driveshaft replacement, oil pan gasket replacement, transmission service and selector shaft seal replacement, upper control arm bushings replacement, brake rotors, pads, water pump, thermostat and hoses replacement for preventive maintenance. Update: Its now on its 151K miles and didnt replace water pump, thermostat, and cooling system hoses. I didnt replace the driveshaft and oil pan gasket. I only lose 200 ml of engine oil every 5K miles. I can live with the driveshaft "ting" noise only at take of anyway. Update @ 157800 miles - Car is strong. Engine oil leak is not bad and I replace the oil at least twice a year. Cooling system is ok without replacing any parts since 145K miles. This BMW E39 is really comfortable and reliable.

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  Lots of things to fix at 146K miles - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Sky - July 17 - 6:06 am

  Its a family car thats turned over to me. I have mixed emotions. Happy because its a gift. Nervous because its turning to be a money pit. I have a long list of things to fix: driveshaft replacement, oil pan gasket replacement, transmission service and selector shaft seal replacement, upper control arm bushings replacement, brake rotors, pads, water pump, thermostat and hoses replacement for preventive maintenance. Update: Its now on its 151K miles and didnt replace water pump, thermostat, and cooling system hoses. I didnt replace the driveshaft and oil pan gasket. I only lose 200 ml of engine oil every 5K miles. I can live with the driveshaft "ting" noise only at take of anyway. Update @ 157800 miles - Car is strong. Engine oil leak is not bad and I replace the oil at least twice a year. Cooling system is ok without replacing any parts since 145K miles. This BMW E39 is really comfortable and reliable.

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  Mikes BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sticklmj - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Transmission is best feature that provides smooth shifting matched to a capable engine. Steering, handling and suspension are excellent. The ride is ultra-smooth without sacrificing handling and performance. Climate and CD/radio controls are not driver friendly. Rear seat leg room is tight. Trunk is tight. Conti tires handled well, however they started making a "whining" noise after only 15,000 miles. Love the intense windshield washer fluid and the automatic wipers.

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  needs better feature quality. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By patrickandmike - June 23 - 2:00 am

  great drivers car, but why do so many things break on it? seems ours is cursed by that and being a "target" of problems (keying of total car, rock chips in windshield, nails in tires, shredding of tire sidewall when rotating, cupholder breaking, shimmying at fwy speeds a couple of times for no reason, cd changer jamming up, etc.). love the engine, but needs better interior quality.

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  2000 528i BMW Review - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Wildman66 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I drove my first 5 series to my senior prom almost 20 years ago - borrowed my aunts and was 2 days late bringing it back! Finally able to get my own and am loving it. Ride is firm but supple - never harsh or unpredicatable. Solid vehicle throughout - wish my Ford SuperCoupe had some of the same characteristics.

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  Great Car! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Kencal - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my BMW 528 back in 1999 and have enjoyed it a lot over the past 4 years. I had a few repairs so far, the worst was the breakdown of the board computer after 3 1/2 years which set me back about $1,200.

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  This is the ultimate driving machine? - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By bardi - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This car drives well but suffers in the reliability category. Something seems to go wrong every month. Numerous attempts to fix the same problem seem to have failed. Build quality is poor relative to price. Of course, when the car isn’t in the shop it does drive like a BMW should.