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 super automobile - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hamilton - September 4 - 10:00 am

  the 540i 6M i bought just a few months ago is a marvellous car to drive --peppy, quiet, and comfortable. it is also very safe. it is probably the best car i have ever owned.

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  A Mans Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By psorota - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I drove so many luxury cars before my husband talked me into trying the BMW 525i that I just assumed that this car would have all the creature comforts that my former Lexus and others had. NOT! No place for CD storage, no place for purse, no lumbar support, seat belts practically strangle me, hard to get in and out of (too low, I guess), small trunk, no A/C vents in back seat. Altho I love the Septronic transmission, I am not comfortable in this car and have concluded it is a "mans car" (my husband loves to drive it). I doubt Id buy another BMW for these reasons.

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  Great Car - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Ron - September 3 - 9:59 am

  Have had a great time driving this car - definitely get the parking assist feature and the comfort access option - the i-drive system takes a little getting used to, but once I got a hang of the voice activation it was a cinch!

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  Uber Wagon 18 Months Later - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ian T - September 3 - 7:26 am

  2nd Review. Everything I wrote in 6/08 same except for one recurring power delivery problem. The car has small power interruptions at intermittent intervals. Very annoying but not disabling. Only set a "code" once. 3 trips to dealer to fix plus 1 with a factory engineer in attendance. Never fixed. Destroyed driving experience. Finger pointing between BMW and Dinan. Removed Dinan software but problem remained. 6SM no longer notchy. No other problems but this one caused me to Lemon Law. BMW made a deal for new 2010 w/me instead. My 535i sedan 6sm to be delivered soon. Fingers crossed. The wagon is still beautiful inside and out. It is a piece of art but this aggravation isnt worth it.

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  Get it now!!! I aint going back... - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimming happy - September 2 - 12:50 am

  Came from 2006 GS 300 and now into the 535i with M Sport package. What a difference! Got mine this past Wed on a lease. 1. Handling, off the line, and comfort very good. I am picky when it comes to road and general noise and so far the Dunlop run-flats are fine. 2. Fit and finish indeed are unmatched. 3. New iDrive actually is very intuitive voice commands are natural. 4. Head up display is the coolest and should be standard on cars in this class. 5. The 20-way seats that I got "hug" me when I start the engine picky about lumbar and it sure does not disappoint. I am so glad I went with the Bimmer aint going back! If youve been thinking about one like me (for a long time), go for it.

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  Sensor Headache - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Tfjng - September 2 - 12:27 am

  I had owned this car for about 3 years now and it has been giving headaches with sensor lights coming on like Christmas all year round. The most common lights/failure is the odometer where ASC, ABS, Engine check lights all comes on at once. When this happens, the dealer charges an arm and a leg to have them fixed. Most time it is the stupid ASC Module that failed which is an expensive equipment to replace. BMW dealerships repair are a repair. Bunch of rip offs. They charge you by just talking to you. $140 for a scan check, then a few thousands for repairs. Dont buy these cars if you cant handle stress.

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  Wondering which way to go??? - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark Shaw - August 31 - 6:02 pm

  Ive owned my BMW for 4 years now - grey with sport pkg. Love the drive as I used to own a 1988 535i. After the mechanic called me today with a radiator/fan bearing replacement bill, I almost went out to trade it in. I have had a series of small issues with the car: dash pixels, xenon light failure, oil leaks, rubber dipstick boot oil leak, and more...I have 102K miles on the car but wondering if I should cut my losses and move on to newer...positive is that it has ALWAYS started like a charm...maybe Ive replaced most of the parts that can wear over time...

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  Born to Run - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By pjl275 - August 30 - 7:57 pm

  Just turned in my leased 07 530xi for an 09 535i. Almost cried, as the 07 was simply an exceptional car. If it werent for the very high buyout, I would have purchased the car. Found a new 535i with sport pkg, nav, cold weather, etc for an absolute steal. The changes from 07 are wonderful, better leather, the sport seats are thrones and they seemed to have fixed the noisy moonroof issue. Not that the 07 was underpowered, but the 09 just flies. 80 comes up quickly and its really hard to obey the owners manual to keep it under 100 during breakin. Car is very quiet, even with the sport package and the ride is as supple (if not more) than the 530xi (non-sport). Hope to keep this car.

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  Great auto - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Professor - August 30 - 1:32 am

  This is my 4th BMW in the past 15 years and by far the best. The smooth engine/transmission cannot be beat. Local mpg is about 25 and highway is always 31-32 mpg at speed limit plus. The seats are comfortable even after 15 hour interstate runs. It has operated perfectly in all ways with the only trips to the dealer for oil and regular service. I did not originally like the body design but the driving balance and smooth functioning of the car have won me over. i-drive works easily if you spend 10 minutes to learn it rather than fearing and griping about it.

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  The best 5 yet - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By LG - August 29 - 9:44 pm

  This is my wifes third 5 Series. She is a White and Blue owner for the past 15 years and this is by far the nicest of the almost perfect 5s. She drove the new 2010 E-Class and said take to BMW. One drive and a week of searching for the options and color plus a fair price was all it took. I get to drive it a little and I must say it is even nicer than my Lexus which I really enjoy.