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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  Best value for used sedan - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve C - September 29 - 2:00 am

  First-time bimmer owner. Amazed at the quality of the ride, drive, and fit of the car. No wonder auto mags rave about this company. Gotta drive to understand. Handling is its top feature - road-holding tightness and smoothness of the inline 6 is amazing.

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  Lucked out ! - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael Spiro - September 23 - 2:00 am

  We bought a BMW 525i in may when we fisrt arrived. We couldnt beleive what a buy we were getting. I mean we paid cash for a BMW and thought its just a matter of time before something major goes wrong with. 4 months later and she goes like a dream and start up like she has been waiting all night to go for a drive. As my mechanic said this is the best engine that BMW ever built. It will just go on and on and on as long as you look after her !!! And trust me we do.

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  balanced sport sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed Wormuth - September 15 - 1:36 pm

  If well maintained, the E39 BMW is an excellent choice for a daily driver that is fun to drive, safe and comfortable. I have since sold the car and bought a newer MB E350 coupe.

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  happy camper - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By ted davis - September 8 - 2:00 am

  we finally put to rest our 1982 MB deisel wagon,a slowpoke,but good driver,and solidly built..Looked at Volvos,Saabs,and BMWs. All in high 30s or more.. Took a test drive in a 5 series wagon,checked out storage space and found no strut towers blocking rear space,as in others. The basic 6 is best engine I have ever driven Imagine what a 530 with 225 HP would be like.. The car feels solid and safe. My wife drives it to Houston evry month ( 400 mi. RT),and just loves it. Faults: too much plastic in the interior,and the power seat controls can get broken easily as they are housed in cheap plastic..have had to fix these twice.

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  Im *STILL* in love... - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Kimo - September 5 - 2:00 am

  If you love to drive and can handle the price, you should own this car. There is nothing else (except the M5) like it. Its fast, tight, refined and inspring to drive. After 16,000 miles I still get excited every morning when I back out of the driveway and head out onto the road.

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  BMW 5 series - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Dirtbag - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, sporty, yet smooth ride. Plenty of power for most situations. Interior design functionality lacking - i.e. flimsy pop-out drink holders obscure heat/air controls, poor location for phone unless you buy the outrageous built-in phone. Optional design features, such as fold-down rear seats improve functionality.

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  NICE TO DRIVE, BAD FOR YOUR POCKET! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By GEORGES - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The ride is great, it is fun to drive, good performance, good looking, but bad reliability... I have changed all the fans rumbling and some rear drivetrain piece because of a strange TIK" coming from the rear of the car when you start up with the car. If you have much money to spend on your car, its a great choice

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  Drivers choice - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By FatCat - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply the best. Its gives a great driving experience and serves as a practical car, with four doors and spacious trunk. Power is excellent with the V8, and control is spot on, the big tires plant themselves to the road and just dont let go. I dread the day, many years from now when Ill have to give up this car.

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  Very excited - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Radley Espadron - August 7 - 2:00 am

  The feel and power of this car makes me feel like Imm actually driving a sports car. But the roominess reminds me that Im in a sedan.

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  Bavarian Bliss - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimmer One - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car on the certified plan with 53000 miles. The car is incredibly solid and has performed flawlwessly. It is expensive to maintain, so be prepared. I routinely get almost 30MPG on the highway and the car cruises at 80MPH all day long. I added a couple of Dinan modifications to boost HP and they work flawlessly.