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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  3 months in service, 3 years owned - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Eersten Keer - August 24 - 1:24 pm

  where do i begin? its a POS. in the 3 years i owned i cant say its a high performance vehicle because i have ALWAYS driven it with an existing problem. usually two problems at once. started with the tires that came on vehicle, factory recommended run flats that were causing vibration, did alignment, issue continued. replaced tires, issue went away partially because the boots needed to be replaced. water pump failed, flat bed truck towed, $$ thousands later, intermittent power reduction while driving, replaced two spark plugs and two coil overs, valve decarb recommended, replaced two spark plugs and two coil overs, no youre not seeing double, nor triple because power reduction again, and rpms all over the place, replaced both bank 1 & 2 turbos, $5k to find out it was the clutch (its a 6 speed manual) not the turbos, dealer could care less. ive never seen a car leak oil like this, its ridiculous, they replaced the oil housing 3 times, pretty much every oil change you replaced some major part. another power reduction issue caused by broken gasket, replaced that one too. this car promises 300hp, it never delivered because it always had an issue. the boot of the car contains all the electronics, a water bottle i had in trunk leaked and again power reduction, vehicle undriveable, $1100 to fix tpms sensor, like what does that have to do with engine power. and they had to reset the whole car. battery replacement $500+ has to be programmed. i swear they didnt make any of this up the dealer, but they might as well have. read around all 2005-2010 bmws have major issues like this. the list goes on, but i am at a loss for words.

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  Great Car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Snuggles - August 24 - 10:18 am

  This is an awesome family car that mixes in fun. Every time I drive it, I feel special, even after a year and a half. The 528i has plenty of power. The 535i + have more than plenty of power. Corners delightfully. Rides well over bad pavement. The vinyl looks like real leather.

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  My Birthday Present - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Dave Marshall - August 22 - 12:03 pm

  I have wanted to own a BMW for most of my adult life but thought that they were woo expensive. I have owned three Acura TLs and always thought that they were great cars. Two things happened this year to make my decision to get a 535i. First I turned 65, and secondly the new TL is ugly so I sprang for a BMW for my birthday. Thinking that if I was ever going to get a Beemer and enjoy it, I needed to do it this year. I picked it up two weeks ago yesterday. It is great. The ride is quick and positive. Steering control is excellent and balance is great. BMW even put the interior that we wanted in the car. This was a special order and filled without complaint or extra cost. I love it.

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  So glad I bought it! - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By serfup - August 19 - 3:23 pm

  Bought my first BMW, a 535ix about 2 months ago. Took a test drive and that was all I needed. Amazing to drive, the handling, road feel and acceleration are second to none. The interior is classic beauty without overkill. I found the i drive to be easy to use and makes getting to anything I need simple. I do not see what the fuss is with the cup holders, they offer no problems I can see and who cares the way this baby drives. I am in outside sales and the Park Distance control is great when you have to do a lot of back parking. The premium sound system is great and I must have at least 80 cds stored on the hard drive. This car exceeded my expectations. How often can you say that?

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  Wish I could drive all day for work! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris O - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Although Ive only owned the new 2004 530i only 4 months I can honestly say that its the smoothest and quietest car that Ive driven! The interior is simple yet elegant and most all of the controls are handeled thru the I-Drive control, which after the first drive or so, is easy to navigate. Its a "cockpit" feel, esp. at night time w/ the reddish glowlites, but very comfortable with the add-on Comfort seats

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  Whod consider this an economy car - ME! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By me - August 17 - 10:52 pm

  Best trip mileage ever 39.49, with return mileage on same trip 38.86 - I PROMISE THIS IS THE TRUTH!! Worst gas mileage ever - 23.0 ONE time, first year of ownership ONLY. Past winter avg commute/errand mileage 27. Current summer avg commute/errand mileage 29.5! I consider myself an "extra- miler", NOT a "hyper-miler". With that standard vacuum (gas mileage) gauge and using the trip computer, I have steadily improved my gas mileage even as my odometer reads over 150,000! Drives so elegantly when taking it easy, but accelerates and tracks so securely whenever desired. Drives like brand new, not like an 11+ year old car, because I ALWAYS drive her with respect!

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  Fun car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Me - August 16 - 10:49 am

  I bought this car with the six speed manual and it is fun to drive. Shell go 140 before you know it. On road trips I can break 30 mpg on the highway but city is closer to 15 mpg. However BMW quality is gone. Ive had replace the water pump, radiator, a few parts in the drivers seat, sunroof, and lately the battery keeps dying and no one can figure out why.

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  Keeps on giving - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By clockgame - August 14 - 10:09 pm

  Ive put over 100k miles on my car and I still love it. I want to be cool and buy the new body style but I just cant justify it. The quality is great. It is a driving machine, this is no car.

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  Back to Mercedes - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By cowboy693x - August 12 - 3:03 pm

  We have had the car for a year. It has been in the shop for six weeks in total. The engine light comes on when the car gets hot. The main problem is we live in MT. BMW does not take care of there customers, I am trying to get a buy back. I have had three Mercedes in the past, they are not as fun to drive, but they are miles ahead in quality and customer service.

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  An experience everyone must have! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Andre Wintz - August 12 - 10:00 am

  After driving my 530i everyday,ive learned why other BMW owners stay loyal.Its the best car ive owned so far!