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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  The best - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By skiier - August 1 - 2:00 am

  The most fun to drive - and I thought nothing would beat my 93 Taurus SHO. Even with less HP, this one really goes. Love to set the cruise at 100 for long trips - thats when the car is at its best.

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  Nice Machine - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By J Lynch - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is tight, quiet and a pleasure to drive.

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  1995 540i w/ Six Speed Manual Tranny - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By esqtodd - July 25 - 2:00 am

  With a budget of $20,000, I went to a couple of dealerships and drove some nice cars, like a 2000 Maxima and a 2002 Altima. First, I really dont like front wheel drive cars, which doesnt leave one with many options these days. Plus these cars (even the Maxima) seemed a bit sluggish. Then, I found a 95 BMW 5401 w/ a six-speed manual tranny. I asked about it and the salesguy said, "Oh, its a manual shift...we cant seem to sell it." Well, for me...a six-speed is a real selling point. I took it for a spin and I couldnt believe the torque from that beast ! It had soooo much power and it handled so much better than the other cars I had driven.

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  Good Performance - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By ad - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This car drives like sports car and feels like a tank! The solidness of this car is like non other. It has been very reliable and had it in the shop once after the warranty expired for a new thermostat replacement. I would recommend this car to anybody. Its well worth the money spent.

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  FANTASTIC VEHICLE !!!!!!!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By DANIEL - July 14 - 2:00 am

  THE 540IA BASICALLY DRIVES ITSELF. IT JUST FLOWS FROM ONE GEAR TO THE NEXT AND THE BRAKES CAN STOP YOU ON A DIME. I WAS A BIT APPREHENSIVE ABOUT PAYING SO MUCH FOR A CAR, BUT WHEN I DROVE THE CAR AND READ THE MANUAL AND SAW HOW MANY FEATURES ARE ON THE CAR, I KNEW THE MONEY WAS WELL INVESTED. THE CAR IS EXTREMELY QUIET AND SOLIDLY BUILT. I GUESS THE ONLY DOWNSIDE, IN MY OPINION, IS THE GAS MILEAGE. BE PREPARED TO MAKE FREQUENT STOPS AT THE PUMP, ESPECIALLY IF YOU USE THE SPORT OR MANUAL MODES A LOT.

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  BMW - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By CHEF - July 9 - 2:00 am

  great driving car, love the handling and the comfort, not spacious enough, needs more leg room

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By magic1688 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This BMW is very reliable and fun to drive. Excellent quality and nice deep shine paint finish. Gas mileage is excellent for a heavy and 6 cyclinder car. Traction works great in wet road surface. Strong brakes. Great feedback on sterring feel. Smooth shifting automatic transmission. Deep bass on the stereo system!

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  Great Car BUT.... - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By ADG - June 17 - 4:10 pm

  Just purchased a 2006 525i this week. This is my second BMW (just upgraded from a 3-series to a 5-series). Overall driving performance of car is outstanding. Like the design, however, I think the technology could be improved. The idrive takes a bit getting used to but is easy to learn. Disappointed to find out that Bluetooth on cellphone not compatible w/ BMW system (I have a new Motorola MPx220 Smartphone w/ Cingular)-apparently PDA- phones like Blackberries, Smartphones, iPaqs, etc. are not compatible w/ BMW system

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  My piece of class - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By BimmerE34 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  With all the BMWs in this world, I found myself in a dealer looking into a certified 525ia during a battle with my Jeep. The car is solid and has taken me on many long trips without any failures. On one occasion, my BMW was hit from behind by a commercial van and suffer NO damage other than loosing the cover for the tow hook in the read bumper. The van had heavy grill damage since it went under the back of the BMW. I highly recommend this car to anyone interested in some class without the huge cost normally associated with it.

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  Its been a ride - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By moth123dd - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Great performance, fun to drive, dont live in New England, however. Bad in snow/ice, even a very little. Interior design is good, love the radio controls on the steering wheel. Cup holders have broken off five times, windshield wipers have stopped working in the rain, front molding has fallen off.