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 Car I have ever driven - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Brinker - August 12 - 8:38 am

  Sitting in the drivers seat in the dealers lot was enough to convince me that this was a great car. However, since the car was for my wife, I felt she should take it for a spin. She did and we bought it. My first chance to drive it was last weekend and I must say it is the best car I have ever driven. Between my wife and myself we have owned 25 to 30 vehicles over the years. Sport Cars, SUV, Luxury, Compacts, New and Used Vehicles, to quote my wife "I dont think I will ever be happy driving anything else". Turbo System is Awesome!!

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  Good Bad Ugly - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By John D - August 9 - 8:42 pm

  I love driving this car. At 162000 miles the ride is still great albeit I have redone most of the suspension. Gas mileage on my six cylinder is around 25 with hiway city mix. Repairs have been astronomical. I understand putting money in the suspension, belts, etc but everything is expensive. The ugly. Electronic modules run everything and need to be replaced far too often. I would love to buy another of this design model but just could not afford it.

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  I love this car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By CKelleher - August 8 - 1:08 am

  I traded in a 2004 330 convertible which I really enjoyed. The 535xi is heads and shoulder beyond the 330 Cic. I am hard on a car in daily use and drive more like an enthusiast. This car never disappoints, whether its a 4 hour drive to the beach or a drag race with a 17 year old in a mustang cobra, the BMW always comes through. Awesome creature comforts blows my parents e550 4 matic out of the water in every way. No problems whatsoever.

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  love my 540 - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By love my 540 - August 1 - 1:30 pm

  love my 540 It is the 5th BMW i have owned I still like the classic BMW look of the 540 It is a 6 speed manual fun to drive on the high way Veary techno for 2001 model(heated seats leather) Sport seats are comfortable except back seat passengers do not have much leg room

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  16 Months and Im Still in Love - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By SleepTight - July 30 - 2:41 pm

  The best car Ive ever owned! (And Ive owned many.) The performance from the twin turbo inline 6 is simply amazing--great fuel economy too. Road feel and drive is great on optional sport wheels with aftermarket Bridgestone Potenzas. X-Drive and BMW handling makes this car a champion in bad weather. Incredibly comfortable on long drives thanks to contour seat package. Real-time traffic routing is a great addition to navigation. Logic 7 turns your car into a rolling concert hall. iPod and Bluetooth interface work flawlessly. Six speed auto is great once it gets warmed up. This is the car I take for long road trips. Im always sorry when the trip is over because I have to stop driving.

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  Simply The Best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By beemer lover - July 29 - 10:00 am

  The best handling, most fun car to drive, period! stick, sports, premium, xenon, cold weather. Purrfect! Goes where you point it. Great performance and gas mileage. Had big ass muscle cars with more ponies but nothing beats this TOTAL package. I look forward to driving to work. This is my second 5 series and before buying my first, I said "overpriced, not worth it, not reliable..." To all the naysayers, go out and drive one!

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  Its worth it - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By markt - July 28 - 9:58 pm

  Wow - what fun to drive. I wish I had the extra power of the 550 or the 535, but this car has it when you need it. I like to drive it in Drive Sport as it really hugs the road, and gives me the extra boost of speed.

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  My last BMW - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Jordan - July 21 - 6:13 pm

  Great experience up to the time the warranty ran out. Purchased my car new in October of 2002. After the warranty expired at 50K it was in the shop about every month and each trip was about $700, after my $200 sympathy discount. I by-passed the $1200 front passenger seat dual motor replacement and had them just lock the seat and disconnect the motors. It was one thing after another. The only way I would ever have another BMW is on a 3 year lease and get rid of it as soon as it is over 50,000 miles. Otherwise I loved it.

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  An excellent veichle - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By alex lopez - July 20 - 8:32 pm

  I have a 1998 BMW 528i . A reliable and safe car. Ive only had it for a year and the only thing that went bad on me were the brakes, but overall its an excellent vehicle and I strongly recommend one as a first car. The parts are expensive but I think its worth it. The fuel is not so bad on it unless you floor it all the time, otherwise its fuel economy.

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  I just didnt know... - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Tony Holland - July 18 - 11:31 pm

  I purchased my 92 525i for 2900 cash. It had 204,000 on the odometer. 4 years later it is still a daily driver. A red 5 speed with all the options. I have replaced about everything under the hood from the a/c compressor to the alternator. Water pump, fuel pump and a new radiator. This sounds like a lot, but the absence of a car payment made it worth the money. The car is a joy to drive. The 5-speed makes up for the lack of power. The car is very at home at interstate speeds and will cruise "Way" over the speed limit for as long as the fuel lasts. This has been a great used car that is a blast to drive. Now I know..."BMW The Ultimate Driving Machine".