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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  Cracks in 18-inch wheels/run-flat tires - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By ron2hoff - July 14 - 11:59 pm

  BWM refuses to acknowledge that their rims are defective and crack as a result of normal driving, especially their 18 inch rims when coupled with run-flat tires. We dont take speed bumps at 40 mph, run over curbs, or not slow for a potholes... events that might possibly crack a rim or break a tire. Yet BMW’s excuse for not replacing 2 cracked rims was that the cracks must have been caused by the driver, not faulty rims/run-flat tire combination. In the past several years we have owned 3 BMWs... but this will be our last because of such a head-in-the-sand approach taken by BMW NA.

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  Great car... very fun to drive. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Balsar - July 13 - 10:17 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 9,500 miles on the Odometer. It has been an incredible car. Fast, reliable, comfortable and economical. I drive very aggressive yet still average 23mpg overall in LAs bumper to bumper traffic...amazing mileage! We also own a 06 330xi...also a great car - a lot more nimble than the 5 series when driving twisty roads...but the 545I can easily keep just using the extra power.

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  Great Car - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By WRC13 - July 11 - 11:27 pm

  This is my dream car. Having owned a couple of 3 series over the years I am partial to BMW. So take my advice for what it is worth. The motor is great. Mileage is not great. Comfort high. Transmission smooth. 18" wheels look great and the ride is still good. The only complaint from me is the steering does not feel quite as crisp as the 530I. I think this is due to the weight of the V8 so BMW had to use a different setup. And about those flimsy cupholders. Who in their right mind would eat and drink in a $60,000 car while driving around...

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  First BMW - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By liguy - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is beautiful. My first rear- wheel drive car has had no problems in bad NY weather, despite the ominous prediction of my former Lexus salesman! Handles like a dream and although not quite as speedy off the line as the 530, I dont think the price increase is justified for a bigger engine and bigger wheels. BTW, if youre reading this message, you can probably handle the i-Drive. This is certainly the finest sedan Ive ever owned.

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  airbag light overhead console - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By flierhi - July 11 - 2:00 am

  the passenger airbag light in the overhead console is bright enough to use as a map light. what were they thinking?

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  Best 5 yet - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW530iDVR - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car since late November, and it has been great. The active steering took a little getting used to, but after having it I wouldnt want to have a car without it. Ive been on 2 road trips and the car was great on the highway--quiet and solid. The i-drive was my only other concern, and I actually like it now.

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  Too much fun!? - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By No. 1 bmw fan - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Heres what I can offer to anyone looking to buy: The car phone reception is so-so and the installed easthetic is less you expect. Pass on it. Expect alot of looks. It doesnt scream expensive like a Mercedes, but people in the know know what theyre looking at. The back seats are more comfortable than the fronts of most vehicles. The front seats are the most comfortable youll ever experience. Self-levelling headlamps, lowering mirror when reversing, window shades and beeping when the car has something it wants to make you aware of. A big cash outlay and the feeling it was worth every penny.

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  Great value great running condition - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim Mal - July 7 - 4:00 pm

  I know a mechanic who worked at BMW 7 years said this model and years were some of the best

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  Best of the best - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By GeorgeW - June 30 - 8:02 pm

  This car is truly the ultimate driving machine. Powerful, confident, amazing handling and comfortable. This car is just fun to drive in all conditions. The all wheel drive handles in all conditions. Car looks great, the leather seating is comfortable and the stereo sounds terrific. Acceleration is impressive also.

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  Former E-Class Owner - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By pdaddy - June 30 - 10:00 am

  After owning two E-class MBs (420 and 430 Sport), I was ready to get a third until I saw the new 5 series. The new E-class is nice, but the 5 series is more masculine and sporty looking, notwithstanding the bashing Bangle has taken. While Mercedes has made all of their vehicles look more generic, there will be no mistaking the 5 series for a 3 or 7. I have received more compliments about this car in a month than I got in a year in the Benz. Overall, the car performs very well, looks good and is a great daily driver. I was concerned about going from a 275 hp motor down to the 3 liters 225 hp, but the performance is good enough and I have avg 27 mpg.