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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  Not as Great As Expected - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By chgomo - June 30 - 10:00 am

  While I love the styling of the new design and its overall road handling prowess, the performance of the 525i is less than expected. Not much guts in the low end of each gear, but once it ramps up its fine. I can only imagine how poorly it must perform with an automatic transmission; good enough for little old ladies on a Sunday afternoon, I suppose. Cup holders are of very poor quality and the i-drive system had to be replaced in the first 3 months of ownership.

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  Not another BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By ymmot - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Avoid buying this car. Have had nothing but trouble since the day we bought it. Headlight system has had to be replaced twice.

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  My BMW 525i - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Trevor Cooper - June 26 - 7:31 pm

  My father got me a 1992 BMW 525i after I got out of high school that car was the best - it had a cellular phone and anti-theft system, heated front seats leather seats, 10 way power adjuster and the best trip computer ever. That car can be a pain in your wallet. When my headlight went out in 1994 I paid 129.42 for a new bulb.The car lacks in power it actually takes you about 8.5 seconds to get to 60 but has the best sound when you accelerate. I still have that car today, the car drives basically the same from 17 years ago.The car has the same features from 17 years ago that includes the cellular phone anti-theft system, the leather has no cracks, 6 disc cd changer -- still I cant believe the phone works.

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  Pretty but a Pain in the ___. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By hyeonlyfe - June 26 - 2:33 pm

  This is a fun driving mid-size sedan but the "new" computer driven BMW is not at all perfected yet. We have taken it back to the dealership for so many different computer glitches that my wife knows the service personel by name. I would not recommend buying this car for another year or so. Maybe they will have all the kinks worked out of the system by then. PS The cup holders suck.

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  1st BMW - Im hooked! - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By CDT - June 23 - 10:02 am

  Test drove the 528i and fell in love! My husband also wanted to try out the X5...it was nice, but the handling wasnt as good as the 5series. So, Ive been driving my 528i for only a few weeks now but am in LOVE with it! I got the Premium and Sport packages. The 20-way seat feels like it hugs my body. Havent used the heated seats yet in the Florida summer, but look forward to trying them out if we have a cold winter. This is the smoothest, quietest ride Ive ever had, and great acceleration. I love the i-drive...it did take a little getting used to but the learning curve wasnt long and well worth it.

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  New 535i x-drive - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Edward - June 22 - 4:58 pm

  Picked up new 535i last week, so far, more than my expectations. Replaces my 2007 550i. Power of 535i more than I expected, and twin turbo is fabulous. Off line, maybe quicker. Handles like, well, like a BMW, and I love the feel of the ride. I-drive and interior controls are both much improved with pre-programmed controls and preset radio buttons much easier to use. New gear shift took 3 or 4 times of driving to get used to but certainly easy. Retractable side mirrors means the car is safe when my wife pulls into my garage.

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  525xi Cert Pre-Owned: Good Times - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By 07 525xi CPO - June 18 - 7:01 pm

  Bought my Certified Pre-Owned with 18K miles. Mileage is only mentioned a few times in the reviews, so I thought I would confirm the reports of excellent mileage ... Im getting 24.5 to 25.5 around the Wash DC beltway, about 70/30 highway/streets. Im looking forward to a road trip to confirm the high highway reports. The comfort of the seats is also amazing.

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  Awesome! - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Ba - June 13 - 4:41 pm

  This is my first BMW. Its incredibly comfortable and fun to drive. Great performance, stability and luxury. Very quiet ride so I can hear the music clearly on radio or CD when put on low volume!

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  07 530i - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By 07 530I - June 10 - 8:05 am

  Best car I have ever owned and truly a pleasure to drive. I commute 100 round trip daily and I look forward to driving this car even after 3 years and 55k miles. Corners like a dream, gets up and goes fast enough but keeps you out of trouble. I have every option available except the night vision and active cruise control. You must have the sports package as the looks and performance cant be matched. Bought this car new with only 3 miles on it.

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  Love this car - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By CBH - June 10 - 7:15 am

  Just purchased the 535i xDrive and absolutely love it. It handles curves like no other sedan in its class. Really have to pay attention to my speed because of smooth ride. Fuel economy isnt bad for 300 horses and vehicle weight - currently getting 25 to 27 highway, but still in break-in period. Very comfortable interior with lots of room. Could use a little more storage, but not a major issue - the golf clubs fit fine! I do agree that the cup holders are ridiculous.