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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  BMW should try again - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By famnp - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 1989 535I until 11/03, I was very happy to consider a new 5 series. When I saw the 2004 I had to have it. I love the perfomance and the handling(nothing like going over a winding road at 80 and not knowing it). I love the safety and the looks. They need to get rid of the 7 series technology. Every 6 weeks the car is at the dealer with an air bag/restraint system failure and no seems to be able to fix it.

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  Go for it! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By rich545 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded in a 2003 330xi for the 545 and I was hesitant at first because I loved the 330, but wanted a bigger car. No regrets now! The 545i is a great car, period. Enough power to throw your head back into the seat, and handles like its on rails. Just got a recall notice, but thats not uncommon for the first model year. The dash is a little spartan looking, but I dont understand the most common complaint; the iDrive. Anyone that can use a computer should find it a breeze to use. Plus, all you really do it set your preferences with it. Most things can be controlled without using it.

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  Fun to drive, but unreliable - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By lindy62 - April 22 - 5:44 am

  I have owned many German AWD cars, after the Audi S4, this is the most fun to drive. That being said, it is not the most fun to own. I have had numerous mechanical issues and even more electronic issues. I have heard a few complain about the battery. I have switched to an Optima battery, which is cheaper and lasts longer. I have heard that BMW knew about his battery draining issue before they release it, but decided to replace the batteries instead of fixing the issue. The VANOS system had a glitch out east, oiling system out west, sparkplug in the Midwest, and a constant brake issue. I am afraid to open the sunroof for fear that it will not close properly and I’ll have to take it apart and manually close it. The parking assist doesn’t work at all and when it had worked it was over sensitive. Our front windshield was replaced and I still can’t get the intermittent wipers to work properly. The transmission seems to be slipping and I am not willing to spend the money to replace it. If it was repaired at a BMW dealer, it would total the car. Nothing is cheap to replace on the car and local shop don’t have the tools or electronics to work on it, so I have to drive 6 hours to fix something and spend big money on labor and parts. On the bright side, it gets good mileage for the performance. It rides well, but I feel it is too soft. The backend wiggles on slick roads when it hits a bump at speed and that can be a bit unnerving. There is a lot of room in the back with the seats folded down and have used it as a makeshift tent in bad weather (as long as the sunroof doesn’t leak). The interior has held up well and the body hasn’t rusted. Would not buy one again, because of the reliability issues.

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  Uber Wagon - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ian T - April 20 - 1:40 am

  Nav, Cold Wx Pkg, Premium Pkg. I traded a 2005 Acura TL 6sp to get more space and still get a manual. So nice not to have squealing tires when damp. This car can put the power down in all wx with its smooth clutch. No drama. Space for gear and people are great (my 64"son rides comfortably in back). IDrive is a pain but learnable. Lots of over-engineering. NOT intuitive on many levels. Seat memory where you cant see it. Door unlock button on dash (not on doors). Honda has sensibilities sewn up. Still, I got what I asked for. Best upgrade was Dinan chip reflash for 384hp and 421 torque and removes top speed limit. Good power before. Now, the Ultimate sleeper! MPG:20/25 driven carefully.

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  Speaker Problems - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By NEW 5 series owner - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had numerous problems with the 5- series premium sound speakers. Many times during a ten minute drive will all the speakers, except for the front speaker shut off. Very annoying. Apparently, BMW is saying they dont have a fix for it.

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  Amazing Whip... - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Frederick - February 7 - 11:18 pm

  I have a Jag Portfolios just is rare... Now I have a 2000 528i wagon... Its fine like new.. better gas mileage than I expected... Compliments on the car often... If you can get your hands on one do so... Quick

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  Amazing Whip... - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Frederick - February 7 - 11:18 pm

  I have a Jag Portfolios just is rare... Now I have a 2000 528i wagon... Its fine like new.. better gas mileage than I expected... Compliments on the car often... If you can get your hands on one do so... Quick

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  interior improvments needed - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Ronst - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Interior design around the driver is poor. Arm rest and storage comartment need major improvement. Side door pockets not as spacious as older models. Would like to see retractable arm rest back. "I-drive" you find a radio station! It takes five steps to get to the radio! I have to accept a disclaimer that pops up on the nav screen every time I start the engine. I was told satelite radio would be available-not! There is an annoying light on the ceiling that stays on when there is no passenger in the right seat that reads "air bag not activated" Goes off when seat is occupied.

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  a great car with many annoyances - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By car person - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive vehicle, if you can ge ur hand on one. Quite, spacious and great to look at. However, drives more like a Japanes care than a BMW. But that could be just the new car feel. Many small issues bother me a lot such as: Compulsory seat betlt usage in the front , or the car keeps on beeping. No storage space Inconvenient cup holders Very badly designed seats - headrest is almost 1/2 foot back. And last, the idrive system. Good luck learning that.