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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  Dysfunctional Love/Hate Relationship - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Vinn - May 24 - 2:42 pm

  I purchased this car used/private sale as 3rd owner w/ approximately 60,000 miles. I absolutely loved to drive this car. Driving it out on the highway was a little slice of heaven. Great feel. Solid. But wait. In the two years I owned this car, I put roughly $6,000 into the car on repairs. I had to have it towed so often that I had my local towing company programmed into my cell phone. Repairs averaged $600 per hit. I finally had to throw in the towel when the last repair (something electrical) totaled over $1,200. Used the car as trade in for new Lexus. Have heard from my local BMW repair specialist that these cars often hit the wall at approximately 70 to 80 thousand miles. Beware.

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  1st time "Beamer" owner - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Colleen Weber - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Really fun to drive....kinda like falling in love in highschool! REALLY wish they had front wheel drive though. Im from S.D. and we get plenty of snow and ice in the winter. Since this is my first "Beamer", I am concerned about how I will make it through the elements with this car.

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  First SMG delivered - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jbone68 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I picked up the first US Spec SMG from Munich(military guy) WOW the SMG was outstanding. It works best in sport mode but perfect as reviewed. I drove on the Autobahn what an expeience!! To be able to cruise at 145MPH this car was a dream. It kicked ass in the twisties of the Alps. IDrive is simple and a fun to use

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  Wings missing - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Alexander Foch - May 23 - 6:06 pm

  Owned a 540i touring for ever and waited for the new 545 tourer. Just got the new toy. The boys from Munich managed to do an even better job, again. It´s amazing. My wife doesn´t care for cars at all, but she loves to ´borrow´ my flying carpet. If you have money to burn, here´s a great cause. And it doesn´t look as its price tag may suggest - a feature I truly like about this monster in sheep skin.

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  Wow, Great Car!!!! - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Kar Krazy - May 22 - 2:06 pm

  Well its been 4 years since Ive owned a Beemer (02 330i Conv. Sports), have been in a 05 Mercedes CLK500 and 97Porsche 911 Conv. Its great to own a Beemer again, dont think Ill ever go back to a Merc (quality was sub par although engine and power were amazing). Been driving my 535I sports package for the last couple of weeks and am extremely impressed, I was worried that I would miss the power of my CLK500 but have been satisfied with my 535I twin turbo engine. Interior with black bamboo is fantastic, this is the most comfortable car I have ever been in, more than enough space and the contour seats are great. Overall handling is superb and the drive is smooth. Cabin is extremely quite.

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  Stereo is NOT good - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By gas - May 20 - 6:49 pm

  I didnt get the high end stereo package and it has really minimized my affection for the car. At 60k this stereo sounds similar to a much less expensive car. Shame on you BMW!

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  The best car ever - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By stan - May 17 - 6:59 pm

  Great car! Mileage couldnt be better. This is the first BMW I have owned and I love it. Very fun to drive.

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  My 1st and probably last BMW - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve - May 17 - 1:24 am

  I bought my silver beauty (All German cars should be silver) "Certified Used" it had 36000 miles on the clock (Let me think for a sec... Hey! It’s a lease return) Came with full warranty to 50K. All Ive had done to it is regularly scheduled maintenance it looks, runs, and feels brand new. I said its my last BMW because Im 63 and itll probably outlive me... LOL.

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  Excellent car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By alan147 - May 14 - 7:40 am

  This is by far the most exciting vehicle to drive. The acceleration is exceptional and clean crisp handling. I own both infiniti and honda, and reliability was a big concern. But after 10,000 miles, I can safely said the BMW has improved its build quality comparable to the Japanese car makers.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By 3sons66 - May 13 - 9:02 am

  Although Ive only had this car for 3 months and 5K miles..so far so good. Weak spots are definitely the cooling system (water pump, pullies) and leaking valve covers. Although if you can turn a wrench...fairly easy to DIY and numerous forums that cover DIYs. Car absolutely hauls...one of the fastest "family" cars Ive ever owned. Purchased for $12200 with 50,XXX miles on the odometer. Overall, very happy with this car. As for fuel mileage, I expected much worse since I cant keep my right foot off the floor board. City / Town is 19.9 average and recently got 24.6 on a 300 mile trip with the set at 80 mph. Nice surprise since most were claiming much lower figures. Stereo stinks.