Overview & Reviews

The 2008 BMW 5 Series receives a number of significant changes, most notably a pair of new six-cylinder engines. The base 5 Series is now the 528i and features a 230-horsepower inline-6, while the 535i is powered by the same twin-turbo 300-hp inline-6 found in the 3 Series. There are a number of high-tech standard and optional additions to the 5 Series that allow it to keep pace and, in a few instances, surpass the rapidly advancing competition. To spot the updated 5 Series, look for a barely noticeable redesigned front airdam, new headlight lenses and LED taillights.

• Exceptional ride and handling dynamics, smooth and vigorous engines, premium cabin furnishings, precision build quality, strong resale value.

• More expensive than most competitors, iDrive system is still a pain in the Bangle butt.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 206.00

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  No substitute for a V8 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By tjdjr - May 18 - 5:10 pm

  You will not be disappointed with the 550i Sport Package. You must order the sport package with the sport transmission which includes the "wow" button and paddle shifters. You also must order the Logic 7 audio with the USB iPod adapter. Finally Heads up display should be on your option list along with NAV. This car is very comfortable at 90 miles per hour on the interstate. At a steady 75 MPH you will get 24-25 MPG, about 17 MPG around town. I have owned a 2006 750LI, a 2004 Porsche C4S Cabriolet, a 2003 540i Sport Package and other than the open air motoring of the Cab this car takes the best pieces of each and puts them in a single package. Find a good used one with low miles!

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  2008 BMW 535i Sport - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By BillPort - April 27 - 8:09 pm

  The 535 with the Sport Package is truly a 4-door sports car. Seating adjustments abound and you can program different profiles on the different keys. Handling is superb and 4 wheel drifts are doable with the "Anti-s" disabled. I averaged 20.7 MPG combined city/hwy. Sport mode and paddle shifters are a hoot. If it werent for repair issues, I would love this car. Hi-pressure fuel valve went out 2x in 3 months. Unacceptable for car in this price range. Cheap materials in sunshades (no extender), cupholders are crap. Reverse light burned out at 33K miles. Turbo lag is noticeable at take off and throttle is twitchy at take off. I want more time driving, not in shop, even w/warranty.

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  UBER WAGON - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By AM - April 25 - 9:51 pm

  Got rid of XC90 for this wagon. I-drive is simple, can set buttons on wheel for fast control. hands free is excellent, much better than my wifes 10 MDX. Comfort seats are unbelievable - makes the purchase. I am now a cornering demon and still get better mileage then my XC90 or the MDX even though they are driven more conservative. The car is also the quietest Ive ever owned. My brake pads started squealing and I did not hear until I opened the windows. Plenty of room for 4 adults and a big dog. The cargo cover also has a pet partition built in. Ride quality is superb and unexpected for such a capable sport machine. Price if too high so buy used.

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  Wait a second - its a wagon - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By goodmaj - April 9 - 10:28 pm

  You wont believe youre driving a wagon. It drives just as well as the sedan. Sport seats are completely the way to go, very, very comfortable for long trips. Performance is great, next thing you know youre driving 80. Perhaps too many commands/too much functionality in iDrive, I would probably prefer a bit of a mix though in 2008 this got better - Audi MMI is probably better. But, that said, if youre familiar with computers, even at a basic level, youll be just fine. Tight steering, decent suspension. Neat wagon-y features in the back too such as cubbys for groceries.

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  On the fence - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By OnTheFence - April 5 - 11:13 am

  My lease comes up at the end of the year but not sure if I would buy it. It was at the dealership multiple times due to the high pressure fuel pump and gasket leak issues. Morning starts feel like a boat motor. Engine misfires. Car lurches back and jumps forward at stop lights etc. Its a joy to drive when the engine is trouble free. I-drive is so slow it drives me nuts. The blutooth works about 50% of the time. Im eying the infiniti M and the lexus G because I really want a trouble free vehicle with better ergonomics. Ill have to sacrifice the driving dynamics of this vehicle though. There should not be a compromise for a $60,000+ car.

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  Fuel System Problems - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - April 4 - 12:52 pm

  Great car, amazing when running well. My 535 is having a lot of problems with the car running very rough and has had several engine malfunctions. The dealership has put in a new module, high pressure pump (HPP), and several new injectors. Problem is routine to N54 engine. BMW acknowledges the problem is a design fault. Check out and have good warranty if purchasing. Love the car when it works.

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  535XI Wagon w/Dinan Stage II - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By njtriguy - April 1 - 5:24 pm

  Stuck with the basics (sport Package, upgraded stereo, premium package), did not get run flats - and am VERY happy with the car. Have had no mechanical issues. Added Dinan Stage II upgrade and the car is scary fast while still getting 25+mpg on the highway. I love the exclusivity (under 900 2009s sold) and the ability to fly under the radar and behind large SUVs on the highway. Now that the 2011 wagon will not be brought into the US, I am glad to be "stuck" with this beautiful car for many more years.

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  Screaming Fast - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By BVBEAMER - March 29 - 8:05 pm

  I have owned 2 Acura TLs, and Infiniti G35 and several other lower model Acuras and even a 1987 325. This car is a blast to drive. Super fast. You can take a corner as fast as you want and the traction control will prevent you from ever losing control. Tried that in a G35 and the car spun out. Ive had some issues with battery drain and dealer said battery was fine. After reading many posts I decided to get BMW battery tender. Very easy to use and BMW didnt engineer the car to properly maintain battery charge if you are opening closing doors, trunk etc without driving it. Knock on wood. havent had trouble. I do notice trans lag when car is cold but is fine after a few minutes.

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  Great power, Poor ergonomics - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By danimal - March 10 - 7:43 pm

  Have had this car for 2+ years and my lease is up in May, 2010. I was thinking about doing a buy-out but I just cant get past the interior ergonomics. There is zero storage space to put anything. The cup holders are cheap and pop out from the dash. There is nowhere to put sunglasses, maps, coins, receipts, over-sized bottles, etc. There is also no rear seat leg room. The car itself is undeniably the best performance vehicle in its class. The twin turbo is an absolute joy to drive with unmatched power. I will miss it but, again, I cant deal with the interior anymore. BTW, the I-Drive system is easy to figure out but its slow as molasses.

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  1st BMW - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Diane Martinez - February 28 - 8:25 pm

  Well, I had been driving a 1991 Volvo, so the 2008 528 is a major treat!!! Unbelievable in the workmanship, performance and handling!! I hope to always drive a BMW. It just hugs the corners when driving. Cant wait to try it on a Calif hwy like Hwy 1 in Half Moon Bay!