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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  Love it - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Jaykayd - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Fast, powerful and so much fun to drive... just wish the clutch didnt go so quickly... also had a transmission problem that required a switch. Other than those problems, and a niggling window rattling problem, its a dream car.

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  Better and Better - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert Springer - March 21 - 11:57 pm

  I just bought this turned in my 07 and wow what a difference for only 2 years. You can notice a little more pickup, the 07 525 was a real dog. The handling and suspension, what can you say its a BMW, I told myself Id buy a Genesis or try something new, but for an enthusiast driver, THERE IS NO COMPARISON TO THE FEEL OF A BMW this car is soo tight.

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  In a class by itself - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By EngineerInMaryland - March 21 - 3:53 pm

  Bought this car for my wife after we sold our X5. Boy was this a revelation. Driving off from the dealer lot, I could tell this was no ordinary car. The smoothest acceleration Ive ever experienced. The bluetooth rocks. The Navigation is intuitive and the Gas mileage is off the charts (25mpg). This car combines comfort, performance and style excellently well. After 1 year, weve had no issues with the car, and are falling in love with it more every day.

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  Dont sweat the cup holders! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Ross - March 17 - 7:12 pm

  Bought the car new and have never regretted the decision. Every option and they all continue to work for going on 8 years. I service it only at BMW and though pricey, it pays to work with the best. Fun to drive in all weather and runs like it is on rails. Great not to have the I drive and all components work like the car is new. Id get another one but at this rate the current BMW will last another 10 years. The extra money was worth it in every way. Ive added sat radio, and now its perfect.

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  So good - wish Id known earlier - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By 2timer - March 11 - 6:53 pm

  Previous owner of 325 and 328xi coupe. On top of all the attributes of a 5-series -- much more comfortable interior, quiet and luxurious ride but still that BMW feel and handling -- it gets better in-town gas mileage than the coupe. I got over worrying about I-drive and learned to enjoy it.

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  The Ultimate Drive - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By tratra - March 11 - 1:35 pm

  This is my 4th BMW. Had an X5, 325i, 328xi, and now 528i Xdrive. I always think I want something else. When it comes down to it nothing competes with the drive and handling of the BMW. Not Mercedes, Jaguar, Infinity, etc, and I have tried them all. Fun to drive and luxurious all at the same time. Gas mileage is not bad for the full size car. BMW definitely holds up to its slogan the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Great Car - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By BoSox in 04 - March 9 - 6:13 pm

  Driven the car for just under 3,000 miles and its fantastic so far. Heated seats and steering wheel combined with X-Drive have been excellent during this active New England winter. Best driving car Ive ever owned, and interior annoyances (lack of storage space, cup holders) are acceptable given the driving dynamics, all-weather aplomb and overall content of the car.

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  BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By nstajka - March 9 - 5:58 am

  Great car. Love at first sight. I knew I would buy it as soon as I walked in the dealer.Then reality sets in. Seems like Im in the shop every six months. Last time the fuel pump or the pump sensor or relay? They didnt know. But after three trips in and almost $600.00 (Again!), Im ready for a Ford again. It was fun but unless I win the lotto Im done with BMW.

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  New 08 535xi - Awesome - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Love My 08 535xi - March 8 - 1:56 am

  This car has exceeded my high expectations. Performance, styling, quality (inside and out) are incredible. This is an amazing car. The seats are comfortable, the ride is smooth yet sporty, and the peformance with the twin-turbo is unbelieveable. Weve had the car for about a month and the whole family loves it.

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  Buy a Radar Detector! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Mitch - March 7 - 12:23 am

  Wow is an understatement! Weve owned our 550 for a year, and words do not do justice to this car. The one thing that I would add is that we specifically bought the 6-speed manual transmission, and it makes the car all that much more fun to drive. I will start smoothly in 1st, but 2nd and 3rd are nothing but a blast.