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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  Another great product from BMW - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Soulpatch_28 - February 21 - 6:23 pm

  Love the car overall. The acceleration leaves a lot to be desired. I am mystified by the cheap cup holders in the front seat. For $50,000 I expect more. The car takes the road well. The new iDrive is much improved from years past.

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  06 SMG Dream Ride - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By GWF - February 15 - 12:52 am

  Purchased 06 CPO with 37k miles. After researching for 2yrs, finally purchased gray beauty. The balance and performance are amazing.Purchased the SMG model, it took a little getting used to, but is truly fun to drive. Many of the reviews about iDrive scared me, but after the initial set up, the iDrive is great. It makes driving easier. We have the Sirius Satellite and this makes long drives a pleasure for all.The ride? Amazing, with active steering and Sports package a great combination. The seats are great and it is truly a fun ride. Great value for a used car, make sure you have a car warranty and service warranty. Can be costly.

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  2003 540i 6spd Sport - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By lochaven - February 14 - 1:44 pm

  Purchased new in Sep 03 after driving 2004 530i (liked the styling, interior, and lack of iDrive of 2003 better). Traded a 2 year old Corvette. 540i only has 85% of the Vettes performance but is 200% more refined. The manual 6 spd was a little notchy for the first few months but was smooth after that. Seat and door seal squeaks were the only quality problems I had and the dealer eventually fixed/replaced them. One dealer frustration was they didnt know why my auto-headlights didnt work after two trips the the shop. I later learned that this feature is disabled when foglights are on! After 5 years I want to buy a new car but just cant find one with better styling or performance.

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  The best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Dayo - February 13 - 2:00 am

  The best car you can own

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  Reliability?? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff - February 12 - 2:48 pm

  Update on reliability issues on my 535xi. I contacted my dealer with my concerns and they arranged a face to face meeting with the dealer CEO, Service Manager and BMW North America. I was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting. I am glad to report that BMW is standing behind its product. I posted the note below on "Reliability???" and only feel it it right to give props to BMW and my dealer for handling my issues in a very professional and respectful manner.

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  2006 5 Series is great - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By DP - February 7 - 9:36 am

  As a former owner of a 2001 BMW 3 Series and 2001 & 2003 C240, I have to say that my 2006 525i is awesome. The design is trailblazing, handling sensational and the ride is exceptional. My gas mileage is better with the 5 series than it was with the 3 series or the C240. I would recommend this car to anyone who loves the driving experience and wants to maximum how their money is spent in the luxury market.

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  2000 BMW 528i car for rich people - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Andre - February 5 - 11:27 pm

  Very expensive to maintain. A lot of plastic details clips, houses, etc., in engine that needs to replace. Only rich people can afford to have this car serviced at dealership. You need to have 1K in your pocket all the time for unexpected maintenance. I would not take this car for a very long trip. Prepare to downtime. Do not buy it if you do not have a good mechanic you can trust.

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  Lots of Issues - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By 535xi-texas - February 4 - 9:58 pm

  My 535xi 2008 has been in shop for two months out of the last 12. It has gone back for rough idle and rough ride 4 times for the same problem. They have replaced the master computer, oxygen sensor and possibly other stuff. BMW and the dealership do not seem to work well together to solve tough problems. Symptoms are loss of power, similar to a missing cylinder combustion i.e., jerks. Situation is not constant. I get engine malfunction light on my dash but the car computer says all is OK. It is totally a frustrating experience.

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  Reliability?? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff - February 3 - 5:04 pm

  This is the second review after owning the 535xi for 18 months. I can not say enough good things about what I like about this car (see first review for that). However, the reliability of this vehicle is just not even close to expectations. I had it in the shop 7 times in the last 1 1/2 years. 5 times for check engine light and rough running: 1) replaced fuel, 2) replaced computer, 3) replaced ignition coil, 4) replaced fuel injector, 5) replaced fuel pump. The 6th time I brought it in the front suspension was creaking worse than my 70 Mustang. Dealer said it was normal, but somehow they fixed it. 7th time was for an iDrive malfunction. For the problems I have had, BMW should provide an extended warranty free of charge. If they could make this thing reliable and restore my confidence, it would be the best car ever.

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  Black on Beige Sport/Premium - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By The Tom - February 3 - 9:07 am

  This is my first non-US made car and I am in love with "my baby". I am 63" and 260 lbs. The 530 fits like a glove. Plus I have a family so I use the space of the 5-series. To me, it is the best of everything. As of this writing I have logged over 30k miles as I purchased pre-owned. Has had a bit more maintenance cost than my US cars however it is a high-end car which drives and looks like no other. Most issues are regular wear-out items like H2O pump, hoses, belts.