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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  525ia - awesome - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jz - February 2 - 10:00 am

  great perfromance on the 2.5, dont need the 3.0 as I "stepped down" from a X5 4.4, love the deisgn, all he features, the only thing that BMW needs to introduce is an in-dash CD changer

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  Great improvements! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Jack - February 1 - 4:11 pm

  I used to have a 95 525i and found it was getting to be time to upgrade, so I traded up to a 2006 530i with manual transmission and navigation. Wife really wanted the manual, great gas mileage (30 hwy) and the car can really go with 6-speed transmission. Interior is great, iDrive is easy, if you have patience. No need for Tokyo lights, great to have cleaner lines. Bigger room in back seat for 2-3 people and truck is nice in size. Very happy to have the car!

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  06 550i sport - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By bluebimmer - January 30 - 4:35 pm

  Love my Bimmer! The sport package is a must! Drives and handles very well. I heard things about the iDrive but realized that it is not complicated at all, I can even input on navi while driving, cup holders do not bother me either. Heads-up display is awesome, it even shows directions from navi. Very comfortable. Overall the car makes a statement!

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  Love it!!!! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By sean neill - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Best car i ever ownd.... but i am going to trade it in for the new one

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  This Car is Wonderful! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Califlygirl - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car makes me smile every time I slip into it and take it for a ride! It is smooth, extremely well-built, lovely to look at and is recommended highly.

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  540i - Sport 6 speed - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By pdegel - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fast, fun to drive, silent and strong engine. No complaints at all, but I hate the rear-end styling of the new (2004) design. And it waits to be seen whether the I-drive joystick will be more user friendly than in the 7 series.

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  The old 5 will remain on top - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By rmarsh96 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  However, Like the commercials say, I do find excuses to drive. I would buy this car again. Unfortunately there are a few negatives. The cup holders are small and awkwardly placed. When using them it is almost impossible to access the climate control system. I did not purchase the navigation system because I didnt want to give up the on board CD player. My 530 is a manual shift and came with the sport package. I find the gear ratio rather difficult to handle in stop and go traffic. The car wants to get up and run. BMW has engineered a marvelous automobile that will continue to be a pleasure to drive for many years to come.

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  My Dream Car Lives Up to My Expectations - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By LadyTLS - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new in January 2003 and have been grinning ever since. The ride is a great combination of luxury and performance -- meaning you ride in comfort but you still feel connected to the road. And when you hit the gas, you know youve got power under the hood ready to meet your needs. I also had to take a quick evasive manuever once when another car turned in front of mine, and I quickly discovered that this car handles like a champ!

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  530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By guy colvin - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have owned. 3.0 liter engine has reasonable power for the money but the 4.0 would be better. 5-speed manual trany is fun to drive but not always as smooth as I would like (could be my fault to). Have 7K miles on it and have had no warranty or other issues.

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  Great Performer - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Gary W - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a German Car before. I am amazed of the performance of this car. It is solid and feels very heavy and safe on the road. I currently have a lexus as a second vehicle and this BMW totally out performs it. I recommend it to everyone. I will be looking to get another BMW when The Lexus lease is up. Cant wait.