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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  The New 5 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BoyOboi78 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Test drove today the new 530i, Still a very nice car to drive Great steering and handling with excellent ride quality, comfort and highway quietness. Interior no longer seems to have the edge like the previous 5 did but still not bad at all, still nicer the the New Mercedes Benz E-Class.

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  little workhorse - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By leah - January 26 - 6:10 am

  The lack of cupholders is one of the biggest gripes I ordered a set on line. This is a smooth, fun, solid little car. My BMW mechanic says in his experience people who get these wagons never want to give them up and I certainly second that. It handles very well, especially on the highway and has superior braking.

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  Pleasantly Surprising - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ultimate Driver - January 24 - 1:13 am

  Purchased the vehicle as CPO 5 years ago. The car has performed satisfactorily well over time. 528i sport offers a great balance between performance and maintenance cost. On the sport package, you can rotate tires for longer life. Having the CPO warranty and maintenance to 100K was instrumental in managing ownership costs. Also, pays off in the long run because this ensures maintenance is performed by BMW using genuine parts. I feel this has contributed to reliability I enjoy at 130K mile. The cheapest way to maintain a BMW is with the dealer. BMW service is great and the reps generally do their best to help you out. Although, service must be scheduled well in advance to get a BMW loaner. Reliability, relative to 15 years ago, has improved on these vehicles. Overall, maintenance cost is comparable to other luxury makes.

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  New 5 needs refinement - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By PCM - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for 1300 miles. The car is not as stable as the older 5. Sport suspension is bouncy. Quirky electronic. Very weak radio reception. Lots of statics and losses all AM signal running underpass. Passenger airbag sensir could not sense an adult passenger sitting in passenger side - a safety hazard. Jerking transmisson. Dakota leather harder than Honda leather. Head rest angel does not conform to body shape, too far from head.Poorly design turn signal stick. I have confused the poor guy behind me when Itry to bring the turning sign back to off but going left and right instead.

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  545 IA bargain - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Mau - January 19 - 2:34 pm

  Was able to get hold of a 2004 545 IA with 24k miles for US $28k. After having a couple of Impreza WRX rally cars and STI I decided to go comfy. I have found that the 545 is just superb. Great power (miss the turbo though), a little slow on the take offs due the heavy weight but more than happy with all the equipment and comfort. Tried the 525 and 530 - simply no comparison. V8 all the way!

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  Wow! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By cricketcrazy - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Picked up my custom 545iA after a wait of 2 months. Ordered it in Jet Black with Grey interior with Cold Weather, Rear Seat Heating, and Premium Sound. The car looks beautiful inside and out and the new shape has prompted several WOW comments already. This car is very fast, very solid, and very silent. The fuel economy of 20-26 mpg for a V8 is phenomenal. I love this car and dont regret trading my 2003 530i after just 3 months.

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  MY 2004 BMW - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By TOM K - January 15 - 2:00 am

  THE CAR IS EXPENSIVE, BUT WORTH IT. THE RIDE AND HANDLING ARE FANTASTIC, THE CAR IS FLAWLESS REGARDING ASSEMBLY AND FIT. THE CAR IS WORTH THE MONEY. I RECEIVED WITH EUROPEAN DELIVERY, SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT FORWARD, NO SURPRISES.

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  NICE CAR - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MISIO - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I LIKE IT,IT IS FAST AND VERY COMFORTABLE.HAS GREAT ACCELERATION.. IN POLISH WE CAN SAY.."PALI GUME"

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  Best Car Ever! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Stephanie weltzien - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This Car is amazing. NOt only have i had a chance at being in the car while its being driven.. my father works at BMW so i get a first hand look at what great cars are coming out, when they are coming out and what to look foward to in the new line of cars. But Byfar This car IS amazing in so many ways. Its body style catches peoples admiring eyes, it gets great miles and it is comfortable and a easy ride.It also HAs unbelivable crash test ratings. Making it safe for the whole family to ride in. So hands down this is the best car on he road.

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  Loyal BMW Driver for 20 yrs - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sharon gamba - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the 2004 530I. I like this car alot better than my last 5 series (2001)as far as performance and quality, it doesnt look as sporty, its more elegant. Handles well, feels tight, lots of new toys, and as far as the I Drive, I really like it. I do not like the seatbelt feature, I find it really annoying, and intrusive. On a more positive note, i adore the high beams, they halo the road, and night driving is fabulous because of this feature. Overall, BMW seems to have climed a notch in the quality of this vehicle.