BMW 5-Series Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.61/5 Average
2,190 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 571 through 580 of 2,190.00
  • Excellent Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This car is superb. Is so much fun to drive that I actually enjoyed driving every day. The handling, the power the leather seats are incredable. Very reliable and with the premium and sport package you cant go wrong. Since BMW is changing the model I suggest you hurry up to the dealer because they are making deals and the new ones are more expensive.

  • 545i a great performer - 2005 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I recently purchased a pre-owned 545i, with about 55k on the clock. The car is tight, without creaks and rattles, and the interior still looks largely new. My previous vehicle was an 06 Lotus Elise, and even so, I would say this car drives impeccably. Everything from the engine, to the weight distribution, to the suspension (sport package) to the transmission (6sp MT) is perfect. My only complaint with the whole car is the iDrive system its too cumbersome. Simple tasks like changing the radio station or ventilation settings should be easy to do with individual knobs without resorting to a series of menus.

  • What A Car!! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This is my 2nd BMW. I owned a 7 series three years ago and had many problems with it. I leased a Mercedes S550, which was nice, but I decided to get back into something fun and sporty. The New 550i is an awsome car. They made some really nice improvements. Its fast, responsive, handles incredibly, stylish, comfortable, and a pure joy to drive. I bought it fully loaded with the excpetion of the Heads- up display and night vision. This is by far my favorite car Ive owned. I recommend the sport package in any BMW you purchase, after all, BMW is the Ultimate Driving Machine, so how you can not get the sport package. This car is a keeper.

  • Lauries New Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    My wife totalled my SLK. We needed a four-seater this time around. We chose the 2004 525 over a 2003 530 and a 2004 E-320. My ex-wife had totalled two E-320s in the last few years, so we decided a change was necessary!! I had read the car magazines about the 5-series,and was concerned about its styling and controller controversies. But, we loved the styling. The BMW looks great in black. The electronics are challenging but interesting. I wish it had more power, but the cost of the engine upgrade wasnt worth the extra money.

  • The new 2004 BMW 5 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
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    The handling of this vehicle performs like the 7 with the new sport package, except its cheaper. The comfort is like being on your living room couch.You must drive one to fall in love with it, you will never drive another car again.

  • My first BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    There is much to like about this car. Performance, styling, and reliability. It also seems to maintain value. There are some frustrating features on the car - the iDrive takes some getting used to. Something that should be simple, like tuning the radio, switching from CD to radio, even the climate control, has been (in my opinion) over-engineered. Often multiple steps are required to perform a function that could be more easily done with the turn of a knob. The sun roof is very noisy (after the sale, the rep. said all 5-Series have excessive wind noise when closed). I usually just keep the interior cover closed to avoid the noise. Interior cabin storage is non-existent, but the trunk is large.

  • Smooth power - 2008 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Just came off a Audi A6 3.2 quattro lease and decided to try the BMW 550i. I had a 2003 BMW 530i previous to the Audi. There is no doubt that the Audi quality and solidity is better than the BMW. The interior design of the Audi is superior as well. Where the BMW comes into its own is how it drives. The 550i is powerful for sure. The motor and suspension dynamics make the car despite is not being as solidly made as the Audi. We will have to see how the reliability of the car goes as the months progress. I never had any problems with either my 2003 530i or my 2006 Audi A6 quattro.

  • What a Great Car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I came awfully close to getting a MB CLK 430 until my boss, a confirmed BMW fanatic convinced me to not buy anything without trying a 540i. Boy, do I owe him! Mine is a sport package with MSport wheels and steering wheel and trim - kind of an M5 wannabe. It is simply the best car in its class by a long shot, and easily one of the finest in the world. I wish that the 6 speed had not been an extra cost option, because that combined with its negative impact on resale got me into the Steptronic, but it is the best auto Ive ever driven. Simply a fabulous car that obliterates standards of luxury, performance and engineering excellence. Bravo!

  • 04 BMW 545i Great fun - 2004 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I owned the previous version 5 series for 5 years and anxiously waited for this new style to arrive. I ordered the car with Sport package and premium sound. From the moment I took the wheel, this new version handled like nothing else Ive ever driven. Tight and responsive along with great power! The new adaptive steering is awsome! The only issue is that of the still clumsey cupholer. However, this machine is meant for driving, not dining. I love it!

  • Just May be the Perfect Car - 2009 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Just came off lease on X5 4.4 and considered X5 (4.8), Porsche Cayenne S and A6 (didnt like looks of E series but strong bias for Germans). Wanted sedan for performance and fuel mileage, didnt need exhaust note of V8 or ridicule from wife over "Porsche" name plate. Needed all wheel drive for winter. So far this is the perfect car -- handles so much better than the best handling SUVs. Very responsive - turbo lag only noticeable to extreme gearhead. Exterior is a little boring (not as much as A6) so get some nice wheels.

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