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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  Absolutely LOVE this CAR - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Wendy - October 16 - 9:45 pm

  Third BMW for me. Two 3 series previously and this new 550i is miles above and beyond what i had already decided was the best. The iDrive so complained about, I picked up easily. I find the whole vehicle experience exciting and extremely enjoyable. Speed, handling, build quality, style... all trend setting as usual. I have only liked cars before this one.

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  The "Ultimate Driving Machine"I know why - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By rclimbing - October 9 - 8:41 am

  I now know why the BMW is now called the "Ultimate Driving Machine". The 535i is the best car I have ever driven. It has a solid feel and the handling is amazing. It sticks like glue while corning. I test drove a bunch of cars - Infiniti, Lexus, and Acura. None of these cars drive like the 5 series. I went with the 5 series despite the fact it costs more, but its worth every penny!

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  The best car I ever had. Period. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Pablo - October 8 - 6:21 pm

  This is by far the best car I ever had, comfortable and it is 100% fully loaded with all the gadgets. Ride is smooth and it has a lot of power, I will buy another 5 series any time.

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  Finally back in a BMW - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By jeffmatt - October 6 - 2:04 pm

  I do not know why I ever left BMW. Maybe is was that the grass looked greener at MB. A Benz is probably the best car to ride in, but the BMW is the best car to drive. And I like to drive. I am coming out of an 07 E350 and just bought a 08 528i. What a difference. The 528 is so fun to drive, that I cannot wipe the smile off of my face. It just handles so well and there is plenty of power in the 528. You really do not need the 535. It definitely reminds me of my 2000 528 which I liked very much. Purchased car with premium & sport packages, navigation, auto, iPod and xenons. Great package. The E350 was like driving a sofa down the freeway. The 528 is like a sports car, it is on rails.

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  great car- everyone should drive one - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By ted lyon` - October 5 - 10:00 am

  sport car feel with luxery car comfort- hadles great- very quick

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  The good and the bad - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By squadless - September 30 - 12:28 am

  Ive had this 550i for about a year, the car is awesome. Very fun to drive, turns heads (especially those people who rev up their engines in their G35 or the equivalent). Reliability - not so good. In 1 year I went through 5 tires and 2 cracked rims. Note I do live in New York City where the roads are NOT the best but before this I had a Lexus LS430 since 2001 and I only went through 1 tire so do the math.

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  Always in the service bay - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By cunn5 - September 27 - 4:21 pm

  I have owned two 550is in a year and a half. The reason for two is that the first one was in service for massive computer troubles 14 times in a 12 month period. The dealership swapped me out of the trouble maker and now in only four months and 4000 miles I am in service overheating and all the windows and sunroof seem to open by themselves. Please avoid this model

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  My 6speed dream come true! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By flyguy102 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery on this black on black 6 speed 540i 2 weeks ago. First test...700 miles to Scottsdale and back. In a word...IT BLEW ME AWAY! The powertrain is an art form! Low end torque incredible. The cars build quality is so strong that you become oblivious to speed. Ride and handling impeccable. Interior build/sound quality is excellent. Fit, and finish wonderful. Im so glad that I didnt drop $65K on a Lexus convertable instead. This was my first BMRr and now Im a convert for life. Next stop...a companion M3 convertable for my 6 mile RT commute to work!

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  Great Ride - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By My Beamer - September 25 - 11:57 am

  I purchase my BMW 528i Labor Day weekend. I love it because it really handles like a luxury vehicle. Cup holders are a little awkward but I overlooked that problem with other likable features about the vehicle. The vehicle has very good pick up and seating is comfortable although I recommend that BMW have plusher leather.

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  From Mercedes to BMW - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By new bmw fan - September 24 - 9:11 pm

  I have a black on black BMW 530i with smoked windows and a 6-speed stick tranny. This car is absolutely the coolest car Ive owned. I get so many looks and glances in the parking lot and this car isnt even brand new. It was a CPO and I got a very good deal on it. It runs smooth all the way up to 125 mph (fastest Ive gone in it) and handles like a dream. The steering is very quick around parking lots but not too quick out on the highway. Its also very quick. I was bored one afternoon and timed a 6.5 sec 0-60 run, w/o even launching it from a high rev. It feels much stronger than its somewhat unamazing 255hp and 220 lb-ft torque would suggest. The rear seats are huge and comfy