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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  Long time BMW owner - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By longtimebmwowner - September 2 - 3:44 pm

  Ive owned this car for 2 years and a 740IL previously. This car handles very well, rides very comfortably and can handle my 63" frame easily. The 28+MPG highway is a great deal with $4+ gas. I find the I-drive OK, but would prefer manual controls for heat/AC and radio. I-drive is good for navigation and communications. I find the brake dust excessive and pits the rims if not removed quickly (my rims are waxed for protection).

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  Fun to drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Telloborja - September 1 - 10:31 pm

  After 6 months I have enjoyed this machine plentifully, it drives fun. The most impressive to me is the powerful motor and small details on how it handles the curves.

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  BMW enuff said! go test drive it yourself - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ssibs - September 1 - 10:31 pm

  This is my first BMW and I have been fan of Japanese cars. My favorites were Lexus and Acura. I needed a new car to replace old Lexus that I had. 528i was the first one that i test drove. Honestly, I did not know what was so great about it other than handling. It drove nice but I felt like it didnt justify the price tag. After leaving BMW, I test drove Acura and Lexus and then Thats when I noticed the difference! All the interiors looked nice and all but it just didnt feel right when driving the Japanese. BMW hugs the road in cornering and drives uphill smoothly and effortlessly. I went straight to BMW!

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  Just love it! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Sufi - August 31 - 5:52 am

  Finally took the plunge and bought 528xi with Premium Pack (comfort access, xenon, usb audio integration, etc.). I must say I absolutely love it. Also test drove the GS350 AWD, and it gave good competition to the 528xi but in the end, just the sheer driving pleasure swayed me towards the 528xi. Features for features, the GS350 had more toys, but it doesnt come close to the performance and the drive that 528xi offers. No lack of power. Just awesome!

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  Great Performance, Great Value. - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By So Cal D. - August 29 - 11:27 am

  Took ED and drove 600 miles across So. Germany in 3 days. Ably handled everything from tight country roads, windy descents to 100+ mph cruising & stop n go on the Autobahn. Averaged 26+ mpg. Coming from Acura TL, never thought Id say "Good value" about a BMW, but the performance, ride, sound and handling are so amazingly solid while seating 4, its difficult to imagine why youd spend so much more for a little impractical Porsche (compare 0-60), or unpredictable Maserati GT. Great touring, great speedster and terrific looking. Easily translates from mellow to "lets go!" especially at the touch of the "Sport" button. Higher revs, immediate response.

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  A Superb Vechicle - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By gordon - August 28 - 2:57 pm

  After one month of ownership and 2,000 miles, this is clearly a superior automobile. All of my expectation have either been met or exceeded. IDrive is not the most user friendly, but also not difficult to master.

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  No Compromises - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff - August 28 - 2:36 pm

  Found a 2001 530i Sport for the same price as a used Accord. After driving primarily American and Japanese front wheel drive vehicles for 15 years, the no compromise engineering that goes into BMW was like attending a driving revival. RWD, I-6, trunk located battery, 50/50 weight distribution, aluminum 4 wheel independent suspension, etc make this vehicle drive like lawyers dont exist at BMW. Some cars will turn and accelerate well when you ask them to, this car begs you to turn and accelerate at every chance. It accelerates quicker than a 3.0L should it handles better than any 3500 Lb vehicle should. Balanced, focused, no compromise performance. The Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By ourtime - August 27 - 12:40 am

  Bought my low mileage 545i not long ago and fell in love with it the first drive home. By far, the best car Ive driven and owned. With the equipped sport package it corners like no other and never leaves you questioning its abilities. Body roll is almost non-existent. The heated steering wheel and seats are great on chilly days and everything is laid out nicely. Interior materials and build quality rival anything on the market. Love the iDrive. To combine the amount of luxury and performance this car offers is pure genius. Nothing out there like it.

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  Terrible transmission trouble - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Andrew - August 26 - 3:33 pm

  This is my 4th BMW and I love the car with one major exception. There is a programming glitch in the transmission software which BMW has not been able to correct. The car slams down into first gear quite violently when I accelerate from low speed (such as when turning a corner onto an uphill grade) or slowing for a light and then re-accelerating without coming to a complete stop. The car has been back to the dealer twice - they have been superb, spending lots of time to try to solve the problem - but BMW corporately has no solution at this time. They say they hope to have a software upgrade sometime in September, but make no real promise that this will correct the problem. We shall see.

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  A Drivers Car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Driver - August 24 - 8:30 am

  I now have 1500 miles and can say this was the best 1500 miles Ive every driven. This is a drivers car not a typical American or Japanese built car. Dont complain about the cup holders, BMW doesnt expect you to drive the autobahn with anything but two hands on the wheel. Focus on the quality of the ride beyond the seat and gadgets, it is amazing. If you really want the power go for the 535 or to tour the country side with a 550. I find the 528 gives me what I need in power with a little economy unexpected, Im averaging 22.4 mpg in the greater DC area.