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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  Best BMW Ive Owned - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By MJE - August 21 - 7:26 pm

  This is my third BMW, and I currently own a 2001 540i that is a great car. This new 2006 530i is an amazing and better car, and I dont understand what the various auto magazines are thinking in their reviews! This car is an outstanding blend of quickness, agility, comfort, build quality, and amazing technical features. The iDrive is actually easy to use and very cool. The sports suspension and seats are more comfortable than past 5 series while handling better, thanks to the active roll bar technology. The 530i engine has solid power with 255 HP and great fuel efficiency - gettng about 30 MPG highway and good economy with stop and go driving.

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  Back to being an old man - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By js - August 21 - 11:24 am

  Had traded a 530 for an X3 as I felt like I was becoming an old man with a sedan. One year later Im back in a 535XI and Im enjoying being a 45 year old old man. What a difference! Solid ride, good punch from the turbo, especially in sport mode.

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  Simply the perfect car. It morphs. - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Big Tony - August 20 - 7:52 pm

  Want a comfortable car? How about one that can go from a cruise, to a race in seconds? This is the one you want. Why sacrifice comfort, convenience, or practically for pure driving pleasure (like Porsche), when you can have it all? I drove a bunch of Audis, checked out a bunch of Mercs - but man, after having another BMW, you cant change to anything else. Only Germans can make REAL cars. Im biased, and some people dont really care about the driving experience. But if you do, German cars, and in this class, especially BMW is the only game in town.

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  n63 Engine is nothing but trouble. - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Telp Snowbeard - August 15 - 7:38 pm

  This is a bad engine. Google it. Constant engine light issues of "Crankcase Failure". These messages are related to bad engine parts like fuel injectors and sensors. I had to replace head cover gaskets, turbo pan gaskets and other gaskets. Car is a repair nightmare. Only 41K miles and way too many problems. Unreliable.

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  Better than expected! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Spechtbach - August 12 - 11:44 am

  Purchased the car on European Delivery - lots of fun. Drove 1100 miles in Germany, Austria & Italy. You dont need many expensive options. Only Xenons & fold down rear seat. Leather without premium package also nice. Std seats are fantastic. Forget the sports package in 528. Better in 3 series. Very quiet & comfortable. Great cruiser. Large trunk.

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  Great car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By frick - August 9 - 3:24 pm

  This is my 4th BMW and was purchased with 320,00 km cheap. Car needed struts, control arm, tie rods, rear ball joints, stab links and cvv. After doing all the work this car runs and drives like new. Body had small rust on back trunk lid (repaired) shined back up to almost new condition after 10 Canadian winters. Good value for used car.

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  Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By RodneyD - August 8 - 2:52 pm

  I have owned my 530i for only 5 months and it is truly the ultimate driving machine. This is my 3rd BMW. Previously owned a 3 and wife drives an x3. This car makes me look for the long way home. I especially look for the curvy roads. The styling is classic. The handling is outstanding. The car is just fun to drive. If you are looking for a vehicle that is a blast to drive then do yourself a favor and buy a BMW!

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  Awesome Car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Jean - August 6 - 3:24 pm

  I purchased this car last year, so far it has only been back to the dealer for the free maintenance. I live in snowy Canada so a car that handles well in snowy weather is important, this car was absolutely exceptional last year. Performance, balance and handling are superb. The xi add on is well worth it. Last winter was a very heavy snowfall winter and I drove the car without snows, it drove like it was on rails, some of the roads were unplowed, slippery, and the car handled it without a problem, it gives you a great feeling of safety and it has not let me down yet.

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  Best Ive owned - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael Flatow - August 6 - 10:50 am

  I have owned 5 other BMWs including a 7 series. This is the best one I have had from an all around driving experience. The 6 cylinder has outstanding acceleration, not much different from the 550 I test drove. Gas economy is amazing for this kind of car. Handling is fantastic and overall ride is close to perfect. I convinced my 82 year old dad to buy one and he now feels the same way

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  Never Again - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Scott - August 4 - 3:03 pm

  Being stationed overseas I figured it was time to buy a new BMW. I owned this car for 4.5 years, replaced all 4 rotors three times, also replaced 4 of 6 ignition coils throughout my ownership. All under warranty, luckily. Replaced the cub hold assembly, too easily broken. Its great to drive especially on the German Autobahn, but the headaches of maintenance were too much. I sold this car and after three months the new owner e-mailed and said the ignition coil went out.