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:

• 

  This car is fast - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By 540inupe - August 4 - 9:37 am

  My 3rd BMW. Since I have had this car I have had wheel bearings replaced twice. Valve cover gasket replaced. One day I could not get in the damn car. I unlocked the door and the door handle would not let me in the damn car. I crawled in through the back door while my 6 year old kid laughed at me. The next time I picked her up from school she said “Daddy you should leave the windows down and slide in like the DUKE boys”. I have only had cold A/C 1 out of the 4 years I have owned this car. I drove in to work with my back wet from sitting in this hot box.

• 

  Great car when not in shop - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By mathwonk - August 3 - 3:49 pm

  This car is beautiful comfortable powerful solidly made and enjoyable. The only problem is I am a longtime Honda owner. I admit a Honda does not compare in acceleration, stopping power, beauty or safety to this BMW, but on the other hand, essentially nothing ever goes wrong on a Honda either, and that has me spoiled. The beemer was in the shop at least 7 times for a leak that occurred in any hard rain, and has only been ok in that department since the drought made rain less common. Two days ago my wife was driving down the highway and the wheels locked up at 50 mph and refused to roll. She skidded to a stop in the road and could not even get into the breakdown lane.

• 

  Sum greater than its parts - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By James - August 2 - 7:59 am

  Ive owned this car for nearly a year now and Im very pleased with it. Overall its a solid automobile. A car this old does have its kinks and quirks but it has always, always been reliable. The feeling I get when I get behind the wheel and fire it up is irreplaceable. This is my second Bimmer and I dont think I could own anything else at this point. Buyer beware!

• 

  My 1998 540i Rocks! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By My 540i Rocks! - August 1 - 6:18 pm

  Okay, bought my 540ia used from a lease, it is still in perfect condition at 65,700 miles. This car rocks! I have owned 3 Cadillacs in the past, this car is more refined, tighter, and just plain rocks! The power of the BMW V-8 is tremendous, much more than the Cadillacs I had. This car is fun to drive, handles like the blazes, and makes me feel good. Everything, and I mean everything, still works perfectly on mine. I own a museum condition E30 with 16,100 miles on it, it is in great condition, but this E39 with over 65,000 miles looks just as good.

• 

  Timeless Beauty - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By adrafts - July 31 - 12:05 am

  As the years go on, it is amazing how great this car still looks and feels. The feel of the drive is incredible, you really feel like you are one with the car. For a now 18 year old car, it really stands out. I have it in the blue-silver as pictured above--- gorgeous color. All the electronics are easy to use and very innovative, especially for its time. The dash is very well laid out and easy to read also. An overall excellent car! Sure to be a classic.

• 

  Better than expected... - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By dkisme2 - July 29 - 12:01 pm

  This it the first BMW Ive ever owned, and I will happily buy one again. Ive had to do very minor repairs with it since I got it almost a year ago. It came with just over 360,000 miles (yes thats correct, not a typo). And currently its got over 372,000 miles on it. Ive had to repair the oil seal and thats been about it. Im going to be buying tires for it soon, otherwise its in great shape (interior is nearly flawless). Theres minor rust along the bottoms of the doors, but what do you expect for any car thats driven in Wisconsin? Overall, I couldnt be happier, and I definitely plan on running it till over 450,000, hopefully 500,000 miles.

• 

  A Drivers Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jpeg - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling, solid build, low maintenance, fun to drive. This is a Drivers luxury car, built for performance, not necessaryily for interior comfort. There is absolutely no storage room what so ever. Where are you suppose to put your CD cases? Cup holder is a wasted effort in design, no intelligent thought what so ever went into its placement. This is the only car in the world that has both holders coming out of the passengers dash infront of the vents. Absolutely love the drive, hate the interior conveniences. 5 series hasnt quite reached "luxury" status yet. IDrive annoying at first, but once you get use to it, pretty amazing.

• 

  Still Thrills - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By pjl275 - July 27 - 9:11 pm

  When you drive this BMW, you know that a great deal of effort went into every facet of the automobile. The way each sound the reaches your ears and the car reacts to bumps and especially the way it drives down the road. Ive had this car for about 18 months and 16,000 miles. Each mile is a pleasure, and every drive is too short. X-drive is great in snow and rain, i-drive is still revealing new functions but works well for me, but the standard radio is just ok. Standard seats are comfortable for hours on end. Highway driving is smooth and quiet, very easy to cruise at high speeds. Ive leased this car and really do not want to ever give it back. Just do it, you only live once.

• 

  truly a driving machine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By ERM - July 24 - 6:15 pm

  I have the 545i with the sport package. It truly is a fantastic car. I have owned it for 24 months and still have a lot of fun driving it every day. It is fast, responsive and really connects with the road beautifully. The car really performs well at higher speeds. My mechanic said "It really doesnt start breathing until it reaches 80 mph. I highly recommend this car, It is a pleasure and a joy to drive.

• 

  Maybe in 2005, needs some changes - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Amgolfin - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I am the market of trading in my Lexus, undecided weather to purchase the 530i or the E300 Mercedes. My first impression of the 530i - a beautiful designed car, having several noticeable flaws that many consumers have identified. I possibly will wait until 2005 giving BMW an opportunity to provide the awesome car they intended.