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 car Ive owned - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By higg12345 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The comfort and handling is excellent, perforance is watch your speed on the highway I set the limit on the I control to tell me when Im going over 90 mph I love this vehicle.

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  Stay with the E39 - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Sim Simma Bimma - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Ok, this is my second Bimma. 1st was an 84 325e that saved me a couple of times. I bought this 528i in 06 with only 35k miles on it. Only issues were the typical stuff that I had my dealership fix. The reason I am writing this review is to state that I just got 620 miles on 1 tank of gas. I am no "hiper-miler" but thats outstanding. That equated to 34 mpg. Just installed my own cd player and a sub. 10 speakers and still no bass. great thing is that my radio charges my bbery curve.

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  Meant for the Autobahn - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jeeper3 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Silver-Grey 530i w/sports package, cold weather package, rear heated seats, and xenon lights. I absolutely love this car. I have wanted BMW for almost 20 years now and I must say the 530i was well worth the wait. The handling is tight (best of any sedan, bar none), acceleration smooth and reasonably fast for a 6-cyl sedan, xenon lights are awesome; lights up the night like mid-day, heated seats a must w/leather here in Germany. Cant wait to take it back to the Rockies where I can put the adaptive steering through its paces. If youre able to, spring for the sports package...the added features and "ride like its on rails" road handling is amazing.

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  Buying this car was my greatest decision - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By beamer_is_love - June 9 - 3:06 pm

  Driving this car is so much fun the tight steering, the way the car responds to the gas pedal, the braking system, and the safety. Everything about this car is great, although I recently had a problem with the rear window. It is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. It has a luxury interior and a sporty exterior especially with my aftermarket m3 tires and rims. I highly recommend this car to anyone who is out to buy one, although there are some problems that can be fixed.

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  530xi review - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Deke - June 4 - 9:08 pm

  This car is the best performing automobile that Ive ever owned. With that being said, it is the worst car ergonomically that Ive ever seen. The iDrive system is a total disaster. Just trying to change the heat/AC is actually dangerous when driving because you must use the isDrive to do it! Almost all setting on this car must be changed through the iDrive which is very finicky.

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  540i 6-speed - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By pdxzen - June 4 - 4:26 pm

  The 540i is a fine & fun car. The acceleration is better then most cars on the road with the HP and good torque. Mine is black, w/ black leather interior, and chrome 18in Hamann deep dish rims, w/ 40 series tires, lowered about 1.5 inches, w/ angel eyes conversion, cone air intake, & custom exhaust. It looks pretty good for a 10 year old car. It handles well in corners, but you can tell that it is a little bit nose heavy due to the V-8 in the front as you can break the rear loose when coming around a corner.

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  My new Beemer - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Pdiddy - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I had this car about 4 months now. I thought i would driving it on occasion while using my other car as my primary car. Once i sat in the bmw...lets just say the battery died on the old car from lack of use. I think the 525 has enough power, and cant justify spending $5000 on an engine and only 17inch rims. Car handles smoothly. Love driving it. Only minor disappointment was dealing with the fiance dept which gave a low rate, then tried to raise it over 2.5% the day i came to pick it up. Almost decided to leave the car in the lot...glad i didnt though.

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  Cant enjoy my other car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bmeehan52 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The car handles and feels incredible. This is my wifes car, but I get to drive it on occasion. Hard to go back to my car. I do not understand the car presss reaction to the styling. Its aggressive, modern, yet clearly BMW. IDrive is a pain, but as others have pointed out, once things are set, you really dont use it much. Clearly the best car I have ever driven. I had to have the car returned once - the BMW assist didnt work. Still waiting...BMW needs to be careful - the 7 series and MBs had a lots of clitches

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  Excellent - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Exper. Car Consumer - June 3 - 9:18 pm

  Have owned for almost two years - should have bought a new one years ago when I had the chance. Excellent reliability, mileage, fun, sport driving, beautiful race car wagon. Feels like it is carved out of one solid piece of metal, I have never owned a car so solid before and I have owned most all high end luxury cars.

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  BMW 528XI 2008 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Rocky Deodg - June 2 - 7:32 am

  This is by far the best car we have ever owned, little to no issues in 8 years and 175K miles.