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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  Great car under 70k mi - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Maddog - February 25 - 6:03 pm

  Awesome car right up to 75k miles, when the car started having many coolant sys problems. Long term reliability not acceptable for people like me who like to keep their cars.

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  Wish they still made this style - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Discriminating Taste - February 24 - 9:13 pm

  I understand why this 530i was Consumer Reports highest rated car ever in 2001. I got a Mercedes after my first BMW, but after experiencing this 530i, I may be a BMW loyalist into my 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and if I need a personal driver by the time I reach 100 years old, he/she/(or it if robots can drive by then) will be behind the wheel of a BMW. BMW, keep up the good work!

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By James - February 22 - 8:43 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have ever had. I now have 36000 miles on mine, a 545i, and it is just as good, if not better, than when it was new. The build quality is impeccable and the performance beyond reproach.

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  Dont buy something unless you can afford it twice - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Concepcion - February 22 - 11:00 am

  This car is an over priced lemon to say the least. Looks great, speed is there. But, reliability is the last thing i would say this car is good for. Had it for only 6 months ands put over 1k in repairs already. Everything on this car breaks and will cost an arm and leg to repair. I had a infiniti m35x before this car and i wish that car wouldve never gotten totaled because i was much much happier with her than i will ever be with this car. I wish i was able to trade her in but unfortunately bmws depreciation is far to great and am 7k upside down on this lemon of a car.

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  I love my Beemer - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Hunter - February 21 - 1:23 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. It is comfortable but sporty and the I-drive is very useful once you get used to it. It has more features than I have figured out yet. I like the exterior styling and note that many of the more popularly priced cars are staring to imitate it in 2005. The 3 liter in-line six is very powerful but quiet and the automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. Its a great car. My only gripe was I had a few glitches to correct at the dealer after delivery but it was handled quickly and efficiently.

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  I love it - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Bix - February 20 - 9:37 pm

  The title says it all, truth is this is the overall very best car Ive ever owned. After over 30K miles I still smile every time I drive the car. And because its a touring model I can haul real things. The only complaint I actually have is stupid and dangerous cupholders. Oddly the only cup which works is "Mini" mug.

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  Love the car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Dan - February 18 - 10:08 am

  2nd BMW and Ill run this one until the wheels fall off. Styling is classic. The car looks great even at 6 years old. Finish is still top notch. Fun and comfortable to drive

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  Great fun to drive - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Aydin Akdeniz - February 16 - 6:50 am

  This is my eighth new BMW over the years and what a difference in design, technology application and quality. I think BMW has done an excellent job in this new 5 series. It took me less than half an hour to go over the "i-drive" and learn it. The aerodynamic lines and trims are impressive.

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  BMWs Worst - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill Richter - February 13 - 12:31 am

  Ill start with the positive: the car is fun to drive. Now the negatives: There are several fatal design flaws that make ownership a real pain. For example, the six disk changers cartridge is at the back of the glove box and only accessible from the passenger seat (with all the glove box contents emptied). The center consoles is hard to access, provides limited space and lacks a power outlet or ipod connection. Unexplainably, there are two power outlets for the back seat passengers. idrive is useless. For a simply function, like shifting the air vent from the dash to the feet, it takes a dozen clicks. The 3 series is a classic and the 7 is luxury, but the 5 is downright useless.

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  Just remarkable - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By don - February 10 - 1:16 pm

  I bought this car with 100k and needed some work like control arms and flex joint. Since then it has been a thrill and pleasure to own this car. Its a manual trans. And this car does not miss a beat, it handles well on curves as well as straight aways and the braking is excellent. Could change these cup holders even though I dont use them I dont have time to because Im too busy driving the car. It is the step up from my 325i which I thought was a beast but the 540i is one step down from the M5 which is OK. Because I dont need any speeding tickets.