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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  A Beautiful Classic, But Handling Could be Tighter - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff Fancher - October 13 - 8:41 am

  I Purchased my new 535I one month ago with most of the bells and whistles and from a technology, beauty, and build perspective this car can not be beat. The interior is amazing and all the electronics work like a charm. The navigation, voice system, and radio interface is awesome and the heads up display system is crazy good. The way the heads up display integrates everything, you really never have to look down. The biggest downside so far is that the car does drive like a large sedan and even in sport mode it does not hold the road as well as I expected. Acceleration in the 535I is excellent, but it feels like it is floating more than i would like when cruising on the highway. The run flat tires make the ride somewhat rough i think and generate extra road noise. I will have to consider changing those out for traditional all season tires and just hope for no flat tire. The Jaguar XF felt like a sportier ride and also has great electronics, but in my case it had some other drawbacks such as the low ground clearance and interior color selection. The BMW is a great car, but as in all things there is some room for improvement in the ride.

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  Great to Drive, If it is not in the Shop - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Dave - October 12 - 6:00 pm

  This is my second 5 series, the previous was a 540. The vehicle is pure pleasure to drive, acceleration, braking and handling are awesome! That said, it is the poorest quality vehicle I have ever had. 5 visits in 5 weeks in the shop for failing iDrive. I blame BMW service more than the vehicle, they would not replace the failing unit and kept reprogramming the computer. The iDrive itself is tedious and cumbersome, the nav system is worthless 50% of the time. I cannot count how many rattles and noises the vehicle possesses. Sunroof replaced, window gaskets squeaking, etc etc etc. BMW, the driver’s machine - when you get to drive it!

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  525i a great reliable car - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By RickP - October 11 - 7:53 pm

  People said BMWs were expensive to maintain, but not this one. So far, only routine oil changes, shocks & other normal wear items, and an extremely reliable, low cost, and fun to drive car. Gets about 30 MPG on highway, 23 around town. Everything works on the car.

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  Like it after a year, minor issues - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By ttroglio - October 7 - 2:39 pm

  Overall the car is great. This was our first BMW. Nice looks, nice interior comforts. Very nice leather. My only complaint so far is with the brakes. An annoying squeak develops when the front brakes get the slightest amount of dust on them. I did not expect this from a $50K car. Also, when I have the steering wheel and seat in a position I like, I cannot see the upper portion of the speedometer We are happy with the car. The ride is amazing. At high speeds in the rain it handles very well. Recently got a road force balance on the tires and that made the ride much better We purchased the car in black. I would not own another in black. Hard to keep clean.

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  Numerous Mechanical issues - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Unsatisfied - October 1 - 4:43 pm

  I have heard that these cars were very reliable. Mine was extremely fun to drive, but had numerous mechanical issues. Maybe I just got a bad one. Had to replace the drive shaft in the first year, drive belt tensioner "exploded" causing loss of power steering and cut hose resulted in overheat. Right front suspension replacement required before 50k miles... not driven very hard, numerous other issues final stage unit caused air conditioning to fail, replaced twice during time I owned, etc.

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  BMWs are not Maytags! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Rick - September 30 - 9:20 am

  Ive had three 5 series in a row over the past 10 years. I love the cars, but would recommend a BMW extended warranty. Repairs can run in the thousands of dollars and these cars do require repairs, particularly when they get to be 5 or 6 years old. Otherwise, I find them to be nearly the perfect car for me. I am 511" and 185 lbs and fit nicely in the car. If you are 62" and 250 lbs, This isnt your car.

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  BMW 530i - You gotta drive one! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By diggertoo - September 28 - 10:35 pm

  Purchased used in great condition. The suspension system is incredible. The car feels like its glued to the road and is the smoothest and most comfortable riding car Ive ever driven. With a bad disk in my back, the lumbar system can be adjusted to make even longer trips very comfortable. The air vents in the dash provide circulation throughout the car, without hitting anyone directly in the face. And the sound system... if you close your eyes you would swear you were live at a concert. The sound system with 10 speakers and 2 subwoofers is that good and the list of other useful features could go on and on.

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  Oldie but a Goodie - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By MKnight - September 27 - 2:36 pm

  For an older car with 100,000 miles on it this car is superb. However, I would not recommend this car unless you can get a warranty or you have cash to blow. All of the car problems have been little (sensors, fuses, etc.) issues. But if I didnt have a warranty I would be out a good chunk of money.

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  Executive Ride - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris - September 27 - 1:44 pm

  Found myself wanting a sporty, high-end sedan and the 2001 530 with Sport and Premium is most definitely it. Took some time to find a manual, and silver wasnt my first color choice but found one with less that 50K miles. Car is beautiful inside and out, will enjoy for a long time. Sport suspension makes you really feel the road yet nothing jarring, acceleration is surprising with a relatively big car with a six cylinder, and the engine is incredibly quiet. Time will tell re reliability, disappointed that a week after purchase the alternator went out on me. Rec - dont take to dealer, find a good indie mechanic and get to know him.

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  2007 525i-Great Car to Drive!! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert - September 24 - 11:10 pm

  We have enjoyed this car so far. We DO love the iDrive. Has awesome programmable features. Very well built car and is very good fit and finish. Car is ok on room but wish the back seats had a little more room. The 745i had better room but it was a lot more expensive. We looked at Audi, mercedes, Lexus, and Infinity. My wife fell in love with the overall feel of the car versus the others. The drive is very solid and is very tight to drive. Free maint was a plus.