Overview & Reviews

The 2008 BMW 5 Series receives a number of significant changes, most notably a pair of new six-cylinder engines. The base 5 Series is now the 528i and features a 230-horsepower inline-6, while the 535i is powered by the same twin-turbo 300-hp inline-6 found in the 3 Series. There are a number of high-tech standard and optional additions to the 5 Series that allow it to keep pace and, in a few instances, surpass the rapidly advancing competition. To spot the updated 5 Series, look for a barely noticeable redesigned front airdam, new headlight lenses and LED taillights.

• Exceptional ride and handling dynamics, smooth and vigorous engines, premium cabin furnishings, precision build quality, strong resale value.

• More expensive than most competitors, iDrive system is still a pain in the Bangle butt.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 206.00

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  The best ever - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tamer - May 14 - 10:00 pm

  I was interested in the 5-series but wanted to get the 3-series feeling which I think was lacking in the past 5-series. With the new 2008 twin turbo 300 HP, I am now having the luxury and enjoyment of the 5-series with the road feeling of the 3-series. This in addition to the 4WD that only kicks in when needed.

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  Great Choice - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By back to BMW - April 10 - 1:40 pm

  The 528xi handles like a champ and is fun to drive. It has plenty of pep, especially in the sport mode. The iDrive is pretty easy to use, the seats are great, and the car has a muscular but refined look. I left BMW for years when the 7 series repair bills rivaled the cost of my mortgage. The siren song of Lexus lured me for a bit, but life is too short to compromise.

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  Fantastic ride and to drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Kirk - November 23 - 10:21 am

  Repair costs when needed are high, but infrequent.

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  2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By skippydrvr - November 12 - 1:16 pm

  This is the third BMW 5 series Ive owned, and theyve all been great cars. This is my favorite one, nudging out my 1995 540 6-spd. I got the sport package with automatic on this one to satisfy my wife. The twin turbo 6 cylinder is terrific, and the new 6-spd automatic works very well with quick decisive shifts. Its fast and gets very good mileage, averaging 23.5 mpg on my daily commute. The car handles like a sports car while being comfortable and rattle free. Despite car mag complains about the Bangle looks and the iDrive, I love them both. With the sport package and wheels, the car has a low aggressive look. Oh, and no problems in 8 months! This will be a long term keeper.

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  550i sport - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By jamesg - September 20 - 8:20 am

  I recently moved from an e39 540i6 to this 550i sport automatic. This car is much more comfortable and "luxurious" while maintaining an even better balanced feel on the road (it is winter so i have not been able to push it real hard, yet). The iDrive requires some learning investment, but the payoff is real - you can set up a lot of the car features to your personal preferences. The back seat and trunk are larger. Only downside has been fuel mileage ~16.5 MPG in mixed driving compared with 22 MPG in the old car.

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  The Perfect Middle Aged Car? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By 1Cannuck - August 18 - 2:40 am

  Had the 08 535i for over a month. Took me an hour to configure the iDrive. Other than the climate module, it is actually real easy to use. The car is solid, quite luxurious and now actually looks great. I am driving this like a 50 yr old because I am babying this car and also the higher level of luxury and insulation from the raw elements. By comparison, I am Mr. Hyde behind my M Coupe. The couple of occassion when I had to make more energetic manoeuvre, the car was very stable and responsive. Mind you, I swapped out the OEM tire with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S which in my opinion, the best (Z rated tire with a 400 treadwear and can be driven all year round in Toronto).

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  Top notch - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By D.B. - June 5 - 3:46 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a month and I do not have any regrets. The ride is excellent and so is the handling. I had considered a Mercedes E350 4-matic and an Audi A6 Quattro. I am glad I went with the BMW, I think I received much more for the money. I have also found the "very difficult" iDrive system very easy to use. Overall I rate this the best European luxury car that I have ever owned.

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  BMW 535xi - Its a Keeper - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Steeler Fan - April 25 - 11:06 am

  After nearly a year and 12k miles, this car has proven to be even better than the initial write-ups. It is fast and fun to drive, gets around great in the snow and is wonderfully intuitive and responsive to the driver. This car is a keeper.

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  BMW 550i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By TX Buzzard - April 8 - 6:33 pm

  After carefully considering the 535i, I drove this 550i. WOW! This vehicle is exactly what "The Ultimate Driving Machine" is all about. The mid-size with the large V8 motor, M/T and Sports Package make this vehicle simply a blast to drive. The best car I have ever owned!

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  Wow! BMW Does It Again - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Alexander - March 26 - 9:56 am

  What an outstanding value. This car provides the perfect combination of acceleration and handling youd expect from BMW. Fuel economy is good and the manual transmission ties it all together. The comfort seats are just simply unbelieveable. After 1600 mls of both highway and city driving, its clear that the 528xi has more than enough power to deliver the performance I need. I passed on the twin turbos and dont regret it a bit. Frankly, the 528xi is just plain fun to drive! The hot buttons on the iDrive dramatically simplify the system. The navigation system has the best display Ive seen. The HUD is awesome.