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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  Bugs Still Not Worked Out - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Paul - August 26 - 7:09 pm

  First, the good things: the 528i drives like the 3 series and is larger and heavier. Corners like a dream and is solid as a rock. As much as I hate to say it, BMW really over-engineered this car in many respects. So many unnecessary saftety features used. My 3-series had one thing go bad in 3 years-the oxygen sensor, thats it. My 528i has 130,000 miles on it and here is a list of things on the car that dont work: cruise control, rear window, sunroof, e-brake, catalytic converter broke and o2 sensor went out. Yes, it is true parts for BMWs are expensive, probably 2-3 times that of even other luxury cars. I feel betrayed. I hope this travesty is never allowed by BMW again.

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  Best of the best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By blues55555 - August 21 - 1:59 pm

  The E39 style 5 series is a great mixture of classic BMW styling with modern technology. The later E39s (2001-2003) benefit from an upgrade to xenon headlights (with angel eyes), LED tail lights, steering wheel, and other cosmetic pieces. The V8 in the 540i is very quick for a mid-sized sedan. The quality of materials inside the cabin are top-notch. I could not be happier with this purchase. It is a lot of fun to drive. You read about people complaining about cup holders all the time, but I could care less about that. I dont think BMW is designing their cars for the Starbucks or Slurpee crowd. These cars are meant to be driven at fairly high speeds on the Autobahn. No car is perfect, but the 540i is close!

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  Beautiful car. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Scottyknows50 - August 21 - 10:01 am

  We bought this car used with 72000 miles on it. Before our first month was up we had to replace the $400 water pump. Other than that we have taken it on some long trips and couldnt be more pleased. This car drives as smoothly at 110 mph as it does at 65 mph. Bridgestone tires are working well for us. My fiancee is the main driver, and when I get to drive it its usually with her and our son so I dont get to push it like I want to. It is a joy when I do get it out by myself. Acceleration is great for a 2.8 and it corners very well right now, and I will probably get sticker tires for next time. Very enjoyable car to drive.

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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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  Outstanding ride - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By frank Muschetto - August 16 - 8:37 pm

  Probably the finest car I have ever owned. Fun to drive, great engineering and outstanding performance. Highly recommend to anyone.

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  540i great LA to SF transportation - 2018 BMW 5-Series
  By Kendall - August 16 - 8:17 pm

  Not as sports car feeling as the 335

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  Fantastic - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Miller - August 16 - 4:20 pm

  I have owned this car for two and one half years and still love to drive it. The fuel economy is great for a V8 20 city and 26 hwy (actual). Handling is superb! I have sports package (highly recommended) which includes wide 18 inch wheels, which I highly recommend! Quality is top notch and fit is superior! If you can afford it, buy the 8 cylinder as there is nothing finer than a BMW 8 cylinder. Also the car retains more value as the 8 cylinder is in fewer numbers!

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  iDrive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By vetconstruction - August 16 - 4:18 pm

  We picked up our low mileage unit a few months ago. It basically has every option aside from the active cruise control. We love this car, we also love the iDrive system. We researched the car to death and wonder why iDrive is so hated. If you can answer an e-mail and actually take the time to read the manual, this system is something to adore. The prologic 7 sound system is the best audio system on the planet. Smooth acceleration and gorgeous styling. We have clocked a few thousand miles and could not be any happier. The nav system is very nice as well.

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  King - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Organizedchaos - August 11 - 9:52 am

  The 530i is a stunning car. Great handling, a powerful v8 engine and great looks. This is the best car I ever owned. Plus its a classic now.

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  Awesome Mileage in Gas Crunch - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By GumDoc - August 10 - 10:22 am

  Bought this car used in 02 when I was in the market for a lux vehicle. A cousin suggested I go for a test drive. Dealer had just taken in car on trade 7500 mi demo service and 1 owner. Car was offered CPO and it is now out of warranty after about 1 year. Great Value! With recent gas crunch, I was concerned about a V-8 (same as 7-series) and was considering a new vehicle when I started tracking mileage. At 55 on hwy, car gets >30 mpg and at 65 car gets 28-29 mpg, both well over EPA estimates for the vehicle. This V-8 does better than many V-6s - a secret known only to owners.