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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  I chose right! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By CarlB - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Researched three luxury cars over a couple months. The Mercededs E320 and Audi A6 couldnt compare to the comfort, luxury, power and handling of the BMW 525 with active steering. Much more spacious than the others, including the gigantic trunk. It has so much power I have to check the speedometer constantly. Great sleek design inside and out, love the headlight styling, bi-xenon is terrific and interior features cant be beat. Not enough space to describe the looks and positive comments this car gets on the road and even when parked! I definitely made the right choice!

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  Its a trap! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Collin B - August 8 - 4:54 am

  I owned a 2004 530i that I purchased in 2013 for a year and six months and 20,000 miles. In those 20,000 miles the vehicle needed more than $5,000 in maintenance and repair items, and this was a clean 1 owner example that had been meticulously maintained. It needed 4 new brake pads and rotors for $2200, 4 new tires for $1200, all new PCV hoses for $850, Spark Plugs for $300, transmission fluid and filter exchange for $900, water pump and coolant for $75 (DIY), $200 for a sunroof leak and the subwoofer it took out (DIY), and $300 in oil and filter changes. I cringe when I think about how much I spent on this car, only to have it totaled in a flood. However, it was the most solid driving, comfortable and beautiful car I have ever owned. All of the features it had worked from the heated steering wheel, to the complex iDrive system, even after 11 years and 120,000 miles. The engine still purred like a kitten, could bounce off the rev limiter, and the car would still hit 155mph and pull 0.90g in the bends just like when it was new. It never broke down, nor had any problems. All of the items listed above are either wear items, or were replaced preventatively. I cant imagine owning another BMW of this age, as the rubbers and plastics used simply dont hold up over time, however Id definitely consider owning another newer one. This car is not for the faint of heart, and if you just need a cheap luxury car to drive everyday, Id go for a Lexus. On the other hand, if you like to work on cars yourself, or want a fun daily driver and are willing to pay for it, the BMW is the best youll find.

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  Great performance. - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Roger K. - August 7 - 10:12 pm

  Arguably the best sports sedan of its time (M5 excepted) and a classic in the making. This car is all about driver synergy and performance. You feel integrated with the machine: it does what you want, when you want. Reliability is a problem: radiator, digital displays, door seals, HVAC have all failed. Although problems are expected four years out, I never had this much trouble with Japanese cars. That being said, try finding a Japanese sedan that is as good to drive. Low profile tires and sports package make for cautious parking (but I cant blame BMW for that). Buy this car if driving experience is the priority.

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  Easy Rider - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Charlie Lawrence - August 5 - 8:21 pm

  Very happy with car after one month...quality, ride, performance, features all as expected so far!

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  Even Better Than Its Predecessor - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Padre J - August 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW and my favorite to date. After I drove the first one, I was hooked. My last 5-Series was a wonderful car, and I like the 2004 even more. The increased passenger room and storage in the cabin are welcome. Although a bit of a challenge at first, the i-drive isnt really that hard to learn. The Sports Suspension and Active Steering are terrific. People constantly approach me and want to talk about the car.

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  530i/Totally Unreliable - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Kevin P. Kelly - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in 10/03...software on "i" drive replaced., LCD screen would not work in cold weather ..had to be repaired/replaced..radio stopped working., and has been replaced., towed to the dealer 3 times...engine justed died while driving., i drive toggle stopped working and had to be replaced., car creeked and rattled... In all this vechicle had been in the dealers shop for more than 20 days.My wife has an 03.... no problems at all. Wait for Bmw to work the bugs... and rattles out before you plunk down 50k

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  2007 550i Outstanding Car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By George - July 24 - 12:23 pm

  Over the years Ive owned many BMW products 7s, 5s, X5s, 2002 and on and on. None of them can match this particular car it is truly incredible. At first I was not sure about the "Bangle" styling but I have to admit that as the car has aged it has really grown on me and I now love the styling. It will run with a Porsche 911 without problem, and on a cruise from Florida to Michigan it was superb. The car is almost a year old and has never had a single problem nor been back to the dealership. To quote Lee Iacocca "if you can find a better car buy it!"

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  BMW 540 with sport options close to M5 - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By IL_Tim - July 19 - 4:49 pm

  I commute a lot and needed an auto transmission, therefore no M5. This was as close as I could get and no disappointment. ALWAYS get the 540 with the sport option, otherwise stay with the V6. Fine, fine car, best of sport tuning and luxury.

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  Great car, fast, fun, reliable - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By A Meltzer - July 18 - 8:48 pm

  This was my first BMW and I love it. I spent 3 months/12 test drives before I found it. I got the 5-speed manual, vinyl seats (still look brand new), and no traction control. So despite the smaller engine, its a sporty ride. Nothing mechanical has ever broken. I just replaced the clutch at 125k, and the synchros on the tranny are starting to wear, but thats it. I would highly recommend this car to anyone, just make sure it is in excellent condition. Try to find a 1995 model - theyre the best. The 5-speed is rare but well worth the extra time finding one. Everyone that gets in this car compliments it. The paint still looks new. My dad has always had a Volvo, but now wants a 5er.

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  Nice 5 series - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By 1990bmw - July 15 - 5:22 pm

  I have had this car little over 2 years and have put over 60K on it. The thing is a rock solid tank, 17 years old with 217,000 miles and counting, no problems outside of brakes and tires. Air is air cold and the heated seats are great in the winter.