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:

• 

  Came down to Lexus or BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By lreeves - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the car for a little over a month, but it reminds me daily that I made the right choice!

• 

  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.

• 

  Fun and luxury - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By jrutledge - April 21 - 1:12 pm

  I wanted a performance car and a luxury car. I got both from one car with the 540i. With very slight mods it is even better.

• 

  Just got it, love it. - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By evan - April 20 - 3:26 am

  This is a great car so far. I did a lot of research and although the price is high, this cars design and technology sold me. I think people who always buy sedans are missing out. This is as good as the sedan plus you get a lot more utility for a bit more weight.

• 

  2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 6M - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe V - April 19 - 7:46 pm

  Bought used w/ 24K miles. This is a truly amazing car. Ive had it now for 4 months and love it more every day. My only complaint was the REALLY bad OEM Dunlop DSST run-flat tires. BMW should be embarassed by these - LOUD as a truck and extremely jittery due to uneven tread wear all around. Replaced them a month ago with Pirelli P-Zero-Nero MSs and I have a totally different car. Handling & comfort are 100% improved. Trunk is huge. Sat radio & nav are great. Excellent night vision. 18 MPG in town - 28 MPG HWY. No regrets. A great purchase.

• 

  Good car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By fred - April 15 - 4:32 pm

  The 540i if youre going to buy one is an excellent car. The only draw backs which you should worry about are the brakes and water pump. They go on these cars and will cost to fix. But remember the problem wont arise again for years if even then. So go ahead and purchase one, just have some money on the side for repairs or find someone who works on BMWs for a reasonable price!

• 

  Awesome car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By frankie - April 15 - 2:04 pm

  This car is one of the best on the market. I love having my comfort access system in the winter because I can turn my car on and have it be warm when I get in it. Or you can just have a smart key, it opens the trunk, locks and unlocks the doors. The only thing it doesnt do that comfort access does is start the engine when you are not in the car. The handling on this car is awesome. My sister has a 525xi and it slips very rarely. The added horespower on the 530xi is worth it if you get stuck. If you have one or two kids then maybe you should get it for your wife but when they want to have friends in the car it gets kind of cramped. But for a working man it is perfect. Bluetooth is great.

• 

  Automotive piece of art!! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By jdo4394 - April 12 - 12:26 pm

  My 2007 530xi is the most beautiful car I have ever owned, the fit and finish is excellent, the interior is clean, roomy and above all its comfortable. The nav system is great, logic 7 sound system is crisp and clear, auto trans is very smooth. Car is loaded with just about everything. Can no longer see myself ever driving any other car ever again.

• 

  Smooth - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By dano - April 12 - 11:18 am

  Its been over 12 years since my last bimmer. Theres lots of new technology, but most importantly the fun-to-drive factor is still there. Adequate power from the 215hp, very comfortable ride, solid feeling car. Only two disappointments are the Nav and interior storage. Severely outdated and lacking basic function of search-by-name. Who decided to leave this out? Interior storage is minimal. Space in center armrest is laughable. Those gripes aside this is a great car.

• 

  Family Sedan Muscle Car!! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By illinimax - April 10 - 11:24 pm

  After driving everything in the luxury sedan market in the $45-65K range this car won me over. Unlike the Lexus GS 350, this car has a real trunk, way more fun to drive than anything in its price range. The hushed cabin at high speed puts Lexus and Infinti to shame combined with incredible handling. Dont pass up the chance to try one of these cars. Thumbs way up!