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 Great Transition - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By euroman540i - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a Porsche Carrera for my 2003 540iA three weeks ago and it has been a joy! I had owned a BMW 3 and less muscular 5 series in the 80s and was amazed at the brands tremendous qualitative evolution over the past 13 years. The 540iA is simply the best car Ive ever owned - bar none. With its world-class performance, safety features and elegant design, I would ethusiastically recommend this outstanding car to anyone who appreciates combining true value with a great motoring experience.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Edward - March 10 - 9:44 pm

  Ive had the 2007 530i with manual transmission for about a month. What a great car! Test drove the automatic but it wasnt quite as fun to drive. The handling, ride quality, and acceleration simply brings a huge smile on my face. Like other reviewers, I always take the long way home. I have owned Lexus and Volvo and there is no comparison. This is truly a drivers car. If you really enjoy driving, this is your car. Also, I am averaging 28.5 mpg combined driving (another plus for getting the manual transmission).

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  I love this car - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Brian - March 8 - 9:34 am

  I have a red 5-speed and it is a blast to drive. Terrific at responding to the drivers intentions. Mirrors and car shape allow for very easy viewing of other cars around you which can really make a driving experience. Driver is truly in complete control. CLASSIC body style. Car looks incredible when clean. Very tight steering and VERY impressive handling for a sedan. Car loves to be pushed. Built to be driven. I average about 24 mpg and can go well over 400 mi on a tank. Trunk space is a-plenty. Back seat leg room a little tight. Nothing better than taking this baby out on a warm sunny day with the windows down and the music up.

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  Best Yet! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Jack C. - March 6 - 10:33 am

  This is my second BMW. It doesnt get any better than this! Wonderful ride, muscle and luxury in one beautiful package.

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  Great BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Keith - March 6 - 7:47 am

  What can you say- it has the awesome BMW 6 cylinder engine that combines performance with fuel economy. And they last forever. My 530i is a 2007 model & I know I should getter a newer BMW, but the idea of going to a 4 cylinder stop/start engine is not inspiring in the least. I look at consumer reports reliability of this year and 5 series in general & it scares me to death, but honestly, Ive owned this car for 5 years and only had a bad spark plug wire. And yes, the BMW dealers are notorious for being overpriced and value challenged, but the drive is unlike anything else out there! Hopefully we will just be able to buy cars on the internet & the whole dealer nightmare will become obsolete- let me dream!!

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  Beautiful Car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By pnut - March 3 - 3:44 pm

  My husband just bought this car and I fell in love with it the moment I got into it. Such an attractive vehicle and it drives beautifully. I dont know a lot about cars, but I have driven a Jaguar, Mercedes, Land Rover and Volvo and none of them comes close.

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  Bye Bye Benz - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By gocart304 - March 3 - 2:52 pm

  I have owned several Mercedes and thought I would never switch. I went to get another Mercedes and their emphasis on cost cutting is apparent. I drove the 530xi and was blown away. Interior appointments are outstanding, fit and finish exceptional and the driving experience is beyond compare. This car is absolutely dead stable (and nearly silent) at 130 mph with amazing handling even in heavy rain. You can get an E-Class Mercedes for less, but there is just no comparison. The 530xi is worth the few extra bucks - it is clear that this is still a pure German built vehicle (like Porsche).

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  Former M3 Driver - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By A pleasure to drive - March 3 - 10:00 am

  As a former M3 owner, I was concerned about this cars performance. Not anymore. Equipped with the sport package and 5 speed Steptronic transmission, understanding that this car is not a hot rod, acceleration is excellent, while handling is formidable. Fuel consumption overall has been 21.1 mpg according to to vehicles computer. This car provides for me what is necessary to be considered a true sport sedan.

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  The Silver Bullet - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By fdelmonte - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned! Powerful, luxurious, stylish, fun, (did I mention fun?), delightful. There are not enough superlatives to describe the wonder & engineering on this car. For the acceleration & power of the car, excellent gas mileage (18 city, 21 freeway) and its not through the break-in period (remember, this is a 8-cylinder wonder - I was only getting 18.5 mpg in a Volvo S80 T6 - there are no comparisons between the cars). Yes, the cupholders are worthless, but that is not the reason you buy a BMW. A must have if you truly appreciate well engineered cars.

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  Elegance & Power - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Peter Louca - February 21 - 9:09 pm

  A drive in the 550i is an experience of quality, satisfaction and exclusivity. Superior handling and braking, comfortable and refined interior, run-flat tires. Harman Kardon Logic 7 system sports 13 speakers (including two subwoofers), surround sound simulation, Digital Sound Processing (DSP).