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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  Design Defect - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Regina Wofford - July 17 - 11:32 am

  I love my car, but there is a definite design defect. The electronic module that controls most of the electronics in the car is located under the tire well in the truck. Its very easy for liquids to seep into the compartment and cause an "electronic malfunction". I was carrying groceries in my trunk and some liquid spilled. Before I made it home, my cars electronic system went haywire. I took it to the dealer and explained my problem and he new exactly what it was. It seems many other car owners have had the same problem. At a cost of $790 they repaired the problem and relocated the electronic module. It seems this is an ongoing problem and BMW should have made owners aware of the issue

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  2011 550i - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By kevin - July 6 - 12:55 am

  Very fun to drive. Powerful V8 Twin turbo is exhilarating with low end torque. thirsty for gas..better interior upgrade compare with 2010 model.

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  Drive It, Youll Understand - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Hoosier BMW - July 1 - 10:01 pm

  I have had the BMW one month. Have remainder of factory warranty and service. That is good. Had 03 525i. It was good,but this one is much better. Smoother, quicker, better build quality, higher quality interior. I -Drive is a bit of a pain but you get used to it. Dash is more modern. Cup holders better than 03.Handling is more effortless. Conti tires are fine.Driving on highway is a joy. MPG is 25 mixed.XI good for snow days. Radio is just ok. No satellite in this one.. a bummer. Roomier than in 03. Styling is ok. Monaco Blue/camel is a nice combo. Bought used with 34k..but feels good. All in all love the car, just drive one, youll want one.

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  Great Sports Car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Loving it! - June 21 - 12:08 am

  My first BMW. I drove all the competitors and settled on the 535xi because of its performance. It is a blast to drive Ive had it now for three years and still enjoy getting into it every day. I live in the Rockies and it is unbelievable on mountain roads. Excellent in the snow with AWD. My only negatives are, the seats are not real comfortable on longer drives and the cup holders are a joke.

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  Worst car Ive ever had - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By hovious - June 17 - 7:53 pm

  Drives great when its not being repaired which is every other week, Ill take a Honda with all upgrades over an over priced over rated BMW. Sell before warranty expires or be ready to empty your wallet.

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  Unreliable, even new - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Skip - June 14 - 3:34 pm

  With less that 4000 miles the "engine malfunction-reduce power" message came on and the car would no longer start. I was only 1 mile from the dealership but it took BMW assist over two hours to organize a tow (1 pm Monday)! I was told by the dealership " we are seeing this a lot," but so far they apparently do not know how to fix it. I rated the car low on performance, build quality, and reliability for this issue. This is not the BMW "experience I was hoping for!

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  What next? - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Tony - May 28 - 3:46 pm

  Bought it with carfax one owner 72k miles. Now 166k eight years later only major repair new radiator and a/c components. Most important thing is to have a great mechanic whose accurate diagnosis can save you thousands. He warns me higher operating temps of later bmws is main reason for parts failures. Really want a 528 or 530 2001-2003. How many miles can these cars go? Very wary of late model bmws unless on a lease.

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  Shell cost you! - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By eholmes - May 16 - 4:02 pm

  I bought one of these private sale last year. What a great ride!. I had never driven a vehicle that tight before. Lots of power and handles like a monorail. Rear-wheel-drive with traction control was fantastic in the snow I was really surprised. Unfortunately the one I bought was a little beat. Rust on the bottom of the doors, front end parts kept loosening up ($400 each), needed pads and rotors, and tires, leaked oil, seemed to be burning coolant, window controls shot, antenna broken, sun-roof broken - you name it, it was broken. But it was a fun car to drive. So I traded it in towards a newer 528i.

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  Looks good but full of bugs - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Eugene Namyotov - May 15 - 8:03 am

  The best car you can own if the roads you travel every day are glass smooth. The car handles as well as BMW should and the pick up and braking is outstanding. The issue is in the electronics as for most of the owners i know, the engine light goes on and off at times, the AWD malfunction light goes off at times, once i had a turbo fail light go off and go away after a car restart. It becomes annoying that a 50k car has little bugs that were not taken care off pre-production. I have the M package and the wheels and tires that got damaged by NYC roads are not available for purchase in USA, must be ordered from Germany which takes 4 to 6 weeks. i have been waiting for a front right rim 4wks.

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  Loving it! - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Yoshodeep - May 3 - 10:08 pm

  Lexus has more comfortable and plusher interior, Infiniti can be more reliable, Acura can cost less to maintain, Mercedes has a better designed exterior, Jaguar has more sophisticated technology so why would anyone buy a BMW? Well, take a test drive and youll know, yes, it is overpriced, but it is such perfectly balanced, the connection to the road you feel while driving, it makes you forget about the other cars for that little while.