Overview & Reviews

The 2008 BMW 5 Series receives a number of significant changes, most notably a pair of new six-cylinder engines. The base 5 Series is now the 528i and features a 230-horsepower inline-6, while the 535i is powered by the same twin-turbo 300-hp inline-6 found in the 3 Series. There are a number of high-tech standard and optional additions to the 5 Series that allow it to keep pace and, in a few instances, surpass the rapidly advancing competition. To spot the updated 5 Series, look for a barely noticeable redesigned front airdam, new headlight lenses and LED taillights.

• Exceptional ride and handling dynamics, smooth and vigorous engines, premium cabin furnishings, precision build quality, strong resale value.

• More expensive than most competitors, iDrive system is still a pain in the Bangle butt.

User Reviews:

Showing 81 through 90 of 206.00

• 

  535i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Rob - March 17 - 3:23 am

  Traded in my 2004 Mercedes E500 for a 2008 535i. I couldnt be happier. Handling is superb for a sedan of this size. Performance is great. There is literally no turbo lag.

• 

  Best all around - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By wdt - December 30 - 7:23 am

  Had a 911, have 3 kids, needed something comfortable for the family. Looked at the 550i sport and thought Id get too many tickets. The 535i sport is just a little more "real world", but still handles like a proper sport sedan. The xi models understeer more than Id like, and the sport package on the i model is a true bmw sport package (suspension). The twin turbo motor gives you v8 torque and horsepower, I suspect that the ratings of 300 each is understated. Saving 10 grand over the 550 sport was worth it.

• 

  Great... but - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Greg - October 9 - 12:46 pm

  Bought the wagon after waiting till 08 model came out. All good things in it but the seats are not as comfortable as the, for example, old 525 of 2001 (I had one). Seems that seats are now smaller(?). Lines are beautiful, got it in Titanium silver and black interior. really nioce. Got the navigation system. I still have to decide whether I like it or not (it is a bit distracting). Should have a "beep" something to alert about animals, etc. Dont think I would order it again. The iDrive is OK, but quite frankly if it didnt have it, things would be easier. Do not like the run flat tires. MPG is disappointing (highway is a challenge to stay at 24 MPG).

• 

  2008 550i with zero problems so far - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Kush - September 2 - 4:24 am

  I have a 2008 BMW 550i with 40K miles on it. I have zero problems with it. I have only changed the oil and replaced the battery twice. Runs like a top. Will change radiator fluid soon. Runs as good as new.

• 

  Fantastic! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By 528 fan - August 15 - 12:20 pm

  Great car. I purposely dont listen to the radio just to hear the sweet sound of the inline 6. Comfortable, fast, safe.

• 

  08 528i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By sut - July 26 - 9:30 am

  For $48k it should come with a bigger engine. Itll go when pushed but it lags at first. Car handles like it were glued to the road while providing a level of comfort you would expect in a luxury car.

• 

  Fun Car To Drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Dave - April 24 - 2:56 am

  My wife and I looked at the 335, 528 and the 535i. For the price, the 535i was the best buy. Comfort is extremely good; performance is amazing for a car this size. Fun to drive – it is a blast. At 70, when floored, it will pin you back in the seat. It wants to cruise at 100 mph. I traded in a Honda S2000 and it was fun to drive, but this BMW is almost as much fun to drive and it is much more comfortable. Everyone wants to take a ride and drive it. Even my kids think it is great, but they want the 335i.

• 

  Love It - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Todd - April 20 - 10:53 pm

  This car is heaven on wheels. I have put 4,000 miles on the car so far with no problems. Now that Ive passed the break in period, the car gets 23 MPG in mixed driving!! The car handles very well and the braking is fantastic. I had a 1997 BMW 528i and this new 528i is so much better in almost every department compared to my old one. I looked at the E60 when it came out in 2004, but I didnt like how they placed window switches and other little things. The 2008 refresh got it right and I love the improvements over the earlier E60s. Great car all around!

• 

  Perfect Chicago Sedan - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By grung - April 3 - 2:40 am

  I was looking for an all wheel drive sedan (5 passenger) to replace a G35 (rear wheel drive) for Chicago winters. I drove all the competitors from Audi A6 to Mercedes E350 to Infiniti M and so on. All of these were good cars. The BMW with its new twin turbo in-line 6 was the smoothest and best handling car, hands down. The luxury feel has been enhanced in the 2008. But when the need for speed is requested, this car responds with no hesitation. This is the best car I have owned.

• 

  Awesome vehicle! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By rg - March 27 - 5:33 am

  I special ordered my 550i with exactly the options I wanted and it was worth the 2 month wait. This car is an absolute blast to drive. I love the throaty sound of the V8 and the smoothness of the engine. I test drove the 535i also and even though the 0-60 performance is close (according to the specs) the 550i feels much more powerful because of its substantial mid range torque. My car has the sports package so it is a little stiffer than my old car, a 1999 528i (non-sport), but the 550i is not too stiff at all and corners extremely well. The iDrive was not hard to learn and in fact I like it. My coworkers are fascinated by the iDrive and other electronics gadgets. NICE car BMW!