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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  BMW 530i Im Loving it! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Kenneth Taylor - January 19 - 9:56 am

  I have owned 2 Maximas and 1 Pathfinder since I have been purchasing vehicles. Now that I finally earned enough money to purchase a BMW I cannot ever drive any other vehicle. The 530i is the most pleasurable vehicle I have ever driven. The interior and exterior quality far exceed any other vehicle Ive ever driven. The new 530i design will withstand the test of time as far as style. Loving it, with no regrets on the money spent.

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  Electronically troubled - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By 530i owner - January 19 - 7:12 am

  Now in the shop for the fourth time to fix the (apparently) unfixable Sirius satellite radio entire radio failed once engine valve clatter and transmission "clunk" is annoying, but not yet troublesome. Great car otherwise, but clearly not up to manufacturing and reliability standards of Lexus, Acura and the other "Pacific Rim" manufacturers whose cars I have owned in the past. Even more troubelsome than the two Mercedes we recently owned.

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  My first BMW Experience - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Drew Garguilo - January 17 - 11:39 am

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  Great car. - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Sixpaqs - January 15 - 2:23 pm

  Very fun to drive, and big enough for me inside. I am 64". I love driving this car. Literally, I take the long way home.

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  Life is Short - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim - January 15 - 9:10 am

  Life is short, so invest in this first class piece of automotive genius -- 530xi. Other than 26 mpg, the engineering of BMW shows through in every element of the innovative design. As for the "infamous" i-drive goes, it requires a 20-minute investment with the manual and then it is a non-event. Go for it, life is short.

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  Fast and Solid - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By mike - January 8 - 5:02 pm

  This was our first BMW and served our business well for the first 4 years with just the right mix of speed/handling/comfort for long drives along with the luxury suitable to impress when taking clients around town. Since then we have had 4 other BMWs, but this one remains my favorite - especially on road trips. Very reliable, but when something needs repair or even scheduled maintenance, the costs always seem outrageous. My problems have been electrical (CPU sword board twice, radio controls introducing static) and its on its 3rd transmission (once at 95,000 and again at 175,000 miles). Reasonable gas mileage (18 city, 25 hiway). Interior and exterior are awesome even after 16 years.

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  Awesome car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike - January 8 - 12:24 pm

  The 2007 BMW 525i is a blast to drive with good gas mileage. Handles like a race car and is still has plenty of luxury to it. A buy all day long!

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  A Drivers - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By w. solomon - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Wow, the experience of the BMW 530i goes up right off the charts after a short familiarization. Terrific comfort, strong linear acceleration, solid stability control and ergonomic pleasure highlight the advancements of the 5 Series. The areas of complaint - turn signaling and IDrive - are unfounded after one days ownership. Pure pleasure on a short trip to the market or a long trip to visit friends, on superhighway or winding back roads.

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  2004 BMW 530ia - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By joe91 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  For 2004 BMW has again produced an excellent, top-of-the-line sport sedan, whic I consider the best on the market. After over 6 months of test driving numerous BMW configurations, as well as competive lines, I again bought a bimmer. So far, I like everything about it (including iDrive and exterior design)!

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  WOW!!!!!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RWKramer - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a Lexus GS400, which I adored. Wanted better handling, performance, etc. and the 545 is IT!!!! I have let several friends drive this magnificient piece of machinery and all have been wowed. The I-drive is a pain in the behind but one can live with it.