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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  Pure pleasure - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Harry R. Culp - December 22 - 10:16 am

  I had owned 8 Merecedes wagons. This is my first BMW. The quality seems much better than Mercedes. It is a little smaller in the cargo space by about 7 cubic feet. I added the racks and carrier for the top to help this problem. Overall, I feel I am driving a quality and good looking station wagon.

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  Best car Ive ever had!! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By dan - December 18 - 12:00 am

  I have had just about every make of automobile (cadillac, jaguar, porsche, s2000 and trucks), and this 5 series is the overall best car Ive ever had. The only problem is the 6 cylinder is a little underpowered. But that is what I bought. Am looking to order a new 8 cylinder, and take delivery in Germany.

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  Perfect Car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By jetjock07 - December 17 - 12:03 pm

  I have had this vehicle for only 2 days, but it feels like Ive had it longer. Its a beautiful car. Mine came with the black leather interior and Premium Package along with the sunshades in the rear. The car handles well, not too stiff or too cushiony. Has good power, the 525i was too slow so I got the 530i. I just wish now I had seat heaters with my car.

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  Sad to say - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By louis - December 15 - 11:49 pm

  Love the car when it is not in the shop.Purchased an 07 model in May 06. Car has 6000 mi and has been in the shop 40 days. First it had a steering angle sensor problem took 30 days for part to come in. Then a recall for shock absorbers. Then 3 trips for bluetooth problems and sunroof. After that had programming problem with air conditioner. Car is only 5 MONTHS OLD!

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  Lots of fun - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Beemer Mommy - December 15 - 5:24 pm

  Great car for the working mom driving 60 miles a day. Great performance, lots of fun and plenty of room in the back seat for a car seat as well as a booster seat. I plan on being a BMW owner for life!

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  Excellent.. BUT - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By MRF - December 13 - 2:47 pm

  While this is certainly the finest car Ive ever owned, I have been rather disappointed with a few items. Good stuff: This car has an amazing balance of handling prowess and ride quality. Its quiet (except for Dunlops) and feels planted at any speed. The sport seats are incredibly supportive and the controls are well-placed. Silver/black which is a stunning combination. No comparison to my Saab 9-5 in most ways. Main complaint comes from the seriously weak sound system (base system) and the creaks/rattles that come (Im told) from my fold down seats. Hey BMW, dont offer fold downs if you cant build them without resulting in rattles. Rust spots not covered by BMW (still fighting).

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  A blast to drive, expensive upkeep - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark - December 10 - 10:39 pm

  Bought this car as a CPO in 2002 when it had <20k mi on it, replacing my 93 325i. Pluses: A joy to drive, no question. Can be thrown into corners almost with impunity. Great touring car, can drive all day w/no fatigue. Excellent sound system. Classy exterior design. Power out the wazoo. Legendary braking. Downsides: Eats tires even with proper inflation (stagger prevents rotation) - typ. 15-20k on rear, 30k front (all-seasons). Expensive routine mx. Expensive non-routine mx. Cupholders are for decoration only - go aftermarket or avoid drinks. CD changer not bump tolerant.

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  This is not what you want to buy - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Ray Vega - December 9 - 12:30 am

  I dont know whats going on with this cars. The noise inside my car is never ending. We brought it to the dealer several times to replace the seals on the four doors. Acceleration is very, very, extremely poor in the 525i. You can not pass a car in the city and mine is standard transm. My a/c always smells so bad that I always prefer driving with my windows down... for the price you pay? No way! This is a 40K car! I drive very poor.

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  Nice 2003 BMW 525i 5 speed. - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Marc - December 6 - 7:33 pm

  This 525i is great. I never did drive the 530 so I dont know what Im missing in power, but I traded in my 2001 Acura CL type S and do not mind that I gave up over 70HP and other cool features such as Xenon headlights, homelink, Nav, and a CD changer. My 525i 5 speed is a blast to drive and feels very fancy inside and out even without almost all the options.

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  Awesome - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By BHB - December 5 - 8:50 pm

  Greatest Car Ever