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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  New levels - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By lhroadster - December 2 - 2:00 am

  You must be a previous BMW owner to appreciate the new 5. If not, dont judge it. A vast improvement in style and technology.

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  Excellent car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By tom Johnston - November 29 - 1:37 pm

  I love this car. The iDrive is not that hard to use. It has nothing to do with the drive or handling. The 525 has enough power for all every day around town duties. On the road it is a dream, 30 MPG last trip!

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  My First was the Best - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By thewonger - November 28 - 3:17 pm

  My 1st BMW was 1998 5-series that I regret not keeping. Im on my 3rd 5- series and seriously considering another brand. The gas tank has been replaced, passenger side window motor replaced, the trunk opened randomly (finally figured out it was a faulty switch), alarm went off in my garage and it wasnt even armed (from what Ive read, this was likely due to low battery drain), rt-rear passenger didnt always lock during drive-away, and passenger-side airbag sensor replaced. I like driving the car and the looks are great, but to have a $50k+ car in the shop so many times in 2 years is too much.

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  Home Run - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Cinco Cinco - November 27 - 7:27 pm

  This is the 3rd BMW that I owned, second 5 series. This is one sweet car. Mine is black w/brick color interior. BMWs are reliable and fun to drive and are SAFE! Plenty of room in car and trunk.

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  What a car should be - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By grovesd - November 26 - 1:56 pm

  I have owned my BMW 528i since June, 2000. It has 85,000 miles and I have had only one significant repair - an electronic component affecting the transmissions performance. Other than that, this car has been a dream to own and drive. It has loads of safety features and drives like a car should drive. Its a solid, responsive, road- hugging blast. The inline 6 is throaty and powerful although you wont be pinned to your seat like the V8 540i. Two gripes for me - the bucket seats are not comfortable in long drives and the environmental controls require too much button mashing. What the heck is wrong with a knob? Still very happy and Ill own this car for at least another 50,000 miles.

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  525i 2004 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By richard takahashi - November 26 - 2:00 am

  completely enjoy the ride and handling for the new 2004 5 series. sport package adds to the "fun" factor of driving with active steering. interior, high qaulity I find the exterior design attractive and unique. My compliments to Chris Bangle... bold new BMW styling.

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  Love my car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Donald Thorn - November 25 - 1:52 pm

  This is the first bimmer I have owned and it will not be the last, unless I keep this one forever. The car drives and handles great and is a pleasure to operate. I also feel very safe in my bimmer. The car is very well insulated and outside noise is almost unheard. I purchased the premium sound system and love it. The iDrive was a little daunting to begin with, but I have mastered it and if I can do it, anybody can. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Update from previous review. - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By SLW - November 23 - 7:13 pm

  Now have 72,000 miles on car. Have replaced the radiator, water pump (left me stranded) valve cover gaskets, power steering hoses. Down to one functioning cup holder. Replaced one catalytic converter for a thousand bucks and the other one sounds like its rattling (I hope its the other one!). Blowing fuses on remote locking system and had to unplug the gas filler door actuator to stop it. Headlight adjusters broke. Still love the car though. Fun car but not Lexus reliability by any means.

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  The Best! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Arth - November 21 - 7:43 am

  By far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Fast, reliable, and fun to drive.

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  Amazing - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By RONALDO MARTINS - November 19 - 6:56 am

  This new 530 is an amazing driving experience. The new engine with 255 hp responds quickly. Handling is also superb and the new design is just gorgeous. Everything in the car performs well. So far have no negative comments whatsoever about this 530 sedan. I just love it.