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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  Fun to Drive - Nav System a Bit Off - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By djinn - October 3 - 9:08 pm

  Great car - got the manual transmission - full loaded - fun to drive. iDrive complicated but easily learned - just need to sit with the book. Only downside thus far is Nav System - I found the maps to be outdated when compared with my Garmin C330 GPS - interestingly both BMW and Garmin get their maps from the same source (Navteq). Hoping a new and better map will come along soon. This is a peppy and fun car to drive. Cant wait to test the AWD in the winter. Highly recommend the stick shift.

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  Good Car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By hmcdade - October 2 - 12:11 pm

  Like owning the 2000 BMW 528i. Performance is perfect with soft braking. Maintenance is higher than other cars (to be expected), but if you stay away from dealer and find other BMW specialty mechanic shops, your wallet will be happier.

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  My BMW journey started in 1980 - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill in Nashville - October 1 - 12:36 am

  at the age of 17. The father of a close friend of mine purchased a 1980 528i and was kind enough to on occasion let me drive it. The experiences driving that car ignited a passion for German automobiles that I have today some 26 years later. For various reasons though I have never owned a BMW... until last week. Test driving the 525i last week was like traveling back in time. From the distinct engine sound and scent of BMW leather to the almost identical cockpit like instruments I was hooked all over again... this time, though, a picture on the fridge wouldnt do. BMW engineers developed decades ago a sensory attacking machine that words cannot describe - one must drive it to understand it.

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  2011 BMW 535i engine goes at 84,000 miles - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Debra Logan - September 29 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased my 2011 BMW 535i new from the dealer with only 495 miles. Service has always been timely and performed only by BMW dealer. Recently the car started making a rattling noise intermittently when accelerating and decelerating so I took the car into the dealer. I was informed that the engine had metal in it and needed to be replaced at a cost of $31,000. BMW is refusing to replace the engine and is only willing to cover 20% of the cost. Metal in the engine is not something that I could have caused. The engine is either defected, or the service that I thought was being performed on my car for the last 6 years has not been performed by the dealer, or if done perhaps incorrectly. Ill never buy another BMW after this experience. BMW obviously does not stand behind its produce. So much for the "ultimate driving machine".

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  530xi - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe - September 27 - 9:56 pm

  The BMW 530xi: Motor - Smooth throughout entire RPM range although it lack the ummphh you would expect. Handling - Youll back down before the car will - outstanding Interior - Quality throughout-seats can wear on you on a lengthy trip. IDrive a snap for the computer literate generation, definitely not for you Mom. Lack of storage, center console useless. Cup holders work better than you would expect. Exterior - Germans cant match the Japanese for fit and finish, gaps large enough to fit your pinky in. Car is drop dead gorgeous but paint is very soft and scratches easily. Run flats are a no no - no tire life and flats abound, stick with stock.

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  Gotta love BMWs - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By SheBMW - September 23 - 4:28 pm

  Ive had this car for 5 years now, and I will not part with it for love or money. She ROCKS!! I love the styling, the feel of the car on the road, and the response of that smooth inline-6. Have heard of people having trouble with theirs, but weve had countless BMWs in the family, and never a day of trouble. This will certainly not be the last BMW I drive - Im a die-hard BMW fanatic!!!!

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  My 2007 530i - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By tmwoody - September 21 - 11:13 pm

  I traded my 2003 745Li for the new 2007 530i. I wanted and got a sedan that is sporty and fun to drive, with great overall performance/road feel. Both exterior and interior design stand out against everything in its price range. IDrive is simplified vs my trade-in and not a problem to use. Driving this car is what sells it and makes my daily 50 mile commute something to look forward to.

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  Love this car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Wilfredo - September 20 - 3:05 pm

  My 1997 540i is 163,000 miles-old and it still feels & drives like a brand- new-year-model. With a powerful V8 thats not designed to pull you back into your seat when taking a ride, but instead, gives you the smooth enjoyable feeling which makes you just want to keep driving. At first it all had to do with just experiencing what was to have a BMW, but once I had it, it all changed. I thought I had tried it all, I was very wrong. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine. Quality Interior design & components, powerfull awesome engine,... There are new cars coming out every year (Lexus, Infiniti, etc) and most of them dont even come with the gadgets that came in my BMW 540i 1997 model.

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  Not your average soccer mom ride - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Banditt - September 20 - 10:44 am

  I bought this 525i wagon because the purchase price of the wagons were lower than the sedans, and I have two kids. I have yet to be disappointed. The low center of gravity (I stand taller than the car) and wide wheelbase give it a solid, performance feel very similiar to the sedan. Also, interior room rivals my Chrysler pacifica. It is amazing how much clear space there is for hauling with the seats down. The level control system compensates the suspension beautifully with a full load of family and stuff. It is a beautiful orient blue with honeycomb BMW rims, low profile tires and tinted windows. I love it.

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  First BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By beez nutz - September 15 - 4:55 pm

  My first BMW, the car just feels a lot more solid than any other vehicle I have ever owned... lexus nissan z acura Honda VW Jeep. It seems as though a lot of attention was paid to the driver when they designed the 5. My only complaint is the lack of power in the 525i. I guess its my own fault for getting the 525 instead of the 530 or 545