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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  Just Awesome!!! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By 540i6 Sport - September 15 - 1:31 pm

  Ive owned my 540i 6 speed sport for one year now. Although its going on 8 years old and 103K miles, it doesnt have a single rattle - the build quality is exceptional. The torque of the V8 is addictive and takes the car from an everyday commuter to track day hooligan. Two car seats fit great in the back and even though Im putting in premium at >$3 a gallon, Im getting 24 mpg on the highway in 6th gear. These cars are more maintenance intensive than your everyday Japanese appliance, but the drive is worth it!

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  My Dream Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By betattack - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I finally got my dream car. This thing handles GREAT! Looks GREAT! Feels GREAT! I love to take sharps turns and feel the car hug the road. The seats are real comfortable too. Well worth the price.

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  This is the Last Car I hope to Own - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jakedogdog - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW. I had two 328s - a 97 and a 2001. I wanted a little more room this time round. I intended to buy a 530, but this one was sitting on the lot - a program car, $10K off MSRP... I just couldnt resist the opportunity. The car had 6000 miles on it when I took delivery. I thought it had been broken in. Now, at 13000, things are really coming together. This car is balanced, strong, wonderful to drive. The only seats that I am aware of being more comfortable are the old volvo seats. But, still... No volvo drives like this. It settles in right at about 78 and is smooth smooth all the way past 120.

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  Buy one if you can... - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By ERA - September 7 - 10:12 pm

  Well-rounded car is an understatement. Great torque & power, smooth inline 6, best exterior design BMW ever made, handles really well for a large car. Only regret is not buying a new one because I know I would have babied the car a lot better.

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  Texas BMER - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By dalworth55cars - September 6 - 9:50 pm

  This car is tight and handles well and feels sturdy. The drivers leg room and seat adjustments are a little cramped. I am very pleased with the highway gas mileage, however the city miles are less.

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  3rd Bimmer - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By al privitera - September 5 - 9:55 pm

  This is my 3rd BMW, two 3s and now the 530i. Had to have tires replaced at 2000 miles, car was shaking, sun roof malfunctioned, other than that ,car is great, nice handling, braking, great looking very quiet. The iDrive is not as bad as most people say.

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  1991 blk on blk 525i beamer - Luv it! - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By Lovely Beverly - September 4 - 5:44 pm

  I finally decided to give the 1991 525i a review. I only drive BMWs and the 525i is my 3rd beamer (automatic), I prefer manuals but... My 525i has 243,878 miles on it and it still rides smooth, tight and stiff. I did put a transmission in it at around 210k because the 3rd gear went out. Above all the regular maintenance and small things that goes wrong, like the cig, lighter(s) not working, I love this machine. Its the bomb.

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  Impressive - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Ron W. - September 3 - 5:46 pm

  Exceeds my expectations! I do a lot of highway driving. Averaging over 29 MPG with about 20 on the local roads. This car is not only fast but comfortable as well. I focused on getting the colors I wanted (Monoco Blue and beige interior). I did not want nor bought all the extras just the winter package and navigation. This car can zoom when I need the speed to pass. Cruising is awesome with navigation and the standard sound system which is excellent. The dealer did a great job on the pre-sale and delivery and whats wrong with 4 years of free maintenance.

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  Not for real road driving - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Los Angles - September 2 - 12:12 pm

  Nice and fun car to drive, but not for real road driving apparently. Drove thru a puddle of water over a dip (deepest part 15 in), killed the whole engine by hydrolock (in a 2 years old car!) Air intake valve in this car is a lot lower than most of the cars (behind the front bumper). So it only looks good in the showroom and drives well in a closed course? Better wish it never rains in your area. Well never buy a BMW again.

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  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.