Overview & Reviews
The 2008 BMW 5 Series receives a number of significant changes, most notably a pair of new six-cylinder engines. The base 5 Series is now the 528i and features a 230-horsepower inline-6, while the 535i is powered by the same twin-turbo 300-hp inline-6 found in the 3 Series. There are a number of high-tech standard and optional additions to the 5 Series that allow it to keep pace and, in a few instances, surpass the rapidly advancing competition. To spot the updated 5 Series, look for a barely noticeable redesigned front airdam, new headlight lenses and LED taillights.
- Exceptional ride and handling dynamics, smooth and vigorous engines, premium cabin furnishings, precision build quality, strong resale value.
- More expensive than most competitors, iDrive system is still a pain in the Bangle butt.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 206.00-
CPO Bmw 535i 2008 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By bilalch - September 8 - 10:39 pmI have had this car for about 1 year now. I bought this as a CPO it had about 30,000 miles on it. Considering all the comparative models (Audi, Merc)I found this to be the most fun car to drive. I also liked the interior better then others (yes even better then 08 A6) I think it is more of personal preference, the interior is clean, high quality and purposeful. Built quality is great, offcourse drives awesome. Not much to complain about this car. Prob would buy a 5 series after this one (although am not so sure of the new model, the Bmw seems to have gotten soft on their design and the new 2011 one is more like a Merc, cant say much about drive though as have not driven it)
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Great When Everything Works - Over Designed - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By timbo52 - July 22 - 1:24 pmExhilerating and fun when everything works! Love to drive my 2008 535i with Sport package- when it is not in the shop. Lots of power and totally responsive. Many problems which has been worked on under the factory warranty.1) entire head lamp module (less than 1 wk after delivery), 2)fuel pump, 3)fuel injectors, 4)car suddenly went into limp (lower power) mode when entering hwy- no solution yet from BMW(fortunately I was not in heavy traffic), 5)new gear shift handle, 6) iDrive goes crazy-dead black screen. Hopefully, nothing else shows up. I love the way the car handles but the trips to the service department has become too aggravating! Selling before warranty ends!Bitter/sweet experience.
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Poor reliability and dealer experience - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By hooch999 - July 11 - 4:53 pmI guess my expectations were set too high - dealer sold me this CPO car with a bent wheel, no floor mats and various missing bolts and accessories (as discovered later). Overall car handles quite well, but does not shine in any area: braking is good, but touchy and not progressive acceleration is good but vibrations coming form V8 are way too much for a luxury car, plus theres not much torque below 2000 rpm. Leather on seats wears off way too quick, sport seats are not super comfortable, front leg room is surprisingly small In less than 1 year I had to visit dealer for repairs 6 times! And car still has issues with leaking wiper system, shuddering on idle and jerky transmission.
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A Great Car-Almost - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By gruderian - June 17 - 6:53 pmGreat all around highway cruiser. Curves do not exist at practically any speed. Brakes are first class in every respect. Gas mileage averages around 12.5, all city driving 15.5 combined and 22.7 highway at any speed below 100 mph ( I know what you are thinking but that is how it works out ). Easy to live with and drive under any conditions. Front seats are very comfortable on long drives. Rough ride over road imperfestions. Extremely large and useful trunk. Not a single problem of any kind for the three years I had it. Some repetetive adjustments on the I drive are ridiculous. Heater will not warm your feet no matter how you adjust it. Throttle control is managed by computer.
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5 SERIES DEATH TRAP SEE NHTSA.GOV! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By avpgsp2 - May 26 - 12:43 amI was not aware there were SO many engine issues with these models. While accelerating into high speed traffic, my vehicle stopped suddenly. The engine stalled. Power steering quit. Car was rendered useless. I barely made it off the road when my car finally came to rest. After doing research into safecar.gov Ive found that this is an unfortunate problem that BMW will not officially recall, it seems as if its because they cant offer a permanent fix for the issue. Im reading that dealerships keep bandaging up major engine failure because BMW NA is not giving them further help regarding this particular engine. Praying that no one must die for the govt to intervene & for BMW to fix this!
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Love my 528i so far.. - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By kalicat - May 3 - 5:26 pmAfter reading all of the reviews, I opted for the 528i instead of the 535i. Bought certified pre-owned (not impressed - had a couple of issues that should have been caught by this supposed 180 point inspection) The car is a blast to drive, luxury and performance at a reasonable price- at least for the pre-owned. I look forward to every drive! I wanted a bigger car for safety and cause I have a young child - but with this car you dont have to compromise style and performace for a practical family sedan. Love the 30 mph on road trips too.
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Love, Love this car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By ladybryant - March 9 - 5:15 pmthis is my first BMW and i absolutely love it. its very stylish and comfortable. a head turner. the gas milaege is average but overall i love it. my next car will definately be another beemer. i chose the 2008 premium model with idrive and could not be happier. it has all the bells and whistles
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One fine auto. - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By jpcoregon - February 23 - 8:36 pmI bought the 2008 535i certified, including the maint. program to 100K miles 10/08. Outside of the horrendous experience with the lack of honesty and integrity of the BMW dealer, the car is superb. Too bad the certified program still makes one visit a BMW dealership. The cars comfort, ability to handle as well as its outright performance is just plain fun. I quickly dumped the run-flats on this Sport model and bought high end Michelin UHP tires. The difference is a better ride and performance all the way around. Huge lack of space for change, eyeglasses and little things. Cupholders are poor, but one forgets as this thing gets up and runs.
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Great Car! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By sanjay8 - January 10 - 8:19 pmI bought this car used about 1 year ago with 35000 miles and I have put on another 10,000 miles in the past year. The drive is amazing. It has had no problems as yet. After reading the reviews I am not sure if should keep this car past its warranty, which is up in 6 months. Sounds like the twin turbo is a problem. There is a recall in Canada to correct the high pressure fuel pump.
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Great When Not in for Service - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By Ed - November 14 - 2:00 amComfortable, fun to drive and looks great. Its loaded with the Premium, Cold Weather and Sports package. I really do enjoy driving this to work and longer distances. My only complaint is how many times the car has been in the shop. Although I enjoy the car, this will most likely be my last BMW purchase. I cant justify all the service visits even though Im not paying a dime. My previous car, which was a Nissan, was much better in this area.
