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 31 through 40 of 206.00-
BIG Disappointment - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By mbarrio1 - November 11 - 2:00 amJust got the 535 back after the recall- -engine malfunction--and got stuck on the side of the freeway. This is the third time, and its the second replacement of the high pressured fuel pump. So its the third fuel pump on this 5 series. I love the drive, but am concerned about the reliability factor since Ive been stuck on the side of the road three times--NOT FUN! If I get another BMW, maybe one without the turbo, since that seems to be the cause of the engine malfunction.
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Rocket Ship Performance, Stellar Comfort - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By Mo - November 11 - 2:00 amJust bought this car to replace my 2003 BMW 745Li. Got it with a short shift manual transmission, sport package and aero kit. The car is stellar in performance and handling - a breath of fresh air from my trusty 745. This is my eleventh BMW and is just as reliable if not better than the others. Brings back memories of my 1990 535i 5 speed. The comfort seats are very supportive and provide enough bolstering to encourage spirited driving
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Too many problems - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By S - October 17 - 2:00 amFun car to drive, great performance, good fuel economy-but- way too many major mechanical problems. In three years there have been a major oil leak- had to carry a quart of oil with me to get it to the nearest dealer-battery failure, compressor failure and most recently high pressure fuel pump failure 400 miles from home. On several occasions BMW has been less than cooperative in addressing the warranty repair.
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The Best Car For A Man - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By Jake - October 5 - 2:00 amThe 550i is amazing. It handles beautifully. The power is so amazing. It just pulls you into the seat. The headlights are awesome. The sound system is A+. There is nothing that I could think of that needs to be changed in the 550i. The seats are also a huge deal. They are super comfortable. The only thing is it eats fuel but the highway fuel economy is really good. But its worth paying extra for fuel because the power is a great feeling.
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Charge me - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By longrun - September 12 - 2:00 amIn all the recent reviews of this model,I do not see the most exasperating quality of its day to day performance. I refer to the battery drain when parked.The first winter I used the car,I did not start it for about 3 weeks since I do not drive on salted roads. The display had suffered a reset which happens when the battery voltage gets too low. I received a statement from BMW that the car must be driven at least 40-50 miles daily to avoid this reset happening.I am retired and use the car mainly for shorter distances-less than 50 miles.As a result I have to connect a sustaining charger every 2 or 3 days to keep the volts up. Annoying and apparently still needed on the 2011s!
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Awesome when it runs - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By Tom - August 29 - 7:54 pmGreat car to drive when it runs. Can has been in the shop 8 times in 6 months. Fuel injector, fuel pump, electrical problem, dont trust the car anymore. Go figure buy a dream car and it is junk.
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Great Off Lease Purchase - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By hman - August 23 - 5:54 pmShopped for 2 months on numerous online sites and through local dealers to find exactly the configuration and price I was looking for. This car was $61,500 new 3 years ago, and I purchased for $36,000 with 35K on the odometer, about the same as I paid for my last car - which was a new Avalon Limited. The Avalon was pretty high tech and comfortable, but this car is an incredibly better value for many reasons. It is about as fun to drive as any car under $100,000 could be. The integrated IPod connection through the I-Drive combined with the Logic 7 sound system (highly recommended!) is superb. Premium (only) gas mileage has been about 17.5 in town and 26.5 highway.
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Rocketship for the whole family - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By Michael C - August 21 - 9:56 amAbsolutely amazing is the best way to describe it. My first BMW. Had the car for over 2 years now and could not imagine driving anything else within the same price range. The engine worried me for a short period but when I started using Chevron or Shell gas only, those problems disappeared. My bluetooth and IDrive seem to work flawlessly no matter which phone I pair to it. It was a whole lot more fun to drive it on the Autobahn (bought in Germany) but I can still find some open road every now and then and unleash it a little.
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Fun, fun, fun - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By Ron - July 24 - 1:45 pmA fun car to drive. Integrated an amazing sport car into a sedan body. Very responsive and safe. Very comfortable front seats and a great sound system. The rear seat is comfortable for 2 adults and one smaller adult in the center.
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Great Sports Car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By Loving it! - June 21 - 12:08 amMy first BMW. I drove all the competitors and settled on the 535xi because of its performance. It is a blast to drive Ive had it now for three years and still enjoy getting into it every day. I live in the Rockies and it is unbelievable on mountain roads. Excellent in the snow with AWD. My only negatives are, the seats are not real comfortable on longer drives and the cup holders are a joke.
