2011 BMW 5-Series Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.06/5 Average
88 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2011 BMW 5 Series has been completely redesigned. Highlights include less adventurous styling than in years past, more powerful engines and new technology features. The wagon model has been discontinued. All-wheel drive is not available currently but will return later in the model year.

Pros:
  • Respectable fuel economy.
  • Clean interior design with high-quality materials
  • Plenty of high-tech features
  • Strong turbocharged engines
  • Capable handling
Cons:
  • Feels a bit bulky on tight roads.
  • Smaller trunk than rivals

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 88.00
  • Lots of Smiles - M Sport Package - 2011 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Car is very fast (have no idea why anyone would want the V8). Had a 2009 535i before this and it is every bit as quick. Handling is excellent, but as reviewers have stated, steering gives your less feel of the road. 19" rims are nice, but now no spare. Cup holders with 6-Spd Manual are a joke. Totally non-functional and cups (any size) interfere with shifting and IDrive. German engineering at its worst. Gray Traffic Info screen is very hard to read. Look, inside and out is terrific (really like interior lighting at night). Also, and this is new, the sound this car makes under hard acceleration is shear music. Wow. Zero problems so far at 2500 miles. Its a keeper.

  • Tires, Tires and More Tires - 2011 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This was the car I thought I always wanted-500xi with Msport package--what a mistake. This car can not handle a single small road defects without the Goodyear LS2 run flats getting a bubble in the sidewall. I have less than 2500miles and have gone through four tire and two rims. This all wheel drive car was not properly tested to handle the roads in the USA. It could do well on the autobahn, but not here. It should not have been marketed with 19 inch wheels and fragile sidewall run flats--what a mistake! Look elsewhere if you want a car that you can actually drive vs on that just looks good in the driveway.

  • too many problems for 70k car - 2011 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I had many BMW before this F10, I like the style power and the comfort. The car has a very nice technology package and great sound system but it is short of being the ultimate driving machine any more. Since I got this car I had many problems :power steering pulling to the right, wrong amplifier installed, gear shifter stuck ,needed adding oil to the engine, comfort access had its own mind with lights turns on during day time. after 3 months I traded the car for Japanese Car which has every thing works perfect.

  • Hesitation Problems driving me crazy! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I would think twice about purchasing this vehicle. I have had a big problem with surging and hesitation at low speeds. The dealer has insisted that it is normal with the adaptive transmission, but I can assure you it is not normal! (Google BMW F10 transmission problems and you will see the problem is widespread). The sad thing is that I really love the rest of the car, but after spending $50,000+, I dont think I should be dealing with this. It really takes the pleasure out of owning the car.

  • 2011 BMW 528 - 2011 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    My previous BMW ownership included a 1998 528 and a BMW 328 convertible, owning these cars have turned me into a BMW fan. Then I bought this 2011 528 with reasonable amount of expectation, but it turned out to be a big disappointment. I only have one complaint about the new BMW, and it is a substantial one. The new 8 speed transmission has a almost turbo lag kinda delay followed by a surge of power when accelerating in low gears, probably because it has a adaptive mode trying to learn your driving style, that drive by wire feature alone kills the overall driving experience of a bimmer.

  • Best BMW Ive owned 550i M-Sport 2011 - 2011 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Ive owned a 2000 740i, 2004 745Li and a 2007 750Li and this 2011 550i is hands down better than any of those 7s. The ride, power, options and comfort are all perfect. The Nappa leather comfort seats are amazing and all the controls are perfectly positioned. The engine and transmission are smooth and powerful. Ive installed the Dinan software upgrade and get 495 hp and 573 torque and the car is a rocket in Sport +. This car is worth every penny and the fit and finish of all the materials are top notch. You will not be disappointed in this car.

  • Awesome all around sports sedan - 2011 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This is my 3rd v8 5 series. while less sporty than the e39 model, this model more than offsets the reduce road feel with smooth performance. the engine and sport auto transmission work great together - acceleration is effortless at any speed. the dynamic suspension is very good and there is a visible difference between the settings. significantly more luxurious than prior models. the idrive is much more responsive and synchs up quickly when starting the car. emailing directions to the navi saves a lot of time too. still getting used to the active cruise control, but appreciate the collision detection feature. overall a great ride for both driver and passengers.

  • 2011 BMW 535i Automatic, model not listed for review - 2011 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Have the car a month and all driving has been City. avg. 18 mpg. Car is exceptionally quiet and this car embodies all you would expect from this segment , from outstanding fit and finish to fine interior appointments. Ride and handling are excellent, surprising with the 18" run flats. For 2011 BMW still hasnt fixed the problem with a skittish non-navigation i-drive system as the radio screen keeps changing along with the station. Its as if its possessed and the dealer still hasnt responded with a fix. The other annoyance is that the car does not come equipped, as most luxury cars do, with the drivers seat moving to its rear position when one leaves the vehicle.

  • JUST A GREAT CAR - 2011 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This is my first BMW (not including my conv, which was my toy) and I must say it certainly beats my Benz and alll that preceeded it (Merecedes sinse 1986). Fast, quiet commfortable and a beauty. I have had it only two weeks but I just cant get over it. Before you drop $60M large try this thing, its amazing.

  • Still Happy with it after a month of driving - 2011 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I got my 2011 BMW528i about a month ago and wanted to drive it a while before commenting on it. I purchased it as a replacement to my 1998 BMW528i that I had for 13 years! Now for the review: The interior is luxurious! The iDrive is new for me but after a few weeks of getting used to it, I like it. Why no touch screen though? The stereo is nice but could be a little better. The front seats seem cramped to me, maybe narrow the center console a bit? The automatic transmission seems sluggish until you shift into sport mode. The exterior is flawless. I havent noticed any problems with the run flat tires but have been warned by many people to expect it.

Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area