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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  BMW 528i x drive - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By peterrov - May 11 - 7:19 pm

  Just bought 528 ix. The drive is really fun car has enough power with great G/M. The transmission is great. The problem is only that the basic car comes naked. You have to pay for literally all options. Let’s say, back up camera which Honda installs in any CRV, or side blinkers which Kia installs on $18,000 Forte. And those options my $55,000 car does not have because they are too expensive. Another things: I don’t like too big and too thin wheel, and the lack of spare tire. What exactly should you do if your tire blows up and you can’t drive to local shop due to long distance or inconvenient time? Otherwise I recommend the car. It comes with free maintenance for 5 years

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  Update 3 months 3,000 miles, Love the car - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By jim9757 - May 10 - 9:02 am

  Watch you speed on the highway, this car loves the road. Got my first warning for "driving a little over the speed limit" 82 in a 75. This car shines on the highway and is extremely responsive - acceleration / braking / handling. In town, you are in total control and the ride is very quiet and smooth. Getting about 29 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in in town mixed driving. Absolutely no problems and a joy to drive. If you are looking at MB / Audi / Lexus / Infiniti, be sure to include this in your test drives.

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  My Last BMW - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By nashvegasbmw - April 27 - 6:48 am

  I am very sad to say, this is the last BMW I will ever own unless they change direction. There has always been at least one BMW in my garage since I bought my first, a brand new 1974 2002tii. This wagon is one of those cars that is a dream to drive and a nightmare to own. The turbocharged engine and the automatic transmission wonderful to drive - a THRILL even. It is capable of eating up huge stretches of road and dropping drivers and and passengers at their destination refreshed and invigorated. The desire recently exhibited by BMW to cram as much computerized silliness into their cars as they can imagine is unnecessary and infuriating.

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  2010 BMW 528i - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By oakleyg - March 16 - 7:48 pm

  I purchased this BMW 528i used with 37,000 miles Replaced a 2008 Honda Accord. After 1 month, I can say I cold not be happier. My daily commute is 186 miles - I am avg 29 MPG - and have seen 30.2 MPG. at avg speeds of 70 MPH it is not a X drive, for snow I purchased the THULE tire chains off amazon - used them three times. They are excellent - and very easy to install.

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  2013 535I - Great Car - Fun to drive - but... - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By steve_dimas - March 10 - 1:26 pm

  The 535i has the right mix of Sport, comfort and fuel economy for my budget. I have one technology issue with the car and the Auto Stop feature which shuts down the engine when you come to a stop for more than and a few seconds with the idea it saves on fuel cost. However, in my experience its more annoying than what its worth as in most cases with city driving the engine shuts off just seconds before it has to restarted again. In stop n go traffic its absolutely ridiculous. Also, with auto stop it can give you the impression the car is off when parked when in fact it is not.

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  Fatal Flaw in Windshield and Mileage - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By semitame - February 24 - 4:00 pm

  I have had several BMWs from the M3C to the X5M. The 550ix with sport line package satisfies my need for a nice looking, powerful 4-dr sedan that is less challenging to drive than an M series. There are two fatal flaws for me. 1. Windshield area and angle makes it impossible to get out of too much direct sun. Even with cooling seats and the a/c running, it can be quite uncomfortable in summer. 2. After 5,000 miles, still getting only 14 mpg. Have had problems with variable comfort settings (comfort, normal, sport and sport plus) and battery not holding a charge. The battery issue came up with X5M as well. Ridiculous placement of what is supposed to be an ashtray.

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  Nice Luxury Car (: - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By carguru12 - February 20 - 3:40 pm

  We purchased our 525xi secondhand at a BMW dealership and it was certified used. The interior comfort is great, and road noise is minimal. The only thing I dont like about our 5 Series is the iDrive system. It cant be avoided (option up a standard radio like in the 3 Series), and it has radio presets, but there are no preset buttons (you have to use iDrive to get to them). The car also has an annoying "grab" in the transmission, a software issue. The performance is great. I love this car.

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  First impressions - 500 miles driven - wonderful so far - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By jim9757 - February 5 - 7:49 pm

  Was looking for a smooth highway ride with nice handling. This car came closer to my desires than Lexus, MB and Audi. Very quiet and handles well on winding roads. Soaks up road imperfections. Will come back later with updates. Edmunds projected price was right on target. Everyone comments on how quiet it is inside and how well laid out the interior is. Back seat is more roomy than I expected.

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  Good But Not Great - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By rudycassap - February 1 - 12:05 am

  After telling myself not to do another BMW since I hate turbocharging, I went and did it because of the lease deal. Also, the cars are getting to be soft while Mercedes offers sport versions of their cars and regular tires (no run flats). Why didnt I go MB? This is not a bad car. It is just boring to look at and boring to drive. The M sport package helps but the sport suspension tuning is still soft.

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  The End of a Beautiful Relationship - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By nashvegasbmw - January 21 - 7:42 am

  I have owned at least one BMW since 1974, when I bought my first - a 2002tii sedan. A 528, 530, a 330i, and a 325xi later. I considered myself a devotee. This 535xi wagon is the single-most unreliable car of any make that I have ever owned (and Ive owned Jaguars and MGs). The drive-by-wire-electronically-controlled everything just doesnt work. Furthermore, the word is out on this defective car line and the resale value has PLUMMETED. And, unlike the old days, BMW Customer Service could care less. I will never buy another. I feel like a scorned lover.