Best Car Models & All About Cars: BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series Interior

It's not an overstatement to mention that the BMW five Series sets the standard for premium sport sedans and up until the present generation, wagons, too. Introduced within the United States for 1972, the midsize 5 Series has long offered a close to-excellent blend of performance, luxury and interior area.

Most BMW five Series cars you'll return across new or used are rear-wheel drive; but, all-wheel drive has been optional in recent years. Most 5s additionally have an inline six-cylinder engine, though BMW has offered V8 versions since 1994 and the current generation now uses a turbocharged four-cylinder as its base engine. When folks ask us to recommend luxury cars, BMW's 5 Series is invariably high on the list. Wealthier shoppers might gravitate toward the newer models loaded with technology, however older 5 Series cars will be simply as satisfying to drive and own.

Current 5 Series

Unlike past versions, the BMW 5 Series is on the market solely as a sedan, since the wagon has been replaced in North America by the 5 Series GT (mentioned in a very separate review). The bottom 528i options a turbocharged two.zero-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up to the 535i gets you a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-half dozen that produces 300 hp and three hundred lb-ft of torque. Finally, the 550i encompasses a four.four-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Every model comes standard with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic and every one-wheel drive are optional.

Commonplace features embrace a sunroof, power seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a 12-speaker sound system. Typical luxury upgrades (depending on the model) embrace adaptive xenon headlights, parking sensors, navigation, night-vision camera, active cruise control, an automatic parallel parking system, ventilated front seats and heavenly fourteen-method "multicontour" front seats.

In reviews, we tend to've found the 5 Series does not have the identical level of sport sedan zest that the automotive has historically provided. But the upside is that the automotive is more snug, spacious, economical and opulent. For a majority of patrons in the class, this can be the best 5 Series up to now. Although some may scoff at a four-cylinder luxury sedan, the 528i's engine is excellent, delivering strong acceleration and wonderful fuel economy. That same majority of patrons ought to be more than happy sticking with the bottom engine, although the added oomph provided by the 535i and 550i certainly will not disappoint. Downsides are few, and really only the lofty price and stiff competition forestall the five Series from being an straightforward choice.

Used BMW 5 Series Models

The present-generation BMW five Series debuted for 201one. Compared to the previous-generation 5, this automotive returns to a more conservative appearance, one that shows a stronger family resemblance to different BMW sedans. It is additionally bigger and heavier, whereas mechanically sharing much with the 7 Series. Interior controls and electronics were conjointly upgraded to the most recent BMW norm, and the planning itself came back to a a lot of driver-focused dash layout. In many ways in which, the newest five Series represents a visible come to the past while carrying on the technological advancements of the current and future.

For 201one, the 528i was rear-wheel-drive solely and powered by a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder that created 240 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy wasn't nearly as impressive because the turbocharged four-cylinder that replaced it. Used buyers of this initial model year should additionally note that each 5 Series engine suffered from significant throttle lag that could create the automotive tough and worsening to drive. Complaints from shoppers and automotive reviewers alike were common.

The previous, fifth-generation five Series was made from 2004-'10. On the surface, this 5 Series incorporated bold styling cues that departed from BMW's traditional styling language established over the preceding four generations. Inside, the 5 boasted one in all the most spacious and comfortable cabins in its category, notably when optioned with the fantastic multicontour front seats.

There were a range of various model designations used for this generation, as well as a wagon body style. For 2004 and '05, it absolutely was offered only in sedan form and solely with rear-wheel drive. There were two six-cylinder models, the 184-hp 525i and 225-hp 530i, together with a high-line V8 version, the 325-hp 545i. Throughout this generation, a six-speed manual transmission was standard and a six-speed automatic optional. For 2006, the complete engine and model lineup was refreshed. The six-cylinders both displaced three.zero liters, resulting in an exceedingly additional spirited 215-hp 525i and a 25five-hp 530i. The high-of-the-line sedan became the 550i and featured a 360-hp 4.eight-liter V8.

The five Series wagon additionally arrived for 2006. It absolutely was offered during a single 530xi model and every one-wheel drive came normal. Additionally, all-wheel drive became optional for the 530 sedan. For 2007, additional commonplace equipment was added like an auxiliary input jack and BMW Assist, whereas new choices include high-definition radio, BMW's Night Vision system and twenty-method-adjustable front seats.

For 2008, the six-cylinder engines were replaced. The bottom engine was currently found in the 528i, which featured a three.0-liter 230-hp inline-6. The midgrade choice became the 535i with its twin-turbo 3.zero-liter inline-six smart for 300 hp. Indeed, we'd argue this was the best alternative because it offered similar performance for less cash than the unchanged 550i. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system was now standard on the 528i and 535i sedans, while the wagon might only be had in 535i xDrive kind.

Another space a second hand shopper ought to note is that the system known as iDrive, that corralled audio, climate, navigation and communication functions using a central LCD screen and console-mounted control dial. This system was particularly cumbersome to use and may make seemingly simple tasks a confusing, multistep affair. For 2009, the five Series received an updated iDrive management knob and menu buttons, however the old cumbersome menu structure remained the same. For 2010, the complete iDrive system was updated with the menu structure of newer BMWs so long as you ordered the navigation system.

This BMW 5 Series was a well-balanced machine that would handle aggressive driving on winding back roads simply as easily because it dispatched weekday commutes on crumbling expressways. The 5's adeptness at both ride comfort and handling prowess borders on the amazing. The steering was equally sublime, with perfect weighting and a near-telepathic feel -- however, it might be rather stiff in parking lots. If you wish the styling and aren't irritated by its electronics interface, the five Series is a wonderful selection for a used luxury automotive.

The fourth-generation BMW 5 Series was created from 1997-2003. Several purists think about this the finest era for the BMW five Series, as exceptional on-road dynamics, premium furnishings and unparalleled refinement came along in one classically styled package. Resale worth has invariably been high for this generation, therefore expect to spend more than you would for competitors of similar age. Reliability has been sturdy furthermore.

Provided it's well maintained, any automotive from this generation is worth your thought. For 1997 and 'ninety eight, only sedans were offered: a 528i with a a hundred ninety-hp a pair of.8-liter inline-half-dozen and a 540i with a 282-hp four.4-liter V8. The wagon joined the lineup in 199nine and was offered with either engine, both of that gained variable valve timing that year. In 2001, the 528i sedan got a new 225-hp 3.0-liter six and have become the 530i; the 528 wagon was dropped. BMW conjointly added an entry-level 184-hp 525i sedan and wagon to the lineup.

Third-generation BMW five Series cars (1989-'95) are still common likewise. Although not as perfectly balanced as its successor, this automobile was highly regarded in its day. If you find one in smart condition, you may nearly definitely realize it enjoyable to have. The most effective years were 1994 and '95 when BMW offered V8 power in 2 5 Series with the 530i sedan and wagon (215 hp) and also the 540i sedan (282 hp).

BMW 5 Series