Overall Average Rating: 86.88%
Position in the Top 100 cars: 27th

Time has caught up with the multi-talented 5-Series, after four top 10 showings in recent years. Its results are a mixed bag, with high points like the handling and build quality offset by steep running costs and below-par reliability.

But as an all-round package, the 5-Series is still hugely competent.

Manufacturer Verdict (Position: 8th)

It trails Lexus, but BMW will be delighted to see that it’s still ahead of Mercedes and Audi… just. The brand has fallen two places overall this year, and will look to reverse that trend in 2010.

Overall Average:
4.368
87.36%
23rd in Driver Power 2010
Owners who would buy a BMW 5 Series again
3.95
79%
35th in Driver Power 2010
Owners who would buy another BMW 5 Series again
4.75
95%
29th in Driver Power 2010
Performance:
4.466
89.32%
14th in Driver Power 2010
Braking:
4.62
92.4%
7th in Driver Power 2010
Handling:
4.461
89.22%
20th in Driver Power 2010
03-reg Diesel, Owner for More than 5 years

The electrical problem I fixed (heater fan speed contoller draining battery) after auto electrician didn't with help of internet. It's the best car I've ever owned that's why I still have it - one of the last E39's made - it is simply excellent - I've owned a Discovery from new (7 yrs) wasn't bad but did break down. A peugeot 405 which broke an engine after 27K miles - I don't think I can say much more really - it works when I turn the key - it's great on long runs to Europe and the Sat Nav generally knows where its going - I give it a between service oil change and I don't use Dealers for service since the last time when they didn't change brake fluid and air filter as they charged for. It's returnes 32 mpg but better on long runs (I mostly don't do long runs!) even when I get a bit foot-heavy which isn't that often - its 30 - 70 performance is outstanding - trim is still tight and it all works - although some of the warning info message dot matrix lights went out - they seem to have re-appeared - that's a dodgy ribbon cable connection which I won't bother to fix since I don't want to pull the speedo etc apart - BMW should be ashamed of that one. All in all I'm waiting for the 2010 5 series - I didn't like the bangle one

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
04-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Excellent drive, lovely looks and always get compliments whenever anyone sees it and ppl/friends who've driven the car are always pleasantly surprised by it's performance and drive. The cabin needs to have bells and whistles, it's a little poor in comparison with the Audi/Jag/Merc. It also suffers little niggles here and there, but thankfully they're minor and low cost to correct. I would definitely buy another one as in my opinion there isn't another model or brand that comes close.

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 4/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

It's the best car I have driven so far, I have driven several cars (from 6 brands) since 1990. The car's quality is top notch. Its handling is superb at the corners. It's pack with new safety technologies (such as Dynamic Stability Control, etc) which aided me especially during the winter times. I will not hesitate to buy another BMW 5-series when my current is due for replacement. And most important my wife and 2 sons love the car, too!

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
54-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

The model i own is the 535d M Sport which has an abundance of power combined with economy. It has every imaginable extra fitted and is a pleasure to drive. The road handling, comfort, and performance are all that i could ask for.
I have 4 year old twins and i had to find a practical car, which this most definately is.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

an excellent buy! originally bid for it on ebay and the car didnt reach its reserve so contacted seller direct.. I now have a pristine 1983 BMW 518 sta on my drive which is in daily use and cost just £275. Passed its M.O.T. first time as well. I'm delighted as its my first classic car

Performance: 3/5 Braking: 3/5 Handling: 3/5
51-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Pleasure to drive. It is a BMW sport with lowered suspension ,ceramic brake pads,vent,drill and grove braking discs,red calipers,black bbc alloys(deep dish) wider rears,quad exaust ,k&n air induction kit,etc.I love it.

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
58-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

A very well engineered car that does all that it says it will do. Great to drive, well built, tax efficient, economical, good performance. Negative points - the ride on 19" wheels can be a bit jiggly at times.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

An excellent vehicle, great performance and easy to drive. Backed up by great customer service from the franchised dealer. My only complaint is the cost of servicing which seems excessive.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

I fancied a 6 cylinder engine for a change and they are brilliant. The brand and looks of the car give it great street cred which makes me feel good.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

The BMW 535D M Sport Tourer is without doubt, the very best car for performance, practicality, safety and economy. Ask your own Oliver Marriage.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

The most durable and reliable car I* ever had plus great handling and comfort.
It is a pity the newer ones are not as outstanding.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
54-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Fantastic, fast, safe and efficient family car that can transform into a taught handling monster when required. Wonderful car.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 4/5
58-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

My first prestige German car after four French cars. I would never buy French again. The whole BMW experience is first class!

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
58-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Excellent so far. To date nothing has gone wrong, economy and performance are excellent, quality first rate. Superb car

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 4/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

brilliant all rounder; fast, frugal and surprising good value to run. pricey equipment options but fantastic technology

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 4/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Condition based servicing indicator system gives inaccurate readings however, generally a good value for money vehicle.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
07-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

THe car is an M5. It has a fantastic engine, great handling, brakes and ride but the gear box is diappointing!

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 4/5
03-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

A rcoket ship, perfect combination of practicality , performance and handling, shame about the running costs.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 4/5
52-reg Diesel, Owner for More than 5 years

Overall a great package, it has the performance, economy, handling and style that is difficult to match

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 4/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

It's done everything I asked of it and more. Comfortable, good performance and high reliability.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
Y-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

A great all round car with excellent performance, dynamics, style, integrity and practicality.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 2/5 Handling: 5/5
02-reg Diesel, Owner for More than 5 years

It's a "sport" model so the suspension's a bit hard. I'd avoid this in the future

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Great - comfy,fast,economical, cheap road tax, miss my last cars Hatch flexibility

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Dealer network costs are sky high. The car itself is just a dream to own and use.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Very stylish, well equipped, feels good to drive and I would recommend to others

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Pretty danb good, lovely. After three and a half years I still love it!

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Perfect mix of performance, handling and economy in a pratical package.

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

It is a bit like Carlsberg, probably the best car in the world

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
03-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Excellent - so good I'm not sure whta to replace it with.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
05-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

nice looking, very fast, good engine. comfortable seats.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 3/5
51-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Fantastic. Every thing evo said about it, 5star.(e39 m5)

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
02-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

High performance, premium brand, rare model, will keep

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
03-reg Diesel, Owner for More than 5 years

A good car let down by the poor rear passenger space.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
06-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Superb. A splendid example of engineering excellence.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
06-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Simply the best car I have had in the last 30 years

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Excellent overall, no need to look any further

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
V-reg , Owner for More than 5 years

Best performance car available for the money.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Nice car, shame about handling in snow or ice

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 2/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Well built with reasonable running costs.

Performance: 3/5 Braking: 3/5 Handling: 4/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

overall good packeage but not worth 30k

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
51-reg , Owner for 1 to 3 years

M5, Best performance per pound ever

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 4/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Excellent apart from run flat tyres

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

very good, covers all expectations

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
51-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

I love M5s, doesn't everyone?

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
06-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

stunning paformance

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
05-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

it is a great motor

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Great, great car.

Performance: 3/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

GREAT DRIVERS CAR

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
05-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Excellent

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Excellent

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Great

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5