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 Owner Reviews Container 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
Running Cost:
3.817
76.34%
51st in Driver Power 2010
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

A very sturdy, reliable and comforatble car. The initial problem with the engine which was replaced (528s) has solved all problems ass with the ownership of such a fine car. Running costs remain high but affordable. Local dealers and garages esp franchised ones are prohibitvely expensive, but being low mileage do not have to return to them much.. Do not trust independent garages with the work due to bad experience in the past when ended up spending double the amount fora botched up job corrected by BMW dealership. Have stuck to BMW dealers since.

Cost: 3/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

We've driven BMWs now for over 15 years and apart from my husband buying a Skoda OCtavia VRS last year (because he'd convinced himself they were good because the police used them) I've driven nothing else. The Skoda lasted less than a year - he rapidly changed it as we both realised it was penny wise, pound foolish and BMWs are worth paying the extra for. Although I only bought my 520d SE touring this year, my previous 530d SE Touring I'd ordered from new in 2001 and done only 60k miles.

Cost: 5/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Disappointing. Brilliant performance, but niggling problems with battery charge and the expensive hands-free phone charging. I-drive is ridiculously fiddly, when a button push would be much simpler. Run-flat tyres give a poor ride for such an expensive car. Boot is poorly designed, with suspension struts ensuring that space cannot be used effectively. Difficult to load golf clubs horizontally, for example.

Cost: 2/5
V-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

My car is a comfortable cruiser whan can seat 5 comfortably and fit in there luggage, its an estate. It's an Alpina so can keep up with Porsches and the like but incredibly isnt too uneconomical. It isnt over styled and is discreet yet has precense. If I could find something again like this I would but it has 130K already and I fancy not letting go of her for a bit longer.

Cost: 2/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

It's a brilliant BMW 535i SE auto with over 190k miles on the clock and still has the original exhaust right through. I converted it to run on LPG in 2003 and it still runs beautifully. It is the first BMW that I have had (I always considered them as a cheap German Ford before I was offered and drove this one) and I would certainly buy another!

Cost: 3/5
02-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Last of the pre-Bangle BMW's. A superb saloon, but not very flexible in interior space.
The Govt.'s punitive Tax on cars in this emission range is UNFAIR and I shall vote accordingly. [I do only a small mileage therefore am not polluting the atmosphere that would demand such a penalty].

Cost: 2/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

I think that the E39 5 series has been the best car I have owned, even though it is as old as it is, the class of the vehicle shines through. I previously owned a E46 330ci and loved it, but overall and certainly in terms of value for money, this is the business!

Cost: 3/5
-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

I bought the car - an estate- for a nuimber of reasons, partly because I wanted to be able to carry 2 bicycles without using racks. I also wanted a prestige car. I am delighted with the car and intend to keep it for ages!

Cost: 5/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

I am very happy with the car and despite it having already done over 80K miles it feels like it will easily do that again. Only economy of 15% below the quoted figures and very expensive run-flat tyres disappoint.

Cost: 4/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Best in class executive car . Practicle long distance crusier, plenty of space , comfortable , well equipped and very economical . Build quality first class and performance matches my expectations.

Cost: 5/5
59-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

The BMW 5 series is an excellent car although my new one is not as well made or robust as my last car, also a BMW 5 series. As a package for a company car driver I believe it is very hard to beat.

Cost: 5/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Brilliant owner experience except 11 years on, fuel economy is a major downside of a 3 litre petrol engine (averages 26mpg). Would make a great 2nd hand buy (around £2.5k, cost new £38k).

Cost: 4/5
58-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

It's nice but the 520d has stripped out some of the features found on more expensive models. This is disappointing.
While the seat is comfortable, it takes a long time to get it right

Cost: 5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

The 530d tourer in M Sport mode is probably the best car that I have had in over 40 years of driving. I smile every time I get in it. The Dealer back up has so far been excellent

Cost: 3/5
59-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

This is the new BMW 5 Gran Turismo. Despite mixed press reports, I am very pleased with it. My only criticsms are that it is a lttle too large and I am not sure about the looks.

Cost: 3/5
Y-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Fantastic 2nd hand purchase, mileage not an issue as it is well built.
Saloon boot could be bigger but for long journeys and a blast along an a road, there is nothing better

Cost: 3/5
09-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

The BMW 520d Sport Touring provides a great balance of performance, economy and CO2 emissions. It really lives up to its Touring title, I look forward to every journey :-)

Cost: 5/5
52-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

We supposedly won the War. We now have no car industry. Germany, on the other hand, still make beautifully engineered cars like BMW and Mercedes. Need I say more!

Cost: 3/5
58-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

comfortable,economical, well speced( extras are dear) drivers car, run flat tyres leave ride harsh changed to ordinary tyres makes a huge diference,

Cost: 5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Reasonable value for money. However, badly let down by things like sat nav and bluetooth telephone connections all controlled from central dial.

Cost: 5/5
04-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Fantastic car that has exceeded my expectations and until recent failure of the iDrive which I havent got fixed yet it was flawless

Cost: 3/5
07-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Overalll car good , Run flat tyres give poor ride and have affected the wheels by causing buckling requiring expensive replacement.

Cost: 3/5
02-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Looks excellent, very comfortable.
Reasonable economy from car as it has auto gearbox.
Good fuel economy cruising, poor around town

Cost: 3/5
06-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

I've had over 30 cars from various manufacturers but BMW 525i has without doubt poved to be the best car I have ever owned

Cost: 3/5
55-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

good allround performer, would be better if runflat tyres were changed(can't afford too), good economy for a 3 litre

Cost: 3/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Excellent car, comfortable, economical and performs well. After 42000 miles it still feels as good as new inside.

Cost: 5/5
52-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Good load lugger (touring) and economical up to 40mph on a longish run. Good styling and spacoius for passengers.

Cost: 2/5
02-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

great car that drives and handles well (unless it's snowing). can be expensive to maintain through main dealer.

Cost: 3/5
51-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

A fine blend of performance, good build quality and up to 48 mpg economy. Outstanding in a large 5 seater car.

Cost: 3/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Outstanding performance and economy for a big auto - i one got 58.3 on a drive from Liverpool to Cheltenham.

Cost: 5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

One of the best cars I have ever owned. Combines huge practicality with enviable performance and economy

Cost: 5/5
59-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

520d slightly boring but incredibly efficient. 3rd BMW in a row - they must be doing something right !

Cost: 5/5
06-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Comfortable, good to drive, refined, economical, but too many irritating rattles and minor problems.

Cost: 5/5
53-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

A quality well built/engineered car. once driven a bmw hard to consider another manufacturer.

Cost: 3/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

It is quite simply the best car I've ever owned. I intend to keep it for the rest of my life

Cost: 3/5
05-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Great car but expensive to buy and run. Reliability could be better considering the price

Cost: 3/5
R-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

My ALPINA B10 V8 is close to perfect, when the time comes I'll be buying another ALPINA.

Cost: 3/5
09-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Very economica; tp run for such a big car. Can easily achieve manufacturers claimed mpg

Cost: 4/5
05-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Excellent car, great drive and very practical. Only real downside is the economy

Cost: 3/5
05-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Very pleased overall, a bit of a pain going in for service intervals from idrive

Cost: 3/5
51-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

great car, great economy and great engine. BMW still over engineer their cars

Cost: 3/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Very good driving experience. Running costs not as expensice as first thought.

Cost: 4/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

An excellent car, well made and a pleasure to drive.Pleasant friendly dealers.

Cost: 5/5
03-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Muscular,safe,good performance,great to drive,mpg could be a little better.

Cost: 3/5
R-reg , Owner for 3 to 5 years

The BMW 5series e39 car is probably the best European car of it's class

Cost: 2/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

A great motorway car, not so great around country lanes and in towns.

Cost: 2/5
51-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

overall very happy with car not dealer because of too high pricing

Cost: 2/5
03-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Superb motorway car. Expensive around town as it is very thirsty!

Cost: 2/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

I've been very happy with my car. It's the best I've ever owned.

Cost: 3/5
R-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Its a bit of a stop gap, but its all the car i want and/or need

Cost: 2/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Good overall car,with resonable running costs,and well built.

Cost: 3/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Reliable, economical, fun to drive couldn't ask for more

Cost: 5/5
53-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Excellent, 180,000 miles on the odo and drives like new!

Cost: 3/5
T-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

good value for money and suprisingly cheap to maintain.

Cost: 5/5
06-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Dependable and easy to live with, enjoyable to drive

Cost: 5/5
58-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Great styling, superb handling and economy,fabulous

Cost: 5/5
06-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

It's a quality enjoyable driving and family car.

Cost: 3/5
V-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

The ultimate drivers machine....Enough said :-)

Cost: 3/5
06-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Easily one of the best cars I have ever bought

Cost: 5/5
53-reg Diesel, Owner for More than 5 years

Crap in snow, brilliant in all other respects

Cost: 3/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

PROBABLE THE BEST 4 DOOR SALOON CAR AVAILABLE

Cost: 5/5
X-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

BMW E39 M5 - one of the best cars ever made!

Cost: 3/5
T-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Brilliant. Can`t bring myself to change it.

Cost: 2/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Great car - not very good on snow and ice.

Cost: 3/5
51-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Excellent. Best value car I've ever owned.

Cost: 5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Brilliant! Fantastic performance 40mpg

Cost: 5/5
02-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

An icon. Expensive to run. An E39 M5.

Cost: 3/5
X-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Comfotable but not an economical car.

Cost: 3/5
57-reg , Owner for 1 to 3 years

overall very satisfied with the car

Cost: 3/5
55-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

I love it, and it is a joy to drive

Cost: 2/5
V-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Best car I have had in 50 years

Cost: 5/5
Y-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Quality but a little dated now.

Cost: 3/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

The best car i have ever had.

Cost: 3/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Brilliant in every respect!!

Cost: 5/5
51-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Built to last, fun to drive

Cost: 3/5
W-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Still the exec it ever was.

Cost: 3/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Quick, economic and refined

Cost: 4/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

It is the best car ever.

Cost: 5/5
58-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Well built and economic

Cost: 4/5
T-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

I absolutely adore it.

Cost: 3/5
02-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Perfect in every way.

Cost: 5/5
55-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Average BMW

Cost: 3/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Brilliant

Cost: 5/5
53-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Brilliant

Cost: 2/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Brilliant

Cost: 3/5
02-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Brilliant

Cost: 5/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Brilliant

Cost: 3/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Love it.

Cost: 3/5
T-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Love it!

Cost: 3/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

love it.

Cost: 2/5
S-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Good

Cost: 2/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

fab

Cost: 3/5