Consumer Reports Reviews the BMW 5-Series
The BMW 5-Series is a sedan offered in a 4dr Sdn 528i RWD, 4dr Sdn 528i xDrive AWD, 4dr Sdn 535i RWD, 4dr Sdn 535i xDrive AWD, 4dr Sdn ActiveHybrid 5 RWD, 4dr Sdn 550i RWD, 4dr Sdn 550i xDrive AWD and 4dr Sdn. The powertrains include 2.0-liter 4 turbo (240 hp), 3.0-liter 6 hybrid (335 hp), 3.0-liter 6 turbo (300 hp), 4.4-liter V8 turbo (400 hp) and 4.4-liter V8 turbo (560 hp) engines, and 6-speed manual, 7-speed sequential and 8-speed automatic transmissions. It is Rear or AWD wheel drive. EPA-rated fuel economy ranges from 20 mpg city to 29 mpg highway. The 5 Series uses Premium fuel.
Competing models include Infiniti M, Audi A6, Hyundai Equus and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Last Model Reviewed: 2011
Reviewed BMW 5-Seriess from Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports has placed the following models through over 50 tests at our test track:
- 2011 BMW 5-Series 535i 6-cyl
- 2008 BMW 5-Series sedan 535i 6-cyl
- 2004 BMW 5-Series 530i 6-cyl
Subscribers get complete access to BMW 5-Series Ratings. Subscribe Now
Owner's Satisfaction Survey
Owner-satisfaction Ratings are determined by the percentage of those who answered "definitely yes" to the question asked by the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey "Considering all factors (price, performance, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.), would you get this car if you had to do it all over again?"
Prices
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the vehicle's published retail (base) price, without options, destination charge, or other fees. The Invoice Price is printed on the dealer's paperwork from the manufacturer. However, this amount is often more than the dealer actually paid for the vehicle. The Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price subtracts any dealer sales incentives, holdbacks, and rebates from the dealer-invoice price to give you a good starting point for your negotiations.
Reliability History & Common Problems
How are cars holding up? The reliability history charts give you the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on 1.2 million vehicles in our latest subscriber survey, these charts give you a rundown on how 2003 through 2012 models are holding up in 17 areas, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. Learn more about car Reliability









