In this section, you can find testimonials from owners of BMW 5 Series cars. If you have experience with BMW 5 Series models, feel free to share it with others by submitting a review through the comment form. Once moderated, your review will be published.
Review of BMW 535 E28: No Complaints
I am eager to share my experience with the BMW 535 in the E28 body. I didn't buy it on a whim; it came after extensive searches since they are becoming rare. Found it, took a look, and instantly knew I would take it, simply fell in love.
The M30 engine — 218 hp, always pulls effortlessly: 1st — 80, 2nd — 120, 3rd — 180, and so on. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 7 seconds, excellent car handling, not many competitors on the road, though there are a few tough ones to compete with.
The interior is sporty, air conditioning, power windows, ABS, all in a 1986 car, and a significant advantage — the differential with a block, a very nice feature. It's truly enjoyable to drive, you get from it what you desire; need to drift — it drifts, need to make a U-turn — easily done, need to downshift from 4th to 2nd — not a problem.
For those who adore powerful BMWs — get one if you find it, you won't regret it. In terms of faults over time — the rear brake pad cover came off, the power steering hose ruptured, and that's all, a very reliable unit.
Review of BMW 5 E60
Compared to the older version I had in the 90s, the car has become more technically complex.
Oil consumption, high fuel consumption — all of this remains. On the plus side, I note the comfort, high-quality leather interior finish, spacious cabin, and all the essentials for a comfortable ride.
The car is well-handling, responsive, and overall high-quality. No wonder the price for the new BMW 5 E60 is quite high.
Review of BMW 5 Series (1997): Workhorse
I brought the BMW 523i with 150,000 km mileage from Germany in 2002, opting initially for the 525th in the 34th body, but when I took a ride in the 39th, I instantly decided that this car was perfect for me!
First and foremost, I was impressed by the comfort and silence in the cabin, as well as the responsive engine. Before this, I had only driven domestic cars. I used to cover from 100 to 150 kilometers a day. This distance I can describe as «150 km of sheer enjoyment.» Everything you need is within reach.
Driving such a car leaves only positive feelings. In winter, I hardly noticed that I was driving a rear-wheel drive. The cabin is very comfortable and warm, so I always drove in just a shirt.
The engine responds instantly to any touch of the accelerator pedal. I often have to travel on long business trips, so I can say with complete confidence that on the highway, the car is very maneuverable, and driving such a vehicle is a pure pleasure.
But there is a flip side to the coin. After the mileage crossed 200,000 kilometers, the interesting part began. Not only did the steering rack, front suspension, tensioner rollers, and hub bearings need replacement, but also many other things went wrong.
Our roads destroyed absolutely everything possible. Fuel is also not a gift. Replacing and repairing units and components requires a significant amount of money, even excluding overcharging at service centers.
My trust in the latter has completely dropped. Once instead of replacing the expansion tank of the cooling system, they persuaded me to replace the radiator, and inserted a non-original one instead of the original at the price of the genuine one.
I found out about this later. One can only guess what else they do there. Lately, I try to repair my car myself, if I have the tools, of course. In general, if you don't mind spending $3000 on routine maintenance and repairs, then boldly buy and enjoy. I have a good friend who says, «BMW is not a luxury, it's a lifestyle.»
Review of BMW 5 E34
It's worth mentioning the high fuel consumption and oil consumption, along with the poor visibility in the car.
Positive aspects of the 34 body: appearance, the legendary BMW look, comfort, a good spacious trunk, a roomy cabin made of good materials with quality fit and finish.
Modern BMW 5 Series G30
I believe that those who understand the reasonable balance between price and quality should speak about the quality of a modern car. Criticizing BMW for no reason is unreasonable.
The modern generation is equipped with all possible technical innovations, equipped with the latest technology. Multimedia systems work flawlessly, no disputable situations with the onboard computer arise.
Electronics and air intake work at a high level. The cabin is fresh and comfortable. There are minor flaws in the assembly of the cabin, but they are not critical.
The car is highly dynamic, safe, and sensitive. The soundproofing is top-notch. A truly super-quiet business-class cabin.
More: Reviews of BMW 7 Series
Review of BMW 5 E12
One of the early versions of BMW 5 E12 — a comfortable German stylish sedan. Of course, one should take into account the colossal age of the car, and E12 is not the only one of its kind on Russian roads, I've seen others.
Suspension was the first to go for replacement. Nevertheless, the E12 boasts excellent iron quality and low susceptibility to corrosion.
In comparison with modern vehicles, there is no level of comfort in the E12 body, but the cabin is assembled with quality and does not rattle. BMW maintains its reputation.
Review of BMW 5 E28
I liked the improved sound insulation, spaciousness of the cabin, comfort, safety in the 5 E28 model.
However, the body is weak, prone to rusting. Additionally, the car has a high fuel consumption, a finicky gearbox, and is expensive to maintain.
Review of BMW 5 F10
After several years of use, what can I say. Modern and stylish design. The car doesn't look outdated or retro. It offers a high level of comfort, true business-class. The convenience and quality of the cabin are practically excellent.
There were issues with the climate control, sometimes the cabin filters make noise. An unpleasant problem but solvable.
Quite unpleasantly — the lack of power-adjustable mirrors. The car's off-road capabilities are not great; it's not suitable for fishing or rural areas.
Otherwise, it doesn't raise any complaints and doesn't have any visible typical issues.
Review of BMW 5 E39
I don't regret buying the BMW 5 E39. It is worth noting the good dynamics of the car, quick response, course stability, and good acceleration to a hundred. The BMW 5 E39 can outperform any budget new sedan.
In the 39 body, the BMW looks like a true representative of the business class. The traditionally good quality of the cabin assembly and its spaciousness are pleasing.
Drawbacks include low off-road capability, very expensive maintenance, and high fuel consumption.
I'll say this — the main advantage of any BMW series and generation is the design and speed. The drive. The main drawback — the cost of maintenance. It's very difficult to keep the car in good condition. Before buying a BMW, you need to think about the purpose it serves and whether there is a possibility to invest up to 100,000 rubles a year in the car, not to mention the cost of engine or gearbox replacement.
