2009 BMW 5-Series
- 2008 BMW 5-Series
- Used BMW 5-Series
Based on analysis of 3 5-Series reviews and test drives.
BMW 5-Series - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 BMW 5-Series ranks 3 out of 12 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 3 published reviews and test drives of the BMW 5-Series, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
A small number of luxury sport sedans offer more engine power than the BMW 5-Series, but none of them can hang with it on a winding road. BMW's legendary handling prowess and balance are on display in the 5-Series, and the automotive press is pleased with the result. Inside, the accomodations are up to the standards of its price tag, but sparse compared to the best interiors in its class.
Among large luxury sedans, the BMW 5-Series is often considered the best-performing vehicle. The Kansas City Star says, "BMWs have long set the standard for sports sedans, and while a handful of competitors have encroached on their territory, the 5-series sedan, and the 535i in particular, is one of the benchmarks against which others in this class are judged."
The 5 has new competition that buyers might want to consider. The Audi A6, available with a supercharged six-cylinder engine and Quattro all-wheel-drive is legitimate competition for this car on the track. And the new Jaguar XF, with its supercharged V8, can outrun the BMW in a straight line. Both of those cars also boast more lush interiors than the 5-Series can claim.
But if you buy a car for the exhileration you feel while driving it, you may never best what you'll find in the BMW 5-Series.
The 5-Series also holds its value well, and is surprisingly fuel-efficient for a large car built for driving excitement. It requires premium fuel.
The 5-Series received a design refresh in 2008, so for 2009 very little has changed. Larger 17-inch tires are now standard on all models, and BMW no longer offers a green-band windshield of a first aid kit in the car.
The 2009 BMW 5-Series comes in four-door sedan or wagon body styles. Sedan trims include the 528i, 535i, and 550i. A performance-oriented M5 trim is also available.
- "The 5 Series remains a truly sporting sedan that stands out in the fiercely competitive market for mid-sized luxury cars. This car has just about everything you could ask for in a luxury sedan, including the features, comfort and convenience of full-size luxury models, the sporting character of smaller ones, and a good compromise between interior space and physical bulk. those who put driving satisfaction first should put the 5 Series near the top of their test-drive list." -- New Car Test Drive
- "It's risqué with just the right amount of elegance and powerful with just the right amount of control." -- Mother Proof
- "The 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Steering is a love/hate affair, and the iDrive control center can be downright confounding. But Active Roll Stabilization is truly useful, and helps BMW maintain the 5-Series' world-class handling without compromising its admirable ride quality. Overall, these premium cars are well worth your consideration." -- Consumer Guide
- "BMWs have long set the standard for sports sedans, and while a handful of competitors have encroached on their territory, the 5-series sedan, and the 535i in particular, is one of the benchmarks against which others in this class are judged." -- Kansas City Star
- BMWs "have been the benchmark for so long that the cars themselves seem to exude arrogance." -- Car and Driver
- "It is plush, the motorized equivalent of an exclusive condominium. It is prestigious." -- Washington Post
- "The last-generation 5-Series had outstanding steering, handling and braking, with a supple ride. The new-generation version, which has nearly 50-50 weight distribution, is even better. ... Despite more adventuresome styling, the new 5-Series should do well. It's more fun to drive than ever, and driving fun has helped sell a lot of 5-Series models." -- MSN
5-Series Performance - 9.7 (Excellent)
Many large luxury cars offer powerful, smooth engines. The BMW 5-Series stands out from the rest with its athletic handling. "If you can find a premium luxury sedan with better ride and handling," the Washington Post raves, "buy it." It doesn't skimp on engine power -- a range of engine choices are available, including a V8 that takes the big car from a standstill to sixty mph in under six seconds. The 5 also offers a manual transmission -- increasingly a rare sight at this price point. continue
5-Series Exterior - NA
The BMW 5-Series received a design update last year, and nothing has changed for 2009. Reviewers like the chiseled look of the new sheetmetal, and most say it subtly improved the look of the car. New Car Test Drive comments, "Most of the styling touch-up lies in subtle details, but in our view they add character to this luxury sedan." continue
5-Series Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)
The 2009 5-Series offers a comfortable cabin made of luxurious materials with close attention to detail, but some buyers will be driven off by BMW's awkward iDrive interface. Once you master it, it can be useful -- but some never master it. "The 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial," Consumer Guide warns. "The iDrive control center can be downright confounding." Its interior offers fewer standard features and less storage space that the Lexus GS. continue
5-Series Safety - 8.9 (Very Good)
Surprisingly mixed results in government and insurance industry crash tests are a serious blemish on the 2009 5-Series' record. In a class filled with perfect safety scores, the 5-Series repeatedly underperforms, especially in side-impact testing. A significant suite of safety equipment can help drivers avoid an accident in the first place. continue
5-Series Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 BMW 5-Series reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). BMW offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. BMW covers factory scheduled maintenance for the entire warranty period. continue
