Used BMW 5 Series for Sale Nationwide
- Search Used
- Search New
- By Car
- By Body Style
- By Price
Find BMW 5 Series listings in your area
Coronavirus update: New contactless services to help keep you safe.
Used BMW 5 Series By Year
| Vehicle | Deals | Starting Price | Total Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 5 Great Deals | $38,880 | 51 listings |
| 2017 BMW 5 Series | 5 Great Deals | $33,888 | 55 listings |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 2 Great Deals | $18,988 | 71 listings |
Similar Cars
|
BMW 3 Series For Sale
89 Great Deals out of 1,886 listings starting at $2,990
|
BMW 7 Series For Sale
10 Great Deals out of 168 listings starting at $5,795
|
Mercedes-Benz E-Class For Sale
19 Great Deals out of 458 listings starting at $4,989
|
Broader Searches
|
BMW 5 Series For Sale
20 Great Deals out of 416 listings starting at $1,500
|
Used BMW 5 Series By Transmission Type
|
Used BMW 5 Series With Automatic Transmission
23 Great Deals out of 375 listings starting at $2,950
|
BMW 5 Series Overview
When the BMW 5 Series debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1972, it marked both the culmination of past designs and the wave of the future for the German-based automaker. The midsize, four-door, rear-wheel-drive 5 Series grew out of BMW's New Class, a line of four-door sport sedans launched in the 1960s, which were BMW's bestselling vehicles up to that point. The New Class, including the 1500, the 1800, and the 2000, rode on a sport-oriented chassis with a firm, performance-tuned suspension, and featured a roomy five-passenger cabin with padded surfaces and an upscale feel. BMW carried that suspension, as well as the luxury-oriented interior, forward to the new 5 Series.
However, the automaker made a departure when naming the first 5 Series trims, the 520 and the 520i. Instead of using the previous naming system, which consisted of four digits, BMW introduced a new three-digit nomenclature, in which the first digit indicates the platform (in this case, the 5-Series), while the last two numbers indicate engine displacement--2.0 liters in this case, plus injection for one trim, resulting in the "i" designation. BMW continues to use that naming system for its vehicles today.
Outside, the new 5 Series displayed distinctive Italian/European design cues, with dual headlights, a dual-kidney grille, large windows, and an overall sleek shape with a low-slung waistline. The rear pillar also incorporated a distinctive BMW design element called the Hofmeister kink, a forward bend low in the pillar behind the rear window.
For the first time, the automaker used computer modeling when designing some of the 5 Series' safety features, such as the front and rear crumple zones. BMW also used roll-over bars in the roof to help stiffen the body, resulting in tight, responsive handling.
While initially powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the 5 Series added the 525 trim, powered by a six-cylinder engine, in 1973. The first U.S. 5 Series trim, the 530i, was equipped with a fuel-injected 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine generating 176 horsepower. It appeared stateside in 1975. A few years later, BMW rolled out the 528i, with a slightly less powerful, 169-hp, 2.8-liter six-cylinder.
The first-generation 5 Series, which rode on the E12 platform, lasted from its debut in 1972 until 1981. The second generation, with its E28 platform, included the 535i and the diesel-powered 524td (for turbodiesel). It was replaced in 1988 by the third generation, which rode on the E34 platform and included two V8 trims, the 530i and 540i. Both debuted in the mid-1990s.
The wheelbase of the fourth-generation 5 Series, which bowed in 1995, was stretched nearly 3 inches, resulting in the E39 platform and a profile that more closely resembles current 5 Series cars. Highlights included the V8-powered 540i trim. The fifth-generation 5 Series, which took to the roads starting in 2003, proved somewhat controversial, due to its exterior design, particularly in the hindquarters. It rode on the E60/61 platform, and included such options as Active Cruise Control, Active Steering, and High-Beam Assist. In addition, BMW offered the fifth-generation trims with optional xDrive four-wheel drive.
With the debut of the current sixth generation in 2010, the 5 Series took an evolutionary step forward while also gazing into the past. Gone are the controversial design elements of the previous generation, while some visual cues, such as the lines along the hood, were drawn from earlier 5 Series designs.
Once again, BMW stretched the 5 Series' wheelbase, this time to nearly 117 inches, an improvement of more than 3 inches over the previous generation, and to nearly 193 inches overall. The platform, now designated the F10, features an upgraded suspension, with a multilink configuration in the rear. The new 5 Series remains a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, although owners can add all-wheel drive as an option. Sixth-generation trims include the 240-hp 528i, the 300-hp 535i, and the 400-hp 550i sedan.
Expert Reviews for BMW 5 Series by Year
-
2021 BMW 5 Series Test Drive Review
Stephen EdelsteinBMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were -
2018 BMW 5 Series Test Drive Review
Michael PerkinsIt’s been a while since BMW was the undisputed leader in midsize luxury sport sedans, and it’s tried to regain that title by concentrating on luxury more than sport lately. With the addition of the 53 -
2017 BMW 5 Series Test Drive Review
Michael PerkinsIt’s easy to miss the changes with BMW’s tendency toward “evolutionary styling,” but in reality the 2017 5 Series is all new. High-strength lightweight materials means it grew in size but not in weigh
BMW 5 Series Reviews
-
Review
by RandyNot much out there with the blend of features that a M550i, or M5 has. I would consider the Audi equivalent, or maybe a Japanese equivalent. Not a big fan of Mercedes either. Definitely not anything American made. BMW is a bit pricey, so I might have to back up a couple years to get in in my budget. -
Review
by GuruC1HGZSooo many options ( interior & engines ) , you had better study BMW so you will know what you are getting . They are nice vehicles ! -
Review
by RymarchykBMW is amazing in all of its features; I went from an XI to an I . It seems the 5 of yesteryear was larger/longer. I feel the 5 of today Is compared to the 3 of yesterday in size. I feel a little closer to the window and miss the front window display; the sun roof is farther back/or driver is further up. I think the 5 is too small; next time I’ll ...
Why Use CarGurus?
We'll help you find great deals among tens of thousands of vehicles available nationwide on CarGurus, and we'll provide you with dealer reviews and vehicle history for each one. After all, over 30 million shoppers use CarGurus to find great deals on used cars and new cars in their area.
Once you're ready to narrow down your search results, go ahead and filter by price, mileage, transmission, trim, days on lot, drivetrain, color, engine, options, and deal ratings. And if you only want to see cars with a single owner, recent price drops, or photos, our filters can help with that too.