2004-2008 BMW 5-Series: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2004-2008 BMW 5-Series and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Build quality
- Interior materials
- Steering/handling
- Ride
Cons
- Control layout
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
New styling and features, plus more V8 power, highlighted BMW's redesigned 5-Series for 2004. Gone was the wagon body style, leaving sedans that were slightly larger than the 1997-2003 models. BMW competed against the Audi A6, Lexus LS 430, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans, along with the Acura TL/RL and Infiniti M. Four models were offered: 525i, 530i, 545i, and 545i 6-Speed. The 525i retained a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine; the 530i carried over a 225-horsepower 3.0-liter inline six. Both 545i models used a 4.4-liter V8 that produced 325 horsepower, up from 290 in the 2003 540i. The 525i, 530i, and 545i 6-Speed came with a six-speed manual transmission. Standard on the 545i and optional for the 525i and 530i was a six-speed automatic with manual shift gate. All 5s had BMW's iDrive, which used a console "joystick" to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and climate functions. Antilock braking, BMW Assist emergency and concierge service, a tire-pressure monitor, and traction/antiskid control were standard. Front side airbags and front/rear head-protecting tubular side airbags also were standard. Rear torso side airbags were optional. The 545i 6-Speed had a sport suspension, run-flat tires, and BMW's Active Steering that electronically varied both steering ratio and assist. BMW's Active Roll Stabilization was designed to counteract body lean. With the optional sport suspension, the 525i, 530i, and 545i added Active Roll Stabilization, run-flat tires, and Active Steering. Options included DVD entertainment, a navigation system, front and rear park assist, heated front and rear seats, and adaptive cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance. Later in the model year came an optional head-up instrument display and satellite radio, plus, for all but the 545i, a Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT). Essentially a clutchless manual operated via a console lever or steering-wheel paddles, the sequential manual could also be set to shift like an automatic.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | BMW 5-Series 530i w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 63 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2004-2008 BMW 5-Series. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2004-2008 BMW 5-Series.
Year to Year Changes
2005 BMW 5-Series:
Minor equipment shuffling highlighted the 2005 model year. The 545i joined other models with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Six-speed automatic was optional for all, and the 530i and 545i could have BMW's Sequential Manual Transmission. All 5-Series models except the 525i had 17-inch tires.
2006 BMW 5-Series:
Wagons rejoined the 5-Series lineup. All-wheel drive became available this year, on the 530xi sedan and wagon and the 525xi sedan. BMW's rear-wheel-drive sedan lineup included the 525i, 530i, and 550i. Engines gained power. The 525i exchanged its former 184-hp 2.5-liter engine for a 215-horsepower 3.0-liter. In 530i models, the 3.0-liter engine gained 30 horsepower (now 255). A new 360-horsepower 4.8-liter V8 for top models prompted a name change from 545i to 550i. BMW also revived the high-performance M5 sedan, with a seven-speed SMT, unique sport suspension tuning, 19-inch tires, and a 500-horsepower V10 engine.
2007 BMW 5-Series:
5-Series carried over unchanged.
2008 BMW 5-Series:
Freshened styling and new 6-cylinder engines marked the 2008 BMW 5-Series. The lineup started with 528i and all-wheel-drive 528xi sedans, which replaced the 525i and 525xi. One step up were the 535i sedan and AWD 535xi sedans and wagons, which replaced the 530i and 530xi. The 528 and 535 got a new 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine; it made 230 horsepower in 528s, 300 in the turbocharged 535s .
Our road test for the 2004-2008 BMW 5-Series includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2004-2008 BMW 5-Series and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2004-2008 BMW 5-Series is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Neither six-cylinder engine has much low-rpm torque, but they keep pulling to provide adequate acceleration. The smooth 3.0-liter six provides fine performance, but does not feel as strong as BMW's claimed 6.6-second 0-60 mph time with manual transmission, or 6.9 with automatic. A manual-shift 530i took 7.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, versus 7.7 seconds for an automatic 525i and 6.9 seconds for an AWD 530xi with automatic. The V8 is stronger at all speeds. An automatic 545i did 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Most rival six-cylinder engines have more horsepower than the 5-Series' sixes. BMW's manual transmission provides silky smooth action. Automatic works well with the 3.0, but can be a bit tardy on downshifts. Performance reaches startling heights with the 500-horsepower M5, but its Sequential Manual Transmission delivers shockingly jarring shifts even in full-automatic mode. Fuel economy is about as expected, with automatics slightly less frugal. A 525i with automatic averaged 18.4 mpg, while a manual-shift 530i averaged 19.7 to 20 mph, and a 545i with automatic achieved 17.7 mpg. All engines require premium fuel. The 5-Series' combination of ride and handling is among the world's best. Ride quality is smooth and stable at any speed. The Sport package increases firmness and allows ruts to pound through, but the ride never becomes harsh. Well-balanced and agile, a 5-Series is always composed, maintaining its reputation as the luxury sports sedan others strive to match. Active Steering is a boon to low-speed maneuverability, also reducing the need for high-speed steering correction. Very little body lean is evident in fast turns; almost none with Active Roll Stabilization, but its activation point is inconsistent. Braking is strong, stable, and straight. Virtually no wind rush is noticeable. The only real road noise comes with Sport Package tires, and even those are hushed on most surfaces. Solid build quality translates to few creaks and rattles. The 3.0-liter six always is smooth, with a muted growl in aggressive acceleration. Unfortunately, drivers must interact with the standard iDrive setup for anything other than the simplest audio and climate adjustments. That complicates most functions and diverts driver attention. Apart from iDrive, the control layout itself is simple and convenient. Elegant interior decor benefits from top-notch materials. All but the very tall get good head and leg room up front on firm, supportive seats. Power seats and tilt/telescoping steering make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Over-the-shoulder and aft visibility rank only average. Despite fine head room, leg and toe space are limited in the back seat. Taller riders may want more head clearance, but should have legroom problems only with front seats all the way back. Long, firm rear cushions provide fine comfort. Decent trunk space is accessed by high liftover. Hinges are covered to prevent crushing packages, but they do gobble up space. Interior storage space is minimal.
Value for the Money
Overall, the 5-Series delivers a formidable blend of luxury, sport, and engineering. Prices were steep when new, iDrive confounds, and six-cylinder engines feel underpowered--outperformed by those of several rivals. Still, with the addition of available Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization, BMW improved upon the 5-Series' world-class handling--without compromising its admirable ride quality. Each 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Steering, for instance, is a love/hate item. High resale values keep secondhand prices on the hefty side.
Overall, the 5-Series delivers a formidable blend of luxury, sport, and engineering. Prices were steep when new, iDrive confounds, and six-cylinder engines feel underpowered--outperformed by those of several rivals. Still, with the addition of available Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization, BMW improved upon the 5-Series' world-class handling--without compromising its admirable ride quality. Each 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Steering, for instance, is a love/hate item. High resale values keep secondhand prices on the hefty side.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | BMW 5-Series 530i w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 63 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation BMW 5-Series includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation BMW 5-Series .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Battery:
The battery may die overnight if the key is left in the ignition on vehicles with electronic immobilizer system. (2004-06)
Check-engine light:
The check engine light may illuminate accompanied by rattling sound from front of engine due to leak in oil line for variable valve timing system. (2004-07)
Electrical problem:
The low oil warning light was coming on after the ignition was turned off. The sensor was being replaced under a recall. (2004)
Electrical problem:
The electronic steering lock warning light may illuminate and/or the vehicle will not start if battery was low when starting. (2006)
Electrical problem:
The oil condition sensor on the 2.5L engine can short out internally causing intermittent no-starts. (2004)
Electrical problem:
The flat tire warning light may illuminate due to miscommunication between run-flat warning light and the electronic height control or if the flat tire monitor is not reset after tire replacement. (2005)
Engine stalling:
The engine may run rough or miss (the check engine light may also come on) due to problems with the original ignition coils and the carmaker is replacing them with Bosch coils. (2004 and prior)
Engine temperature:
Engine may overheat due to one or more problems with the electric water pump on the 6-cylinder engine. (2005-06)
Headlights:
Headlight modules were being replaced during a campaign in areas where the temperature may exceed 95 degrees F to replace the lamp module that allows power to remain on and drain the battery. (2004)
Spark plugs:
Due to casting porosity in some of the 2.5L engine cylinder heads, oil may leak and collect around the spark plug tube. (2004)
Speedometer:
Speedometer and/or tachometer needles may vibrate at idle requiring vehicle reprogramming. (2004-07)
Trunk latch:
The pivot for the trunk hydraulic lift cylinder may work loose and/or its threads may rust requiring either reinstalling with Loctite or replacing the pivot. (2005)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $920 |
| Alternator | $810 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,410 |
| Brakes | $1,340 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $1,830 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,450 |
| Exhaust System | $930 |
| Radiator | $1,040 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $3,130 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,300 |
Our price chart for this generation BMW 5-Series details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| 528i/xi | $38,000-41,000 | $35,300-38,100 | $27,000-29,100 |
| 535i/xi | $43,000-46,000 | $40,400-43,200 | $31,400-33,600 |
| 550i | $49,000-52,500 | $46,100-49,400 | $36,300-38,900 |
| M5 | $72,000-76,000 | $68,400-72,200 | $54,700-57,800 |
| 2007 | |||
| 525i/xi | $30,000-32,500 | $27,900-30,200 | $21,000-22,800 |
| 530i/xi | $34,000-36,500 | $31,600-33,900 | $24,100-25,900 |
| 550i | $39,500-42,500 | $36,700-39,500 | $28,400-30,600 |
| M5 | $61,000-64,500 | $58,000-61,300 | $45,800-48,400 |
| 2006 | |||
| 525i/xi | $26,000-28,000 | $24,200-26,000 | $17,200-18,500 |
| 530i/xi | $28,500-30,700 | $26,500-28,600 | $19,400-20,900 |
| 550i | $34,500-37,000 | $32,100-34,400 | $24,500-26,300 |
| M5 | $53,000-55,500 | $49,800-52,200 | $39,800-41,600 |
| 2005 | |||
| 525i | $22,800-24,500 | $21,000-22,500 | $14,800-15,900 |
| 530i | $24,800-26,500 | $23,100-24,600 | $16,400-17,500 |
| 545i | $27,500-29,500 | $25,600-27,400 | $18,400-19,800 |
| 2004 | |||
| 525i | $19,800-21,300 | $18,200-19,600 | $12,900-13,800 |
| 530i | $21,500-23,200 | $19,800-21,300 | $14,000-15,100 |
| 545i | $23,500-25,500 | $21,600-23,500 | $15,300-16,600 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation BMW 5-Series include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3428 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.0 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
BMW's 5-Series sedan comes with quite a choice of powertrains. A 184-horsepower 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine goes into the 2004-05 525i, mated to six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The 530i holds a 225-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, with the same transmission choices plus a sequential manual transmission (SMT). A 4.4-liter V8 rated at 325 horsepower goes into the 545i, with a six-speed manual or SMT, or a five-speed automatic. For 2006, a 215-hp 3.0-liter six replaced the 2.5-liter in the 525i, and the 3.0 in the 530i gained 30 horsepower. A new 4.8-liter V8 went into the 550i (formerly 545i). BMW also launched an M5 sedan with a V10 engine and seven-speed SMT. A Power button could switch the V10 between 400 and 500 horsepower. New 6-cylinder engines marked the 2008 BMW 5-Series. 528i and all-wheel-drive 528xi sedans replaced the 525i and 525xi. 535i sedan and AWD 535xi sedans and wagons replaced the 530i and 530xi. The 528 and 535 got a new 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine; it made 230 horsepower in 528s, 300 in the turbocharged 535s .
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.4 / 268 | 325 | 330 | 6-speed manual: 17/25 5-speed automatic: 18/26 SMT manual: 17/24 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 17.7 SMT manual: -- |
| dohc V8 | 4.8 / 293 | 360 | 360 | 6-speed manual: 16/23 6-speed automatic: 17/25 SMT manual: 16/22 |
6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: -- SMT manual: -- |
| dohc I6 | 2.5 / 152 | 184 | 175 | 6-speed manual: 19/28 6-speed automatic: 19/28 |
6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: 18.4 |
| dohc I6 | 3.0 / 182 | 215 | 185 | 6-speed manual: 20/30 6-speed automatic: 21/29 |
6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I6 | 3.0 / 182 | 225-230 | 200-214 | 6-speed manual: 20/30 6-speed automatic: 18/28 SMT manual: 19/28 |
6-speed manual: 19.9 6-speed automatic: -- SMT manual: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I6 | 3.0 / 182 | 255-300 | 220-300 | 6-speed manual: 19/28 6-speed automatic: 20/27 SMT manual: 20/30 |
6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: -- SMT manual: -- |
| dohc V10 | 5.0 / 305 | 500 | 384 | SMT manual: 12/18 | SMT manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation BMW 5-Series include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2004-2008 BMW 5-Series directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2004 5-Series:
Heating mat in backrest's side bolster of cars with front-seat heating could be damaged by excessive contact when entering/exiting the vehicle; overheating could melt a small hole in the seat cover and possibly burn the occupant.
2004 5-Series V8:
On certain cars, engine stalling may occur after short period of operation; engine may be unable to restart.
2004 5-Series V8:
Retention clip along fuel supply line may have been omitted; in a severe frontal crash, the quick-release coupling could separate, causing fuel leakage.
2004-06 5-Series with the standard or sport seat options:
The airbag occupant-detection mat under the front passenger seat may fail, and will illuminate the airbag warning and passenger airbag "on/off" lamps. In the event of a crash, the passenger side airbags, with the exception of the head protection system, will not deploy. Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat.
2005-06 5-Series:
Incorrectly-manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate could cause parking lock system not to engage, with the lever in "P" position.
2006 5-Series:
Certain nuts may not have been tightened to specification. This could eventually result poor vehicle handling. Dealers will retighten the front axle control arm and tension strut nuts to the correct specifications free of charge.
2006-2007 550i with V8 engine:
The engine can stall in conditions of below-freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, due to electrostatic discharge. Dealers will attach two ground cables in the engine compartment.
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