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Used 2008 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
205 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

3rd BMW

tjm atl, 04/09/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded in my 05 545 for an 08 535i. BMW is obviously mis-representing the 300hp rating on this car. It is faster than the 08 550 off the line and is only .1 secs slower to 60mph. Why pay the extra 10K? The torque and shift sequencing is incredible, especially in Sport mode (don't be cheap, get the sport package). Loaded up on all the extras, Major improvements on the nav, iDrive and iPod interface. Thought I was possibly downgrading moving from 325hp down to 300hp, believe me... the 535 hands down out performs the 545, gets better gas mi. than the 550, and from my experience, is equally as fast.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Charge me

longrun, 09/12/2010
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

In all the recent reviews of this model,I do not see the most exasperating quality of it's day to day performance. I refer to the battery drain when parked.The first winter I used the car,I did not start it for about 3 weeks since I do not drive on salted roads. The display had suffered a 'reset' which happens when the battery voltage gets too low. I received a statement from BMW that the car must be driven at least 40-50 miles daily to avoid this reset happening.I am retired and use the car mainly for shorter distances-less than 50 miles.As a result I have to connect a 'sustaining' charger every 2 or 3 days to keep the volts up. Annoying and apparently still needed on the 2011's!

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5 out of 5 stars

Too Much Fun

JMac, 04/20/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I drove the 2008 535 sport & 550 sport back to back hard. My advice to anyone looking at both of these cars is this. If you can't feel much of a difference between the two cars, get the 535. I felt the difference immediately that is why I went with the 550. It feels very close in over-all performance to the 2001 M5 that I used to have. My wife had a different point of view but I used the Jedi mind trick on her value focused mind. She was happy enough with the 535 sport. I would agree that the 535 sport is 95% as good as the 550 sport for about 10% less money. I just happen to be one of those people who enjoy driving in that extra 5% zone and don't mind paying a little more for it.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

5 series trumps 3

hdrag3, 07/08/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought an arctic white with tan int. 535i and after only 900 miles we have to say we enjoy this vehicle immensely. The 300hp turbo engine is great although the gas mileage of 12 we get in the city doesn't even come close to the window sticker promise of 17. All other reviews are accurate with the cupholders and weirdness of iDrive. It's not that the iDrive is hard to use, but when coupled with nav, and having to scroll and type, it can get tiresome. But other features, such as a/c controls, and awesome bluetooth -- they just changed the laws here in CA, and it's already saved me a few tickets -- it's really leaps and bounds above the 04 325ci BMW we traded for this one.

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5 out of 5 stars

Read My Review

Bizm, 04/23/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My friend said it great "BMW drives as if it's on rails, other cars just swim all over the place". This is so true. I test drove Benz CLS550, E350, Infiniti M35, Lexus GS350. No car can compare to the overall performance of BMW 5 series. On a turn that I took with Lexus GS350 while it was squicking and felt as if it was about to skid, BMW didn't even lean. Amazing car. If you want a couch on wheels buy a Lexus. If you want comfort and at the same time an "Ultimate Driving Machine" go with BMW 5 series. Don't waste money on Logic7 sound . We compared standard sound system to Logic7. There was very little difference in sound. Don't waste money there.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive

me, 04/30/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just got the 535i with premium, sport, premium audio, hd radio, ipod, satellite. The car is really fun to drive, the handling is incredible. I like the iDrive, it adds a little mystery and class to the car. But I received the car with a non function sos system. I have to return to dealer and have it fixed. I hope this the only thing that goes wrong

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2008 535i Black on Black

gvitalik, 04/28/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Was considering several cars like Mercedes C350, E350, Lexus GS350, Infiniti G35, BMW 528i sport. After driving all of them, the 535i with sport, premium, navi, xenon blew them all away. Great transmission with 2 sport modes and paddle shifters. Car is glued to the road. Active suspension almost eliminates body roll. IDrive is functional just takes some time to learn all the menus. Picks up speed instantly, no turbo lag. Very fun to drive. My 1st BMW and now I know why its called ultimate driving machine. Other premium brands don't come close in road feeling.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

BMW enuff said! go test drive it yourself

Ssibs, 09/02/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first BMW and I have been fan of Japanese cars. My favorites were Lexus and Acura. I needed a new car to replace old Lexus that I had. 528i was the first one that i test drove. Honestly, I did not know what was so great about it other than handling. It drove nice but I felt like it didn't justify the price tag. After leaving BMW, I test drove Acura and Lexus and then Thats when I noticed the difference! All the interiors looked nice and all but it just didn't feel right when driving the Japanese. BMW hugs the road in cornering and drives uphill smoothly and effortlessly. I went straight to BMW!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

550i Manual Loaded

JPaul, 05/11/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought a manual 550i about three weeks ago. Previous car was an 05 Lexus and drove a 00 540i manual before that. This new 550i is awsome. I searched hard for a manual. Suddenly there were two and both were loaded with mile-high sticker prices. This is a dying breed. A compelling reason for choosing a 5 Series BMW over a similar sized Mercedes or Lexus is the availability of a V8 with a slick shifting 6 speed manual. I have only run up several hundred miles but it's obvious what a great piece of machinery it is. Oh, and all the negative iDrive hype is a total red herring. It is simple to learn and operate and very intuitive. My commute to work is suddenly a lot more interesting.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Stylish fun

losgatosbimmer, 06/20/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Extremely fun to drive. Great acceleration and handling. Sports package is a must just for seats - you can configure them the way you want (I feel more comfortable in it, than in $1000+ office chair). The iPod connector is great (even for ~$400). I use it every day, forgot about radio and CD existence. Bluetooth easy to use and very good. Nav controlled by iDrive is the only dark spot in this review, I consider this feature serious mis-design - it's not usable period.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Flying car

Flying Car, 05/20/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I would have rated this car very high if it was not the hesitation in acceleration from full stop and location and size of control buttons

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4.38 out of 5 stars

535xi has fallen behind the times

dteich, 05/24/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I took delivery 2 weeks ago, but the disappointment still stings. My previous car was a 2005 RL, my second car is a 2008 G53x. The 535xi is less fun to drive than the G35x, and its electronics, for the most part, are less advanced than the 3-year old RLs. I also find the seating positon too low, and the driver's seat does not go high enough (I am 5'11"). And then there is the much maligned iDrive. In my opinion, the critics are understating the inelegance and lack of thought put into the iDrive.

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5 out of 5 stars

Pleasantly Surprising

Ultimate Driver, 11/09/2016
updated 11/12/2019
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

05/11/17 Update - Still feel the same way about the vehicle. As car ages, wear and tear type parts start to give. Replaced the engine and transmission mounts at 134K miles. Also, replaced crank shaft sensor and alternator. Shopped around for pricing aforementioned service. BMW pricing was comparable non-dealer shops. Interior remains high quality. Still the ultimate driving machine. Prior review - Purchased the vehicle as CPO 5 years ago. The car has performed satisfactorily well over time. 528i sport offers a great balance between performance and maintenance cost. On the sport package, you can rotate tires for longer life. Having the CPO warranty and maintenance to 100K was instrumental in managing ownership costs. Also, pays off in the long run because this ensures maintenance is performed by BMW using genuine parts. I feel this has contributed to reliability I enjoy at 130K mile. The cheapest way to maintain a BMW is with the dealer. BMW service is great and the reps generally do their best to help you out. Although, service must be scheduled well in advance to get a BMW loaner. Reliability, relative to 15 years ago, has improved on these vehicles. Overall, maintenance cost is comparable to other luxury makes. 11/11/19 update: Enjoyed ownership experience. Received a transmission failure warning telling me car would not move after I turned off engine. Had it towed to dealer who only replaces but does not rebuild. Cost of transmission replacement was triple cars resale value so took it to a local transmission shop. Learned there is a defect in solenoid. Sold car. BMWs are still great to drive. Will lease next time I get one so I enjoy while under warranty.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive

Telloborja, 09/02/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 6 months I have enjoyed this machine plentifully, it drives fun. The most impressive to me is the powerful motor and small details on how it handles the curves.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

2008 BMW 535xi

magic frog, 01/06/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I owned a 2007 BMW 530xi so I can tell you from experience that the new car is light years above the previous year in all areas. It out-performs it, it is built better, it handles better, and although most of the changes were subtle, they were in the right place, such as the window controls on the dirvers side. This vehicle is a veritable rocket for a 6 cylinder car this is amazing. I also own a late model Mercedes with a 382hp 8 cyl that can barely stay in the same room with the BMW performance wise.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

BMW 550i Sport

Peter B, 01/05/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just traded my 2005 545i for the 2008 550i and it feels like a completely different car. Interior is more luxurious and the car handles much better than the 2005. Automatic transmission is much smoother. This is my fourth BMW and it is by far the best one I have owned.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Simply Awesome!

Greg, 01/16/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is truly an amazing vehicle to drive. Excellent handling, super fast, acceleration is as smooth as silk, very little cabin noise. The iDrive takes no more than 1 hour to learn. Hands down the best sedan in its class. Bravo BMW!

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5 out of 5 stars

An awesome car

Frank, 02/06/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was interested in AWD, coming from a Benz SUV, and looked at Audi, Acura, Infinity, Lexus, Mercedes, and Cadillac. The 535xi was simply the best car that I drove. It also was the most expensive of the group that I tested. In fact, like others have said, it is the best car that I have ever driven! The technology is not intrusive, it is helpful and with a little practice and reading the manuals, the navigation system and communication systems are your best friends. The fit and finish of the interior is impressive. The combination of pure driving capability, speed when needed, technology, and creature comforts in the cabin, made me covet the car.

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5 out of 5 stars

2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan

skippydrvr, 01/15/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the third BMW 5 series I've owned, and they've all been great cars. This is my favorite one, nudging out my 1995 540 6-spd. I got the sport package with automatic on this one to satisfy my wife. The twin turbo 6 cylinder is terrific, and the new 6-spd automatic works very well with quick decisive shifts. It's fast and gets very good mileage, averaging 23.5 mpg on my daily commute. The car handles like a sports car while being comfortable and rattle free. Despite car mag complains about the Bangle looks and the iDrive, I love them both. With the sport package and wheels, the car has a low aggressive look. Oh, and no problems in 8 months! This will be a long term keeper.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

550i sport

jamesg, 02/13/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I recently moved from an e39 540i6 to this 550i sport automatic. This car is much more comfortable and "luxurious" while maintaining an even better balanced feel on the road (it is winter so i have not been able to push it real hard, yet). The iDrive requires some learning investment, but the payoff is real - you can set up a lot of the car features to your personal preferences. The back seat and trunk are larger. Only downside has been fuel mileage ~16.5 MPG in mixed driving compared with 22 MPG in the old car.

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4 out of 5 stars

2008 535xi - Nice ride. Owned 11 years

PDiddy, 12/18/2022
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought used in 2011. Still running well as we head into 2023. Still really fun to drive. I installed Apple Car Play and backup camera to keep more up-to-date. Have several independent shops nearby. One that only works on BMW and the other specializes in European cars which has helped keep repair costs down vs. dealer. I do basic maintenance like oil changes, rotors/brakes, change headlights/daytime running lights myself. Considering another used BMW to replace mine

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1 out of 5 stars

waste of time

Ivan Burge, 11/17/2022
2008 BMW 5 Series 528xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

glad other people had a good experience but this thing was a huge money pit/disappointment for me. seemed like no matter what i fixed it was never happy. i could’ve bought two cars for the amount wasted on this one.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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3.63 out of 5 stars

Fifth 5 series, but the last two horrible

Lone Ranger, 07/21/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I took delivery in June, 2007, but because of an issue with "High Battery Drain When Car Stopped" that they could not fix, they replaced my car in June, 2008, with another identical one. This one has the same problems, and is still at the service department. They cannot figure out the problem. Worst two vehicles I have ever had.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Luxury Car

fm, 12/19/2007
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We had a 2006 325i which we traded for the 528i. The 3 series is a fun car to drive but the 5 series is truly a luxury automobile. The ride, comfort, workmanship & engineering is outstanding. My wife & I were somewhat apprehensive about the iDrive, but we both actually like it & it is not that difficult to use. This is our second BMW & would recommend the BMW brand to anyone looking for luxury.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love It

Todd, 02/23/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is heaven on wheels. I have put 4,000 miles on the car so far with no problems. Now that I've passed the break in period, the car gets 23 MPG in mixed driving!! The car handles very well and the braking is fantastic. I had a 1997 BMW 528i and this new 528i is so much better in almost every department compared to my old one. I looked at the E60 when it came out in 2004, but I didn't like how they placed window switches and other little things. The 2008 refresh got it right and I love the improvements over the earlier E60s. Great car all around!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

New car with defect parts

Unlucky Owner, 02/26/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had a bad experience with 535xi purchased recently, which was customer ordered from BMW manufacturer. With less than 100 miles, the car has been found to have two defective parts: 1. failed tire presure sensor; 2. faulty engine cylinder injector. They showed up in this brand new car, and malfunction signal displayed on the panel. I am really disappointed with that. Having other new cars and I never have such bad experience. Maybe this just bad luck.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Hi-tech is great

yeahim40, 01/21/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

When I was shopping for a car, it was the technology that sold me on the 5-series. I was a little negative about iDrive, but I've found it to be easy to live with. I love how integrated everything is - my iPod and phone are a part of the car. The heads up display is excellent, especially with directions from the navigation system on the windshield. The night vision camera is just plain cool. It's an easy car to drive with confidence. I recommend driving a sport vs. non- sport package car before buying the sport because the ride is pretty firm.

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5 out of 5 stars

535i Rocks

Kid Rock, 02/29/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What's not to like. Style, class and the twin turbo is like a rocket. I drove the MB E class, to stuffy. The Lexus had no personality. The BMW does it all. What really sold me was seeing all three together. It was no competition for the BMW.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Ride

My Beamer, 09/25/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchase my BMW 528i Labor Day weekend. I love it because it really handles like a luxury vehicle. Cup holders are a little awkward but I overlooked that problem with other likable features about the vehicle. The vehicle has very good pick up and seating is comfortable although I recommend that BMW have plusher leather.

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5 out of 5 stars

Perfection

BMW528i, 04/20/2007
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I upgraded from an '02 525i, which I loved and was afraid to sell, to an '08 528i and the '08 is a totally different animal. It has been perfected inside and out. I love iDrive and I can't understand why every car on the road doesn't have an iDrive system. I love the iPod adapter they offer and it's simple to use. I encourage anyone in this luxury market to drive this car. I can't wait to drive it again.

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5 out of 5 stars

Phenomenal sedan

sfgate, 06/21/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have been considering a 5-series equivalent for 3 years, and the 535i is the most amazing car. The car is luxurious, yet when you drive it, it is like a sports car. The twin turbo accelerates so fast, that it pushes you backwards into the seat. It is so solid compard to my 330ci, and yet is accelerates faster. Cornering is not as nimble as my 3 series, but it's a bigger car. I don't know why people complain about iDrive; it's great. Anybody with any intelligence and who can use microsoft windows can use iDrive. It takes about 15 minutes to figure out, and it basically is a computer in your car without all the clutter. I have a 6spd manual, and I love it. It is smooth and sure. Amazing.

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5 out of 5 stars

This car sets the NEW standard

Johnny C, 05/17/2007
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car handles very precisely. Engine feels like a V-8 even though it is a V6 turbo. It is scary-fast... if you are not a good driver you can get in trouble with this much speed. the interior is very comfortable -- the Premium Package seats are highly adjustable and best I have ever sat in. I previously had a 2000 528i and a 2002 X5. BMWs build quality and design is just so much better than even a few years ago. For the money, this is the best sports sedan period. Better than Lexus, Infiniti and even Mercedes that costs $10,000 more. The iDrive is a little tough to use, but if you are technologically proficient, it'll only take you a day or two to figure out.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

16 Months and I'm Still in Love

SleepTight, 07/30/2009
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The best car I've ever owned! (And I've owned many.) The performance from the twin turbo inline 6 is simply amazing--great fuel economy too. Road feel and drive is great on optional sport wheels with aftermarket Bridgestone Potenzas. X-Drive and BMW handling makes this car a champion in bad weather. Incredibly comfortable on long drives thanks to contour seat package. Real-time traffic routing is a great addition to navigation. Logic 7 turns your car into a rolling concert hall. iPod and Bluetooth interface work flawlessly. Six speed auto is great once it gets warmed up. This is the car I take for long road trips. I'm always sorry when the trip is over because I have to stop driving.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

535i

Rob, 04/23/2007
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded in my 2004 Mercedes E500 for a 2008 535i. I couldn't be happier. Handling is superb for a sedan of this size. Performance is great. There is literally no turbo lag.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

'08 528i

sut, 05/14/2007
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For $48k it should come with a bigger engine. It'll go when pushed but it lags at first. Car handles like it were glued to the road while providing a level of comfort you would expect in a luxury car.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Snuggles, 08/24/2009
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is an awesome family car that mixes in fun. Every time I drive it, I feel special, even after a year and a half. The 528i has plenty of power. The 535i + have more than plenty of power. Corners delightfully. Rides well over bad pavement. The vinyl looks like real leather.

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5 out of 5 stars

Better than expected!

Spechtbach, 08/12/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased the car on European Delivery - lots of fun. Drove 1100 miles in Germany, Austria & Italy. You don't need many expensive options. Only Xenons & fold down rear seat. Leather without premium package also nice. Std seats are fantastic. Forget the sports package in 528. Better in 3 series. Very quiet & comfortable. Great cruiser. Large trunk.

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5 out of 5 stars

Finally back in a BMW

jeffmatt, 10/06/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I do not know why I ever left BMW. Maybe is was that the grass looked greener at MB. A Benz is probably the best car to ride in, but the BMW is the best car to drive. And I like to drive. I am coming out of an 07 E350 and just bought a 08 528i. What a difference. The 528 is so fun to drive, that I cannot wipe the smile off of my face. It just handles so well and there is plenty of power in the 528. You really do not need the 535. It definitely reminds me of my 2000 528 which I liked very much. Purchased car with premium & sport packages, navigation, auto, iPod and xenons. Great package. The E350 was like driving a sofa down the freeway. The 528 is like a sports car, it is on rails.

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5 out of 5 stars

High performance and All Wheel Drive!

George B , 08/12/2007
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I went from a 2005 745Li with a V8 to to the 535xi. I was a little worried I would miss the 7. This car has been great! Fast, smooth and fun to drive. The improvements on the iDrive are substantial. The technology is easier and more reliable than the 7. The acceleration is better than 7, also. So I am getting great performace and all-wheel-drive in one. No more snow tire change over like I had to do on the 7 series. My only criticism is the fuel tanik capacity. I used to be able to go forever with the 7 series large tank. This 18 gallon tank means I'm at the pump every few days. If I could change one thing, it would be a larger fuel tank.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Wunderbar!

Ed, 09/29/2007
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

535i Sapphire Black/Black with Sport & Premium. Simply awesome. Very well built, comfortable, fun to drive, quiet inside and bloody fast. Test drove an A6 3.2 Quattro and an E350 Sport. The Audi was really nice but felt a little underpowered (after driving the 535i). The E350 is a great passenger's car, not that great a driver's car.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Too many problems!

Tooo much trouble!, 10/05/2009
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had more trouble out of this car than any I have ever owned. Replaced fuel pump twice which was under warranty. But dealer has not a clue what is wrong with this vehicle. My wife is the primary driver. The car idles like a model T Ford on a cold start. Dash lights up like a jukebox saying "engine misfire" on a weekly basis, and says "reducing power" and will not go faster than 25 mph. First they blamed it on a program, then fuel pumps, then the fuel, then it was ethanol. In the shop 27 days the last six months. More than 60 grand for this, what gives! Saw a lawyer last week about the lemon law. It's a shame, the car drives beautifully when it's right.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Awesome Vehicle

AZbeemer, 09/28/2007
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my second 5 series. The power of the 535i is awesome. I love the ride and enjoy how it handles. I am a guy that likes to know the power is there if I need/want it. I am completely amazed at the quality of this car.

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5 out of 5 stars

New '08 535xi - Awesome

Love My '08 535xi, 06/03/2007
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has exceeded my high expectations. Performance, styling, quality (inside and out) are incredible. This is an amazing car. The seats are comfortable, the ride is smooth yet sporty, and the peformance with the twin-turbo is unbelieveable. We've had the car for about a month and the whole family loves it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome vehicle!

rg, 06/23/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I special ordered my 550i with exactly the options I wanted and it was worth the 2 month wait. This car is an absolute blast to drive. I love the throaty sound of the V8 and the smoothness of the engine. I test drove the 535i also and even though the 0-60 performance is close (according to the specs) the 550i feels much more powerful because of its substantial mid range torque. My car has the sports package so it is a little stiffer than my old car, a 1999 528i (non-sport), but the 550i is not too stiff at all and corners extremely well. The iDrive was not hard to learn and in fact I like it. My coworkers are fascinated by the iDrive and other electronics gadgets. NICE car BMW!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The "Ultimate Driving Machine"I know why

rclimbing, 10/09/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I now know why the BMW is now called the "Ultimate Driving Machine". The 535i is the best car I have ever driven. It has a solid feel and the handling is amazing. It sticks like glue while corning. I test drove a bunch of cars - Infiniti, Lexus, and Acura. None of these cars drive like the 5 series. I went with the 5 series despite the fact it costs more, but it's worth every penny!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Worst car I've ever owned

Ryan, 10/16/2009
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is by far the worst car I have ever owned. You would think BMW would notify their customers if they had an issue with the car. The fuel injectors and the fuel pump are constantly malfunctioning and every time I take it in, they tell me there is no issue. This is my first BMW and my last.

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5 out of 5 stars

Amazing!

jimmye, 06/16/2007
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I researched many cars before I made a decision to sell my '05 Mercedes SLK350 for my new jet black 2008 535xi with night vision. I knew I made the right choice, but I didn't realize how right it was until I drove away from the dealer. Simply amazing. That's the only way to describe it. Simply the best car I have ever been in or had the pleasure to drive. A perfect combination of tight steering and sitting in the lap of luxury. Run, do not walk and purchase this car if you can. Wish this car was more accessible and cheaper for everyone. The world would be a better place.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Too much for average quality

tv550, 06/17/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

Poor storage space for little items like sunglasses, wallets, change, phones. Ride position is very low with the sport package. Transmission and brakes make for poor stop and go traffic comfort. Rough shifts in the mornings. Handles and drives like no other sedan above 70 mph. Horrible car for speeds below 30 mph. Large turning radius and bad blind spots. I bought this car with much regret and can't wait to get out of it. Nice looks and performance at high speeds but worthless in every day traffic. IDrive is plain horrid and after 6 software flashes it crashes randomly for 2-3 days at a time. Techs can't figure out why. Bluetooth works great, nav is the worst I have seen. Not worth price.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Smooth power

BMW4D, 12/08/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Just came off a Audi A6 3.2 quattro lease and decided to try the BMW 550i. I had a 2003 BMW 530i previous to the Audi. There is no doubt that the Audi quality and solidity is better than the BMW. The interior design of the Audi is superior as well. Where the BMW comes into its own is how it drives. The 550i is powerful for sure. The motor and suspension dynamics make the car despite is not being as solidly made as the Audi. We will have to see how the reliability of the car goes as the months progress. I never had any problems with either my 2003 530i or my 2006 Audi A6 quattro.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

BMW Brake Noise

George , 06/07/2008
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is very nice and fun to drive until you come to stop and hearing all that brake noise. It makes it sound like an old truck. That really takes away from the joy of driving it. The sad aspect is, BMW informed me that it is a natural for the cars to do that. I believe that that is a defect. The passenger cup holder is an obstruction if you have plus size people using the car.

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