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Used 2009 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
46 reviews
2...

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1 out of 5 stars

Great Car, Wishful Thinking Too much hipe?

Great Car, Wishful Thinking!, 04/10/2017
updated 04/16/2018
2009 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful

2009 BMW 535i idrive w/sport pkg. By April 2017, had only 60,000 driven. Very disappointed with this ultimate driving machine. For me it was an "ultimate nightmare machine." Started with--heating system, passenger freezing, driver boiling up (heater master control on driver side). After warranty expired in 2013 to 2017, almost four years, been stranded twice; had changed all four tires; changed fuel pump, tank and sensors; replaced the battery, and the battery clamp and cable, and replaced the passenger seat belt and airbag which was shorted out by the water leaked into the battery chamber in the trunk; fixed oil leak on the oil filter housing gasket, and counting. Paying almost $70k for this car I Do expect it to be more durable. As I would not expect a $100.00 suit to last as a $500 suit so I except 553i to be more durable than a $30k's. Update: The MOST disappointing is the trade in value was just $10,000 was all the dealer paid what a useless 535-BMW. Never Again will I make the same mistake....

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

Lives Up to Its Reputation

Kurt, 01/06/2018
2009 BMW 5 Series 528i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful

This car is a beast; a wolf in sheep's clothing. I had a chance to drive it through windy VT mountain roads, including on the southern descent from Middlebury Gap (near Middlebury Snow Bowl) on Rt. 125. Those familiar with that route know how steep and windy those roads are. My wife's 5-series handled them with aplomb. I was very impressed. My wife bought this car with 48k miles on it back in 2012, certified pre-owned. The 5-series was her dream car, and this particular vehicle has served her well. The body has stayed in great shape, despite several scratches and dents it has incurred over the years. The interior has held up and endured our spills and messes. There have been no crazy repairs needed, and it drives as good as the day we procured it. Over time, its looks have grown on me. I have come to really appreciate its driving characteristics, and can see why Edmunds had proclaimed it as close to a perfect car as you could buy back in 2009. We have never put snow tires on it for winter, yet never had any problems in the snow, thanks to the xDrive. Currently at approximately 120k miles, this car shows no signs of slowing down. My reverence for it has never been higher. As tempted as we are to trade it in for a newer BMW, we just have no reason to. I can't wait to enjoy this car for more years to come.

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

Not the Ultimate Driving Machine

Fred, 02/21/2016
2009 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful

This is a great car for performance and driving dynamics. This is not a good car for reliability, quality and running costs. I've had countless check engine lights, failed window regulators, excessive oil consumption, failed steering pump, failed ABS sensors, premature headlight failures, transmission shuddering, EGV failure, and few electronic issues in the interior components. Many of these issues were covered under warranty. However, the amount of time spent in and out of the dealer was ridiculous. Some repairs like the transmission shudder couldn't be remedied. This is the worst car I've owned in terms of reliability. It's the worst in maintaining its value. I sold it at a loss but I'm very glad that I did.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 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

Are you willing to trade the good for the bad?

subdsgnr, 04/30/2012
2009 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
37 of 46 people found this review helpful

My 535i came with the sport package, which does improve handling--especially the active roll bar in the rear. This car rides almost like an Avalon in a straight line, but has almost ZERO body roll on a turn. Really amazing handling. The turbo engine is very impressive as well. HOWEVER, you cannot change your battery on your own. The dealer MUST do it. Seriously--I'm a DIY car guy. Also, I just had two injectors replaced at 20K MILES. BMW forum people act like the injectors are SUPPOSED to go out because they're just such "high performance", but I've had 3 Lexuses with direct inject and had ZERO problems. On top of reliability being spotty, the dealer treated me like a pariah.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Very good & getting better

lenk58, 12/14/2009
2009 BMW 5 Series 528i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful

This is our 3rd 5 series starting in 2003, 2006 and 2009. Each model has gotten better, especially with horsepower. The 2003 could barely get out of its own way. Over the years they have increased horsepower by 50. The car drives great, handles well and is good on gas. Sound, navigation systems are great and seat comfort is also fine. It still could use an upgrade on horsepower over 230.

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