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Used 2009 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
45 reviews
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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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4.88 out of 5 stars

Too Good To Be True

DonRay, 03/26/2009
2009 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Traded in my E46 M3 after 6 years. Purchased a white 550i with Sport & Cold Weather packages & lots of other goodies. The car looks fabulous; the LED side & rear lights and Angel Eye DRLs make the car unique and very attractive. The acceleration, handling and fuel economy are comparable to my old M3 but without the "nervousness". I've never purchased a car that gave me the satisfaction of ownership that I receive from my 550i. The whole automobile is a work of art, from the anthracite tailpipes to the black front air intake; a study in black and white. The Sport Package makes the current 550i better and more modern looking than the 2010 version.

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