Used 2012 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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The car is impressive, but the technology is not
PG from NJ, 12/12/2018
updated 12/17/2020
2012 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
What you should know is this car is economical to drive - but a bear on the wallet to maintain. It's good on gas, but the oil changes and regular maint. are a killer. The car itself is a pleasure to drive - love the feel and the handling. The pick up is terrific - and the power is there when you need it - and it is a powerful car. the 535 x-drive is also quiet and responsive. All that said, there are some improvements which I hope have been made since 2012. The voice recognition is probably the worst I've ever used. Even my cell phone is better at recognizing simple commands. The most challenging thing is the visibility. My old BMW had excellent vision around all sides. That's important because I'm only 5'3" - and, unlike my old BMW, seeing over the front of the car - and front sides in this 2012 BMW is an issue for me. Also, the view from the rear window is partially blocked by, what I can only determine, is a non-functional decorative feature on the rear interior of the car. It doesn't help that the mirrors are so small that I am never really certain I'm seeing all there is to see -- thus I need to turn my head to ensure I'm clear to pass or change lanes. Now, about the technology....specifically, the Bluetooth. My old droid had no problem with Bluetooth connectivity but when i upgraded to a Galaxy S9, all that ended. Suddenly, I no longer have the ability to stream music via Pandora through the car's audio system --- but worse than that, I can no longer make or receive a hands-free phone call. In spite of their claims, BMW has not upgraded their bluetooth software to allow their older model cars to accommodate newer phones, including S9 and higher, and Apple 10 models. This lack of a simple software modification presents many owners with significant challenges while driving. The most vexing thing is BMW engineers are well aware of the problem, yet they have not offered a solution. I would urge any reader with a similar problem to contact BMW directly to register your complaint. Perhaps if enough of us complain, they might just DO something to fix this safety issue. UPDATE: 12/2020 - still no fix on the phone - though I have tried suggestions on the BMW forum - but nothing has worked. My Husband's new i- phone pairs very well. My Samsung Galaxy 9 is obviously the issue. SO, my take-away from this is - try your cell phone in the car before you buy it.
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My first BMW
modestomatt, 05/31/2013
2012 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
I have always been attracted to BMW design (with the brief exception of the Bangle years). I was looking for a luxury car but wanted something efficient. I was hoping for a diesel 5 but apparently BMW isn't quite ready so I opted for the 528i as more efficient than anything from Audi or Lexus. I sprang for the premium and technology packages and added the heads up display. I should have taken the heated seats but didn't. The car is a beauty. I've had it one year. I wouldn't call it the ultimate driving machine but it makes an impression and it's reliable w/ strong fuel economy. Kids fit comfortably in the back on road trips. Electronics are disappointing compared to my wife's 2011 Toyota.
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550i xdrive a ride sure to thrill
Michael Skolnick, 05/24/2018
2012 BMW 5 Series 550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
If looking for a cross of luxury & performance this is it. 4.4 v8 twin turbos gives this car surreal acceleration & is amazing considering the curb weight. This vehicle can not only blur you down the road, but can handle anything Mother Nature throws at it. Car is incredible stable in snow / rain or any inclement weather. Truly piece of mind when venturing out into NY streets with confidence. Yet, also can be a sheer brute when need be. Maintenance can be costly, you get what you pay for.
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Horrible
Jeff, 08/09/2018
2012 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Very bad. Reverse gear went out. Called towing they could not tow it. To put the car on nutral you need to go under the car. Finally went under and put the car in nutral still car did not moved. We had to forse the damn thing to go on towing with locked wheels. Nightmare cars. Interior cant touch the vents cause they break. Overall car sucks. Now they telling me i need a new transmission and car just hit 100K miles. Its like this is programmed to fail at 100K. I would stay away from this cars.
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I'm actually amazed
big_g, 03/11/2012
2012 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
After driving a '12 A6 for less than a month I wisely traded it in for he 528i. What an incredible car! The technology is awe inspiring, and for being a 2.0 T this care really moves. Plus I am getting over 30 mpg, which is unheard of in a luxury car. The auto shut off feature takes some getting used to, but other than that I can't thing of a single thing i would complain about! The nav system is actually fairly easy once you spend a few minutes playing around with it.