2020 BMW 5 Series Review
Price Range: $20,998 - $48,998
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Great
8.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2020 BMW 5 Series lives up to the expectations set by its forebears. There's an engine for nearly every taste, and the car's handling capabilities are fundamentally sound. Factor in the 5 Series' top-shelf tech and safety features and you've got a prime pick for a midsize luxury sedan.
Price & Payment
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Average price: $30,750
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Price
BMW 5 Series model years
BMW 5 Series types
Pros
- Wide range of powerful and relatively efficient engines
- A host of innovative features and leading-edge technology
- Interior is quiet and comfortable
- Generous trunk capacity
Cons
- Evolutionary styling doesn't stand out in a crowded class
- Some interior materials are a bit below segment standards
What's new
- Increased power for M550i model
- 530e hybrid receives a larger, more powerful battery pack
- Minor changes to standard and optional features availability
- Part of the seventh 5 Series generation introduced for 2017
Overview
Every new BMW launches under the weight of tremendous expectations, and this generation 5 Series was no exception.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
38 listings
- $38,998fair price$1,500 below market
- 54,448 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 18 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Dulles (3 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
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Located in Sterling, VA
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency. Certain cars may have unrepaired safety recalls, so check nhtsa.gov/...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (18 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBAJS7C04LCD14935
Stock: 26977145
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $22,695good price$1,756 below market
- 48,349 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 25 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (2,262 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Garden Grove, CA
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Rare Find,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Keyless Start,Navigation System,Sunroof ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (25 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBAJR3C04LWW61374
Stock: LWW61374P
Certified Pre-Owned: No
For decades, the 5 Series has been a standard-bearer for midsize sport luxury sedans. But as cars have gotten bigger, heavier and packed with more technology, there's been pressure to provide more efficiency, more comfort and more performance all at the same time. It's fair to say the BMW 5 Series' talents have been stretched a bit thin by the pressure of meeting so many different demands.
But BMW isn't giving up on making the 5 Series a car that can meet the needs of a variety of buyers. For 2020 the company has tweaked both of the 5 Series' bookend models: the eco-minded 530e and the aggressive M550i. The plug-in hybrid 530e gets a slightly larger battery pack that provides up to 21 miles of all-electric range, which is 6 miles more than last year's 530e. Prefer octane to electrons? The M550i gains 67 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque, making this 523-hp sedan an even more appealing alternative to the more expensive M5 sport sedan.
Of course, the 5 Series faces stiff competition from its Teutonic neighbors. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a more distinctive interior and a similar range of powertrain options, along with the availability of both coupe and wagon body styles. The newly redesigned Audi A6 offers plenty of driving fun along with an impressively tech-savvy array of features. Overall, however, the 2020 BMW 5 Series is worth a serious look if you're considering a midsize luxury car.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Great
8.1
out of 10
We drove the 2020 BMW 5 Series on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
How does the 5 Series drive? If the driving experience is truly important to you, then the 5 Series is a sedan to consider. Most of the models are well-rounded performers. In our testing, the four-cylinder 530i managed to cover 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, a good showing for a base engine. We also tested a 540i xDrive and recorded an impressive sprint of just 4.6 seconds.
Our test 530i had ultra-smooth M Sport brakes that stopped the car from 60 mph in just 108 feet, an admirable result for a midsize luxury sedan. The steering is nicely weighted but somewhat numb. Thankfully, the chassis is both balanced and communicative.
Our test 530i had ultra-smooth M Sport brakes that stopped the car from 60 mph in just 108 feet, an admirable result for a midsize luxury sedan. The steering is nicely weighted but somewhat numb. Thankfully, the chassis is both balanced and communicative.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the 5 Series? The 5 Series is a supremely comfortable car, especially with the optional multicontour front seats. We are also impressed with the ride quality, which is comfortable and relatively plush yet well damped so as not to feel floaty. And while there's a mild amount of road noise that creeps in, there's no wind noise and the engine is barely audible when cruising.
The only issue we had with the climate system was its capacity to keep us properly chilled. While the dual-temp, dual-fan speed controls offer a lot of variabilities, the fan speed was never quite strong enough to deal with temperature extremes.
The only issue we had with the climate system was its capacity to keep us properly chilled. While the dual-temp, dual-fan speed controls offer a lot of variabilities, the fan speed was never quite strong enough to deal with temperature extremes.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The 530i's cabin is an excellent place to spend time. Front passengers have ample room. And thanks to the highly adjustable seat and steering wheel, drivers of just about all sizes should be able to find a comfortable position. Climbing in or out is a breeze thanks to generous door openings with plenty of head clearance. Rear legroom is spacious, and rear headroom is sufficient but not exceptional.
BMW is great at minimizing button count, but that leaves a lot for iDrive to control. The iDrive menus are pretty straightforward and easy to navigate, but it takes time to wrap your head around all the options and customizations available. It can be a little intimidating. We do like the clear views the 5 Series provides. The windows are nicely sized, especially in the rear. The optional surround-view camera system helps a lot too.
BMW is great at minimizing button count, but that leaves a lot for iDrive to control. The iDrive menus are pretty straightforward and easy to navigate, but it takes time to wrap your head around all the options and customizations available. It can be a little intimidating. We do like the clear views the 5 Series provides. The windows are nicely sized, especially in the rear. The optional surround-view camera system helps a lot too.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? BMW is one of the more aggressive manufacturers when it comes to innovative features. Most of them are useful, while some are cool parlor tricks, but we appreciate them all. The stereo provides high-quality sound and responds well to gesture controls. Natural language commands with BMW's voice assistant work as expected, providing control over many vehicle functions.
The 5 Series' driver safety aids work extremely well. The adaptive cruise, for instance, maintains a tight gap behind the car ahead, and the actuating brakes stop hard yet smoothly when needed. The most impressive feature of the 5 Series is its parking cameras that help render an amazing 3D image of the outside of the car.
The 5 Series' driver safety aids work extremely well. The adaptive cruise, for instance, maintains a tight gap behind the car ahead, and the actuating brakes stop hard yet smoothly when needed. The most impressive feature of the 5 Series is its parking cameras that help render an amazing 3D image of the outside of the car.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The 530i has a fairly generous trunk with flexible cargo configurations. The 530i's trunk is larger than most in the segment. The trunk has a wide opening and a low liftover, but it narrows a fair amount toward the back of the rear seats. The folding rear seats are split 40/20/40, which provides some nice flexibility.
BMW has done a decent job with in-cabin storage: water bottle pockets on all the doors, a retractable cover that houses a bin for wireless phone charging up front, and a decent-size glovebox and center armrest space. It's still not a lot of storage, but it's sufficient for a European luxury sedan.
BMW has done a decent job with in-cabin storage: water bottle pockets on all the doors, a retractable cover that houses a bin for wireless phone charging up front, and a decent-size glovebox and center armrest space. It's still not a lot of storage, but it's sufficient for a European luxury sedan.
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The 530i is rated at 28 mpg combined. We achieved 27 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, but we usually exceed combined mpg on this route. And our 23.1-mpg overall test average fell below the city rating. Both are disappointing but unsurprising for a modern downsized turbocharged engine such as the four-cylinder in the 530i. Our test of the 540i was more favorable in matching EPA estimates.
Value
7.5/10
Is the 5 Series a good value? The quality of BMW's electronics is top-notch, from the central touchscreen to the driver's gauge cluster. Interior panel fit is also nice, but the materials used for the wood trim and leather can come across as slightly fake. You'll pay for every option you add, but prices are fair for the segment and worth it considering the quality of the upgrades.
BMW's four-year/50,000-mile warranty coverage is on par for a German brand, though some American and Asian brands offer more. But the three-year/36,000-mile free maintenance coverage is uncommon in the luxury segment.
BMW's four-year/50,000-mile warranty coverage is on par for a German brand, though some American and Asian brands offer more. But the three-year/36,000-mile free maintenance coverage is uncommon in the luxury segment.
Wildcard
8.5/10
We're relieved to see BMW focusing on driving dynamics once again, which is what ultimately defines the personality of its cars. But we do wish BMW would take a little more risk on the exterior design. There's very little that differentiates this latest generation from the previous 5 Series.
2020 BMW 5 Series trim level differences
The 2020 BMW 5 Series is available in four trim levels, all with different powertrains. The 530i (248 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) and the 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid (248 hp, 310 lb-ft) are powered by variants of BMW's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Compare the 2020 BMW 5 Series trim levels in-depth.
Which 5 Series trim does Edmunds recommend?
The 540i is where we think shoppers should start. The six-cylinder engine is smooth and strong and a great match for the big luxury car. There are a few packages or optional add-ons to consider seriously. The Driving Assistance Plus package equips the car with adaptive cruise and other useful driver aids, while the Parking Assistance package adds automated parking assist, parking sensors and a surround-view camera.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$156/mo for 5 Series 530i
5 Series 530i
vs
$178/mo
Avg. Large Car
Reliability
The 2020 BMW 5 Series has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #14 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#14 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$761/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
0.48x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
15.8%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
7 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 25V636000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 196355
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- Defect Consequence:
- A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk are scheduled to be mailed November 14, 2025. Owners will receive a second notice as remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 14, 2025.
- Recall Number:
- 21V598000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 50024
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
- Defect Consequence:
- Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Recall Number:
- 21V096000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 13858
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive Vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Defect Consequence:
- If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Corrective Action:
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Recall Number:
- 21V046000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 28
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
- Defect Consequence:
- A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 29, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Recall Number:
- 20V601000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 4509
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
- Defect Consequence:
- The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
- Corrective Action:
- The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is available, drivers will be instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers will also be instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. The recall is expected to begin November 23, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Recall Number:
- 20V598000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 312
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Defect Consequence:
- If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Corrective Action:
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall is expected to begin November 23, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Recall Number:
- 19V684000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- Toyota: 1
- Manufactured from:
- 2018-09-06 to 2019-08-28
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 257473
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Defect Consequence:
- The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 12 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
BMW 5 Series Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(71%)
4(11%)
3(4%)
2(8%)
1(6%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2019 BMW 530e issues
5 out of 5 starsDG, 12/23/2018
2019 BMW 5 Series 530e xDrive iPerformance 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)
This is an overall great car; fun to drive and at a luxury level that most people will find appealing. The car delivers on gas performance. Over the 800 miles I’ve owned the car, half city and half highway, it’s averaging about 45 mpge. Interior build quality is excellent. I’ve had a minor issue with the truck latch not engaging. It’s at the dealer having a new latch assembly put in. … That’s a little disappointing. But the biggest disappointment, no , major complaint, and it’s a big one, is the squealing from the brakes. It’s not a minor low level noise; it’s fingernails on the chalk board level. The dealership says BMWs are know for this. I say, BS. No other car on the market routinely puts out a car that has squeaking brakes. It’s been back to the dealership twice. Hopefully, it will be resolved, but to those of you thinking about buying a 530, beware, trust me, it’s something you can’t live with. It’s that bad.
2/20/2019 update:
Update from my original 12/23/18 posting. The brake issue has been resolved. The dealer attempted to chamfer the brakes on one occasion and then cleaned and lubricated them on another, both with no improvement. It took making a video of the noise generated by the squealing brakes but the dealer finally agreed to replace them, probably after contacting corporate. The new brake pads and rotors are functioning, as expected, noiselessly and flawlessly, just how they should be. Thank you BMW corporate!
August 2019 update:
I have owned the car for 9+ months and have 7300 miles on it. My initial impressions, after resolution of the brake issue have been exceeded. The car is supremely comfortable to drive, exceptionally quiet, especially on electric mode, and incredibly efficient as far as gas consumption. I must admit, it is not only fun and engaging to drive but a joy to own.
August 2020 update:
I have owned the car for almost 2 full years. It has performed flawlessly. Not a hiccup. Average combined gas/electric range has consistently been 50+ mpg. My commute is a combination of half rural and half highway driving. Nothing in the car has needed service and the ride remains impeccably quiet; no rattles, loose items, just a solid feel that conveys a serene sense of comfort and reliance. A good buy.
August 2021 update:
Going into my third year of ownership and I can report that there have been absolutely zero issues to report. The only thing I’ve done is an oil change and a four wheel alignment. The ride quality has remained supremely comfortable and quiet. I just hit 22,000 miles, not a huge number considering the car was purchased in the fall of 2017.
First class express
5 out of 5 stars49mile driver, 07/13/2019
2019 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Fast, smooth, roomy, understated and possessing a proper option list for a car of this class. After a year with the 540i I can say my deepest satisfaction driving this car is on the open road or loaded with family. Its powerful engine provides nearly silent thrust on demand, and its stable suspension and predictable steering effectively mask what is a big heavy car. You want nimble, buy … a 3-series. You want opulence, get a 7. This 5 occupies a spot where sedan utility is dressed in its most luxurious form, exuding confidence, strength and capability. The tech is amazing; my phone connects easily, the car reads messages to me and I speak my response; the seats and lighting are wonderfully customizable and the driving aids have varying levels of sensitivity or can be turned off completely. I chose the M Sport package because I do attack twisty roads from time to time, which the car does without complaint. Again, it's no 3 series but it is more than willing to chase one down a mountain road. On the freeway It is stately and quiet, eating up miles like a baleen whale swimming through a field of krill. I chose the options for soft-close automatic doors and massaging seats, which adds another layer of icing to this excellent cake.
What don't I like? The automatic headlights don't come on in foggy daylight conditions. The trunk can't be closed from inside the car. Options are expensive.
What is priceless? Driving friends home after an evening out and having no one eager to leave the car when we arrive at their door.
Update January 20 2020: The trunk can be closed from inside the car by lifting (and holding) the switch with the engine running. I added the M Performance Sound and Power Kit, resulting in a marked increase in giddyap and a sufficiently throaty exhaust note at startup and idle. Nearly 20K on the car and there have been only two issues: a recurring passenger restraint alert and a repeated warning of low tire pressure. Both were addressed and resolved by the dealer. I also asked for and received a software update to the media system and CarPlay, which enhanced the connection with my phone. This remains an athletic, comfortable and luxurious big sedan that I would buy again.
Update July 2020: Still love the car. I drive in standard Sport mode most of the time. Perhaps due to supply issues in our new COVID world, BMW has reduced the set of options available at this time for the car. If you are ordering one, load it up.
Update January 2021: Replaced my third run-flat tire due to road hazards. They aren't cheap, the space the spare tire takes up in the trunk is unacceptable. No major issues. I remain a fan of this car.
A Civilized Beast
5 out of 5 starsZA, 12/21/2019
2020 BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
Just picked the 2020 M550 version with the improved HP and The idrive 7. Custom spec with almost all options included. As an prior owner of multiple other luxury cars and SUVs, this one is the best combination of speed, luxury and technology at around 85k-95k MSRP point. The car has multiple personalities depending on which driving mode you engage in. Driving in adaptive mode has been my … main daily routine but put this car in sports or sports + and it changes into a violent beast !! Great luxurious seats, especially if you choose the luxury seating package. I also opted for the dynamic handling package which likely makes a difference as some reviewers noted heavy handling that I have not quite encountered - likely due to this added option. I find the driving quite nimble for a car this size and honestly wanted a car with a more civilized driving experience with a sporty/fast mode on call as needed. Love the bower Wilkinson audio and the iDrive system with the larger and more informative HUD is a decent upgrade. There are many other tech options I opted for, such as parking assist with display key, driving assistance plus but I am finding little practical use of many of these add ons. Some of the safety options are quite useful but lane assist is one that I can personally do without. Options in general are costly but in this class (E53, S6, etc.) either cheaper or a superior offering. Fuel economy is closer to the lower promised end at 16mpg (less than a week driving) but I have been a bit of sports mode driver at times so may be its my driving style rather than the expected norm. There’s multiple independent reviews out there (YouTube) with folks experience fuel economy in the 20s mpg range which is quite decent for the size of the car / engine output.
Love this 540i
5 out of 5 starsHawk94, 04/28/2019
2019 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Very happy to own this car, upgraded from 2010 528i, can’t stop taking it out for driving, very luxurious interior, nice touch screen, a bit confused with touch screen controls with Apple CarPlay mixed-in at beginning (not able to make a one-push call from steering column call button, but must use touch screen to make a call?), seats are very comfortable giving plenty of support to back, … very slight body roll, soft and quiet ride, steering is direct and precise, acceleration is fast, transmission is buttery smooth, gas mileage is good for such a big car, mixed driving city and hwy at 25mpg, would like to have more storage space at door panel, overall, very pleased to own this car. Still in love affair with this 5er after more than a year.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 BMW 5 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 5 Series since its last redesign.
2020 5 Series Highlights
Sedan
530i
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $53,900 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $156/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.7 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the 5 Series models:
- Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection
- Uses infrared technology to see and alert you of things such as people and animals in the road before they become visible to the naked eye.
- Active Blind-Spot Detection
- Alerts you of vehicles in the adjacent lanes using radar sensors and will indicate if it's safe to change lanes.
- City Collision Mitigation
- Automatically brakes the car at speeds under 38 mph when it detects an imminent collision and the driver has taken no action.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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