Positive Review
I'm now in my second 5 series in the last four years and my 2012 535i is a great "drivers" sedan. It's quick and nimble for a car it's size and weight, and is very comfortable for even long distance driving. The MAJOR drawback of this or ANY BMW today are those darn run-flat tires! My first 5 series got only 18K miles on the OEM set and this car got only 15K miles out of the first set. The tires themselves are very expensive, ride uncomfortably, and wear horribly. Some of the OEM brands are also non-replaceable in case of a puncture. I've spoken to both my service adviser and dealership manager and they say the tires are a constant source of complaints about the brand. Why then does BMW continue not to offer an alternative? I'm ready for another car in about three months and those tires might keep me from buying another BMW. A shame that such a "driving machine" has an Achilles heel.
Critical Review
For what this car cost it is not in my top ten. It rattles, has been in the shop 3 times and BMW still has not fixed the problem. I don't think they will ever fix the problem. My advice stay away and get something else.
Showing 8 of 190 reviews.
This BMW is one of the best drivers car if you prioritize luxury and a little bit of performance, powered by a Twin Turbo i4 engine and offering AWD the feeling is so good when taking corners. The engine has a decent rev note and a decent acceleration for a car like a boat. The car I drove was in Deep Sea Blue and it interior was beige which offered an incredible luxurious feel. The car has 240 HP which was felt through XDRIVE and the overall reliability is incredible..
Ride is comfortable and luxurious
No repairs needed so far but they can be expensive
Earlier this year (2024) I bought a low mileage, garaged and meticulously maintained 2016 528i from the local BMW dealer. The depreciation on new BMWs is brutal so I am enjoying a previously expensive 528i on the cheap. The car feels expensive and has a relaxed luxury. With the M-sport package it handles comfortably and nicely. I feel very safe in it and am having a ton of fun. It feels big compared to my prior 328i and can easily seat five when we go out as a group. I’ve had it about nine months with zero issues so far. Fingers crossed!
Understated elegance while blowing doors off Charger's and Camaro's without even burning rubber. Best sleeper on the road with twin turbo V8 and adaptive suspension.
Size, performance, reliability
Premium Gasoline
Purchased my 2012 535xi with 45k miles used after having a 330xi for over 168k miles with very very few issues! Currently have 118k on the 5 series and EVERY time I walk out the door and see that car I really just fall in love with the looks, the comfort the performance. It is a Graphite Grey exterior with Ivory interior and still looks like the day that it came off the assembly line. An EXCELLENT driving machine with very few problems but when they occur I always have the dealers do the work with no worries. Yes, they repairs can be a bit more pricey than the a Chevy but in the end worth every penny. Bought a X3 M40i new to add to my garage..........what a gem! Looks, incredible speed, awesome sounding exhaust and loaded. BUT I still love that 535xi and cant see ever giving it up. Take care of them....enjoy the thrill of the road.....they will not let you down.
Handling, Steering, Acceleration, Fit and Finish
Price on new cars
So a few weeks ago, I bought a used 2016 BMW 528i sedan for 50k miles. I purchased it mostly to better understand the passion that so many people have for a BMW. As I sit here a few weeks later, I now totally understand why people love their BMWs. First, the car's fit and finish is excellent with excellent materials - no rattles at all. I have the 4 cylinder twin-turbo which has the best gas mileage but still delivers enough performance that I am looking for. I took a 300 mile drive to test the BMW on a road trip. The handling is excellent and these cars are meant for road trips. You can really feel the road and feel connected to the highway. The suspension is a mix of a sports car and a luxury car. I found the ride to be softer but not so soft that you don't have a connection to the road. When you own a BMW, you realize that it may cost you. For me, the risk is worth the reward. Finally, the car's design and appearance is top notch. I love the car!
Handling and performance
Run flat tires
Wonderful car. Tires in good shape, excellent overall cleaned up, looks new. Has been well taken care of
Plenty of power, smooth ride
I can't think of any
6 cylinders provide enough power, great handling, comfortable ride. Has been reliable so far - bought with 50,000 miles have 72,000 miles now without any issues.
A lot of fun to drive
None
This is a wonderful vehicle. I have owned 5 of these F10’s BMW’s. I have learned how to recondition vehicle to original. I have replaced broken a/c vents and arm power window assembly. I have replaced starter buttons, a/c buttons and today a shifter control display.