BMW used cars like their 5-Series model is a mid-range luxury vehicle that has all the whistles and bells. Will be looking at the fifth generation 5-series that debut in 2004, which included all its new sophisticated electronic systems and the new iDrive platform. This particular model which is very popular in North America, competes in a very competitive part of the auto industry that includes the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-class and the Cadillac XTS just to name a few. My research will be on the BMW 5-Series as a used vehicle to look at.
The BMW 5-Series is a four door sedan that has a lot to offer when it comes to safety and luxury. Some safety features that the 5-Series has to offer are antiskid/traction control, ABS brakes, front side air bags, front/rear head side airbags. The 5-Series uses the iDrive platform which uses a console joystick to control navigation, entertainment, phone and heating and air. Other options include a rear navigation system, rear DVD entertainment, heated front and rear seats, front and rear park assist, head up instrument display and satellite radio just to name a few.
The BMW 5-Series had several different fuel statistics for the various models the 5-Series has to offer. In 2005 the base six cylinder models had a fuel rating of 11.9-litres, per 100km for city driving and 7.3-litres, per 100km, for highway driving. The V8 engine had a fuel rating of 14.3-litres, per 100km, for city driving and 8.6-litres, per 100km, for highway driving. In 2008 the six cylinder engine had a fuel rating of 11.2-litres, per 100km, for city driving and 7.0-litres, per 100km, for highway driving. The six cylinder turbo had a fuel rating of 12.4-litres, per 100km, for city driving and 7.7-litres, per 100km, for highway driving.
There are several different engines the 5 series has to offer with its various models. In 2004 the 530i had a V6, 3.0-litre engine and this produced 225 horsepower. The 545i had a V8, 4.4-litre engine and this produced 325 horsepower. In 2006 the 525i was added to the line up and this had a V6, 3.0-litre engine and this produced 215 horsepower. Also added to the line up in 2006 was the 550i and this had a V8, 4.8-litre engine.
Let’s look at some pros and cons of the BMW 5-Series as a used vehicle:
1- In a BMW web forum i visited, many people complained of hard shifting in the automatic transmission.
2- A leading online consumer watch dog gave the BMW an average rating for a used car.
3- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a five star rating for a front crash test done to it.
I hope this helps if you’re looking at BMW used cars like the 5-Series.
