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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 BMW 5 Series

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Overview

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2008 BMW 5 Series Review

By KBB.com Editors

While the 2008 BMW 5 Series is the most technologically advanced entry in the luxo-sport sedan category, the fact that it's the only one to offer a manual transmission more accurately captures the basis of its appeal. As it's quietly grown into a living legend, the continuing success of the performance-oriented 5 Series has helped to invigorate the entire category in which it competes. The softer Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 are still sportier than ever, while the latest Infiniti M is the stiffest competition the 5 Series has faced yet – from a performance standpoint, anyway. Anchored by the 528i, 535i and 550i sedans, the lineup also includes the all-wheel-drive 528xi and 535xi sedans plus a 535xi wagon.

You'll Like This Car If...

The BMW 5 Series earned its deserved reputation as the supreme midsize sport sedan almost on driving dynamics alone. Combined with standout styling, a well-appointed cabin and some of the most sophisticated technologies available in an automobile, the 5 Series offers something for everyone.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you aren't overly swayed by the BMW badge, the bold styling or the renowned driving feel, you might find it harder to live with the driver's awkward cupholder, the improving but still arduous iDrive central control system or the significant price premium when compared to competitors like the Infiniti M.

What's New for 2008

The 5 Series gets a mid-life makeover for the 2008 model year that includes freshened front and rear styling, a revised interior, more technology and a new engine lineup highlighted by a 300-horsepower, twin-turbo powerplant. The 525i effectively becomes the 528i, while the 530i becomes the 535i.

Driving the 5 Series

Driving Impressions Sandwiched between a positively turbine-like V8 and a base six-cylinder that's strong enough for more drivers than will buy it, the 5 Series' new twin-turbo six-cylinder is the bread and...

butter of the model's powertrain lineup. Along with virtually lag-free response, this excellent engine combines zero-to-60-mph sprints just a couple ticks slower than the V8, according to BMW, with fuel economy very close to the base engine's. Feel free to pick whichever engine you like, as there isn't a bad choice among them. Whichever powerplant you might choose, response, feel and feedback from all the systems – steering, suspension, brakes – are exceptional as expected. We especially like the sport version of the new faster-shifting automatic, which includes paddle shifters and rev matching for smooth downshifts.

Favorite Features

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
The 5 Series' available radar-based cruise control will detect a slower-moving vehicle ahead and reduce speed accordingly. New for this year, the system will slow the car to a complete stop, enabling use in stop-and-go traffic.

Sport Package
For an even sportier sport sedan, the available "sport pack" fortifies the 5 Series with a more aggressive suspension and Active Roll Stabilization, which further minimizes body lean in corners. Other highlights include unique wheels and 20-way adjustable seats.

2008 BMW 5 Series Details

Interior

The 2008 BMW 5 Series' 10-way and available 20-way adjustable seats are some of the most comfortable and supportive in the class, excelling on twisty roads and long highways alike. Some of the more notable changes for 2008 include a revised center console with a new electronic shifter, more intuitively positioned window switches and a mostly subtle increase in overall refinement. The overall air of firm luxury remains. Rear-seat room and trunk space are on par for the segment.

Exterior

The bustle-back trunk, sharp-creased edges and cat's-eye headlights that caused such a stir when the model was introduced for the 2004 model year have helped the current-generation 5 Series become the best-selling iteration yet. For 2008, the lineup gets a mild makeover that includes revised front and rear fascias, reworked headlights and taillights, plus new wheel designs.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment on a 2008 BMW 528i includes a moonroof, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system, iDrive central control (with six new programmable memory buttons), 10-way power seats, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and no-charge maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles. Safety equipment includes electronic stability control plus front, front-side and two-row curtain airbags. Unique to the 535ix Sport Wagon are a dual-panel panoramic sunroof and a power liftgate.

Optional Equipment

In addition to a long list of modern features that have become commonplace in the category, the 5 Series lineup offers such desirable extras as Active Steering (everyday benefits include reduced steering wheel movement in parking lots), a head-up display, night vision system, lane departure warning system, active cruise control with new "Stop & Go" feature, navigation system with real-time traffic information and HD radio. The 2008 BMW 5 Series is one of the most tech-savvy vehicles on the road.

Under the Hood

The strong but silky twin-turbocharged inline six that makes its debut in the 5 Series lineup for 2008 produces 45 horsepower and 80 pound-feet of torque more than the normally aspirated engine it replaces. The base engine gets a more modest increase of 15 horsepower and 15 pound-feet, while the V8 remains essentially unchanged. A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the line, but a new quicker-shifting six-speed automatic is a no-charge option. The 535i and 550i models offer a Sport version of the automatic transmission with paddle shifters and rev-matching downshifts. The disappointing Sequential Manual Gearbox previously offered on the 550i is no longer available.

3.0-liter in-line 6
230 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
200 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/27 (manual), 18/27 (automatic), 17/25 (AWD)

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged in-line 6
300 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
300 lb.-ft. of torque @1400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A (manual), 17/26 (automatic), 16/24 (AWD)

4.8-liter V8
360 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
360 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 (manual), 15/23 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used BMW 5 Series vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 496 Ratings for the 2004 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.4/10

Seroiusly the best vehicle I have owned

By Dave C (GA) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun, Fast, Good Handling,"

Cons: "Resale value. (But great if you're buying used!)"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"I own both a 2006 Infiniti G35 coupe and this 2004 BMW 545i. I have to say I barely even drive the G35 anymore! This car is so much fun to drive when you're looking for fun, and an elegant cruiser when going out to dinner. People here seem to complain about reliability but I've honestly ZERO problems since purchasing this vehicle, and it's my daily driver."

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Very good with no excessive repairs

By JJK (TX) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 148,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "A great car for the right person. But not everyone"

Cons: "Can be expensive if not careful"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This is the third 5-series that I have owned - all rock solid. Like all vehicles - BMW's require simple routine maintenance. This can be expensive at times - depending where the work is performed and what parts are use (or where they are sourced from). One of the most important items to keep in mind is that both air pressure and tire alignment can cause tires to wear out prematurely - I have traveled over 65,000 miles on a set of tires if the pressure and alignment are monitored and corrected when needed. However - if the alignment is knocked out due to a pot hole - hitting a curb, etc. new tires can be scrubbed off in less than 5,000 miles. This is not the fault of the car or the tires. The alignment can be knocked out many times without the driver knowing the damage was done."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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A Beast waiting to be unleashed

By JOG (SC) on Sunday, March 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Love everything about my 550i"

Cons: "Cup holders are fine, lets DRIVE!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Well to begin, I owned a 1991 Covette, 2001 Covette, 2007 BMW 750li, 2006 Mercedes Benz CL500 and now I owned a 2006 BMW SMG 550i Sports package, and not to mention a host of cars that I have driven and owned. So lets get to the point of this matter. The BMW 550i is in a class all by it self, looks like a regular midsize sedan, a big midsize sedan I might say, you can cruise it to church on Sundays with five adults inside, But four large adults fit perfect. And if you decide to put the pedal to the metal, look out, you wont be dissapointed, straight or around curves, it does'nt matter, that is with five people inside. It is the Ultimate Driving Machine, what you have is the BEST of both worlds, the agility of the 300 series and the room and long distance cruising of the 700 series. Don't test drive one because you will be hooked for life. Plus it does'nt stick out like a sore thumb, but once behind the wheel, you will experience the driving pleasure of a life time. TRUST ME! At 52 years old, I can't stop smiling!"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Wow, The Ultimate Driving Machine

By omegajji (NC) on Monday, March 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Gas mileage and reliability, performance AAA+++"

Cons: "There are no cons for this machine."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had this car for 2 yrs and it is the most fun for the buck you can buy used, 3.0 6 Speed manual, big tires, AC Shnitzer kit. Looks terrific, performs terrific and I even get fair gas mileage. I can not say enough about the quality and build of this sedan. Drives like a baby and performs like a corvette."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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