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2012 BMW 5 Series

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Overview

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2012 BMW 5 Series Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.6

Some 35 years ago BMW stretched its brand with the U.S. introduction of the 530i, marking the debut of its first "mid-size" sedan in the U.S. With more room than the iconic 2002 and more sporting than the larger 2500/2800/Bavaria, the 5 Series was arguably the first attempt by a German automaker to craft a modern sport sedan comfortable for four while still entertaining for one. In 2012, BMW grows the 5 Series by shrinking its standard powerplant, going from the traditional in-line six to a twin-turbocharged "TwinPower" 2.0-liter four. With 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, acceleration is up by 5 percent, while efficiency is some 20 percent better than its predecessor. For those who want extra room for cargo, BMW recently introduced the Gran Turismo, which features a large rear hatch and, like the sedans, available all-wheel drive. And of interest to BMW M enthusiasts is the return of the M5, powered by a twin-turbo 560-horsepower V8. It arrives in the summer of 2012 as a 2013 model.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you desire a balanced approach to performance, comfort and practicality – and want all three in a reasonably sized sedan – few cars can match the menu provided by BMW's 5 Series. And if, perchance, you're one of the few capable of coordinating your left foot with your right hand, BMW is one of the very few automakers providing the above with a manual transmission – in the 535i and 550i.

You May Not Like This Car If...

With the advent of sporty crossovers, and the growing popularity of sport coupes, the sport sedan is at an interesting point in the automotive paradigm. The 5 Series remains practical and sporting, but its practicality is limited by its architecture, and its "sportiness" is limited by its 3-box profile. Also, its sensible starting point – mid-$40Ks – can quickly become nonsensical with the addition of but a few options.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.6
Driving Dynamics

8.0
Comfort & Convenience

6.4
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.4
Value

6.3
Safety

9.3

How It Ranks

#3

out of 25

MPG

#23

out of 24

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.3 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

BMW created an all-new 5 Series for the 2011 model year, but the hits just keep on coming. For 2012, BMW dumps the 3.0-liter six in the base 528i and substitutes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four. With a bump in horsepower, torque and efficiency, this would seem to be a win/win/win for the consumer. However, Americans have been historically reluctant to spend big bucks on small powerplants. Hopefully, the dynamic has changed with escalating gasoline prices and growing awareness of global warming. The larger Gran Turismo uses 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engines.

Driving the 5 Series

2012 BMW 5 Series Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Regardless of drivetrain, the 2012 BMW 5 Series family provides a balanced approach to over-the-road performance. And when equipped with all-wheel drive, BMW's mid-size sedan and Gran Turismo are blessed...

with "all-road" performance, going tough when the going gets tough. With your choice of a turbocharged four, in-line six or V8, you can truly tailor a BMW 5 Series to your performance requirements and, of course, budget. The entry-level 528i is blessed with a surprising amount of urge (0–60 in 6.2 seconds), a modest appetite for fuel (22 mpg city/32 highway) and a throaty – almost lusty – personality on the open road. With that, the sweet spot is probably where the 5 Series began, with a healthy six (535i) propelling you at triple-digit speeds (where allowed).

Favorite Features

6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
BMW remains one of the few automakers fully invested in the customer's driving experience. The availability of a 6-speed manual is clear evidence of same; we only wish it were available in the 528i, where a manual connection with a turbocharged four would bring more joy to our motoring experience.

CINNAMON BROWN/BLACK DAKOTA LEATHER
We're suckers for a striking color combination, and this interior – with its warm, rich hues and heavy texture – would look ausgezeichnet (excellent) when juxtaposed against some overtly Teutonic exterior color.

2012 BMW 5 Series Details

2012 BMW 5 Series Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 5's interior space has grown slightly, while the overall impression has grown almost exponentially. Already a strong suit, BMW paid special attention to ergonomics in the new 5 Series, with all displays, knobs and buttons located in the central portion of the cabin. And while the choice of interior materials reflects a new maturity on the part of BMW management – this, of course, is where consumers spend most of their time – we'd take issue with the standard-spec leatherette upholstery on a car with a base price of over $45K, stretches. 2012 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo models have a higher seating position for the driver, giving it the feel of a quasi-crossover. Additionally, GT models feature an innovative dual-access tailgate that can open partially like a trunk lid or fully like a hatchback to accommodate larger items.

Exterior

In assessing the new 5 Series, it's helpful to have some background. Its chassis and body development was done in conjunction with the all-new 7 Series. As a result, the "5" is more grown-up, with a wheelbase (116.9 inches) reportedly the longest in the 5 Series segment. The proportions and overall impressions (which, according to BMW, include a "charismatic front, elegant side.and muscular rear") of this new 5 Series aren't radically different, but if you liked the smaller footprint of the previous iteration you might wish to wait for the next 3 Series (coming to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2012) – it is also "more grown-up." The Gran Turismo has more, shall we say, controversial looks. Big, bulbous, and with slightly higher ground clearance than the sedan, it's not exactly anonymous. Whether the GT is a beauty or a beast will be up to how you see it.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Although the product team behind the 5 Series continues to move the sedan up-market (and its pricing upscale), we're encouraged by the high-end spec of the 5 Series chassis. Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers, 4-wheel vented disc brakes (with composite front rotors) and electronic limited-slip differential speak to BMW's performance intent, while a driver-centric cockpit design will better reflect the driver's intent. On the ground, run-flat all-season tires make the spare tire (and its added weight) unnecessary, while in the 528i a standard 8-speed automatic transmission makes shifting unnecessary.

Optional Equipment

We continue to like sport sedans that are "sporty," and BMW works to differentiate its mid-size sedan from others – notably Audi, Mercedes-Benz and (to a lesser extent) Cadillac – with a range of options designed to enhance handling and performance. At the top of the performance heap is the M Sport Package. At a suggested retail of $4,800 you can equip your 2012 5 Series sedan with 18-inch double-spoke wheels with performance run-flat tires, Dynamic Damper Control, an aero kit, multi-contour seats, an M steering wheel and a limited, albeit performance-oriented, color palette. There is also a less comprehensive Sport Package, as well as the option of a 6-speed manual on the 535i and 550i.

Under the Hood

Variety, thy name is 5 Series. With the 2012 introduction of a new 4-cylinder turbo, BMW offers a "holy trinity" of powertrains. And that which is the most compelling, the 2.0-liter four is also the least expensive. It delivers 240 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque and 32 mpg in the EPA's highway cycle. In short, what's not to like? Perhaps the lack of an available manual transmission with the turbo four, but that absence can't last forever; the rumble for its return starts right now. The turbocharged inline-six has, of course, its fans, while the 4.0-liter turbo V8 seems – in a still-funky economy – a tad too much.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg (automatic)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg (manual, RWD), 20/30 mpg (automatic, RWD), 20/29 mpg (automatic, AWD), 20/28 (Gran Turismo, RWD), 18/27 (Gran Turismo, AWD)

4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8
400 horsepower @ 5,500-6,400 rpm
450 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg (manual, RWD), 17/25 mpg (automatic, RWD), 16/24 mpg (automatic, AWD), 15/22 mpg (Gran Turismo, RWD & AWD)

Pricing Notes

We noted in our profile of the 2011 5 Series that the cost of any 5 is heavily dependent on which model you select. That cost is also heavily dependent on how you elect to equip it. As with virtually all German sedans – save, perhaps, VW's revised 4-door lineup – costs can escalate quickly once you start checking the option boxes. A random sampling revealed that a 2012 BMW 528i equipped with metallic paint, the Premium and Tech packages, keyless entry, side and top cameras (!), and destination came to over $54,000. And this is the MSRP (base $46,700 plus destination) of BMW's affordable 5 Series! All-wheel drive (xDrive) adds approximately $2,000, the 535i is over $53,000 and the 550i xDrive has a base MSRP of $64,000. GT versions start just under $58,000 for a 535i Gran Turismo with a 6-cylinder and rear-wheel drive to nearly $70,000 for an all-wheel-drive 550i xDrive Gran Turismo with a V8 engine. Whichever 5 Series you choose, bring big money or great credit.

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2012 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.3

Out of 10

Based on 54 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.1/10

Quality

8.6/10
Reliability

8.6/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.1/10

Best All wheel Drive system

By PhatRob (KS) on Friday, July 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Cons: "no leg room in front with baby seat in back"

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

"I leased this car after selling my 2006 Mercedes Benz E55. The BMW has some of the power, but has more technology and handles better. Yes we are comparing an all wheel drive to a rear wheel muscle car. This is a great car. Get the M Sport Package, it sets the car off. This is the best all around car I've ever had and comes in second to the AMG for fun to drive."

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Perfect balance between sport and luxury

By mike (GA) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

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: "Luxury and sport"

Cons: "Stereo sound not great"

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

"I was looking for a mid-sized luxury sport sedan. Test drove Mercedes E550, Jaguar XF, Audi A6 and Lexus GS 460. Was open to buying any one of those. But, the BMW was just simply the best. Have had it 2 years and have had no problems to date. The only mild negative is the stereo sound. Its above average, but should be better. The best feature is just how perfect it balances luxury and sportiness."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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to much lag and more lag

By TYRONE (FL) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 49,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "I believe the safety features are good."

Cons: "Run flat, front bumper too fragile"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I almost hit someone in the REAR because I gently hit gas pedal and nothing happens. I press a little harder and the car takes off like a rocket. I am willing to bet that some day I will hit someone in the rear. Fo this reason, I would not recommend this car. By the way, I owned one (5 series) for 14 years and this was the reason I did not buy lexus. I wanted to stick with the evil I know. Hopefully, this wont be a little too much evillag, lag, lag"

5 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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excellent car

By Chick (CA) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

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: "fun to drive and gets good gas mileage."

Cons: "no complaints"

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

"this is my second bmw and it is a big improvement over my 2011 328 coupe. I love the responsiveness of the twin turbo 6 and the great gas mileage is a much appreciated bonus. My sedan is very nimble and corners without leaning. I think the design is superlative and the finish both inside and exterior is tops. I will definitely make my next car a BMW also."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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This is a lot of car.

By Repeat owner on Saturday, April 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Style, safety, fuel economy, power"

Cons: "Automatic shutoff can be annoying."

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

"Fuel economy is amazing for this car ( 32+ highway). Turbo is seamless. Big improvement in run flat tires. I highly recommend the car if you are ready to spend nearly 60k."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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A good balance between performance and comfort

By mutro (CA) on Friday, April 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "performance, comfort, interior/exterior design"

Cons: "none so far at 7,000 miles"

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

"I was looking to complement my Boxster with a sedan that offered comfort and performance. After test driving the 2013 528i model, I decided I don't need to look any further. Acceleration-wise, its about the same or perhaps even faster than my Boxster; the BMW engineers have performed a minor miracle with this 2.0 twin-turbo engine linked to a 8-speed trans. And the 528i is extremely comfortable (added the optional lux seats and some other convenience options) and way more fuel efficient (29mpg combined city/highway so far with 7,000 miles) Granted, the Boxster engine sound is pure joy to hear vs the diesel-like sound coming from the 2.0 engine. But the sound-proofing keeps all engine and other noises out. As for handling and cornering, the Boxster of course is in a different class, but the 528i handling is not bad for a 5-seater sedan . My other favorite aspect is the interior: elegant, functional and well finished. Overall, a great car experience."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 54 reviews