BMW 5-Series

Overview

    BMW revealed the fifth of their "new generation" models in 1972, dubbing it the 5-Series -- establishing the n-Series designation scheme that has since defined all of BMW's mainstream products. Designed to slot beneath the large Bavaria sedan, the first-generation 5-Series served as a larger replacement for the 2000 New Class 4-doors. It first reached U.S. shores in 1975, as the six-cylinder 530i. BMW found success for the "Five" by emphasizing sportiness and luxury in a less ostentatious package than the larger Bavaria sedan. The 5-Series is now in its fifth generation, and is powered by straight-six and vee-eight engines (with diesels in European markets) AWD models now supplement the traditional rear-drive versions. Most 5-Series sales have been sedans, but a wagon version has been available since the third-generation E34. The most famous 5-Series of all, though, is the M5, which, since 1984, has been regarded as the benchmark for a sports sedan. The 2006 M5 became the first BMW ever to use a ten-cylinder engine.

2004-current [E60 series]

1997-2003 [E39 series]

1989-1995 [E34 series]

1982-1988 [E28 series]

1975-1981 [E12 series]