2008 BMW 5 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Out of 60 vehicles over the course of 45 years this was the most incredible one. No modifications, all stock, naturally aspirated 4.8 liter V8 with stunning performance and handling, a real sleeper sport sedan. I surprised a lot of people out on the open road. In my last days of ownership I put it on the track for a day of high performance driving instruction. Even the instructor was surprised at its performance and got a big kick out of instructing me to pass a C8 on 2 occasions and even a Viper ACR. It wasn’t that they couldn’t have run away from me, however they had less experience. Less of a car could not have done it and it did it at speeds in excess of 135 mph. When we pitted on one occasion, however, the BMW was billowing smoke which I knew was only an oil leak but one of the other instructors nearly called down the fire team. This is the cars design flaw that was fatal to my ownership. Oil leaks that are overwhelming and extremely expensive to repair. If you’re looking to buy one, you also better be looking for oil leaks I’m sad to say.Mar 26, 2023

This is an amazing and comfortable car.Good safety and fun features. It runs smooth, has great pickup and excellent brakes. Fuel economy is surprisingly great: most of the times its around 24 miles per gallon. sound system is definitely better than most of the other cars I have. I-drive can take sometimes to learn. Front seats have many options in terms of adjustments. Labor and services from dealers are expensive.Sep 08, 2014

The parts are very high, and if you have to go to the dealer it's too pricey. I am lucky in that i know a master BMW mechanic that has a small operation and his prices are about half that of a dealer, so i would hunt around for a good mechanic because it will save you a lot. I haven't had anything that expensive go wrong with this car, so no complaints coming from my cornerJan 03, 2014

I drive a LOT 1000 miles a week. And I finally feel safe and comfortable when I'm travelling. It handles great. It is very quick but not at jumping off the line from a dead stop. The trade off is I get GREAT gas mileage. The car is wonderfully engineered. And it is beautifully detailed inside and out. If you get one, get a cargo organizer for the trunk and get some storage for the interior if you carry a lot of things. I do get a little bit of aggression on the road. I don't drive aggressively but people get aggressive with me in the BMW. Interesting and true. I drove a 2011 528i for 2 weeks while my DVD was being swapped out. I do NOT like it as well as the 2008. I do like the Nav better but it's bigger, harder to see around it, feels wrong, the Cruise controls arene't like the 08- I don't like them. The 2008 is still sports-like. the 2011 is more luxury feeling. I prefer the smaller feel and sports handling of the 08. The Continental tires are not the run-flats and I am still putting miles on this original set at 89000 miles on the odometer. The run-flats are expensive and my friends have had to replace theirs at 30K miles. The MPG is higher with the Continentals too. I love this car. Jan 29, 2012

Bought this car used from a BMW dealership without it being certified pre-owned. This saved me about $3,000. It has nearly every option including the $4,300 M sport package. This is the 12th BMW I've owned in the past 15 years and the one I'm most happy with. (Still own my 2002 525i with nearly 200,000 miles on it) The 550i performs outstanding in every aspect. Its equipped with the automatic but when placed in manuel mode, comes off the line strong and shifts very smoothly. Handling is excellent as is the breaking. And compliments - get them every time I pull into a gas station, toll booth plaza or just stopped in traffic. The sport package sits low and looks very aggressive. Super looks, performance, breaking and not to bad on gas for such a powerful and heavy car. There's nothing negative about this BMW. Having two teenagers in the house it's the perfect car to transport them while still having a car with style, performance and safety. Jun 12, 2010

Great performance. Accelerating greatly after 60mph. Bit like driving an armchair, however when you get up to higher speeds the car takes action and is the best place to be ever! It feels safe, quick, smooth and comfortable. It is roomy. Lots of space for all your kids toys, prams, food, and various needs! It took us all the way to Denmark & back from England without much trouble. It is a great family touring car, with incredible speed and power. It is fun to drive to a certain extent...but if you like the power of changing gears and racing at the lights...then this car is not for you!Jun 03, 2010

Performance- Great brakes, handling, and acceleration. Solid tires, transmission and suspension. Sport and manumatic modes are very nice. Build Quality- Amazing, better than any Japanese car Appearance- Looks great in and out, love the angel eyes Cost of Ownership- very little, covered by BMW warranty Fun Factor- Very fun to drive, rewards driver when driven hardOct 22, 2009

Performance - acceleration, braking, handling Build Quality - Has only been sent in for very minor things, like iPod connector and need oil topped off Appearance - add the sports package and comes with M series and rims and shifter Cost of Ownership - Well it definitely like to eat gas especially the way I drive Fun Factor - Doing 60 and stepping on the gas and flying past everyone else on the road.Oct 26, 2008

Well, The twin turbo keeps its 0-100 in 5.2 sec-promise. Mine is white with white leather and it looks pretty sharp, I must admit. It simply drives like a dream. Extreme comfort without loosing the sensation of sporty and crisp reaction and performance. The palette of accessories is created under the philosophy: "If we can think of it, lets make it". It comes with a lot standard and the rest of it exists with guarantee. On the economic side. Well it is rather thirsty (<20 mpg if you do not drive carefully. A On the pros side (in the US at least) BMW USA has a 4 year zero cost service program included. We were also looking at Mercedes, Audi and Porche. None of these gave this option. I have never driven a better or more complete car. But it changed my driving pattern in the more aggressive direction :-)Aug 13, 2008