2017 BMW 5 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$51,200 to $58,750

Original MSRP

7.8
of 10

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(13 reviews)
7.8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
2017 BMW 5 Series Test Drive Review summaryImage

A fresh chassis, new engines, an updated iDrive interface, and a host of innovative technologies have BMW’s 5 Series coming out swinging for 2017 in an attempt to regain the top spot in the midsize luxury segment.

It’s easy to miss the changes with BMW’s tendency toward “evolutionary styling,” but in reality the 2017 5 Series is all new. High-strength lightweight materials means it grew in size but not in weight. New engines mean it increased power but not consumption. And a slight look to the past means the 5 Series just might be heading back in the direction of being a driver’s car again, even if it no longer offers a manual transmission.
8/10

At first glance, the guy who rides his bike to work in your office might notice the new headlights, and that’s about it. They’re thinner now and flush with the twin kidneys, which hide active shutters to help with warm up and efficiency at speed. Look a bit harder and there’s a nice crease alongside the new 5 Series's flanks, intended to distinguish it from its bigger brother, the 7 Series. You’ll likely not notice the 0.6 inches of height or the 1.2 inches of length gained, especially since wheelbase and width have increased only marginally—just 0.2 and 0.3 inches, respectively. That is, until you get into the back seat, where all that added length went directly into legroom, increased by the same 1.2 inches. The trunk’s already impressive capacity has increased slightly as well this year, now standing at 18.7 cubic feet.

The main issue with the 5 Series has been its continual and incessant charge toward luxury and away from driving feel and performance. In short, it’s gotten big and fat and numb in its old age. At the same time, it’s become a do-anything luxury car that offers just about anything else you could want out of a 4-door sedan. This year, BMW tries to turn back the clock a bit with a new chassis full of high-strength, weight-saving materials like aluminum and magnesium, adding up to a claimed weight savings of 137 pounds. Add a new double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension setup and things are looking good in the athleticism department, but don’t start celebrating just yet. The 5 Series is also boasting a whole host of new features this year that can easily negate every one of those saved pounds, depending on how aggressive you get with the options list.

With the base 530i offering an updated turbo 2.0-liter engine, you’re looking at a starting MSRP of $51,200. That’s a lot of money to pay for a 4-cylinder engine, even one as good as this—and trust me, it’s good. Moving up to the 540i’s turbo inline six means a $57,150 price tag, and if nothing but the best will do, the M550i offers a twin-turbo V8 for just over $72,000. But the BMW options list is dark and full of terrors, and the “base” 530i I was given to test for a week was optioned all the way up to a price tag of $72,135 thanks to fancy features too numerous to list here. Not counting included features, there are 21 paid add-ons here—everything from $600 soft-close automatic doors to $190 gesture control to $650 ceramic controls. It’s honestly shocking what BMW will make you pay for (if I’m spending $70K on a luxury car, isn’t charging me $300 for Apple CarPlay kind of insulting?), and it seems like their strategy is to simply overwhelm shoppers with options.

Michael Perkins
Published May 25, 2021 by Michael Perkins
A CarGurus contributor since 2008, Michael started his career writing about cars with the SCCA - winning awards during his time as editor of Top End magazine. Since then, his journalistic travels have taken him from NY to Boston to CA, completing a cross-country tour on a restored vintage Suzuki. While his preference is for fine German automobiles - and the extra leg room they so often afford - his first automobile memories center around impromptu Mustang vs. Corvette races down the local highway, in the backseat of his father's latest acquisition.

User reviews for 2017 BMW 5 Series

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User rating:
by Mikhail S
Dec 17, 2024
I is a good car to have for me Dec 17, 2024
by Mizell H
Aug 14, 2024
Beautiful Car!! Exterior and interior Amazing! !!! Aug 14, 2024
by Eric J
Aug 11, 2024
It has some great features I like it anybody else would too Aug 11, 2024

2017 BMW 5 Series Pricing

Original MSRP
$51,200 to $58,750
Price range
$17,571 to $18,256
Average price on CG
$17,591
YoY price change
$18,012 to $17,591

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: lock operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Twitter · Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Twitter · Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (4)