BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles. It is BMW's second best selling model after the 3-Series but represents about 50% of the company's profits. There have been six generations of the 5 Series to date. To differentiate between them, they are referred to by their unique chassis numbers (EXX or FXX).

The 5 Series began the BMW tradition of being named with a three-digit number. The first digit (5 in this case) represents the model, and the following two digits (usually) represent the size of the engine in decilitres, which is the main distinguishing difference. Additional letters or words may be added to the end of the three-digit number to define the fuel type (petrol or diesel), engine or transmission details, and the body style. The 'i' originally stood for (fuel) 'injection'. The BMW E12 was the first 5 Series BMW made.


The BMW E39 was one of BMW's most successful cars, with several different models. The E39 has been widely praised in all aspects, and it perennially earned a place on Car and Driver's 10Best list.The E39 BMW 5-series was considered the benchmark of its class and to many the M5 and 540i //M are considered the best performing and handling V8 sedans EVER BUILT. Consumer Reports gave the 2001 530i its highest car rating ever. The diesel engines available in the European models provide great torque and smoothness with better economy.

The very first E39 BMW 5 Series rolled off the assembly line in February, 1995. Motor Trend praised the E39 as 1997 Import Car of the Year and a benchmark in handling. Auto World praised the E39 5 series by giving it the first 5 star rating they ever gave to any car. The M5 has been called "the ultimate in discreet speed" with 369 lbf·ft (500 N·m) of torque and a 0–60 mph time of 4.7 s, and was praised for its excellent mix of luxury, handling and comfort. The E39 M5 was a purists driving car only available with a 6 speed manual transmission and to many THE BEST BMW ever built and the true ultimate driving machines. The 540i E39 with the M package and the E39 M5s are true modern sport sedan classics in the making.

5 series production by year & NA production #s
1995 22,637
1996 22,775
1997 228,800
1998 221,600
1999 201,400 North American production38,218
2000 191,546 39,703
2001 193,948 40,005
2002 172,323 40,842
2003 185,481 46,964
2004 229,598 45,584
2005 228,389 52,722
2006 232,193 56,756
2007 230,845 54,142
2008 202,287 45,915
2009 175,983 40,109
2010 211,968 39,488