The BMW 5-Series is a mid-size luxury car manufactured by German automaker BMW since 1972. It is the successor to the 4-door sedan models of the BMW New Class and is currently in its sixth generation.

Initially, the 5 Series was only available in a sedan body style. The touring body style was added in 1991 and the 5-door hatchback ("Gran Turismo") was added in 2009.

It is BMW's second best-selling model after the 3-Series and in 2010 produced about 50% of the BMW's profits.

On January 29, 2008, the 5 millionth 5-Series was manufactured, a 530d Saloon in Carbon Black Metallic.

The 5-Series got its name by being the fifth of the "new series" cars after the V-8 and Isetta era and was the replacement for the older four-door New Class sedans. The current BMW naming convention began with the first 5-Series.

Currently, six main generations of BMW 5 Series have followed one another:

The BMW E28 BMW 5-Series was made between 1981 and 1988. It replaced the BMW E12 in 1981 and was replaced by the BMW E34 in 1989. E28 Production started in July 1981 and ended in December 1987. The E28 was still sold in North America as a 1988 Model Year car while Europe received the E34 in early 1988. A limited edition model was also sold in South Africa from mid-1987 to the end of 1988.

European model range

North American E28 range

All North American specification E28s (1982–1988) were comprehensively equipped. Power windows, central locking, air conditioning, power sunroof, cruise control, alloy wheels and fog lights were standard. In addition the 533i, 535i, 535is and M5 came standard with leather upholstery and on-board trip computer.

A 3-speed automatic was offered in the 528e in 1982–1983. It was also offered in the 1983 533i. By 1984, the 4-speed version was introduced to both models. In 1986, the EH version was available in the 535i. It featured a 3-mode switch: E, S, 3-2-1.

The BMW 5 Series (G30) is an upcoming lineup of executive cars by German automaker BMW that will succeed the 2010 to 2016 manufactured F10 5 Series as the seventh model generation. It will be offered in a saloon, Touring branded estate (codenamed G31) and GT branded hatchback body style (codenamed G32). The saloon body style will be unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show during October.

The 5 Series will be based on a modular automobile platform on which the full-size G11 BMW 7 Series luxury car is also built upon. A plug-in hybrid for the saloon and estate body styles and a range of autonomous advanced driver assistance systems that debuted in the 7 Series are also planned for release.

Specifications

The OKL platform utilises a combination of multiple materials to increase structural rigidity and decrease overall mass. Following the BMW i models, as well as the 7 Series, its technical base is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), magnesium, aluminium and high-strength steel. Improvements to the ride involve the addition of air springs on both the front and rear axle. The front grille is capable of closing and opening its shutters to allow for optimal engine cooling and better aerodynamic flow whenever possible.