Name: 2006 BMW 5 Series
Brand: BMW

BMW 5 Series

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2004

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2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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2006 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2006 BMW 5 Series

$4,625 - $4,950

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Acura RL

$5,175

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Acura TL

$5,150 - $5,350

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Audi A6

$3,050 - $5,375

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Audi S4

$5,950 - $6,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 BMW 6 Series

$6,050 - $7,050

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Buick LaCrosse

$4,300 - $4,475

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Cadillac CTS

$3,600 - $10,425

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Infiniti M

$4,950 - $5,450

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Jaguar S-Type

$3,725 - $6,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Jaguar X-Type

$4,325 - $5,250

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Lexus ES

$6,175

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Lexus GS

$6,225 - $6,600

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Lincoln LS

$4,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Lincoln Zephyr

$4,025

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS

$5,925 - $8,800

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$4,825 - $10,125

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Volvo S80

$3,900

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Volvo V70/XC70

$ NA

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury midsized cars Ratings

Model History

2024-

Current Generation

The redesigned 5 Series is larger than its predecessor, and has lightly smoothed-out styling. For the first time ever, the 5 Series is available with both gasoline and all-electric powertrains. Gasoline engine options are either a 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 375-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The single-motor i5 eDrive40 produces 335 hp, and the two-motor M60 xDrive makes 590 hp. BMW estimated 295 miles of driving range for the rear-wheel drive, and up to 256 miles for the all-wheel drive. The interior is luxurious and high-tech, and features an all-digital instrument display and a massive 14.9-inch center touchscreen. The back seat and trunk are generously sized. A full suite of active safety and driver assistance features is standard. Updates for 2025 include a new M5 Touring model that's powered by a 4.4-liter, 717-hp, plug-in hybrid V8. "Touring" is BMW-speak for wagon. BMW claims this hot rod wagon will deliver about 25 miles of all-electric driving.

2017-2023

2017 Redesign Year

BMW focused on adding technology and on sharpening the handling of the 2017 5 Series redesign. The midsized luxury sedan is essentially the same size as the outgoing model, but BMW says it's lighter by 220 pounds and the rear seat and the trunk are marginally roomier. Engines include a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 248 hp in the 530i and a 335-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder in the 540i, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional but standard on the V8-powered 550i. A 530e plug-in hybrid is also available. BMW's gesture control, which lets occupants wave their hands to operate certain control functions, is optional. For 2021 the 5 Series got a mild freshening that brought the latest iDrive infotainment system. Android Auto is now compatible. The 530e plug-in hybrid became more powerful. The latest update also brought a mild hybrid set up for the 540i, and the high performance, track ready M5 returns.

2011-2016

2011 Redesign Year

With the 2011 redesign, the 5 Series BMW grew larger and sacrificed a lot of its handling precision. Steering is vague and the car tends to understeer at its limits. However, fit and finish are still excellent, the engines remain powerful and refined, and the eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly. The cabin is also comfortable and roomy with excellent seats. The iDrive system has been somewhat simplified over the years, making it a bit more user-friendly. We think you won't be disappointed with the basic 528i, with or without all-wheel-drive. If you can afford it, the slick six-cylinder in the 535i is a worthy upgrade. Anything more strikes us as overkill. New four-cylinder, diesel, and hybrid variants debuted in 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively.

2004-2010

2004 Redesign Year

Prior to the introduction of this model, the BMW 5 Series had been ranked as CR's best car tested for two years. While this edition of the car flaunts slightly improved fuel economy and more room for rear-seat passengers, some of the agility of the previous generation is gone. Further, many of our testers find the iDrive multifunction control system to be less than intuitive, which detracts from their overall impression of the car. With it, some of the more involved audio and climate functions are distracting, because you frequently need to shift your eyes between the road and the display. The instruments are clear however and most of the logically placed conventional controls are lighted at night. While we still like the car, we think less of it than we did before.

1997-2003

1997 Redesign Year

Most luxury cars aren't sporty, and most sporty cars aren't luxurious. BMW's excellent 5-Series--available in both sedan and wagon forms--manages to be both. These cars handle nimbly and ride very comfortably and quietly. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, and interior detailing is flawless. Braking is excellent, and traction- and stability-control systems help maintain directional stability on slippery roads. The 525i and 530i employ invigorating inline Sixes, while the 540i uses a punchy, refined V8. The automatic transmission is extremely smooth and responsive in all versions. The line-topping M5 is an ultra-high-performance model with a price to match.

BMW 5 Series

2006 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2006 Luxury midsized cars Ratings