The 2007 BMW 5-Series is very comfortable, it’s fun to drive, and the sticker price has come down quite a bit over the years, starting at under $6,000. But it’s expensive to maintain, and will probably break down for good within a year of driving it off the lot. A Volvo S80 does just about everything a 5-Series does, but better.
Is the 2007 BMW 5-Series a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – A very good car with huge repair bills that bring the overall score down.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – The 5-Series was already one of the most comfortable sedans on the road. With the expanded backseat, the 2007 model is even better.
- Reliability 7/10 – A BMW might not be anymore prone to breakdown than any other car, but when it happens it’s likely to cost you twice as much as in a comparable Toyota, Volvo or Honda.
- Safety 8/10 – Anti-lock brakes come standard and the car earned good crash test ratings from the IIHS.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 –Fuel economy ranges from pretty good, in the 21/30 MPG 525i, to not-bad-for-a-muscle-car in the 12/18 MPG M5.
- Value 6/10 – Sticker prices are nice and low, but cost of ownership is pretty high.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2007 BMW 5-Series?
Consumer Reports called an earlier model of the 5-Series “CR’s best car tested for two years.” They declare the 2007 model a step down, citing the awkward iDrive control system and wonky handling. But, they note that the car is more fuel-efficient and roomier than ever.
Kelley Blue Books found the 2007 5-Series to be stylish and powerful, delivering a solid blend of style, luxury, and performance. But, they note that BMW’s edgy new look might not be for everyone, and the car is far from being a cost-effective purchase.
Edmunds found the ride and handling “exceptional,” they liked the high-end finish in the cabin, and they were impressed by the tight build quality. They also added to the consensus that it’s overpriced, even for a luxury sedan, and the iDrive system is confusing.
What Common Problems Does the 2007 BMW 5-Series Have?
The 2007 BMW 5-Series has generated 274 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 78 of these are for issues with the airbags, with drivers reporting the airbag warning lights clicking on, and staying on, at around 100,000 miles.
50 electrical complaints point to problems with the headlights stemming from corroded wiring. Specifically, the insulation may rot or attract rodents, leaving the wiring exposed. One driver reports the wiring literally disintegrating.
Steering has generated 40 complaints, with drivers reporting the wheel locking in place and the car failing to start.
The 2007 BMW 5-Series has been recalled 7 times in total, which is a bit high, but still reasonable for a vehicle this old.
How Long Will the 2007 BMW 5-Series Last?
BMW owners typically report mileage of around 150,000 to 200,000 on the original transmission. A BMW can easily outlast that with regular maintenance, but the car demands expensive specialty care, and 150,000 to 200,000 miles is usually where drivers decide it’s no longer worth the cost to keep it running.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $684, which is considerably higher than you’d be paying to maintain a typical sedan from this model year. New head gaskets are the most expensive common fix, costing up to $3,671.
Like with any car you have to put a little bit of tender love and care in it to keep it a good car. You have to keep it serviced, and only run good gas in it.
It does not have any major problems with me because I bought the car when it was in perfect condition.
Yes it has problems. It's very expensive to repair and upkeep. You have to own one mainly in dryer conditions or if you live where it doesn't snow. It does go thru gas bad, a lot of recalls and the dealers are over 2 hours away.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2007 BMW 5-Series is pretty good for the model year. MP3 players come standard with 10 speakers, and the premium sound package upgrades you to a Logic 7 system with a 6-disc CD changer.
Safety technology is good for 2007. Stability control and anti-lock brakes come standard. You won’t find more modern features like rearview cameras, as these were hard to find on anything but a luxury SUV back in 2007.
Is the 2007 BMW 5-Series a Good Value?
The 2007 BMW 5-Series isn’t a great value, even though it’s priced to move, with a 530i sedan typically listing at around $5,682, and a 530xi wagon going for around $7,012. That sounds like a good deal for a car with under 140,000 miles on the odometer, but that’s how they lure you in.
At 140,000 miles, a 5-Series might not have more than 10,000 miles to go before it requires a $3,000 repair. When you add in all the little here-and-there repairs that come with owning a BMW, you might as well double the sticker price, because that’s what you’ll likely be paying in the first year just to keep it running.
What are the Different Models of the 2007 BMW 5-Series?
The 2007 BMW 5-Series is available in rear or all wheel drive, in sedan or wagon body styles, but the standard features are the same no matter your build:
- Tri-zone automatic air conditioning
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Leather seating
- 10-way power-adjust driver seat
- Dark poplar wood trim
- Bluetooth connectivity CD/MP3 player with 10 speakers
What Engines Come In the 2007 BMW 5-Series?
- The 525 model offers up a 3.0L inline-six engine delivering 215 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 21/30 miles to the gallon, city/highway, in the rear wheel drive i model, or 20/28 in the all-wheel xi. All 5-Series models but the M5 come equipped with 6-speed automatic transmission.
- In the 530 model you’ll find a 3.0L i6 delivering 255 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque. Expect to do around 21/30 miles to the gallon in the i, or 20/28 in the xi.
- 550 models pack a 4.8L V8 delivering 360 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft. of torque at an average MPG of 17/25. The 550 is only available in a rear-wheel i model.
- At the very top of the line you’ve got the M5, delivering an incredible 500 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. The M5 is configured in rear wheel drive with a 7-speed manual transmission, it averages 12/18 miles to the gallon, and it can hit zero to sixty in just 4.5 seconds.
What Colors Does the 2007 BMW 5-Series Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2007 BMW 5-Series?
BMWs are among the most comfortable cars in the world, and the 2007 5-Series is no exception. The interior trim is first class all the way, the suspension rides nice and smooth, and the back seat is nice and roomy. You should be able to seat four or five adults without issue.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 BMW 5-Series Have?
The 2007 BMW 5-Series offers up 14 cubic feet of storage space in the sedan model, which is good for the size class, packing up to five medium sized suitcases. The wagons offer up to 58 cubic feet of cargo with the seats folded down, which nearly puts it into compact SUV territory.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2007 model 5-Series was the fourth model year in the car’s 5th Generation, which ran from the 2004 to 2010 model years.
2005: The 2004 model BMW expanded the 5-Series’ interior space and added the iDrive infotainment system. The 2005 model offered few change after the more dramatic overhaul the year prior.
2006: BMW dropped the 4.2L i6 engine in the 550 for 2006, switching over to the more powerful 4.8L.
2007: 2007 was a facelift model year for the car, featuring a revised interior and expanded back seat.
2008: Auxiliary input jacks were made standard for 2008.
2009: The iDrive system was revamped for 2009, featuring a redesigned and more intuitive interface.
How Does the 2007 BMW 5-Series Compare to the Competition?
A Volvo S80 packs many of the same standard features as a BMW 5-Series, it costs around the same, if not a few hundred dollars cheaper on average, and it’s arguably the most reliable used full-size sedan on the market, and provably the safest.
The Toyota Camry would be an excellent alternative, but 2007 was a particularly bad year for the nameplate, with lots of expensive engine problems to look out for.
There’s a lot to like about BMWs, but as used cars they’re among the worst cars on the market. If you really want to drive a BMW, you can just about guarantee that Volvo offers a safer, more reliable, more affordable alternative.
Do Owners Recommend the 2007 BMW 5-Series?
Yes, it is very sporty and luxurious. It has a sunroof and you can Bluetooth your phone to the car in case you get a call while driving. I highly recommend best car for a family car.
Yes it is I would recommend this vehicle to everyone because it is a good and reliable vehicle. Make sure you buy it.
Not in winter/ colder temps. Great in the dryer conditions. Very comfy ride, nice features. I live in Washington and it is getting cold and snowing, my car has burned thru gas horribly, no traction in snow or icy conditions. Even BMW users have said it is not a vehicle for colder/ snowy conditions.