Base Price: $45,500
Price as Tested: $73,405
Why We Drove It: The BMW 5 Series ranks the highest in its class in our 2008 APEAL study which measures customer satisfaction with performance and design.
 
In surveys that J.D. Power and Associates has conducted with verified owners of the 2008 BMW 5 Series, the people that actually own and drive one told us:


"The overall driving dynamics, including acceleration and handling, are superior."


"The performance of this vehicle is outstanding! It provides a smooth ride and handling."


"Solid, stable, yet responsive handling


"Incredible driving experience."


"I love the way the vehicle handles in the city and [on the] highway."


"The engine performance is outstanding with power available at all times."


"The interior and exterior styling provide an excellent balance of luxury and performance."


"The seats are superb and the sound system is excellent."


"The navigation, radio, and AC [controls are] too complicated."


"iDrive is too complex. A touch screen or better voice command would be better."


"The steering wheel is so small in diameter that when properly adjusted for driving comfort it visually obstructs the instruments."


"The cup holders are useless; too small and too shallow."


Top 3 Things Owners Like About the BMW 5 Series:
1. Ease of operating rear seat entertainment system
2. Handling/stability on curves/winding roads
3. Handling/stability in adverse conditions


Top 3 Owner-Reported Problems with the BMW 5 Series:
1. Front audio/entertainment system   Difficult to use/Poor location
2. HVAC controls   Difficult to use/Difficult to see and read/Poor location
3. Cup holders   Difficult to use
