The first generation of the 5 Series was powered by naturally aspirated four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines.

[2] On 29 January 2008, the 5 millionth 5 Series was manufactured, a 530d sedan in Carbon Black Metallic.

The E28 was the first 5 Series with the centre console angled towards the driver and the option of anti-lock brakes (ABS).

The proportion of chassis components using aluminium significantly increased for the E39,[9] in order to reduce weight.

New safety features for the E60 included adaptive headlights, night vision, active headrests, Lane Departure Warning, and high intensity emergency brake lights.

Unlike the three previous generations of 5 Series[10][11] and the F10 successor,[12] the E60/E61 centre console is not angled towards the driver.

It was sold in the sedan and wagon body styles, with most cars using a 7-speed automated manual transmission ("SMG III").

However, in the North American Markets, there was the option to buy the BMW M5 in a manual version.

[13][14] The body styles of the range are: The F07 Gran Turismo was the only 5 Series to date produced as a fastback.

The F10 was also the first 5 Series to offer a hybrid drivetrain, a turbocharged V8 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, a dual-clutch transmission, active rear-wheel steering (called "Integral Active Steering"), electric power steering, double-wishbone front suspension, an LCD instrument cluster (called "Black Panel Display") and automatic parking (called "Parking Assistant").

The X-Drive system allowed for the front differential to disconnect and provide a rear-wheel drive experience to the vehicle.

It was revealed on May 24, 2023,[24][25] and will commence production in summer at BMW's Dingolfing Plant in 2023, with first deliveries beginning around October 2023.

[26] Body styles included: The fastback 6 Series Gran Turismo model has been discontinued.

[27] The eighth generation BMW 5 Series is also offered with a battery electric powertrain, dubbed the "i5".

Current production is located in Dingolfing, Germany, Shenyang, China and Magna Steyr, Austria.