Why doesn't the 5 series sell?

[Rafichicago]

Originally Posted by ASAP

the whole of the US disagrees with you...

Majority isn’t usually right

[GaryCT]

Clearly less demand for the 5's and they depreciate much greater than the 3's.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Mavus

many xovers have less room in the rear and trunk than comparable wagon. I consider them the worst car design - limited utility and horrid handling but folks seem to like that.

I do get that some folks need basic raised car due to health issues and that’s fine.

Ride height equates to status and perceived safety.

[gqgambler]

Originally Posted by Rob_G77

My dealership has a very nice 2023 BMW 540i in stock with just about every feature you want including driver assist pro. It's a beautiful looking car (Sapphire Black) and it's not that terribly expensive either. But, it also doesn't sell and has been sitting for months in their showroom. Even a much more expensive, used M850i GC sold before this 5 series. I just checked and there's now $5k drop in price now as they are just trying to get rid of it.

I just thought it was strange since it's not much more than an M340i.

Rob

Because Americans love pick-ups, SUVs, crossovers, and EVs. Just look at the top 5 cars sold in the US last year and you'll see that it's the top 3 pick-ups. The best-selling gas sedans in the US are the fuel-efficient Camary and Accord; the only 2 sedans to crack the top 20 consistently. BMW has a bloated catalog and way too many offerings compared to years ago, and their focus has been strong on expanding their SUV line-up over the years.

[Bking60]

My 2010 rocked back and forth badly, couldn't see anything close out the side mirrors. Drove it 6 years for work but added those stick-on small mirrors onto the side mirrors. The rocking kept me awake so maybe it was good. I bought it with 20k miles, the previous owner was allowed to terminate his lease early, only reason I can think of was the rocking. Many people complained that their head rest was moving but it was the whole car.

[lucysparabola]

i'm 6'6 / 265-275 depending on the holiday season we're in, so the 3 just doesn't work for me. I prefer the sedans. haven't owned a 7, but had an E60 prior to my F10. E90 in between. I'll never touch a 3-series ever again lol. the difference in the 3 v 5 is a world apart in terms of ergonomics and quality.

not to say the E90 was bad. I miss zipping around in that thing, and I put 107k miles on it in nearly 6 yrs of ownership. I don't at all miss my back being destroyed 2 hours into a commute though. I could drive my F10 for a week straight without any issues there, and that's enough for me.

buying wifey an X7 soon though, so that'll be interesting. I do want an E70 X5 diesel to mess around with for myself too.

TL;DR - I'm a giant who makes the 5 series his version of everyone else's 3 series.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Ride height equates to status and perceived safety.

and that’s what’s puzzling cause we know those high riders on skinny tires roll excessively and have horrible turn in and directional stability. I drove outback 3.6r years ago and after a 6hr trip I was mentally exhausted. You can’t relax while cruisng in that thing, it needs constant correction, horrid braking and turning. One of the worst vehicles I drove ever. Give me Camry any day. Other raised hatches and xovers are the same. The worst driving vehicles!

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by lucysparabola

I'll never touch a 3-series ever again lol. the difference in the 3 v 5 is a world apart in terms of ergonomics and quality.
.

Just like there is a huge difference between the X3 and X5.

[Dlpfcb]

I have been eyeing a 540 for a while. I do think it will be my next car. I may choose to finally part ways with the E46 M. Then have the 540 as my daily and the E92 as the summer car.

[noname]

I was in a toss up between the 540 and the m340i. Why on earth is the 540i less HP? That made my decision right there

[Reborn_]

Originally Posted by ASAP

the middle size sedan is about one of the dumbest vehicles anyone can buy... its interior dimensions are nearly identical to a 3 series with a larger exterior size and weight penalty...

a better decision is a midsize SUV with far more rear seat space such as an X3 or the ultimate X5... which it appears by sales numbers in the USA is exactly what people are doing

the only place in my mind a 5 series makes sense these days is if you want an M5 as you can't cheat higher center of gravity driving dynamics

Comes down to this for me. I have driven small sporty cars my whole life. I need a 4 door now that I have a 2 year old. I had my eyes set on an M5 or M550i. I was stunned by the tiny back seat. My wife has been bugging me about the roof clearance (pulling my son out of his car seat). The X3 M40i is where I've landed.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

Just like there is a huge difference between the X3 and X5.

there is virtually 0 difference in interior space outside of trunk... backseat room is borderline identical...

the x5 is just a more premium / luxurious car... def shouldn't be buying it for size

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by ASAP

there is virtually 0 difference in interior space outside of trunk... backseat room is borderline identical...

The "big" difference between the X3 and X5 is the size of the actual seats, the distance between passengers, and the height of the two vehicles. That and that the base engine in the X3 is a 4-cylinder compared to the 6-cylinder I the X5. People buy what they can afford, and needn't buy something larger than they need.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by noname

I was in a toss up between the 540 and the m340i. Why on earth is the 540i less HP? That made my decision right there

because 550

[deathmetal666]

I’ve test driven a m550i. The thing is a boat.
Feels totally detached from the road. Turning sucks cause it’s so freaking large.
No thank you.

[lucysparabola]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

Just like there is a huge difference between the X3 and X5.

yeah, for sure. I've ridden in the older gen X3, terrible. test drove an F10/15/whatever X5, wife and I hated it. I think it was just a terrible example though. lots of road noise & rough ride. I want an E70 still, but they're going to be harder to find soon enough when I'm ready.

[Vivek.]

Originally Posted by ASAP

there is virtually 0 difference in interior space outside of trunk... backseat room is borderline identical...

the x5 is just a more premium / luxurious car... def shouldn't be buying it for size

Oh come on, there's 8.5" difference between the two do you think that's all in the hood and bumpers?

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by Mavus

and that’s what’s puzzling cause we know those high riders on skinny tires roll excessively and have horrible turn in and directional stability. I drove outback 3.6r years ago and after a 6hr trip I was mentally exhausted. You can’t relax while cruisng in that thing, it needs constant correction, horrid braking and turning. One of the worst vehicles I drove ever. Give me Camry any day. Other raised hatches and xovers are the same. The worst driving vehicles!

Outbacks have always had issues wandering on the highway as it's borne of a raised car platform outfitted with floaty, soft suspension and vague steering. Ours served its purpose but I do wonder how those vehicles have become so popular given that the way they handle.