The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its fifth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles.

On January 29, 2008, the 5 millionth 5 series, a 530d sedan in Carbon Black Metallic, was manufactured.

The 5 Series got its name by being the fifth of the "new series" cars after the V-8 and Isetta era. The preceding models were the 700, the "New Class", the "New Six" 2500/2800/Bavaria and the CS. The 5 Series was intended to replace the older New Six sedans.

The body was styled by Marcello Gandini, based on the Bertone 1970 BMW Garmisch 2002ti Geneva show car. Gandini also did the Fiat 132 and Alfa Romeo Alfetta, two other cars that have a similar design.

There have been five generations of the 5 Series to date. To differentiate between them, they are referred to by their unique chassis numbers (EXX).

The 5 Series began the BMW tradition of being named with a three-digit number. The first digit (5 in this case) represents the model, and the following two digits (usually) represent the size of the engine in decilitres, which is the main distinguishing difference. Additional letters or words may be added to the end of the three-digit number to define the fuel type (petrol or diesel), engine or transmission details, and the body style. The 'i' originally stood for (fuel) 'injection'.

View also: BMW Classics - BMW 5 Series - BMW Z4 - BMW 6 Series

BMW 3 Series - BMW X6 - BMW X1 - BMW X5 - BMW 7 Series

BMW GINA - BMW F1 - BMW H2R - BMW Just 4-2 - BMW X3

BMW Z3 - BMW Z8 - BMW Z9 - BMW 1 Series - BMW Concept Coupé - BMW Concept CS - BMW EfficientDynamics Concept

Check out the BMW 5 Series wallpapers and BMW 5 Series Pictures (pics) collection below: