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2016 BMW 528

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$50,200

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

27

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

193.4” x 57.6”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(37 reviews)

The good:

  • Performance
  • Cabin materials
  • Fuel efficiency
  • Myriad configurations

The bad:

  • Price of Gran Turismo version
  • Smallish cabin
  • Marginal rating in IIHS small-overlap crash test

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2016 BMW 528 trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

  • Turbo four-, six-cylinder and V-8 gas engines available
  • Turbo-diesel six-cylinder also available
  • Sedan or Gran Turismo hatchback body styles
  • Eight-speed automatic standard
  • Rear- or all-wheel drive

2016 BMW 528 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat 5 Series sedan is offered with a turbocharged V-8 (550i), a turbo six-cylinder (535i), a turbo-diesel six-cylinder (535d) and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (528i). Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Lexus GS.

The 5 Series lineup also includes the Gran Turismo, a tall hatchback. There’s also a high-performance M5 sport sedan and an ActiveHybrid 5 model.

(Skip to details on the: 5 Series Gran Turismo, ActiveHybrid 5 and M5)
New for 2016
The 550i sedan gains a standard power trunk lid and Harman Kardon premium stereo.
Significant Standard Features

  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • LED taillights and fog lights
  • Power moonroof
  • Automatic dual-zone air conditioning
  • Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Navigation system with 10.2-inch screen and iDrive controller
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Head-up display
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Blind spot warning system
  • Lane departure warning
  • Backup camera
  • Bang & Olufsen sound system
  • Rear-seat entertainment system

5 Series Gran Turismo
BMW’s hatchback version of the 5 Series sedan, dubbed 5 Series Gran Turismo, is offered in six-cylinder 535i GT and V-8 550i GT form. The Gran Turismo can seat up to five people.
What’s Special

  • Shift paddles now standard
  • Auto-leveling rear suspension 
  • Rear- or all-wheel drive
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Unique hatchback design with two-way opening, power liftgate 
  • 40/20/40-split folding backseat

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ActiveHybrid 5
The ActiveHybrid 5 can seat up to five people, has a lithium-ion battery pack for its hybrid system and can drive up to 37 mph on electric power alone. It can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, according to the automaker. Competitors include the Infiniti Q70 Hybrid and Lexus GS 450h. Gearshift paddles are now standard for 2016.
What’s Special

  • Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and electric motor make 335 horsepower total
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Stop-start technology

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M5
The five-seat M5 is BMW’s high-performance variant of the 5 Series sedan. It’s powered by a twin-turbo V-8 engine that makes a whopping 560 hp and 500 pounds-feet of torque in its regular form. Offered with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the M5 will sprint to 60 mph in the low-4-second range, according to BMW. Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and Audi RS7. A power trunk lid is now standard for 2016 models.
What’s Special

  • Rear spoiler
  • Quad exhaust tips 
  • M blue-painted brake calipers; carbon-ceramic brake system available
  • Available Competition Package increases engine output to 575 hp 
  • Active M rear differential 
  • Adjustable dampers with three modes 
  • Adjustable steering effort 
  • Launch control on models with the dual-clutch transmission

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Consumer reviews

(37 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.8
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.7
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

It is due to my age the ultimate driving machine, the

It is due to my age the ultimate driving machine, the performance and fuel efficiency are fantastic it is what you expect from a BMW. The only thing I don’t have anything good to say is the ultra expensive of the dealers maintenance cost unless you have some really good mechanic to see your car and retired that I am you spend a fortiune paying for service no other complain.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great car

Got to get the feeling of the car so I can really give you my honest opinion!! I like all the Special features and the color of the car 🚙

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Love love love my ultimate driving machine

Love love love it. Fantastic performance and happy to have this as my car no sharing with the spouse True ultimate driving machine love it

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 37 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2016 BMW 528 base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
9.3%
Rollover rating
5
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by BMW
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
144 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
48 months/50,000 miles
Maintenance
48 months/50,000 miles
Roadside assistance
48 months/unlimited distance
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
1 year/unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year/50,000-mile new car warranty
Powertrain
N/A
Dealer certification required
196-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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