The BMW 5 Series is the mid-size luxury car for BMW. 

Since 1972 the first 5 series (code name E12) was introduced as successor to the 1800 en 2000 4 door Sedan models. In 1982 the second 5 series came out (code name E28) and in 1989, the third generation 5 series (code name E34). In the E28 for the first time a diesel engine was available and the E34 was the first 5 series to be available in a 4 door sedan and as a 5 door touring estate.

The E39 4th generation 5 series  was produced from 1995 until 2004 and the 5th generation (code name E60) from 2005 until 2010. The F10 6th generation came out in 2010 and the touring was coded as F11 from that generation.

It is currently in its seventh generation, this new 5 series has just been introduced end of 2016.

In 2010 also an BMW 5 series Gran Turismo (GT) with code name F07 was introduced. This model is a 5 door cross over between a sedan and a Gran Tourismo. It belong to the 6th generation 5 series but is based on the platform of the 7-series.

The first BMW M5 was produced during the E28 generation in 1986 and there has been an M5 ever since of every generation.

It is BMW's second best-selling model just after the 3 Series .