For 2008, BMW has fitted the 528 and 535 trim levels with an all-new 3.0-liter inline engine, while the 550i comes with a 4.8-liter V-8 unit. The 5 Series sedan lineup includes: 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, and 550i; the wagon is available in the 535xi trim only. Distinctive in a look-alike market, the ‘5’ delivers just about everything you could ask for in sports sedans: comfort and convenience, a sporting image, and plenty of interior space. In 2008, BMW offers a no-cost “Ultimate Service” comprehensive Maintenance Program that includes the BMW Maintenance Program for four years or 50,000 miles, unlimited-Mileage Roadside Assistance for four years, and a New Vehicle Limited Warranty for four years or 50,000 miles.

The 5 Series new engines feature a potent 3.0-liter six-cylinder that generates 230 horsepower in 528 models, and 300 hp in 535 models. The 550i sedan features a 4.8-liter V-8 rated at 360 hp. All models get a six-speed manual transmission standard with a six-speed Steptronic automatic as optional. BMW's racy sequential manual gearbox (SMG) keeps the engine in the right rev range and combines the control of a manual gearbox with the ease of an automatic. BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system that provides optimum performance in all driving situations is available on the 528xi sedan and the 535xi sedan and wagon. Mileage ratings are 21/29 mpg (city/highway) with the 6-speed automatic transmission, 19/28 mpg (city/highway) for the 6-speed manual, and 20/30 mpg (city/highway) for the 6-speed SMG.

The polished metal profile of the 5-Series looks sleek with slanting headlights in a curvy front-end, muted rear-end, and wrap around taillights. The 5 Series features BMW's double wave theme over the instrument cluster and the dash. The multifunctional iDrive interface integrates audio, climate control, and navigation systems. Standard safety equipment includes a head protection system and side-impact airbags for the front and rear seat passengers, a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and electronic brake proportioning. The BMW 5 Series was named as "Best Pick" in IIHS frontal offset crash testing in 2007.