2009 BMW 5 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 BMW 5 Series is mostly a carryover, with all-wheel-drive models switching from the “xi” badge to the xDrive name. The most useful product update is a midyear iDrive controller with direct-access menu buttons.
About the 2009 BMW 5 Series
5th generation (E60 sedan / E61 wagon), second year after the 2008 facelift, and one of the last years before the all-new 2011 5 Series sedan arrived in the U.S.
BMW positioned the 5 Series as a midsize luxury car for drivers who still cared deeply about how a car felt on the road. In 2009, that meant a roomy, upscale sedan or wagon with precise steering, balanced handling, strong inline-six or V8 power, and a driver-focused cabin. Its core appeal versus rivals was that it mixed executive-car comfort with a more athletic feel than most competitors in the same class.
The 528i is the straightforward luxury sedan, while the 300-hp 535i adds stronger twin-turbo performance and adaptive xenon headlights. The lineup also includes an all-wheel-drive 535i wagon with a panoramic moonroof and separately opening rear window, plus the upscale 360-hp V8-powered 550i.
What changed, by category
2009 BMW 5 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0L | V8, 4.8 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0L | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic | Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 15 mpg | 17 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 300 hp | 360 hp | 230 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 200 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 360 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14 cu-ft | 14 cu-ft | 14 cu-ft | 14 cu-ft | 14 cu-ft | 58.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the 2009 and 2008 BMW 5 Series?
The main difference is that BMW renamed the all-wheel-drive versions from “xi” to xDrive for 2009. The engines, body styles, and overall equipment structure otherwise remain largely unchanged.
Did the 2009 BMW 5 Series get a new iDrive system?
The 2009 5 Series received a midyear iDrive controller revision with direct-access menu buttons around the controller. It is a usability update rather than a completely new cabin technology package.
Did the 2009 BMW 5 Series get new engines?
No, the 2009 5 Series keeps the previous engine lineup: a 230-hp six-cylinder in the 528i, a 300-hp twin-turbo six-cylinder in the 535i, and a 360-hp V8 in the 550i.
Was the 2009 BMW 5 Series still offered as a wagon?
Yes, the 2009 lineup includes the 535i xDrive Sports Wagon. It combines a 300-hp twin-turbo six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive with a panoramic moonroof and a rear window that opens separately from the tailgate.
Is the 2009 BMW 5 Series a redesign?
No, the 2009 5 Series is not a redesign. It follows the larger 2008 update and carries over the same basic sedan and wagon bodies with only light naming, wheel, and control-system revisions.