Five coordination polymers, Mn4(nbpdc)4(bip)(H2O)2 (1), Co5(nbpdc)4(bip)2(H2O)6(OH)2 (2), Cu5(nbpdc)4(bip)2(H2O)2(OH)2 (3), Zn5(nbpdc)4(bip)2(OH)2 (4), and Cd2(nbpdc)2(bip) (5), (H2nbpdc = 2,2′-dinitro-4,4′-biphenyldicarboxyl acid, bip = 1,5-bis(imidazole)pentane), have been prepared and structurally characterized. In these compounds, nbpdc and bip link different secondary building units (SBUs) to construct a variety of architectures based on different metals. Compound 1 presents a 3D hex net based on infinite rod-shaped SBUs. Compound 2 shows a 3D framework with mab topology based on Co5 clusters and exhibits an interesting self-penetration feature. Compound 3 presents a 3D framework with pcu topology constructed by Cu5 clusters. Compound 4 is a 3D framework with pcu topology based on infinite rod-shaped SBUs. Compound 5, like compound 4, also exhibits pcu topology constructed by rod-shaped SBUs, but they both possess different structures. The magnetic properties of compounds 1 and 2 have been characterized.