Are BMW 5 Series Good Cars?

Yes the BMW 5 Series is a very good car for the driver who wants luxury, performance and everyday comfort. It’s a very well regarded car in terms of its handling, its engines and its interior. It’s been a very popular choice in the midsize luxury saloon sector. That said you do have to bear in mind the maintenance costs and long term reliability, particularly if you’re looking at a used example.

We think the BMW 5 Series is a very good proposition for the buyer who wants a premium driving experience and is in no way going to be averse to the responsibilities of owning a European luxury car. The right model year, the service history and an understanding of the likely repair costs are all important factors.

Why the BMW 5 Series is worth considering

The 5 Series is a very good all rounder in terms of comfort and performance, something that very few normal sedans can achieve. It’s a spacious car with very good steering and a range of powerful engine options, all of which are combined with the very real practicality of a family car.

One of its biggest strengths is how it behaves on the road. The suspension is very good indeed, providing a comfortable ride and maintaining composure through the corners. It’s a very composed and confident car to drive whether you’re in the city or on the highway.

Interior quality is another plus. Depending on the model year and equipment, you can have leather upholstery, heated seats, premium audio, digital displays and a range of advanced driver assistance features.

The 5 Series also comes with a range of different engine options to meet inpidual requirements. The 530i is the four cylinder version and is all about efficiency and practicality for the every day driver. The 540i is the six cylinder version and is the one that provides significantly better acceleration and a very smooth ride.

How reliable is a BMW 5 Series?

BMW 5 Series reliability is very much down to the model year, the engine and the maintenance history. A lot of owners will tell you it’s a very reliable car, but the cost of repairs can get quite high as it picks up the miles.

Some model years have done better than others. The 2023 BMW 5 Series is a case in point with Consumer Reports giving it a better reliability rating than any of the other vehicles in that same model year. That doesn’t mean every 2023 model is a doddle of a car, of course, just that it’s an example of why you need to look at the inpidual model year.

Regular maintenance is key to long term reliability. BMW engines need the right oil, cooling system care and the right components replaced at the right time.

Common BMW 5 Series problems to watch for

Although not every car will have these problems, there are a number of areas which do warrant attention if you’re looking at a used BMW 5 Series.

• Oil leaks. Old gaskets and seals will allow oil to leak, especially on the higher mileage vehicles.
• Cooling system problems. Water pumps, thermostats, hoses and all the various bits and pieces will eventually need replacing as the car gets older.
• Suspension wear. Worn control arms, bushings or shocks can all have an effect on ride comfort and handling.
• Electrical issues (sensors, electronic modules, infotainment etc. can all develop faults).
• Transmission concerns. If it’s going to have any kind of transmission problems (rough shifting, hesitation, any odd noises etc) then that should be looked at prior to buying.

We’d recommend getting a proper inspection on any used 5 Series before you buy it. A car with a full service history and no known mechanical issues is generally a far safer proposition than one with an uncertain history.

BMW 5 Series maintenance and repair costs

The 5 Series in general is more expensive to maintain than the average mainstream sedan. It’s all down to the specialist bits, the cost of the replacement parts and the labour.

RepairPal reckon the average annual repair and maintenance cost is about $620 for the 530i and $798 for the 540i. That’s for all the model years and will of course vary depending on mileage, age, where you are and the condition of the car.

Routine maintenance covers oil changes, brake service, tyre replacement, fluid checks and so on. Older vehicles will also often require additional work on the cooling system, the suspension and the electronics.

One cost that buyers can easily overlook is the cost of replacing the tyres. Depending on the set up, the 5 Series can be fitted with performance tyres or with staggered wheel sizes which will of course be more expensive to replace.

We’d recommend budgeting well beyond the cost of routine maintenance, especially on a vehicle which is no longer under a manufacturer’s warranty. A low purchase price doesn’t necessarily equate to low ownership cost.

Best used BMW 5 Series models to consider

For buyers looking at a used BMW 5 Series the 2017 to 2023 generation is a very attractive proposition in terms of modern technology, performance and used market value.

These have the same refined interior, turbo engine and array of convenient features, just at a considerably lower price point than the newer models.

BMW 530i for everyday driving

The 530i is a very practical car for day to day driving. The turbo 4 gives you good acceleration and very good fuel economy for a luxury car. We’d definitely recommend it to someone looking for a comfortable car which isn’t going to cost a fortune to run.

BMW 540i for more power

The 540i is definitely worth looking at if you’re after more performance. The turbocharged inline 6 is a smooth unit with plenty of power and the difference it makes on the highway and when you’re passing is quite noticeable.

BMW 5 Series models from 2024 onward

The new 5 Series has a fresh look, new digital technology and a further range of electrified options. It’s aimed at those wanting the new features and potentially more factory warranty left.

While the 2017-2023 generation is a useful place to start, we wouldn’t recommend making your vehicle selection on model year alone. The maintenance history, the repair history, the mileage and the general condition of the car are all just as important.

What to check before buying a used BMW 5 Series

A used BMW 5 Series can be a very good value, just requires a proper inspection.

We’d recommend having a look at the following prior to buying.

1. Vehicle history. Check for reported accidents, title issues, mileage discrepancies and prior ownership.
2. Maintenance records. Look for oil changes, cooling system work, brake service and so on.
3. Engine condition. Check for fluid leaks, odd noises, any warning lights and signs of overheating.
4. Transmission and suspension. Go for a test drive and look at the shift characteristics, the vibrations, the steering response and any odd noises.
5. Electronics and equipment. Test the climate control, infotainment system, cameras, seats and all the other installed bits.
6. Open safety recalls. Enter the vehicle’s VIN into the NHTSA recall database.

We’d also recommend having an independent pre-purchase inspection carried out by a mechanic who knows BMWs. That way you’ll be in a position to spot any potential mechanical issue prior to purchase and avoid a nasty surprise down the track.

Should you buy a BMW 5 Series?

The BMW 5 Series is definitely worth considering if you’re after a comfortable, well-equipped luxury saloon with some genuinely engaging performance and are willing to accept the maintenance bill that goes with it.

Its main strengths are excellent handling, a range of powerful engine options, a very nice interior and superb highway comfort. It’s a car that you’d be happy to use on a daily basis and on longer journeys.

However for buyers looking at the absolute lowest possible running and maintenance costs there are other sedans which will be more economical to own. The 5 Series is a car which rewards good maintenance and a neglected example can be very expensive.

For the used car buyer we’d go for a well looked after 530i or 540i with service records and a clean mechanical. The 530i is the sensible compromise in terms of comfort and economy, the 540i provides a bit more performance for those who like a six cylinder.

Ultimately the best 5 Series is not necessarily the latest or the cheapest one around. It’s the one that has the right combination of features, a good track record of reliability and maintainability, is in good mechanical condition and falls within your price bracket.