Question 1

Which 5 Series generation should I look at?

Accepted Answer

The F10 and F11, sold from 2010 to 2017, are the most affordable. The G30 and G31 that followed until 2023 are lighter, better equipped and brought the 530e, and the current generation from 2023 is also sold as the electric i5.

Question 2

BMW 5 Series saloon or Touring?

Accepted Answer

The Touring has broadly the same engines and a larger, more usable boot, and on the F11 and G31 the rear window opens on its own. Saloons are usually a little cheaper to buy.

Question 3

Does the BMW 520d have timing-chain trouble?

Accepted Answer

The N47 four-cylinder diesel in F10 520d models until around 2014 is known for timing-chain wear, heard as a rattle from the gearbox end of the engine. Its B47 successor has a better record; on an N47 car, ask whether the chain has been replaced.

Question 4

Which DGT label does a used 5 Series carry?

Accepted Answer

Petrol cars and Euro 6 diesels carry C, and older Euro 5 diesels carry B. Mild-hybrid diesels from the later G30 years carry ECO, while the 530e and the i5 qualify for Cero.

Question 5

Is a former company BMW 5 Series a bad buy?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: long motorway mileage with regular dealer servicing is gentler on a diesel than short city trips. What matters is an unbroken service record within the BMW network.

Used BMW 5 Series cars

BMW 530 530e xDrive Touring

BMW Active Hybrid 5 2.0 316D 122 M SPORT TOURING

BMW 535 535dA Touring

BMW Serie 5 520dA

BMW Serie 5 M550dA xDrive

BMW M M5 (600 CV)

BMW i5 eDrive40

BMW Active Hybrid 5 1 M135i

BMW Serie 5 M5A Touring

BMW Serie 5 M5A Touring