Used BMW 5 Series for sale: everything you need to know
BMW has pretty much perfected the 5 Series formula by now. The very first model arrived in 1972, more than 50 years ago, and the very latest eight-generation car arrived in 2024. From 2017 to 2023, the seventh generation of 5 Series ruled the roost - and it’s just as good as a used buy as it was as a new car.
The 5 Series’ strengths are numerous, from the way it drives to the image it projects. BMW’s constant development means it’s always kept pace with the latest technologies too, and that includes powertrains: where once there was a mix of petrol and diesel models, plug-in hybrids are also now available, and that’s before you get into some of the high-performance options or the availability of the 5 Series Touring estate. Read more about BMW’s class-leading executive saloon below.
Should you buy a BMW 5 Series?
The BMW 5 Series is popular for good reason. It’s one of the best executive saloons available, with an ironclad image, great driving characteristics, plenty of space, and plenty of equipment. That the same can be said of so many prior generations of 5 Series too, shows that BMW really knows what it’s doing by now.
In many ways there’s not a lot of difference between the 5 Series and its closest rivals, but one area the BMW has long had the edge is driver appeal. The 5 Series is a large and quite heavy car these days, but it’s still rewarding to drive, with precise steering and excellent handling. It doesn’t come at the expense of ride quality either - for just cruising around, the BMW is comfortable and pliant, and makes light work of long trips.
The 5 Series’ interior helps. In its time on sale between 2017 and 2023, the model we’re covering here saw several small updates which improved its features and technology, but all get a spacious cabin with an excellent driving position, comfortable seats (with standard leather trim), and a big boot - especially in the Touring estate. Build quality is up with the best too, and all it really lacks is the flash you get in some rivals.
For flash, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class still has the edge, with its S-Class inspired cabin, while Audi’s twin-touchscreen layout in the A6 also feels more high-tech than the BMW - though it’s arguably not as easy to use as the BMW’s layout. The Mercedes is the pick for outright comfort, but neither German alternative handles as well as the BMW. One car that gets close is the Jaguar XF, though that’s limited in its engine choice compared to the 5 Series. More left-field options include the Volvo S90 and Lexus ES (and older Lexus GS).
What’s the best used BMW 5 Series model to buy?
The easiest 5 Series to recommend is the 520d. If that sounds a little unexciting, consider that it still has impressive performance (with acceleration that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a sports saloon a few decades ago) and has economy figures of nearly 60mpg on paper. The availability of xDrive all-wheel drive gives you options too. Stick with SE trim unless you prefer the M Sport’s looks too - the lower-spec model’s smaller wheels help the 5 Series ride more like a luxury car.
Used BMW 5 Series fuel economy and performance
- BMW 5 Series 520i: The 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol of the 520i makes 184PS, and has a 0-62mph time of just under eight seconds, despite the potential for 45.6mpg economy if driven more gently. A 530i four-cylinder is also available, with 248PS, a 0-62mph time two seconds quicker, and 39.8mpg economy.
- BMW 5 Series 540i: 540i models get a 3-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine, with power rising to 335PS and the 0-62mph time dropping to just 4.8 seconds, while economy is 33.6mpg.
- BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive: The M550i gets a larger engine still, with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and a 456PS output, or 530PS in post-2020 models - the latter good for 0-62mph in under four seconds with help from xDrive all-wheel drive, and fuel returns of 26.6mpg.
- BMW 5 Series 520d: The diesel range starts with a 2-litre four-cylinder just like the petrol range does, with the 520d making 190PS and offering up to 58.9mpg. 0-62mph takes just over seven seconds.
- BMW 5 Series 530d: Unlike the 530i, the 530d has a 3-litre six-cylinder engine, and one that produces 286PS, for a 0-62mph sprint in a touch over five seconds. Combined economy is quoted at 51.4mpg.
- BMW 5 Series 530e: It’s back to a 2-litre petrol engine for the 530e, with plug-in hybrid electric assistance. Combined power is 292PS and there’s 30 miles of EV range. 0-62mph comes up in around six seconds and in regular hybrid mode, there’s 38.7mpg economy on offer.
- BMW 5 Series 545e: The more powerful plug-in hybrid launched in 2021 was the 394PS, straight-six engined 545e, with a 0-62mph time of under five seconds and up to 29 miles of EV range.
What used BMW 5 Series trim levels are available?
- The BMW 5 Series SE comes with a useful equipment list including LED headlights, climate control air-con and leather seats, and several more features besides.
- The BMW 5 Series M Sport is a hugely popular trim for the 5 Series, with a sporty body styling kit, sports seats, a black headlining, and on some models, uprated suspension and brakes.
- The BMW 5 Series M Sport Edition takes M Sport trim and adds more equipment, including a rear spoiler, adaptive LED headlights and M Sport brakes with red calipers.
- The BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive is loosely based on M Sport trim but of course, gets its own engine, the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. Other equipment over and above the M Sport models includes four-zone climate control, a Harman Kardon sound system, adaptive M sports suspension and an M Sport differential.
Used BMW 5 Series dimensions and boot size
The BMW 5 Series Saloon’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4,963mm
- Width: 1,868mm
- Height: 1,479mm
- Ground clearance: 144mm
The BMW 5 Series Saloon’s boot space is:
- 530 litres (410 litres for 530e and 545e)
Used BMW 5 Series road tax
Only a handful of earlier, lower-specification 520d SE models will avoid the government’s hefty VED surcharge here - most of the 5 Series range in this generation cost more than £40,000 brand new. That means a bill of £600 per year for most 5 Series, and £10 less for the hybrids. The handful that cost under £40,000 new get a lower rate of £190 per year.
How much is it to insure a BMW 5 Series?
There’s a wide range of trim levels and engine options in the 5 Series range and this is reflected in a similarly wide range of insurance group ratings - going from group 28 at the lowest end, to group 46 at the top (not including the high-performance BMW M5).
