See all Used Car Buying Guides 
What’s it like?
BMW’s fun-to-drive answer to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Audi A6, the 5 Series was primarily a petrol- and diesel-powered saloon that quickly became one of the best in the business. Well made, and with some great engines, including a spectacular 3.0-litre plug-in hybrid option, the 5 Series is a brilliant car that will appeal to a vast number of buyers.
As is so often the way with BMW products, the thing that really set the 5 Series apart was its handling characteristics, but it could compete in other areas, too. The option of saloon and ‘Touring’ (estate) body styles made it flexible, and the premium image and solid build quality put it on a par with rivals from Audi and Mercedes. But it’s the driving experience that really puts the 5 Series ahead of the game.
Which model to go for?
The 5 Series was launched with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, and it also got some plug-in hybrid options later on. There’s no all-electric 5 Series in this generation, but those hybrids offer decent zero-emission range from their batteries, and the low VRT meant they were popular with customers. For those who mostly drive around town, they’ll prove pretty economical, and the basic 2.0-litre 530e will be more than powerful enough. But those going further afield or desiring a bit more power might prefer the 3.0-litre 545e, which is brilliant.
If you’re regularly making longer journeys, meanwhile, the 520d and 530d diesels will be the pick of the range, with their incredible fuel economy. The six-cylinder 530d is a particularly capable car. But those in search of performance might prefer petrol power. The base model is the 520i, with its 2.0-litre petrol engine, but 3.0-litre versions were also offered. And, at the top of the range, BMW offered high-performance M5 versions with 4.4-litre V8 petrol engines. They’re mighty impressive, but they aren’t going to be cheap to run.
Fortunately, those with practicality foremost in their minds will be pleased to know estate versions are little less economical than their four-door counterparts, but choice of powertrains will be more limited. Nevertheless, the estate boot is much more practical than the somewhat underwhelming boot space (and indeed boot access) of the four-door car.
In terms of trim levels, meanwhile, M Sport cars are among the most popular, thanks to their sporty styling, but even the most basic models come with plenty of kit. Expect to see navigation, parking sensors and alloy wheels across the board, while a reversing camera is a useful feature and there are lots of upmarket interior options.
Does anything go wrong?
Generally speaking, the 5 Series has largely proved reliable, particularly in petrol-powered forms. The engines tend to be pretty solid, and though there have been a few recalls for the car over the years, vehicles that have had all the recall work done should be dependable. Diesel versions aren’t quite as reliable, which is a shame, given the brilliance of the 3.0-litre diesel engine, but everything is relative. The 5 Series doesn’t seem any more or less reliable than its rivals.
That doesn’t mean you should ignore the usual stuff, though. The 5 Series is a big vehicle, so check bodywork and wheels for signs of parking scrapes, which can happen even with parking sensors and reversing cameras fitted. Make sure all recall work has been done and opt for a car with a full service history – the 5 Series was popular, so you should have plenty of well-kept examples to choose from.