BMW 5 Series

Saloon and Estate (Touring) · 1972 to present

The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size executive car that has been a mainstay of the UK company car and private buyer market for decades. Sold as a four-door saloon and, on most generations, a practical Touring estate, it competes with the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. UK buyers have seen several generations, including the E39, E60, F10, G30 and the current G60, introduced in 2023. Engine choices have ranged from economical four-cylinder diesels and petrols popular with business drivers, to six-cylinder options and, more recently, plug-in hybrid 5 Series models and the fully electric i5. Trim levels typically span SE, M Sport and higher-specification variants, with adaptive suspension, large touchscreens and driver assistance technology commonly fitted on later cars. It remains a familiar sight on UK motorways and in company car park fleets.

Body type

Saloon and Estate (Touring)

Years (UK)

1972 to present

Typical engine

2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol or diesel, with six-cylinder, plug-in hybrid and fully electric (i5) options available depending on generation

Fuels available

4 options

Fuel and powertrain options

The BMW 5 Series is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol Diesel Plug-in Hybrid Electric

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the BMW 5 Series. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Check for uneven or excessive wear on run-flat tyres, common on 5 Series models fitted with them from the factory
Inspect self-levelling or air suspension components on Touring estate versions for leaks or warning lights
Look for corrosion or stone-chip damage around the front wheel arches and sills on older examples
Test xenon or LED headlight alignment and automatic self-levelling function, which forms part of the MOT check
Check electronic parking brake operation and listen for unusual noises from the handbrake motor when applied

Frequently asked questions

Does the BMW 5 Series need an MOT test?

Yes, any BMW 5 Series registered for more than three years requires an annual MOT test, as with all cars used on UK roads.

What common faults should I look out for on a used BMW 5 Series?

Watch for suspension component wear, electrical faults with infotainment or parking sensors, and oil leaks on older diesel engines. A pre-purchase inspection is recommended, and you should always check the official DVSA MOT history for advisories.

Is the BMW 5 Series expensive to maintain in the UK?

Running costs vary by engine and age. Rather than relying on general figures, check a specific car's MOT and service history for evidence of how it has been maintained.

Which BMW 5 Series body styles were sold in the UK?

The 5 Series has been offered mainly as a four-door saloon, with a Touring estate version available on most generations for extra practicality.

Run a free reg lookup on any 5 Series

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