Why a used BMW 5 Series makes sense
In Belgium the 5 Series is a staple of executive and high-mileage company fleets. After a few years of leasing, these cars reach the used market with generous equipment, full dealer histories and a large drop from their original price. That means the budget of a new compact can sometimes buy a spacious, very well-equipped long-distance car.
It suits families who travel with plenty of luggage, commuters covering long distances and anyone who values comfort and quiet. It is a large car, though, so city parking is harder, and servicing and tyres cost more than on a smaller model. A solid service history is therefore especially important in this class.
Used BMW 5 Series: which generation to choose
The E60 saloon arrived in 2003 and the E61 Touring in 2004, with a facelift in 2007 and production until 2010. They are now old and demanding to keep. The F10 saloon replaced it in 2010, together with the F11 Touring, and was built until 2017. There was also the F07 Gran Turismo with its large tailgate. A 2013 facelift refreshed the lights and engines.
The G30 saloon went on sale in early 2017, with the G31 Touring shortly after. It is lighter, more modern and packed with driver assistance. A 2020 facelift brought new lights, a bigger screen and more mild hybrid versions. The G30 saloon was replaced in 2023 and the G31 Touring in 2024.
The current G60 generation arrived in late 2023, with the fully electric i5 as its headline newcomer. The G61 Touring and i5 Touring followed in 2024. They are larger than the G30 and use a curved display that combines the instruments and infotainment.
On a limited budget, a facelifted F10 or F11 from 2013 onwards is a reasonable entry point, provided the history is spotless. For many buyers the G30 or G31 offers the best balance of price, technology and reliability, especially after 2020. The G60 and i5 are for those who want the newest 5 Series possible.
Engines: diesel, petrol, 530e or electric i5?
The 520d has been the most popular 5 Series in Belgium for several generations, backed by the six-cylinder 525d, 530d and 535d. On the F10 you will also find the 518d, the 520i, 528i and 535i petrol models and the V8 550i. On the G30 and G31 the 520d, 530d, 540d, 520i, 530i, 540i and M550i are common, alongside the 530e and later 545e plug-in hybrids.
On the G60 and G61, both the 520d and 520i use 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. The plug-in hybrids are the 530e and 550e xDrive, while the 540d xDrive provides six-cylinder diesel power. The i5 is offered as the eDrive40 and the powerful M60 xDrive, among others. Every generation also has an M5, from the V10 E60 to the 2024 plug-in hybrid.
For motorway mileage, a 520d or 530d remains frugal and comfortable. If you can charge at home and mostly drive regionally, a 530e is very attractive. The i5 suits drivers with reliable charging who want silent, emission-free travel. A petrol 520i or 530i is fine for low annual mileage.
LEZ rules, Euro standards and regional taxes
In Brussels, diesels rated Euro 5 or lower and petrol cars rated Euro 2 or lower are no longer allowed in the low emission zone. In Antwerp and Ghent, a planned stricter phase has been postponed for now. Because rules change regularly, check the official LEZ websites before buying an older diesel.
Since September 2015 every new car has had to meet Euro 6, so F10s registered after that date and all G30s comply. The standard appears on the registration certificate or certificate of conformity. Registration tax and annual road tax vary by region and can be substantial for a large, powerful car, so run a simulation on your regional tax website before you buy.
Trims and packages: from Luxury Line to M5
On the F10, Luxury Line and the M Sport package were among the most common choices. The G30 launched with Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport, and Sport Line disappeared with the 2020 facelift. On the G60, the M Sport package is again the most popular, with the sportier M Sport Pro above it.
The M Sport package adds sharper styling, sports seats and revised suspension, but no extra power. The genuine performance models are the 535i, 540i, M550i and M550d, the i5 M60 and the M5. A 520d with M Sport looks the part but remains an economical four-cylinder.
Sought-after options include adaptive LED or laser headlights, Driving Assistant Professional, a head-up display, comfort seats, adaptive suspension, a tow bar and xDrive all-wheel drive. On a Touring, an electric tailgate and a panoramic roof are especially popular. Always check in person that the advertised options are fitted and working.
- Driving Assistant Professional: eases long motorway trips
- Comfort seats and adaptive suspension: a true touring car
- Factory tow bar: important for a caravan or trailer
- Head-up display: safer and more convenient day to day
Known BMW 5 Series problems and what to check
On the 520d with the N47 engine, fitted to the E60 from 2007 and the F10 until around 2014, the timing chain is the best-known risk. It sits at the back of the engine and is costly to replace. Listen for rattling on a cold start and ask for invoices. The N20 engine in the 520i and 528i is also known for chain guide wear.
The V8 in the F10 550i has a poor reputation for heavy oil consumption and cooling and turbo trouble; without proof of major repairs it is best avoided. The N55-engined 535i can suffer from high-pressure fuel pump and injector faults. On the F11 Touring, check the rear air suspension: the car should not sit low or lopsided after standing overnight.
In 2018 BMW recalled many diesels built between 2010 and 2017 over the EGR module, and in 2020 several plug-in hybrids, including the 530e, over the high-voltage battery. Check the particulate filter and EGR valve on diesels used mainly in town, and test the automatic gearbox, infotainment, cameras and every comfort feature.
Ask a BMW dealer to confirm with the VIN that all recall work has been completed, and have the fault memory read if anything seems wrong. For an i5, ask about the charging history and battery condition, and request any battery health report the seller has.
Saloon, Touring or Gran Turismo: space and practicality
Every generation seats four adults in comfort. BMW quotes 520 litres of boot space for the F10 saloon and 560 litres for the F11 Touring. The G30 offers 530 litres and the G31 Touring 570 litres. On the G30 530e the battery reduces boot space. The G60 saloon offers 520 litres and the i5 saloon 490 litres.
According to BMW, the G61 Touring offers 570 litres, expanding to 1,700 litres, and that applies to the plug-in hybrid and the electric i5 Touring too. The F07 Gran Turismo stands out for rear legroom. Towing capacity varies widely by engine and is listed on the certificate of conformity; a 530d or 540d remains the classic towing choice.
Used BMW 5 Series prices: what drives value
Generation, year, engine and body style set the baseline. A Touring costs more than an equivalent saloon, and a facelifted G30 more than a pre-2020 car. Six-cylinder and M models hold their value well, while a V8 550i is often cheap precisely because of its reputation.
Mileage, a complete service history, the M Sport package, xDrive and expensive options such as adaptive lighting and driver assistance all add value. The condition of tyres, brakes and any air suspension matters too, because these parts are costly in this class. The mandatory Car-Pass shows whether the mileage has built up consistently.
To make a fair offer, compare genuinely similar listings: same generation, body style, engine and mileage. Then subtract maintenance that will be due soon, such as tyres, brakes or a major service. That way you negotiate with concrete arguments rather than a vague request for a discount.
Alternatives to the BMW 5 Series
The classic rivals are the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, both offered as saloon and estate. The Volvo V90 focuses on comfort and a calm cabin, while the Skoda Superb gives you a lot of space for less money. If you want an electric car, compare the i5 with the Mercedes-Benz EQE and the Audi A6 e-tron. Within BMW, the 3 Series Touring is a more affordable option.
Selling your BMW 5 Series on CarCentrale
Selling your 5 Series? Listing it on CarCentrale is free. Upload your photos and a short description, and the AI assistant completes the listing, recognising the model, options and trim package, from Luxury Line to M Sport. You review everything and publish in about three clicks.
As a private seller your name is not shown publicly, and buyers contact you through the site. Have the Car-Pass, service book, invoices for major work and the roadworthiness certificate for sale ready. For a 530e or i5, mention which charging cables come with the car.
Frequently asked questions
Which used BMW 5 Series should I choose?
For most buyers a G30 or G31 offers the best balance of price, technology and reliability, especially after the 2020 facelift. An F10 or F11 from 2013 onwards is cheaper but needs a careful check of history and engine. Choose a G60 or i5 if you want a very recent car.
Is a used 520d a good buy?
Yes, if you choose the right generation. On the F10 up to around 2014 the 520d uses the N47 engine with its known timing chain risk, so an invoice for a replacement is a plus. Later 520d models use a newer engine. It is ideal for motorway driving but less suited to short trips only.
How big is the BMW 5 Series Touring boot?
BMW quotes 560 litres for the F11, 570 litres for the G31 and 570 litres for the G61, expanding to 1,700 litres with the seats folded. On the G61 that figure also applies to the plug-in hybrid and the electric i5 Touring. On the G30 530e the battery reduces boot space.
Should I avoid the V8 BMW 550i?
The V8 in the F10 550i is known for heavy oil consumption and problems with cooling, turbos and timing. That makes it cheap to buy, but repairs can be very expensive. Only buy one with proof of major repairs, a complete history and a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist.
How do I check the air suspension on an F11 Touring?
The F11 uses rear air suspension to keep the ride height level. Check that the car does not sit low or lean after standing overnight and that no warning message appears. Listen to the compressor after start-up. Leaking air springs or a worn compressor are known costs on older examples.
Is a used BMW i5 worth considering?
The i5 makes sense if you can charge at home or at work and often drive long distances in comfort. Ask for the charging history, the supplied cables and a battery health check. BMW usually gives the high-voltage battery a separate, longer warranty, so check the exact conditions with a dealer.
What is the difference between a 530e and a 545e?
Both are G30-generation plug-in hybrids. The 530e pairs a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, while the 545e xDrive uses a six-cylinder with all-wheel drive and much more power. The 545e is quicker, the 530e usually more economical and cheaper to buy. On the G60 the top plug-in hybrid is the 550e xDrive.
What paperwork do I need when buying a used 5 Series?
Ask for the Car-Pass, the roadworthiness certificate issued for the sale, the registration certificate and the certificate of conformity. Check that the VIN matches the documents. After purchase, your insurer requests registration with the DIV and you pay registration tax under the rules of your region.