Despite being on the market since 1972, the BMW 5 Series continues to be a popular model among enthusiasts. Its original boxy shape may no longer be present in the modern generations, but it's still engineered with precision parts and filled with innovative tech features. Now in its eighth generation, BMW continues updating the 5 Series to keep it at the top of the mid-size business saloon car class.
1,313 Used BMW 5 Series cars for sale
BMW, 5 Series
2016 2L M Sport 4dr
20Low Mileage
£15,850
Finance available £331 pm
- 2L
- Miles
46.0K
- Diesel
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
J and J Motors
BMW, 5 Series
2014 (64) 2L M Sport 5dr Auto
24Low Mileage
£8,995
Finance available £178 pm
- 2L
- Miles
81.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
Fairview Autos
BMW, 5 Series
2011 (11) 3L M Sport 5dr Auto
30Reduced
£7,999
Finance available £156 pm
- 3L
- Miles
100.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
Stonebridge Motor Company
BMW, 5 Series
2018 (18) 2L M Sport 5dr Auto
20£15,995
Finance available £335 pm
- 2L
- Miles
105.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
Norton Automotive
BMW, 5 Series
2023 2L M Sport 4dr Auto
34Reduced
£40,950
Finance available £820 pm
- 2L
- Miles
9.9K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
JKC Approved Used BMW
BMW, 5 Series
2020 (20) 2L M Sport 4dr Auto
25£19,500
Finance available £380 pm
- 2L
- Miles
97.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Rawdon Motors Limited
BMW, 5 Series
2017 2L SE 4dr Auto
11Low Mileage
£15,999
Finance available £301 pm
- 2L
- Miles
42.1K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW, 5 Series
2013 (63) 2L M Sport 5dr Auto
46Low Mileage
£11,990
Finance available £245 pm
- 2L
- Miles
59.1K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
Motorpod LTD
BMW, 5 Series
2021 2L M Sport 5dr Auto
24£25,697
Finance available £530 pm
- 2L
- Miles
38.1K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Estate
BMW, 5 Series
2018 2L M Sport 4dr
8Reduced
£18,995
Finance available £369 pm
- 2L
- Miles
63.0K
- Diesel
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
Prestige Motors NI
BMW, 5 Series
2017 (67) 2L M Sport 4dr Auto
50Reduced
£20,450
Finance available £399 pm
- 2L
- Miles
42.3K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
WRC Sales Limited
BMW, 5 Series
2018 2L M Sport 5dr Auto
37Low Mileage
£23,995
Finance available £472 pm
- 2L
- Miles
32.8K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Estate
BMW, 5 Series
2019 (69) 3L M Sport 4dr Auto
32£21,700
Finance available £472 pm
- 3L
- Miles
49.6K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
Big Motoring World Leeds
BMW, 5 Series
2013 (13) 2L M Sport 4dr Auto
50Low Mileage
£8,150
Finance available £159 pm
- 2L
- Miles
67.5K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
BM CARS WATFORD LTD T/A Chiswell Green Cars
Find a specific BMW 5 Series
Trim
BMW 5 Series EfficientDynamicsBMW 5 Series LuxuryBMW 5 Series M SportBMW 5 Series M Sport Business EditionBMW 5 Series M Sport ProBMW 5 Series SEBMW 5 Series SE Business EditionBMW 5 Series Sport
Body Style
Engine Size
Fuel Type
BMW 5 Series DieselBMW 5 Series Hybrid - Diesel/ElectricBMW 5 Series Hybrid - Petrol/ElectricBMW 5 Series Petrol
Transmission
Colour
BMW 5 Series BlackBMW 5 Series BlueBMW 5 Series GreenBMW 5 Series GreyBMW 5 Series RedBMW 5 Series SilverBMW 5 Series White
Registration Year
Why buy a used BMW 5 Series?
If you're in the market for a car that's luxurious, spacious and refined, then a used BMW 5 Series is a great choice. The vehicle has an elegant design and is very spacious and comfortable inside. A wide range of powertrain options ensures maximum power output as well as plenty of efficiency, while the cabin is filled with high-tech equipment.
BMW 5 Series snapshot review
Pros
- Wide range of engine choices
- High levels of technology
- Strong build quality
Cons
- Ride can be firm on certain models
- Optional extras quickly bump up the car’s price
- Expensive to buy new
BMW 5 Series by type
Used BMW 5 Series information
Engines and transmissions
There have been numerous powertrains offered throughout the years including petrol, diesel and hybrid. These have been paired with automatic or manual transmissions and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. There is now also an all-electric model, known as the i5.
Petrol- 520i outputs 205bhp for a 7.3-second 0-60mph time and an efficiency rating of up to 48.7mpg.
- 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid creates 482bhp and provides up to 55 miles of electric-only driving with a combined efficiency of 36.7mpg.
- 530e plug-in hybrid generates 294bhp and offers a longer driving range of up to 63 miles per charge and a higher combined rating of 42.8mpg.
- Older-generation 528i offers 241bhp with an efficiency rating of 41mpg.
- M5 has a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 making 552bhp with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
- Older 520d and 530d engines were discontinued before the most recent generation, but tend to be the most popular among used cars.
- 520d makes 187bhp for a 0-62mph time of 7.1 seconds and is efficient with a rating of up to 56.5mpg.
- More powerful 530d creates 261bhp or 281bhp depending on the configuration, and provides a similar efficiency rating of around 51.4mpg.
Practicality
The BMW 5 Series has a spacious cabin and executive style, making it a practical option for families who desire a premium vehicle.
Interior space- Front seats are supportive and spacious with plenty of support and varying materials available.
- Rear seat has been available with both two or three seats, accommodating families of various sizes.
- Both rows of seats offer ample kneeroom and headroom, even for tall passengers.
- 520-litre boot is available in all saloons, even with the plug-in hybrid, which is 140 litres more than the Mercedes Benz E-Class and Audi A6.
- 5 Series Grand Turismo offers up to 1,700 litres of space with the rear seats folded down, which is 30 litres more than the Touring Estate.
- Electronic tailgate can open quickly with the touch of a button
- Saloon provides classic executive style with a large amount of space.
- Gran Turismo (GT) model offers a sporty feel and a hatchback design.
- Estate wagon increases passenger comfort with more interior room.
Safety
- 2023 Euro NCAP rating was a perfect five stars.
- Adult occupant, child occupant and pedestrian are more than 80%, while safety assist is 78%.
- Standard kit includes lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
Technology
- Large 14.9-inch display available with newest lineup.
- Connectivity provided through Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- USB ports available in front and rear seats for charging from either row.
- 12.3-inch digital driver's display takes the place of traditional gauges.
BMW 5 Series generations
Eighth Generation (2023 to Present)
The newest lineup may be the sportiest ever offered, and it retains its long wheelbase and flowing design. The Iconic Glow kidney grille, crystalline Interaction Bar and available panoramic glass roof give the vehicle more personality and edgy design.
Further changes were made to the engine options, increasing the power and adding more efficiency. Safety systems were also updated, with the Driving Assistant Professional added in select models.
- Fuel type:
- Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2 - 3
- MPG:
- 35 - 2824
- Acceleration:
- 4.3 - 7.8 seconds
- Boot space:
- 520 - 570 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- stars
Greenest
530e M Sport Pro 5dr Auto [Comfort Plus]
Cheapest
520i M Sport 4dr Auto
Fastest
550e xDrive M Sport 4dr Auto
Seventh Generation (2017 to 2023)
This generation had a long wheelbase, a flowing roof line and an extended bonnet. Its modelled contours perfectly matched the iconic kidney grille, while the headlights helped to accent the vehicle's width. BMW released new powertrains, including plug-in hybrids for more efficiency. There was also an available adaptive suspension that made the 5 Series more enjoyable to drive.
During a 2020 facelift, the kidney grille received a redesign and the headlights became flatter. New paint finishes were added, along with optional laserlight technology. Comfort seats were offered, and the safety assistance technology was heavily updated.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2 - 4.4
- MPG:
- 25 - 941
- Acceleration:
- 3.4 - 8.8 seconds
- Boot space:
- 410 - 570 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
530e M Sport 4dr Auto
Cheapest
520i SE 4dr Auto
Fastest
B5 4.4 Bi Turbo 4dr Switch-Tronic AWD
Sixth Generation (2009 to 2017)
With more than two million sold, the sixth-generation 5 Series has been the most popular to date. While it was already elegant and sporty, the M Sport Package became available with top-notch enhancements both inside and out.
A 2013 facelift changed some of the styling features and added more engines. These models had standard Xenon headlights and Bluetooth connectivity, which was ahead of its time.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2 - 4.4
- MPG:
- 25 - 68
- Acceleration:
- 4.6 - 10.1 seconds
- Boot space:
- 375 - 590 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
ActiveHybrid 5 4dr Step Auto
Cheapest
520d SE 4dr
Fastest
550i Luxury 4dr Step Auto
Used BMW 5 Series FAQ's
Which is the most popular engine in the BMW 5 Series?
The diesel engines have been the most popular. While they aren't offered in the newest lineup, the incredibly popular 520d made 187bhp while the 530d was rated for 261bhp. Efficiency ratings were over 50mpg, making them cheaper to run.
Which are the most popular model variants?
Today, BMW offers the 5 Series in three model variants: M Sport, Sport Edition and M. The M Sport has been the most popular of the three because it offers plenty of standard equipment for a lower price, with new models showcasing the large touchscreen display and high-tech safety features.
What optional extras should I look out for?
The Live Cockpit Pro with Head up Display is a great tech upgrade, while the front and heated rear seats can provide everyone with more comfort. Customers should also look out for the electric automatic tailgate.
Is the BMW 5 Series a good family car?
Yes, there's plenty of space in the 5 Series and the boot space is impressive, especially with the plug-in hybrid configurations. With updated entertainment and comfort features, even long drives can be enjoyable.
Is there a hybrid version of the BMW 5 Series?
BMW has several hybrid powertrains available with the 5 Series, offering up to 63 miles of driving per charge. There's also a newer i5 model, which is the electric version of the 5 Series.
Is the BMW 5 Series available as an automatic?
Yes, the majority of 5 Series models were built and sold with an automatic transmission, so most used examples are automatic. There's still the option to choose a used 5 Series with a manual gearbox, but they are more difficult to find.
Is there a four-wheel drive version available?
Yes, the 5 Series has been available with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system to add more capability to the lineup, and there are plenty of them available among the used cars. However, most models had a rear-wheel drive for sportier handling.
Buying a used car checklist: what to look for
Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
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