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.
1,351 Used BMW 5 Series cars for sale
BMW 5 Series2015 - 520d [190] SE 4dr
£6,950
Finance available £133 pm
- 2L
- Miles
142.6K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
David Ferguson Cars
BMW 5 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 530I M SPORT 4d 248 BHP 4-Door
£11,990
Finance available £246 pm
- 2L
- Miles
121.8K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW 5 Series2014 (14) - 520d M Sport 4dr Step Auto
Low Mileage
£10,495
Finance available £212 pm
- 2L
- Miles
88.0K
- Diesel
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
BMW 5 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 520d M Sport Saloon 4dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)
£10,995
Finance available £223 pm
- 2L
- Miles
82.5K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW 5 Series2009 (59) - 520D M SPORT BUSINESS EDITION 4-Door
Low Mileage
£5,299
Finance available £96 pm
- 2L
- Miles
105.0K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
BMW 5 Series2021 (21) - 520d xDrive M Sport Saloon 4-Door
Low Mileage
£27,844
- 2L
- Miles
23.7K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW 5 Series2024 (24) - 530e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate
£34,995
- 2L
- Miles
9.9K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Estate
BMW 5 Series2022 - 530d xDrive MHT M Sport 4dr Auto
£28,998
- 3L
- Miles
47.8K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW 5 Series2024 - 530e M Sport 5dr Auto
£59,998
- Miles
10.0
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Estate
BMW 5 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 520d MHT M Sport Touring 5dr Diesel Hybrid Steptronic Euro 6 (s/s) (190
£26,995
Finance available £534 pm
- 2L
- Miles
56.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
Liverpool Car Centre
BMW 5 Series2019 - 530e xDrive M Sport 4dr Auto
Low Mileage
£25,995
Finance available £513 pm
- 2L
- Miles
36.2K
- Hybrid
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
BMW Bavarian
BMW 5 Series2019 - 520d xDrive M Sport 4dr Auto
£21,995
Finance available £431 pm
- 2L
- Miles
55.0K
- Diesel
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
BMW Bavarian
BMW 5 Series2006 (56) - 2.0 520d M Sport Auto Euro 4 4dr
Low Mileage
£3,950
Finance available £66 pm
- 2L
- Miles
81.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
THE CAR SHOP BEDFORD
BMW 5 Series2012 (62) - 520d M Sport 5dr
£3,995
Finance available £67 pm
- 2L
- Miles
142.4K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Estate
Fusion Autos LTD
BMW 5 Series2020 (70) - 530e SE 4dr Auto
£17,995
Finance available £349 pm
- 2L
- Miles
72.0K
- Hybrid
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
BMW 5 Series2018 - 2.0 520I SE Auto 5dr
Reduced
£12,490
Finance available £257 pm
- 2L
- Miles
91.0K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Estate
Swaan Motors Ltd
BMW 5 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 520d M Sport Touring Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£8,490
Finance available £167 pm
- 2L
- Miles
121.7K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
BMW 5 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 540i GPF M Sport Saloon 4dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)
£22,695
Finance available £446 pm
- 3L
- Miles
55.0K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW 5 Series2018 - 520i M Sport 4dr Auto
Low Mileage
£15,915
Finance available £340 pm
- 2L
- Miles
53.4K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW 5 Series2018 - 2.0 520I M Sport Auto 4dr
Reduced
£12,599
Finance available £259 pm
- 2L
- Miles
103.9K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
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 BrownBMW 5 Series GreenBMW 5 Series GreyBMW 5 Series SilverBMW 5 Series White
Registration Year
BMW 5 Series 2005BMW 5 Series 2006BMW 5 Series 2007BMW 5 Series 2008BMW 5 Series 2009BMW 5 Series 2010BMW 5 Series 2011BMW 5 Series 2012BMW 5 Series 2013BMW 5 Series 2014BMW 5 Series 2015BMW 5 Series 2016
Drivetrain
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.
Used 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
Search used BMW 5 Series by type
Used BMW 5 Series buying guide
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 video review
Different generations of used BMW 5 Series
Eighth Generation (2023 to 2017)
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:
- 5 / 5 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 2017)
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.
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