Used BMW 5 Series 2003 - 2010 review
Category: Executive car
This BMW 5 Series dominated the executive car class for most of its life, and it remains similarly appealing as a used buy.
What's the used BMW 5 Series saloon like?
The BMW 5 Series has long been a popular choice with company car drivers and fleet managers, so there are plenty of examples on the used market.
This fifth-generation car was quite controversial when it was first introduced, due to its non-traditional styling. However, this means it still looks striking and refreshingly modern today.
The 5 Series also offers a sportier drive than most big executive saloons thanks to sharp, responsive steering and tight body control. Yet. it’s still reasonably compliant and composed over bumps as long as you avoid the biggest wheels and stiffer M Sport suspension.
If you do decide you want an M Sport car, due to the sportier looks that these have, make sure you take a thorough test drive to be sure you can live with the ride.
Whichever trim you choose, the interior of the BMW 5 Series is a pleasant and stylish place to be, with excellent build quality, while a wide range of steering wheel and seat positions ensure most drives can get comfortable.
There's room for three in the back, too, although the large transmission tunnel that runs down the spine of the car means the middle seat is definitely the least comfortable.
The boot is big enough for a couple of large suitcases, but the shape of the opening means loading can be tricky.
Ownership cost
What used BMW 5 Series saloon will I get for my budget?
Early petrol examples are now available for slightly more than £2000, while diesels cost from about £2500, but in both cases you’re looking at a car that’s been to the moon and back.
In contrast, if you increase your budget to £8000 you can get a late 520d model that’s covered about 10,000 miles a year. This represents a lot of car for your money.
How much does it cost to run a BMW 5 Series saloon?
The introduction of Efficient Dynamics technology (engine stop-start and regenerative braking) in 2007, to reduce CO2 emissions and boost fuel economy, means later models cost less to tax and fuel.
For example, the 520d improved from an average of 47.9mpg and 158g/km of CO2, to 55.4mpg and 136g/km of CO2 with the Efficient Dynamics technology in place.
Sticking with a franchised dealer for servicing is an expensive option once the car is past its third birthday; using a specialist independent garage will help you save money.
Insurance will be far from cheap, though, with this ranging from group 31 for the 520d up to group 45 for the petrol 535d M Sport and group 50 for the high-performance M5 model.
Our recommendations
Which used BMW 5 Series saloon should I buy?
The 520d isn’t just the most common BMW 5 Series; it’s also the best buy. With 163bhp (later 177bhp) it feels quick, but still provides good MPG figures. The 177bhp 525d isn’t worth spending extra on, but the 197bhp model from 2007 is noticeably quicker. The 218bhp 530d (later 235bhp) is also impressive, while the 268bhp 535d (later 282bhp) outperforms most petrol saloons.
As for the petrol-powered 5 Series models, the 520i (available until the end of 2004) feels a bit underpowered, but the 523i and 525i have decent pace.
An entry-level trim was available until mid-2006 that came with alloy wheels, climate control and electronic stability control. However, we'd recommend you look for an SE, because these also feature upgraded alloys and front and rear parking sensors.
Sport and M Sport models come with the firmer suspension, bigger alloys, tinted glass and half-leather upholstery.
From early 2009, the Business Editions upgraded SE and Sport models with full-leather upholstery, Bluetooth, sat-nav and a CD-multichanger.
Our favourite used BMW 5 Series: 520d SE
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used BMW 5 Series saloon?
If you value a sporty drive, then the Jaguar XF is worth considering, because it feels even sharper than the 5 Series. Just don’t expect it to be as fuel efficient or practical.
Alternatively, if comfort is your top priority, look no further than the Mercedes E-Class. It glides over bumps – as long as you avoid models with the optional sports suspension – and like the 5 Series is more practical than the XF. The biggest problem with the E-Class is its four-cylinder diesel engines, because they’re noisy and send a lot of vibration into the car's interior.
The engines in another rival, the Audi A6, are much smoother, and while the A6 can’t match the handling of the 5 Series or XF, or the ride comfort of the E-Class, it has the classiest interior of the lot.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
