Used BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 2009-2017 reliability review

Name: Used BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 2009-2017
Rating: 3
Author: Stuart Milne

The 5 Series Gran Turismo tries to offer a bit of everything, but in the process ends up appealing to very few.

How we test cars

What should I look for in a used BMW 5 Series?

This is a large car with quite poor visibility so check the bodywork for scuffs and dents and the alloy wheels for any damage. Check that all electrical goodies inside the car work as they should, including the sat-nav and the audio system, and any electrical seats.

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Though generally having a good reputation for reliability, the petrol-engined 5 GTs can suffer from a faulty water pump. It’s worth trying to find out if any work has already been done here when buying the car. Another potential fault involves engine oil entering the brake servo and causing a reduction in braking assistance.

The 5 Series went off sale in 2017 and therefore didn’t feature in our most recent reliability survey, but BMW as a brand came in in 21st place out of 31 manufacturers.

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About the writer

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

Follow Stuart Milne on

Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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