Used BMW 5 Series 2003 - 2010 review

What's the used BMW 5 Series 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.

Overview

This BMW 5 Series dominated the executive car class for most of its life, and it remains similarly appealing as a used buy.

Pros

• Fun handling
• Spacious and classy interior
• Frugal diesel engines

Cons

• Firm ride on M Sport suspension
• Some reliability issues
• Looks aren’t to all tastes

Used cars available now

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BMW 5 Series

2.0 520d SE Steptronic Euro 5 4dr

£1,690

BMW 5 Series

2.0 520d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£2,495

BMW 5 Series

2.0 520d SE Steptronic Euro 5 4dr

£2,495

BMW 5 Series

2.0 520d SE Steptronic Euro 5 4dr

£2,970

BMW 5 Series

2.0 520d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£2,990

BMW 5 Series

2.0 520d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£2,999

BMW 5 Series

2.0 520d SE Steptronic Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£3,199

BMW 5 Series

3.0 530d SE Steptronic Euro 5 4dr

£3,390

BMW 5 Series

2.0 520d SE Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£3,495

See all available cars

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 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.

Our recommendations

Which used BMW 5 Series 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?

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.

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