Buying guide: BMW 5 Series – problems, versions and prices

The BMW 5 Series makes other cars almost unnecessary. Autovisie goes into detail about the problems, versions and prices in this buying guide.

Traditionally, the BMW 5 Series combines the best of the 7 Series with the best of the 3 Series. With the seventh model generation, BMW also provides a suitable answer to almost every question in the premium automotive segment.

BMW 5 Series body

In other parts of the market, BMW relies on lush and progressive design. The seventh-generation 5 Series gets a more conservative look. The design of the 4.9 meter long sedan (G30) and touring (G31) mixes elements of the new 3 and 7 series with the businesslike appearance you expect from a “5”.

A combination of steel and aluminum reduces weight, while an active grille improves aerodynamic performance. Full LED headlights are standard. Chrome or black trim, an open roof or panoramic roof, M Sport packages and adaptive full-LED lighting are available ex works.

The top model M5 (F90) looks subtly muscular and has a carbon fiber roof and an aluminum hood. Thanks to the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the M5 CS is 70 kilos lighter. The BMW 5 Series will receive a facelift (LCI) in summer 2020. Recognizable points include new lighting units and bumpers as well as laser LED lighting.

Interior BMW 5 Series

The interior of the BMW 5 Series is familiar and reserved. The dashboard consists of a mix of analogue or digital instruments with an 8.8 or 10.25-inch infotainment display and physical buttons for the main vehicle functions, complemented by iDrive (Touch) and “gesture control”.

Ergonomics, materials, workmanship and sound insulation are first class. The equipment and options are also worthy of the 7 Series and are available, among other things: navigation system Professional with touchscreen, a head-up color display, a night vision assistant, BMW ConnectedDrive, a parking assistant with camera, all the usual active safety systems, semi-autonomous BMW CoPilot driving functions. , comfort or sports seats with massage function, leather, nappa leather or Alcantara, soft-close door closer and much more.

The M5 features bucket seats with illuminated M logo and carbon fiber trim; The M5 CS has an interior with four lightweight sports seats. The 2020 facelift includes new 12.3-inch infotainment, iDrive 7.0 and cloud-based navigation.

Engine BMW 5 Series

As usual, the BMW 5 Series is available with four, six and eight-cylinder engines. All engines are turbocharged. When it comes to petrol engines, you can choose between a 1.6 or 2.0 four-cylinder (170-252 hp, 250-350 Nm), a 3.0 in-line six-cylinder (333-340 hp, 450 Nm) and a 4.4 -Biturbo V8 (462-350 Nm). 530 hp). , 650-750 Nm).

In the M5, the eight-cylinder engine produces a maximum of 600-635 hp and 750 Nm. In the hybrid models, BMW combines the four or six-cylinder engine with an eDrive electric motor and a battery pack. The diesel engines have one, two or four turbochargers and a displacement of 2.0 liters (four-cylinder, 150-231 hp, 350-500 Nm) or 3.0 liters (six-cylinder, 265-400 hp, 620-760 Nm) . Mechanically, the 5 Series is considered solid as long as maintenance is always carried out on time and professionally.

transmission

The BMW 5 Series has rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive with variable drive force distribution. The entry-level diesels are available with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with a torque converter. The eight-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment on the more powerful diesel engines, gasoline engines and gasoline hybrids.

For a small additional charge, BMW supplies a modified eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission with faster gear changes and shift paddles on the steering wheel. The sports automatic transmission is standard on the M5 and M550d. In the fastest versions, xDrive all-wheel drive is also standard equipment. The M5 features M xDrive with an active M differential that directs all or part of the drive power to the rear wheels.

suspension

The G30 and G31 models have independent suspension all around. The Touring has an air-suspended rear axle as standard. The standard chassis has a comfortable set-up. The electric Servotronic steering is communicative, but conveys little feeling. BMW supplies a lowered M sports suspension, an adaptive suspension, an adaptive M suspension and active integral steering with steering rear wheels ex works.

In addition, various (sports) braking systems are available. The M5 has an adaptive sports suspension and M Servotronic steering. The M5 Competition has an extra lowered sports suspension, the M5 CS has an extra lowered sports suspension with adapted shock absorbers and carbon ceramic brakes.

Which one should I have?

The wide range of engines, versions and factory options makes the choice easy and difficult at the same time. When it comes to engines, you can’t make a wrong choice because the four, six and eight-cylinder engines are all powerful, smooth-running and above-average economical. With the High Executive package and Driving Assistant Plus or the more extensive BMW Personal CoPilot package, the 5 Series is completely future-proof.

The Sport Line or Luxury Line versions add additional spice to the appearance. The M Sport package with 18-inch wheels, the M Sport brake system, M Sport seats and the M Sport steering wheel is also nice. The M550i and M550d are affordable alternatives to the desirable but very expensive M5 variants.

Should it be the BMW 5 Series?

Traditionally, the BMW 5 Series is the sportiest choice in the D segment. With the G30 and G31, BMW consistently relies on a two-pronged approach. In standard form, this 5 Series is an efficient, comfortable and modern business and family car. Traditional basic ingredients such as sportiness, driving pleasure and driving dynamics are standard in the M versions and are now hidden behind option codes and option packages in the regular versions. For the traditional BMW 5 Series customer, this takes some getting used to.

For customers of other brands, it makes switching to this “5” more interesting than ever. The world is changing, customers are changing and despite opting for more comfort and less dynamics, this 5 Series remains the best all-rounder in its segment.

Maintenance costs

Minor maintenance from €250 Major maintenance from €450

The maintenance interval (BMW 530iA) is variable (max. 35,000 km, 2 years).

Parts prices

Front brake pads, €76.99 per set

Front brake discs, €451.52 per set

Wishbone front axle, €136.54 each

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, 245, 40 R19 98Y XL, each from €191.59

Headlight left, full LED, from €1,281.20

The prices apply to a BMW 530iA Touring built in 2019 and include VAT and exclude assembly.

Plus points BMW 5 Series

+ Great all-rounder

+ Large selection of engines

+ Modern equipment

+ Brilliant M5

Negative points of the BMW 5 Series

– Less sporty as standard

– Not a space miracle