Used BMW 5 Series for sale in Europe

About the BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is a rear-wheel-drive executive car that BMW has built since the early 1970s. Most buyers know it as a four-door saloon. A Touring estate has been offered in most generations. It suits drivers who want a roomy car for long motorway journeys and daily use.

Engines have changed a lot over the years. Older cars use petrol straight-six engines, with V8s in some versions. Later generations added four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Newer cars add mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Automatic gearboxes are very common, and many newer cars offer all-wheel drive.

Used listings span a very wide age range. A car from the 1990s and a current-generation model are very different purchases. It helps to pick a generation first, then compare engines, equipment and condition across countries.

Generations

• E34 (1988-1996) — Sold as a saloon and, from the early 1990s, as a Touring estate, with six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and V8 petrol versions.
• E39 (1995-2003) — Saloon and Touring with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, and a reputation for balanced handling.
• E60/E61 (2003-2010) — E60 is the saloon and E61 the Touring; this generation brought the iDrive control system to the 5 Series.
• F10/F11 (2010-2017) — F10 is the saloon and F11 the Touring; four-cylinder engines became common alongside sixes and V8s, and an eight-speed automatic was widely used.
• G30/G31 (2016-2023) — G30 is the saloon and G31 the Touring; the range included mild-hybrid diesels and the 530e plug-in hybrid.
• G60/G61 (2023-present) — The current generation is offered with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines, plus the fully electric i5.

Typical prices

Asking prices in our listings rise steadily with each newer model year. Cars from the 2000s sit well below the overall median asking price of €18,000. Listings with model year 2010 have a median of €9,000, and model year 2017 has a median of €21,000. Model year 2026 listings have a median of €64,900, and these include newer hybrid and electric versions. Within one year, prices still spread widely because of engine, equipment level, mileage and country. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.

Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.

What to check when buying a used BMW 5 Series

Start with the service history and check that the mileage looks consistent across documents. Then inspect the car in daylight, with a cold start and a test drive that includes motorway speed.

• Rust and body condition · E34, E39

  Look at wheel arches, sills, door bottoms and the boot area for corrosion. Check underneath for rust on subframes and brake lines. Cars of this age can hide repairs, so look for uneven panel gaps and overspray.

• Cooling system and suspension · E39

  Plastic parts in the cooling system, such as the expansion tank and radiator connections, are widely reported to age. Check for coolant loss and overheating. Listen for knocks from worn suspension bushes and joints on the test drive.

• Timing chain wear · N47 diesel, E60 and F10

  The four-cylinder N47 diesel has a timing chain at the rear of the engine, and wear on some cars is widely discussed. Listen for rattling on a cold start. Ask for invoices showing any chain work and avoid cars with unexplained noises.

• Petrol engine timing chain · N20 petrol, F10

  Some four-cylinder N20 petrol engines have been reported with timing chain and guide wear. Listen for rattling at start-up and check for warning lights. Ask whether the chain has been inspected or replaced, and look for regular oil changes.

• Automatic gearbox behaviour

  Most used 5 Series cars have an automatic gearbox. On the test drive, check that shifts are smooth and that there is no slipping, jerking or delay when pulling away. Ask whether gearbox fluid has been changed and when.

• Plug-in hybrid checks · G30, G60 plug-in hybrid

  Plug-in versions have used battery packs of 9.2 kWh and 12 kWh. Check that the car charges on a normal socket, that the charging cable is included and undamaged, and that there are no hybrid system warnings.

• Electronics and warning lights

  Newer cars carry a lot of electronics. Test the iDrive screen, parking sensors, cameras, seat adjustment and climate control. Check that no warning lights stay on after start-up. Ask for a diagnostic printout if anything looks doubtful.

Frequently asked questions