The BMW 5 Series has long set the standard in the executive saloon class, and it remains a popular choice for UK buyers wanting a spacious, comfortable and well-equipped used car without stretching to a 7 Series budget. It’s cross-shopped heavily against the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6.
Because 5 Series cars are often bought new by company car and business users covering high annual mileage, the used market includes everything from immaculate low-mileage examples to well-used cars with six-figure mileages. This guide covers what to check and why the individual vehicle’s history matters more than the model’s badge.
Is the BMW 5 Series a Good Used Car?
The 5 Series is a strong used buy for someone wanting genuine executive comfort, refinement and driving dynamics. Reliability is generally solid when serviced correctly, though running costs, parts and tyres are noticeably higher than a mainstream family car.
It suits buyers who cover meaningful mileage and want a car that feels effortless on long journeys. It’s a less sensible choice for buyers doing mostly short trips, where diesel variants in particular can suffer from emissions system issues.
What to Check When Buying a Used BMW 5 Series
Depending on the specific model year and engine, check:
•
Bodywork and alloy wheels for damage, especially on larger wheel options
•
Tyre wear patterns, which can flag suspension or alignment issues
•
Brakes and discs, particularly on higher-mileage examples
•
Air suspension components, if fitted, for warning lights or sagging
•
Engine starting behaviour, especially diesels in cold conditions
•
Automatic gearbox smoothness through the full range of gears
•
Dashboard warning lights, especially engine management and DPF
•
Interior wear on the driver’s seat and controls relative to mileage
•
Full service history with stamps at the correct intervals
•
MOT history for recurring advisories
•
Mileage progression against the car’s age
•
Panel gaps and paint consistency for signs of accident repair
Common Problems With the BMW 5 Series
Problems vary significantly by generation and engine, so treat this as a checklist rather than a certainty.
Diesel engines can be prone to timing chain wear on some earlier units, along with DPF blockages on cars used mainly for short journeys. EGR valve issues are also worth checking on higher-mileage diesels, alongside turbo condition on cars that have covered significant miles.
If the car has air suspension, check for warning lights and that the car sits evenly, since air spring and compressor faults can be costly to fix. Electrical faults, including issues with the iDrive infotainment and various sensors, are more common on higher-mileage, older examples, so test everything thoroughly during a viewing.
Automatic gearboxes are generally robust, but ask whether the fluid has ever been changed, since many owners report smoother long-term performance despite BMW describing some units as sealed for life.
Which BMW 5 Series Engine Should You Buy?
Diesel remains the natural choice for buyers covering significant motorway mileage, offering strong fuel economy on long journeys but requiring regular high-speed running to keep the DPF clear. Petrol and hybrid variants suit buyers doing more mixed or urban driving, with fewer emissions-system concerns.
Almost all used 5 Series models come with an automatic gearbox, which is well suited to the car’s character. If you’ll regularly drive into a ULEZ or clean air zone, check the specific vehicle’s emissions standard before buying, especially on older diesel models.
What Mileage Is Too High for a BMW 5 Series?
There’s no fixed mileage limit for a car like this. A 5 Series with 120,000 documented motorway miles and a full service history can be a safer buy than a lower-mileage example that’s been poorly maintained or used mainly for short trips.
Look for consistency across the MOT history: steady mileage progression, servicing that matches the car’s age, and no unexplained jumps or gaps in the recorded figures.
Check the MOT and Vehicle History
Before travelling to view a used BMW 5 Series, it’s worth checking the vehicle’s registration and available history. This can reveal MOT advisories, mileage recorded at each test, and whether the figures match what the seller has told you.
CarVerified lets you start with a free vehicle check using just the registration number, covering MOT history, tax status and basic details. Given the value of cars in this class, a fuller car history check covering outstanding finance, write-off history and stolen markers is worth the extra reassurance before you commit to viewing.
Questions to Ask the Seller
•
How long have you owned the car, and why are you selling?
•
Is there a full main dealer or independent service history?
•
Has the timing chain or belt ever been inspected or replaced?
•
Has the DPF ever caused a warning light?
•
Does the car have air suspension, and has it needed any repairs?
•
Is there any outstanding finance on the vehicle?
•
Has the car ever been damaged or repaired?
•
Are all keys, the V5C and service history documents available?
•
Can I see the car started from cold?
How Much Should You Pay for a Used BMW 5 Series?
Price depends heavily on age, mileage, trim, engine and specification, along with condition and documented history. M Sport trim and higher-specification models typically command a premium, and a full main dealer history usually adds value compared with an identical car with an incomplete one. Accident history or a Category S or Category N marker significantly affects value, so a vehicle history check should always inform your offer.
Final Used BMW 5 Series Buying Checklist
✓ Check the registration and MOT history
✓ Check mileage history for consistency
✓ Check finance status before paying anything
✓ Check for write-off or stolen markers
✓ Review the full service history
✓ Inspect bodywork, alloys and suspension
✓ Test drive on motorway and urban roads
✓ Verify seller documentation, including the V5C
✓ Compare the price against similar listings
✓ Complete all checks before paying a deposit
Should You Buy a Used BMW 5 Series?
The BMW 5 Series remains one of the most convincing used executive saloons available in the UK, particularly for buyers covering real mileage who value comfort and refinement. The right example, with genuine service history and no hidden issues, can offer excellent value against a much newer, smaller car.
You can research the model all day, but the most important question is whether the specific car you’re looking at has a clean history. Before paying a deposit or travelling to view a vehicle, enter its registration into CarVerified and start with the free vehicle check.
Check Your Car Before You Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a used BMW 5 Series reliable?
Generally yes when properly serviced, though individual car history matters more than the model’s overall reputation.
What mileage is too high for a BMW 5 Series?
There’s no fixed limit. A well-documented, motorway-driven high-mileage car can be a safer buy than a poorly maintained lower-mileage one.
Is a BMW 5 Series expensive to run?
Running costs are higher than a mainstream saloon, with pricier parts, tyres and servicing typical of the executive class.
Which BMW 5 Series engine is best?
Diesel suits higher motorway mileage, while petrol or hybrid variants suit more mixed or urban driving patterns.
What should I check before buying a used BMW 5 Series?
Service history, MOT history, timing chain condition, air suspension health where fitted, and any dashboard warning lights, alongside a full vehicle history check.
Should I check the car’s history before buying?
Yes. A vehicle history check can reveal mileage inconsistencies, outstanding finance, write-off history and stolen markers before you commit to buying.