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BMW 5 Series

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BMW 5 Series Review, For Sale, Colours, Models, Interior & News

The BMW 5 Series may well be known as a police car in some Australian states these days, but the Bavarian luxury brand’s large sedan has a history dating back to 1972.

The 5 Series Touring wagon joined the fray in 1990 and has been part of the mix ever since, and over the seven generations of 5 Series the model has grown into a technologically-focused, high-end vehicle offering unsurpassed levels of safety technology. A performance variant – the BMW M5 – has also carved its own niche as one of the brawniest battle sedans on the market.

The BMW 5 Series range starts at $114,900 for the 5 Series 5 20I M Sport Mhev, and spans all the way up to $114,900 for the flagship 5 Series 5 20I M Sport Mhev.
 

BMW 5 Series Models Price and Specs

The price range for the BMW 5 Series varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $114,900 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2024 Sedan 2.0L, —, 8 SP $114,900 $114,900
2023 Wagon 3.0L, Diesel, 8 SP
2023 Sedan 2.0L, PULP, 8 SP $96,470 $174,020
2022 Wagon 3.0L, Diesel, 8 SP
2022 Sedan 2.0L, PULP, 8 SP $85,910 $158,400
2021 Wagon 3.0L, Diesel, 8 SP
2021 Sedan 2.0L, PULP, 8 SP $66,440 $140,690
2020 Wagon 2.0L, Diesel, 8 SP AUTO $89,210
2020 Sedan 2.0L, PULP, 8 SP AUTO $51,150 $134,970
See All BMW 5 Series Pricing and Specs

BMW 5 Series Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the BMW 5 Series here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • Should I buy an electric car now or later?

    It’s definitely true that the march of new-car technology is making big changes to the cars we’re being offered almost on a monthly basis. So, if your current car is just three years old, it might be worth holding on to it and waiting for the next big thing to arrive in showrooms. Certainly, by trading-in at just three years, you’ll pretty much max out the depreciation you’ll suffer in financial terms.

    But by waiting, you might find that you can buy an electric vehicle and be able to tap into newer and better infrastructure that will be in place in another few years, rather than put up with the relatively sparse charging-station network currently in this country.

    At the moment, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid is a pretty good way to go, provided you use the vehicle mostly in an urban setting, rather than long-distance freeway journeys where the hybrid tech is less advantageous. A hybrid is not exactly future-proof, but it’s a good next step for a lot of Australian car-owners.

     

    As for what brand is best, the tech is getting better and better as time goes by, so it’s likely to be build date rather than brand that will determine the efficiency of the vehicle in question. That said, car owners can’t hold off forever when it comes to upgrading, so for the moment, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid is a logical next car. We’re particularly impressed by the current-model Toyota Camry which is good value to buy, a classy driving experience and offers hybrid fuel efficiency in the right environment. Such cars will be a lot of Australian families’ first hybrid, and rightly so.

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  • Why is the coolant system on my 2004 BMW 525i losing pressure?

    Did you replace the coolant tank because the vehicle was losing coolant in the first place? If so, there’s a chance that even though the coolant tank is brand new, there could be a leak from somewhere else in the system (that’s allowing the system to lose pressure, as you’ve identified). Possibilities include the radiator itself or even a head gasket, not to mention any one of a number of plastic fittings that control the flow of coolant to the engine and the car’s heating system. But don’t rule out the simple stuff, either; even the humble radiator cap or loose hose-clamp can allow pressure to leak from a cooling system.

    The problem with a lot of imported cars is that they tend to use lots of plastic components in their plumbing systems. As they age (and at 16 years old, your car is hardly in the first flush of youth) these fittings and couples become brittle and can begin to leak or even fall apart altogether. In colder climates, these plastic bits and pieces don’t present the same problems to the same degree, but here in Australia, our hot-climate heat-cycles are not appreciated by some makes and models. Combine that with a modern, pressurised cooling system, and you have yourself a problem.

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  • BMW 535 2011: Using fuel additives

    I can’t see any reason for using a fuel additive, particularly as you use high-octane fuel.

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  • BMW 5-Series 2006: Where is the oil tank located?

    Oil is added through the cap on the rocker cover on top of the engine, fuel is added through the filler cap on the right rear quarter panel. If in doubt check the owner's manual.

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See All BMW 5 Series Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

BMW 5 Series Colours

In true BMW style, there are plenty of colours available and some of them are eye-wateringly expensive. The only freebie is Alpine White, a solid colour. For $2000 you can have Black Sapphire, Carbon Black, Bluestone, Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey and Bernina Grey Amber Effect.

Tanzanite Blue, Alvite Grey and Aventurine Red are $4500 while Brilliant White is $6500.

Frozen cashmere Silver and Frozen Dark Silver are $7000. Frozen Brilliant White is $9100 and Pure Metal Silver a scarcely believable $15,350.

  • Alpine White
  • Carbon Black
  • Black Sapphire
  • Black
  • Sophisto Grey
  • Phytonic Blue
  • Bluestone
  • Tanzanite Blue
  • Alvite Grey
  • Pure Metal Silver
  • Frozen Cashmere Silver
  • Frozen Dark Silver
  • Brilliant White
  • Frozen Brilliant White
  • Adventure Red
  • Bernina Grey Amber
To confirm current colour availability, please check the manufacturer's website. Shown above are the colours for the BMW 5 Series 2021.

BMW 5 Series Interior

As standard, the interior is upholstered in synthetic leather, Alcantara, or depending on the grade Merino leather.

The interior is spacious and relatively simple, with physical controls in the centre console and a pair of large screens headlining the dash.

BMW 5 Series Dimensions

The dimensions of the BMW 5 Series Sedan and Wagon vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2024 Sedan 1515x1900x5060 mm 154 mm
2023 Wagon 1498x1868x4963 mm 140 mm
2023 Sedan 1479x1868x4936 mm 144 mm
2022 Wagon 1498x1868x4963 mm 140 mm
2022 Sedan 1479x1868x4936 mm 144 mm
2021 Wagon 1498x1868x4963 mm 140 mm
2021 Sedan 1479x1868x4936 mm 144 mm
2020 Sedan 1479x1868x4936 mm 144 mm
2020 Wagon 1498x1868x4963 mm 140 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All BMW 5 Series Dimensions

BMW 5 Series Accessories

Standard in the 5 Series is 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch multimedia display with BMW's Operating System 8.5, plus a head-up display, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging tray and BMW’s ‘new’ Interaction Bar are included.

Adaptive LED headlights, automatic boot opening, an M design kit with front and rear aprons, side sills, and BMW’s Iconic Glow kidney grille surround are found outside.

The i5 gains over the petrol variant a Merino leather interior, metallic paint, a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and aerodynamic 20-inch wheels standard.

BMW 5 Series Fuel Consumption

The BMW 5 Series is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by —, Hyb/PULP, Diesel and PULP fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 2.3L/100km for Sedan /Hyb/PULP for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2024 Sedan 2.0L 8 SP
2023 Sedan 2.0L 8 SP
2023 Sedan 2.3L/100km 2.0L Hyb/PULP 8 SP AUTO
2023 Sedan 5.1L/100km 3.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
2023 Sedan 6.2L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP
2023 Wagon 5.2L/100km 3.0L Diesel 8 SP
2022 Sedan 2.3L/100km 2.0L Hyb/PULP 8 SP AUTO
2022 Sedan 5.1L/100km 3.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
2022 Sedan 6.2L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP
2022 Wagon 5.2L/100km 3.0L Diesel 8 SP
2021 Sedan 2.3L/100km 2.0L Hyb/PULP 8 SP AUTO
2021 Sedan 5.1L/100km 3.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
2021 Sedan 6.2L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP
2021 Wagon 5.2L/100km 3.0L Diesel 8 SP
2020 Sedan 2.3L/100km 2.0L Hyb/PULP 8 SP AUTO
2020 Sedan 5.1L/100km 3.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
2020 Sedan 6.2L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP AUTO
2020 Wagon 6.4L/100km 3.0L Diesel 8 SP
2020 Wagon 6.5L/100km 2.0L PULP 8 SP AUTO
* Combined fuel consumption See All BMW 5 Series Pricing and Specs for 2024

BMW 5 Series Engine

The 520i has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder puts out a modest 153kW and 330Nm, with power and torque sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The mid-spec eDrive40 has a rear-mounted electric motor capable of 250kW/430Nm, while the M60 has front- and rear-mounted motors for all-wheel drive and a total 442kW/820Nm.

BMW 5 Series Wheel Size

The BMW 5 Series has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 245x45 R19 for Sedan in 2024.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2024 Sedan 245x45 R19 245x45 R19
2023 Sedan 245x40 R19 275x35 R19
2023 Wagon 245x40 R19 275x35 R19
2022 Sedan 245x40 R19 275x35 R19
2022 Wagon 245x40 R19 275x35 R19
2021 Sedan 245x40 R19 275x35 R19
2021 Wagon 245x40 R19 275x35 R19
2020 Wagon 245x40 R19 275x35 R19
2020 Sedan 245x45 R18 18x8 inches 245x45 R18 18x8 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All BMW 5 Series Wheel Sizes

BMW 5 Series Boot Space

The boot is smaller than the standard car's as there is a lithium-ion battery hidden underneath the now-sloping floor. With 410 litres, it's smaller than a 3 Series' but it doesn't look that small. There is also a spot for the charging cable and its bag behind the left wheel arch.

BMW 5 Series Boot space BMW 5 Series Boot space
Shown above are boot space details for the BMW 5 Series 2021.

BMW 5 Series Towing Capacity

The BMW 5 Series has no towing capacity for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
2024 Sedan 0kg 0kg
2023 Sedan 0kg 2000kg
2023 Wagon 2000kg 2000kg
2022 Sedan 2000kg 2000kg
2022 Wagon 2000kg 2000kg
2021 Sedan 2000kg 2000kg
2021 Wagon 2000kg 2000kg
2020 Sedan 0kg 2000kg
2020 Wagon 2000kg 2000kg
See All Towing Capacity for BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series Seats

The BMW 5 Series has five seats, with the main four seats boasting generous space thanks to the car's long wheelbase and five-metre length.

The central rear seat is comfortable by sedan standards for an adult on a relatively short trip.

BMW 5 Series Speed

The base petrol 520i will hit 100km/h in a claimed 7.5 seconds, while the electric eDrive40 takes less as 6.0 seconds.

The M-tuned i5 M60 xDrive is rather quick though, with a claimed 3.8 seconds.

BMW 5 Series Range

BMW claims the petrol 520i sips 6.7 litres per 100km from its 60-litre fuel tank, so it has a theoretical range of 896km if it was possible to achieve the claimed fuel consumption figure for the duration of the whole tank.

The i5 variants both use the same 84kWh battery, the eDrive40 using 16.56kWh per 100km, and the M60 using 18kWh.

The eDrive40 has a claimed 550km maximum range, while the M60 has a 506km figure.