Used BMW 5 Series review: 2003-2010

Graham Smith reviews the BMW 5 Series between 2003 and 2010 as a used buy.

BMW’s mid-sizer was the perfect combination of performance, comfort and uber luxury

New

The BMW 5 Series has long been the mid-size benchmark.

Holden even used it as a key marker when developing the original Commodore in the late 1970s.

Back then it didn’t have too many rivals but today the 5 Series has to contend with several competitors in a much more crowded marketplace.

Even so, it retains its appeal. For some that appeal begins and ends with the blue-and-white spinner badge on the bonnet but most 5 Series buyers appreciate its silky-smooth blend of performance, road holding, comfort and luxury.

Open the door and you found an attractive and welcoming interior: neat and simple, ergonomically efficient and characterised by premium materials and quality finishes.

The E60 5 Series, born in the middle of BMW’s experimentation with styling, managed to avoid much of the design excess and arrived as an attractive model with elegant proportions and finely defined lines.

The first E60s rolled into local showrooms in 2003 and many sedan and wagon models were added and revised over its seven-year lifespan.

Open the door and you found an attractive and welcoming interior: neat and simple, ergonomically efficient and characterised by premium materials and quality finishes.

There was good leg and headroom for four, five at a squeeze, and the boot was a decent size.

Under the bonnet you could find one of the numerous engine options, from a modest turbo diesel to a thundering V8.

There were trademark in-line petrol sixes of the sort that BMW is renowned for, in 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre capacity, and the V8s ranged from 4.0-litre to 4.8-litre displacement over the model’s life.

The turbo diesels were a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre six.

All delivered good performance for their purpose, even the small six, which had a strong mid-range and a willingness to rev if needed. All were linked to six-speed auto transmissions and drove through the rear wheels. On the road the E60 was smooth, refined and well-balanced.

Roadholding was fine and there was little noise for occupants.

Now

The earliest E60s are getting up towards 200,000km, which should signal the need for caution on the part of anyone buying a used example.

BMWs have massive showroom appeal, the driving experience rewarding but, particularly as the kays climb, they are liable to breakdown like any other car.

The good news is that owners are generally happy with their cars and report few if any problems.

Lift the 5 Series bonnet and check that the engine is clean and free of oil leaks. Look especially around oil filters, rocker covers and front timing chain covers.

Also check for leaks from water pumps, radiators and plastic fittings used in the cooling system.

The 5 Series is loaded with sophisticated tech, such as the iDrive, and it’s important to run through all of the functions to make sure they work.

Make sure you check the head-up display, as this is known to be troublesome, and is expensive to repair.

Also take note of the interior, which should be clean, tidy and free of rips or tears, or cracked leather. Check the headlining to make sure it’s not sagging, as they are prone to do.

The good news is that owners are generally happy with their cars and report few if any problems.

The allure of the badge can sometimes blind buyers who choose to ignore the cost of running a car like the BMW.

Parts are expensive, as are brakes and tyres, which need replacing relatively regularly.

BMWs are expensive to service at a dealer. It’s highly recommended you find a specialist mechanic, who will almost certainly service your car for much less than a dealer and supply more affordable parts.

Unbeatable driving experience in a refined, attractive package.

Owners say

Ronald Dove: I bought a new 2008 530d and in 2014, with 99,900km on the clock, traded it in for another BMW. With one significant exception, its performance, economy and reliability were first class and it’s probably the best car I’ve driven in over 50 years. My only disappointment was with the head-up display, which failed altogether just outside the warranty period. It was going to cost $5849 to replace including labour (the dash would have to be removed). Neither BMW nor the dealer would help. I chose not have it replaced. It seems it’s a common problem.

Bruce Marshall: I have owned a 2007 520d from 2009. I bought it with 30,000km and it now has 114,000km. It is exceptionally reliable, extremely comfortable, especially on a long drive, economical and a pleasure to drive. On a trip we get between 5.0L and 5.5L/100km. On one occasion I got just under 1400km on one tank. Being an ex-BMW car it has lots of options, including a HUD, which is fantastic. There is some wind noise from the sunroof. It once went into “limp home” due to a faulty sensor, which was fixed under warranty.

James Manson: I drive a 2005 545i. It’s a good balance between luxury and performance. It’s powerful, fast, agile around corners, as well as being comfortable. The only issue is the cost of servicing, parts, tyres and brakes.

At a glance

Prince new: $87,400-$103,400
Price now:
520d - $18,500-$23,500,
523i - $14,000-$20,000,
525i - $10,000-$27,500,
530d - $15,000-$40,400,
530i wagon - $14,500-$28,000,
540i - $15,000-$24,000,
545i - $15,000-$21,000,
550i - $20,000-$48,500
Safety: 4-star ANCAP
Engines: 2.5-litre 6-cyl, 141kW/245Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cyl, 170kW/300Nm; 4.0-litre V8, 225kW/390Nm; 4.4-litre V8, 245kW/450Nm; 4.8-litre V8, 270kW/490Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbodiesel, 125kW/340Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo diesel, 160kW/480Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto; RWD
Thirst: 6.1L-10.8L/100km

Also consider

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2003-10 - 4 stars - Comfortable, refined, quiet, with performance to spare and roadholding to match. A class act. Pay between $14,000-$58,000.

Lexus GS 2003-10 - 4 stars - Quality aplenty, reliable, dynamic, the only thing it lacks is the badge. Pay between $7500-$26,500.

Audi A6 2003-10 - 4 stars - Packed with technology, the other German is safe, sound and a worthy rival. Pay between $14,000-$36,000.

Would you prefer a 5 Series to an E-Class, GS, or A6? Let us know in the comments below.

Click here to see more BMW 5 Series pricing and spec info.