BMW 5 Series at the HU - elegant mile-muncher with quirks
A "wacky long-runner" is named the BMW 5 Series by the "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2024". The high performance of this model in the upper middle class does not go completely unnoticed, as the balance sheet at the vehicle inspection (HU) shows.
Business sedan, elegant mile-eater - this is how one could describe the 5 Series from BMW quite aptly. It is a frequently used model in the upper middle class with comfort and dynamic properties. It is supposed to embody nobility and luxury.
However, it goes against this image here and there in terms of its performance at the vehicle inspection (HU). One or the other defect can be attributed to its high performance.
Model History
Since 2024, the 5 Series has been in its eighth generation on the roads. The considered generations six (F10) and seven (G30) entered the market in 2010 and 2017, respectively. The F10 received a facelift in 2013, which brought design revisions and new safety features.
The successor G30 received its facelift in 2020 (optical measures at the front and rear, change in engine lineup) and retired in 2024.
Body and Variants
The 5 Series is available as a sedan and as a Touring, which BMW calls combis. In the sixth generation, the Touring bears the code F11, in the seventh G31.
Both versions come in long wheelbase versions, and plug-in hybrids were also produced. The sporty versions bear the traditional "M" in their names, with the M5 CS xDrive being the strongest, with 467 kW/635 PS.
Dimensions (according to ADAC, without long versions)
- sixth generation: 4.90 to 4.91 meters x 1.86 meters x 1.46 to 1.47 meters (L x W x H), trunk volume: 520 liters (sedan); 375 liters (Hybrid); 560 to 1670 liters (wagon)
- seventh generation: 4.94 to 4.97 meters x 1.87 to 1.90 meters x 1.47 to 1.50 meters (L x W x H), trunk volume: 530 liters (sedan); 410 liters (Hybrid); 570 to 1700 liters (wagon)
Strengths
In terms of suspension, everything is top-notch with the newer 5 Series. The drivetrain components are exemplary in both generations. The older model performs better in terms of lighting than the newer BMW and therefore above average.
Regarding the brake components, there is virtually no criticism in the "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2024" independent of the generation, neither in terms of wiring and hoses nor in the function of foot or parking brakes. The exhaust systems are also durable.
Weaknesses
With increased failure rates, the older 5 Series stands out in terms of axle mounts, especially at the third inspection at the age of seven years, as well as springs and shocks, starting from the third inspection.
"The steering gearboxes of the F10 approach the average failure rate but remain below it," according to the report. Starting from the fifth inspection, the front lighting of the F10 fails more frequently, and oil loss is a major issue for both generations, except for inspections four and five. Through the emissions inspection (AU), the 5er rattles starting from the second inspection every now and then.
Reliability
The 5 Series has held good or very good places in the ADAC reliability statistics for years. Among the reliability hotspots are cooling or heating hoses on vehicles with first registration years 2012 and 2013, generators and brake discs of the crankshaft (both 2010).
- Sixth Generation: Benziner (Four-, Six- and Eight-cylinder, Rear- and All-wheel drive): 184 PS/135 kW to 600 PS/441 kW; Diesel (Four-cylinder, Rear- and All-wheel drive): 143 PS/105 kW to 218 PS/160 kW; Hybrid (Six-cylinder and Electric motor, Rear-wheel drive): 340 PS/250 kW (System power)
- Seventh Generation: Benziner (Four-, Six- and Eight-cylinder, Rear- and All-wheel drive): 170 PS/125 kW to 635 PS/467 kW; Diesel (Four-cylinder, Rear- and All-wheel drive): 143 PS/105 kW to 218 PS/160 kW; Hybrid (Four- or Six-cylinder and Electric motor, Rear- and All-wheel drive): 204 PS/150 kW to 394 PS/290 kW (System power)
Dealer selling price according to German Automobile Trust (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers - three price examples
- 530i Touring (G31; 6/2017); 252 PS/185 kW (Four-cylinder); 118,000 kilometers; 22,811 Euro
- 518d (F10; 6/2013); 143 PS/105 kW (Four-cylinder); 202,000 kilometers; 8,546 Euro
- 530e xDrive (6/2020); 184 PS/135 kW (Plug-in-Hybrid); 73,000 kilometers; 26,176 Euro
The BMW 5 Series, despite being a popular choice for used cars in the upper middle class, sometimes experiences issues during the TÜV inspection due to its high performance. Many used BMW 5 Series models, particularly those in their eighth generation, are TÜV-certified and offer a balance between comfort and performance, embodying nobility and luxury.
