In-depth reviews

BMW 5 Series review (2017-2024): owner reviews

"The BMW 5 Series held onto its place at the top of the executive saloon class"

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18 Jun 2024

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18

Carbuyer Rating

4.1 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

75%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Electrics (1 case)

Review 1 of 4

Tell us what you think about your car?

Having owned a 2013 Mercedes E-class and 2012 Audi A6 in recent years, I decided to buy a high mileage 135k mile BMW 520d, as the car had just had £1500 spent on a timing chain/service. Being the SE it came with 17" wheels and the ride is sublime on the smaller alloys, handling is sure footed and the brakes have great feel, performance from the 4-cylinder is adequate and 6 speed gearbox superb. The interior fixings and features are of the best quality now to the best part, this is a 1.8-tonne executive car and has never returned less than 47mpg, and at 60mph on a motorway an amazing 67mpg - plus I can cruise all day at higher speeds and it still returns over 50mpg. It is simply the best and most reliable executive car i have owned, the build quality, performance and economy cannot be beaten. The car is serviced regularly at a local independent BMW specialist at a fraction of the cost of the dealer using genuine BMW parts, this car is as cheap to run as a Ford Focus and has far less depreciation, I would only consider an exchange for a 530d for the extra performance and auto gearbox.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

A great estate car. Having had five Land Rovers over 15 years I have found my first BMW to be a complete new world for reliability, comfort and excellent customer service.

What's the one thing you like most about your car?

Reliability, looks, economy, comfort.

If you could improve one thing, what would it be?

Nothing

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

This is my third BMW. Loved this car until now. Quiet, comfortable, economical with all the performance I need. But, now it’s just out of warranty, it’s let me down. The iDrive has packed up, it just keeps trying to boot up every two minutes. BMW has just quoted me £1,400 to fit a new iDrive head unit which by the way is on worldwide back order (presumably because of demand) so I don’t know when it will be fixed. So no sat nav, Bluetooth, radio, music, tyre pressure checks, oil level check. I can’t adjust any settings normally done on the iDrive.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Moved from Audi A6 (2016 black addition 2.0tdi Ultra) which was a beautifully built car. That said the BMW is built just as beautifully, the refinement of the car and driving experience is a pleasure. The 530e (m sport) has all the power you would need day to day and can keep the hot hatches at bay in most cases. I generally use my car day to day on the motorway where it is comfortable, quite and an ease to drive. The only negative I have with the car is the claimed MPG by BMW, it ain’t what it says on the tin ! So if you want a frugal 5 series go for the 520d if you want a powerful yet fairly frugal 5 series go for the 530d. However if you are like me and want the best BIK as a company car driver, reasonable MPG and great performance go for the 530e. I highly recommend this car for its refinement, performance and tech.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up