The BMW 5 Sequence debuted in 1972 and has been a mainstay of the model ever since. However BMW has made loads of modifications by way of the automotive’s eight generations. In consequence, the BMW 5 Sequence possession expertise — and driving expertise — varies wildly. After all, that’s regular for the uncommon nameplate with 50 years of heritage behind it. Whether or not you’re drawn to the older fashions for his or her iconic styling and unparalleled steering or dodging depreciation by shopping for a couple of years away from brand-new, every 5 Sequence technology has one thing to look out for in the case of widespread points and reliability.
First Era BMW 5 Sequence (E12)
The primary technology 5 Sequence debuted in 1972, and even the most recent E12 is sort of forty-five years outdated. Manufacturing ran till 1981, however opposite to our regular recommendation, we’d say the older the higher. Assuming you aren’t importing a model from one other nation — though you may — US variations have been restricted to 1975 mannequin years and up. The excellent news there may be that the 530i got here with a 3.0-liter M30 inline-six. Even early M30s are pretty stout however do have occasional points regarding oil and water pumps. Common valve changes ought to be a precedence, as ought to cooling system checkups (and a coolant flush each few years). Lastly, there was a class-action lawsuit for the exhaust fuel recirculation system (EGR), although by now I think about these have been changed on effected automobiles.
By 1979 the 530i grew to become the 528i, and energy went down. The two.8-liter model of the M30 isn’t largely totally different from the three.0-liter engine, however does function extra emissions controls like a catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. These added complexities are simply extra issues to interrupt. That mentioned, the five-speed BMW added in 1980 is a pleasant little bit of package. And, it ought to be famous that the M30 is hardly unreliable.
Wanting outdoors of the US market, the holy grail of the lineup is clearly the vaunted M535i, predecessor to the M5 and powered by an M1-derived M30B35 engine. These are actually extraordinarily high-dollar automobiles, and we advocate merely getting a pre-purchase inspection earlier than touching one. Nearer to most customers’ budgets are M10- and M20-powered automobiles; the latter an inline-six and the previous a straight 4.
The M20 is a superb possibility as a result of, just like the M30, it remained in manufacturing till the mid/late Nineteen Nineties. So, plentiful components and many data. The M20 notably makes use of a timing belt, as properly. Apart from its astonishingly low energy (beneath 100 horsepower in some circumstances) the M10 can also be pretty dependable, sans valve information and camshaft put on from poor upkeep habits. Regardless, the age of those automobiles virtually ensures loads of unknowns that may differ from instance to instance. There are safer reliability bets to be made within the BMW 5 Sequence lineup. Even in the event you’re trying classic.
Second Era BMW 5 Sequence (E28)
BMW produced the E28 5 Sequence from 1981 till 1988, stuffing four- and six-cylinder engines beneath the hood. However the first mannequin to return to the US was the 528e in 1982, which makes use of a 2.7-liter M20 engine. The M20 is a superb engine with plenty of components round (in remained in manufacturing till the Nineteen Nineties). It’s also possible to step out of the “28” and Eta league with the 533i, which makes use of the M30 inline-six. It’s as stalwart right here as it’s in some other utility. It’s also possible to discover the M30 beneath the hood of the 535i and M535i. We wouldn’t advocate selecting up the oddball 524td (diesel) variant, however they aren’t too dangerous to take care of both.
The E28 technology additionally launched the primary M5. The M88/3 is an much more instantly associated to the M1 than the previous technology’s M535i. Like with the earlier technology, these automobiles have grow to be extraordinarily high-dollar so we advocate getting a superb pre-purchase inspection earlier than pulling the set off. The US-spec S38 engine is an early iteration displacing 3.5 liters that gives nice energy however can require consideration (and money) if not correctly maintained. No matter powertrain, the E28 is pretty vulnerable to rust, significantly across the entrance fenders, license plate lights, and trunk. Dashboards will crack, too, and ensure to play with all of the electronics. Radios, gauge clusters, and (in fact) window regulators are all occasional hassle spots.
Third Era BMW 5 Sequence (E34)
The third technology BMW E34 5 Sequence ran from 1988 till 1996. In consequence, there are a handful of recent applied sciences that may make these automobiles each higher to drive and extra sophisticated. With practically a dozen totally different engines, there’s so much to cowl, too. The M20 returns beneath the hood of early 520i and 525i fashions. The M30, too, comes again, within the pre-1991 530i and all 535i/535is fashions. As talked about elsewhere, these stout and extremely popular engines are nice, requiring little extra previous common upkeep. New to the E34 is the M50 engine. The M50 succeeds the M20, utilizing a timing chain quite than belt.
Notably, M50 engines produced after 1992 may also have VANOS, including complexity. A pre-1992 M50 is preferable to both an M20 or post-92 strictly when it comes to reliability. Yow will discover them within the 525i and 520i/520is, which after 1992 use a TU model that will get VANOS. The 524td exists, however you’d be higher served by the 525td which replaces it. The brand new M51 engine makes higher energy and is hardly any much less dependable than the motor it replaces. European markets noticed the introduction of recent four-cylinder engines, the M40 and later M43. The M43 is the superior model, gaining a timing chain, new curler rockers for the valve prepare, and extra energy.
Lastly: the E34 technology additionally launched the V8 engine to the BMW 5 Sequence. The early M60 V8 used Nikasil coatings, which by now are both changed or aren’t going to current points. M60s are also susceptible to timing chain information failure and cooling system points. The E34 M5 makes use of a brand new S38, bored to three.8 liters, and remains to be typically accepted to be pretty dependable. The E34, in any other case, isn’t a lot totally different than searching for an E28. Just like the E28 and some other 30+ year-old automotive, rust, worn suspension parts, and pale/cracked trim items will probably be widespread points, and checking the electronics before you purchase is a good suggestion.
Fourth Era BMW 5 Sequence (E39)
BMW introduced the E39 5 Sequence to market in 1995 internationally, however right here within the States you’ll solely discover them post-1997. The E39 BMW 5 Sequence was manufactured till 2004 and is a large fan favourite for its elegant seems, good energy, and fascinating steering. One other glorious level for the E39 BMW 5 Sequence is that solely inline-six and V8 engines have been beneath the hood. Notably the pleasant M52 and M54 inline-six engines (early fashions used the M52). Each engines are mechanically related and suffering from comparatively small, however persistent points that embrace the cooling system, DISA valve, and oil filter housing gasket. VANOS reappears right here, inherited from the M50, and could be a potential ache level.
V8 engines are current on the 535i, 540i, and M5 fashions. The M62 V8 is far improved from the M60, but it surely’s nonetheless a tricky promote from a reliability standpoint. VANOS points are extra widespread right here than within the six-cylinder non-M variants, cooling system points persist, timing chain guides are an actual drawback, and it’s sure to go away a little bit of oil in all places it goes. The S62 within the M5, whereas wonderful, may also require an open checkbook, exhibiting nearly all the similar issues because the M62 with the added annoyance of rod bearing failure. An oz of prevention is price a pound of remedy, which is exactly why well-maintained V8 E39s will fetch fairly a premium.
The E39 BMW 5 Sequence is a wonderful driver’s automotive, but it surely’s positively not probably the most dependable option to get right into a 5 Sequence. Late Nineteen Nineties BMW issues persist right here — though, the excellent news is that high quality begins taking an uptick after this level. So, window regulators and lifeless pixels within the sprint merely include the territory. Different E39 points embrace inside and exterior trim cracking, trunk wiring fraying, and shock amber warnings within the sprint (ABS/DSC/BRAKE) due to defective sensors. The very good factor in regards to the E39 is that it nonetheless has an amazing neighborhood — you possibly can take a look at the perfect hyperlinks right here.
Fifth Era BMW 5 Sequence (E60)
The E60 5 Sequence’ greatest declare to fame is the V10 powering the M5 of its day; and we’ll begin there. That is a kind of automobiles the place if you need to ask, it’s in all probability a foul concept. Whereas not inherently unreliable, bills mount rapidly, and the S85 engine has no scarcity of widespread failure factors. Excessive oil consumption, rod bearing put on, VANOS failure, and throttle actuator failure are high-dollar and high-frequency issues. Window regulators, idle valve actuator, and little (however essential) issues like oil coolers can rapidly inhale a lot of your upkeep finances, too. The S85 is hands-down my favourite BMW engine…in idea. A pre-purchase inspection (and pre-purchase oil evaluation, if attainable) is price its weight in gold right here.
Within the US, the E60 additionally got here completely with eight- and six-cylinder engines, like its predecessor. The M54 sits beneath the hood of early, non-turbo fashions. It’s a superb, strong engine with comparatively few main issues. Count on cooling system, DISA valve, and oil filter housing gasket points. The M54 is later changed by the N52, which is arguably among the best and most underrated engines BMW ever made. Points are few, and mirror what you count on from an M54 engine. The warmer 535i bought the N54 engine, which tends to lean again onto the unreliable aspect of issues. Count on woes surrounding the gas pumps, water pump and cooling techniques, injectors, spark plugs/coil packs, cost pipes, and turbo wastegates. Gaskets, too, appear to wear down fast on these automobiles, primarily valve cowl gaskets and oil filter housing gaskets.
The N62 engine additionally makes an look within the 545i and 550i fashions. Whereas not all turbo V8s from BMW are dangerous investments, the N62 is nothing in need of a cash pit, typically talking. Smaller points are coolant leaks, SAIS (secondary air injection system) failure, coolant Y-pipe failure, and alternator brackets. Greater issues like valve stem seal and valve cowl gasket failure are additionally frequent. Then there’s Valvetronic motor oil leaks and oil pump verify valve failure to consider. Whereas arguably the E60 is a step up when it comes to inside high quality from the E39, it takes a number of steps backwards when contemplating long-term possession. Except, in fact, you’re ready. We gained’t argue — the V8 and V10 engines ship prodigious energy and are, to some, well worth the effort and money. For what it’s price, there’s a complete PDF surrounding E60 possession that circulates the online and each potential/present proprietor ought to learn. I’m completely satisfied to supply it in the event you get in contact. No different 5 Sequence chassis has that, for higher or for worse.
Sixth Era BMW 5 Sequence (F10)
The F10 BMW 5 Sequence debuted in 2010 and introduced new, turbocharged engines together with an outdated favourite. The N52 inline-six seems right here in non-turbo fashions; that’s, the 528i within the US. Elsewhere you’ll discover the N55 inline-six within the 535i fashions, which is a barely improved-upon model of the N54 within the E60. From 2012 on the 528i makes use of the N20B20 turbocharged four-cylinder, which is unfortunately infamous for timing chain failures. A recall exists for pre-2015 fashions, so ensure that’s taken care of. In any other case it isn’t too dangerous of a mill. High quality, total, of the F10 BMW 5 Sequence is sweet; you may encounter armrest put on or beat-up buttons that get touched steadily (steering wheel/local weather management, and many others), however aside from that, the F10 is generally standing as much as the check of time.
By the F10, getting V8 energy in a 5 Sequence is lastly on the level the place it may be had with out a second mortgage for upkeep wants. The N63 engine seems on the high of the non-M lineup, the 550i. From 2014 on, the 550i bought the up to date “N63TU” engine, a vastly improved 4.4-liter from each the N62 items and the sooner N63 (which was arguably even worse than the N62). Shockingly, the perfect V8 right here is the one beneath the hood of the full-blown M5. Regardless of some regular BMW woes — VANOS, cooling, rod bearings, and timing chain guides — the powerplant remains to be total much less troublesome than the N-code V8 engines on this utility.
Seventh Era BMW 5 Sequence (G30 and F90)
It’s nonetheless somewhat early to evaluate long-term reliability on the seventh and eighth gen automobiles, however we’ve a good suggestion who the standouts of the technology are. The G30 5 Sequence makes use of solely turbocharged engines; the meat and potatoes of that are B48 inline-fours and B58 inline-sixes. Each are good engines with comparatively few persistent issues. Gaskets (oil filter housing and valve cowl) are semi-regular on the B58; coolant and oil leaks and cost pipe failure are occasional B48 woes. The most important unknowns of the G30 BMW 5 Sequence are the 530e iPerformance and 545e hybrid fashions; we’d steer clear except you actually, completely want a hybrid. (Trace: you in all probability don’t.)
On the greater finish lurks the V8-powered M550i xDrive and the almighty F90 M5. All variations of the M550i xDrive are pretty dependable by now, as a result of all of them use at the least a twice-updated N63TU engine. 2020 mannequin yr and newer automobiles would be the most dependable, that includes much more mechanical modifications that may probably see these automobiles operating even a decade from this writing with little greater than common upkeep. The F90 M5 makes use of a newly-updated S63, the S63B44T4. Up to now, the outlook is fairly good on this engine: simply keep in mind to finances appropriately for upkeep.
Eighth Era BMW 5 Sequence (G60 and G90)
As with the G30, the eighth technology of the BMW 5 Sequence G60 remains to be somewhat bit too new to precisely decide long-term reliability. Proper now, we count on the B58-powered fashions (540i xDrive) to final the longest, however we’re positive the four-cylinder fashions gained’t be slouches, both. The G90 M5 and G99 M5 Touring now depend on a hybrid system, which can have extreme impacts on resale and reliability within the coming 5 or 6 years. Sadly, all we will actually do is wait and see.
Conclusion: BMW 5 Sequence Fashions, Ranked By Reliability
Whereas a few of my favourite BMW fashions seem on this listing, evaluating every solely on the metric of normal reliability is kind of a unique feat than merely ranking my favorites. So as of reliability, we’d fee the E28 5 Sequence as probably the most dependable total. On the least dependable aspect, we’d put the E60. A whole listing would look one thing like this:
- E28
- G30 and F90 (G60 and G90, too…for now)
- E12
- F10
- E34
- E39
- E60
After all, there are caveats right here, too. An N52-powered E60, for instance, is prone to be much more dependable long-term than, say, a V8-powered E34. It’s essential — particularly as these automobiles age — to guage every automotive on a person foundation. Sadly, service historical past can wildly differ from one automotive to the following. And that has a commensurate end result on how “dependable” your new 5 Sequence is likely to be. Good luck on the market — chances are you’ll want it.
Continuously Requested Questions About BMW 5 Sequence Reliability
Which BMW 5 Sequence technology is probably the most dependable?
The E28 technology (1981–1988) is broadly thought of probably the most dependable, due to its less complicated mechanical parts, sturdy inline-six engines, and minimal electronics.
Are BMW V8 engines dependable?
Some are, however many V8s within the 5 Sequence—just like the N62 and early N63—are identified for prime upkeep prices and complicated points. Later variations just like the N63TU (post-2014) are considerably improved.
Is the E60 BMW 5 Sequence a superb used automotive?
It is determined by the engine. N52-powered fashions are strong, however V8 and V10 variants (particularly with the S85 engine) could be costly to take care of and liable to points with out in depth maintenance.
What’s the greatest used BMW 5 Sequence for day by day driving?
The F10 technology (2010–2017) presents a superb steadiness of reliability, consolation, and trendy tech. Fashions with the N52 or up to date N63TU engines are preferable for long-term possession.
Ought to I purchase a hybrid 5 Sequence just like the 530e or 550e?
Hybrids just like the 530e could be helpful for brief commutes, however long-term reliability remains to be unsure. Battery degradation and better restore prices could grow to be considerations as they age.
