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Used car guide
Used BMW 5 Series: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every BMW 5 Series from 2011 to 2023, across 2 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $7,500 to $48,500), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. The best bets are 2011–2017, 2019–2023. Look harder at or skip 2018.
2017–2023 BMW 5 Series
A quiet, refined midsize luxury sedan with smooth turbo engines and a plug-in hybrid option.
Years to target: 2017, 2019–2023. Look harder at or skip: 2018. It has a below-average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $20,000 | Target | Not rated | ~100,000 |
| 2018 | $22,500 | Look harder | Not rated | ~90,000 |
| 2019 | $26,000 | Target | Not rated | ~80,000 |
| 2020 | $30,000* | Target | Not rated | ~70,000 |
| 2021 | $35,000* | Target | Not rated | ~60,000 |
| 2022 | $41,000* | Target | Not rated | ~50,000 |
| 2023 | $48,500* | Target | Not rated | ~40,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- 2018: owner complaints spike (79, mostly the seats and belts).
- Out of warranty, parts and repairs are expensive. A certified pre-owned car or an extended warranty is worth considering.
- It requires premium fuel.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Target a 530i with the Premium Package: it adds a head-up display, heated steering wheel and keyless entry. The 540i offers stronger six-cylinder power for modest extra cost used.
On the test drive
Pay for an inspection at an independent shop that specializes in the brand. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: standard from the start of this generation (2017).
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2017, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Avalon 2021–2022 · $30,500–$33,500
- Toyota Crown 2023 · $34,500
- Acura ILX 2021–2022 · $31,000–$35,500
Find one near you
2011–2016 BMW 5 Series
A midsize luxury sedan with a smooth ride and a range of strong engines.
Years to target: 2011–2016. It has a below-average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $7,500* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~125,000 |
| 2012 | $8,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~120,000 |
| 2013 | $9,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~110,000 |
| 2014 | $10,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~105,000 |
| 2015 | $11,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~95,000 |
| 2016 | $12,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~85,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- Avoid the V8 unless records are perfect, 528i four-cylinders can suffer timing chain guide wear, and oil leaks are common.
- It requires premium fuel.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the 535i: its turbo six offers a strong balance of power and economy over the four-cylinder 528i; 2014 and later models got a refresh with updated tech.
On the test drive
Pay for an inspection at an independent shop that specializes in the brand. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: optional from 2014, never standard in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2011, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Corolla 2012–2013 · $9,000–$9,500
- Toyota Camry 2013 · $10,000
- Acura TSX 2013 · $10,000
Find one near you
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.