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 automobile’s eight generations. Because of this, the BMW 5 Sequence possession expertise — and driving expertise — varies wildly. After all, that’s common 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 number of years away from brand-new, every 5 Sequence era has one thing to look out for on the subject of widespread points and reliability.
First Era BMW 5 Sequence (E12)
The primary era 5 Sequence debuted in 1972, and even the most recent E12 is sort of forty-five years outdated.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 common 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 needs 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 vehicles.
By 1979 the 530i turned 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 needs to be famous that the M30 is hardly unreliable.
Trying 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 at the moment are extraordinarily high-dollar vehicles, and we advocate merely getting a pre-purchase inspection earlier than touching one. Nearer to most consumers’ budgets are M10- and M20-powered vehicles; 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 Nineties. So, plentiful elements and many info. The M20 notably makes use of a timing belt, as properly. Apart from its astonishingly low energy (beneath 100 horsepower in some instances) the M10 can also be pretty dependable, sans valve information and camshaft put on from poor upkeep habits. Regardless, the age of those vehicles 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 if you happen to’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 elements round (in remained in manufacturing till the Nineties). You can even 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 every other software. You can even discover the M30 beneath the hood of the 535i and M535i. We wouldn’t advocate choosing up the oddball 524td (diesel) variant, however they aren’t too dangerous to take care of both.
The E28 era additionally launched the primary M5. The M88/3 is an much more straight associated to the M1 than the previous era’s M535i. Like with the earlier era, these vehicles have turn out to be extraordinarily high-dollar so we advocate getting 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 prone 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 (after all) window regulators are all occasional hassle spots.
Third Era BMW 5 Sequence (E34)
The third era BMW E34 5 Sequence ran from 1988 till 1996. Because of this, there are a handful of latest applied sciences that may make these vehicles each higher to drive and extra difficult. With almost a dozen totally different engines, there’s loads 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 highly regarded 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 can even have VANOS, including complexity. A pre-1992 M50 is preferable to both an M20 or post-92 strictly by way of reliability. You could find 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 latest four-cylinder engines, the M40 and later M43. The M43 is the superior model, gaining a timing chain, new curler rockers for the valve practice, and extra energy.
Lastly: the E34 era 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 weak 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 continues 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 every other 30+ year-old automobile, rust, worn suspension elements, and pale/cracked trim items can 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 stylish 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. Significantly the pleasant M52 and M54 inline-six engines (early fashions used the M52). Each engines are mechanically comparable and affected by 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 is usually 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 troublesome 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 downside, and it’s certain to go away a little bit of oil all over the place it goes. The S62 within the M5, whereas wonderful, can even require an open checkbook, exhibiting nearly the entire similar issues because the M62 with the added annoyance of rod bearing failure. An oz. of prevention is price a pound of treatment, which is exactly why well-maintained V8 E39s will fetch fairly a premium.
The E39 BMW 5 Sequence is a wonderful driver’s automobile, but it surely’s undoubtedly not essentially the most dependable option to get right into a 5 Sequence. Late 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 useless 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 group — you possibly can try 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 type of vehicles the place if it’s important to ask, it’s most likely a nasty 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 vital) issues like oil coolers can rapidly inhale a lot of your upkeep finances, too. The S85 is hands-down my favourite BMW engine…in principle. 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 , strong engine with comparatively few main issues. Anticipate cooling system, DISA valve, and oil filter housing gasket points. The M54 is later changed by the N52, which is arguably the most effective and most underrated engines BMW ever made. Points are few, and mirror what you count on from an M54 engine. The warmer 535i obtained the N54 engine, which tends to lean again onto the unreliable aspect of issues. Anticipate woes surrounding the gasoline pumps, water pump and cooling methods, injectors, spark plugs/coil packs, cost pipes, and turbo wastegates. Gaskets, too, appear to wear down fast on these vehicles, 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 by way of inside high quality from the E39, it takes a number of steps backwards when contemplating long-term possession. Until, after all, you’re ready. We received’t argue — the V8 and V10 engines ship prodigious energy and are, to some, definitely 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 offer it if you happen to 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 be sure that’s taken care of. In any other case it isn’t too dangerous of a mill. High quality, general, of the F10 BMW 5 Sequence is sweet; you may encounter armrest put on or beat-up buttons that get touched ceaselessly (steering wheel/local weather management, and many others), however aside from that, the F10 is generally standing as much as the take a look at of time.
By the F10, getting V8 energy in a 5 Sequence is lastly on the level the place it may be had and not using a second mortgage for upkeep wants. The N63 engine seems on the prime of the non-M lineup, the 550i. From 2014 on, the 550i obtained the up to date “N63TU” engine, a vastly improved 4.4-liter from each the N62 models and the sooner N63 (which was arguably even worse than the N62). Shockingly, one of the best V8 right here is the one beneath the hood of the full-blown M5. Regardless of some common BMW woes — VANOS, cooling, rod bearings, and timing chain guides — the powerplant continues to be general much less troublesome than the N-code V8 engines on this software.
Seventh Era BMW 5 Sequence (G30 and F90)
It’s nonetheless a bit of early to evaluate long-term reliability on the seventh and eighth gen vehicles, however we now have a good suggestion who the standouts of the era 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 largest unknowns of the G30 BMW 5 Sequence are the 530e iPerformance and 545e hybrid fashions; we might steer clear until you actually, completely want a hybrid. (Trace: you most likely don’t.)
On the increased 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 very least a twice-updated N63TU engine. 2020 mannequin 12 months and newer vehicles would be the most dependable, that includes much more mechanical modifications that may possible see these vehicles working even a decade from this writing with little greater than common upkeep. The F90 M5 makes use of a newly-updated S63, the S63B44T4. Thus far, 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 era of the BMW 5 Sequence G60 continues to be a bit of 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 received’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 – 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 checklist, evaluating every solely on the metric of common reliability is sort of a distinct feat than merely score my favorites. So as of reliability, we’d fee the E28 5 Sequence as essentially the most dependable general. On the least dependable aspect, we’d put the E60. An entire checklist 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 more likely to be much more dependable long-term than, say, a V8-powered E34. It’s vital — particularly as these vehicles age — to judge every automobile on a person foundation. Sadly, service historical past can wildly differ from one automobile to the subsequent. And that has a commensurate consequence on how “dependable” your new 5 Sequence may be. Good luck on the market — it’s possible you’ll want it.
Continuously Requested Questions About BMW 5 Sequence Reliability
Which BMW 5 Sequence era is essentially the most dependable?
The E28 era (1981–1988) is broadly thought-about essentially the most dependable, because of its less complicated mechanical elements, 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 sophisticated points. Later variations just like the N63TU (post-2014) are considerably improved.
Is the E60 BMW 5 Sequence used automobile?
It depends upon the engine. N52-powered fashions are strong, however V8 and V10 variants (particularly with the S85 engine) will be costly to take care of and vulnerable to points with out in depth maintenance.
What’s the finest used BMW 5 Sequence for each day driving?
The F10 era (2010–2017) gives stability 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 will be helpful for brief commutes, however long-term reliability continues to be unsure. Battery degradation and better restore prices might turn out to be considerations as they age.
