Cars · Top 10
Best BMW 5 Series Generations in 2027
Direct answer
The 1995-2003 BMW 5 Series (E39) is the best 5 Series generation, with the 2013-2017 F10 LCI at #2 and the 2017-2020 G30 at #3. Generations are ranked on documented reliability issues, NHTSA recalls, crash ratings and engineering; the F10 and G30 are each split into pre-facelift and facelift (LCI) phases because the cars differ clearly, and M5 models are not counted separately.
At a glance
| # | Pick | Years | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-2003 BMW 5 Series (E39) | 1995-2003 (built from September 1995; E39 models stayed in production until May 2004) | The best-rounded 5 Series to buy and drive |
| 2 | 2013-2017 BMW 5 Series (F10 LCI) | 2013-2017 (facelift production began July 2013; the last F10 was built in February 2017) | The newest F10 with the early bugs worked out |
| 3 | 2017-2020 BMW 5 Series (G30) | 2017-2020 (unveiled 12 October 2016, sales began February 2017; facelift unveiled 27 May 2020) | A modern 5 Series with top crash ratings |
| 4 | 2023 BMW 5 Series (G60) | 2023 onward (revealed 24 May 2023, production began 21 July 2023, US sales from 28 October 2023) | The newest 5 Series, with an electric option |
| 5 | 2020-2023 BMW 5 Series (G30 LCI) | 2020-2023 (facelift unveiled 27 May 2020; the G30 was replaced by the G60 in 2023) | The most polished G30 with plug-in hybrid choices |
| 6 | 1987-1996 BMW 5 Series (E34) | 1987-1996 (production began 2 November 1987; Touring models stayed in production until June 1996) | A well-built classic with V8 and wagon options |
| 7 | 2010-2013 BMW 5 Series (F10) | 2010-2013 (production began 7 January 2010; pre-facelift cars were built until July 2013) | A refined, tech-rich 5 Series at a lower used price |
| 8 | 2003-2010 BMW 5 Series (E60) | 2003-2010 (E60 saloon and E61 Touring; the facelift arrived in March 2007) | A feature-packed 5 Series if you accept the risks |
| 9 | 1981-1987 BMW 5 Series (E28) | 1981-1987 (production July 1981 to December 1987) | An analogue classic with an early ABS option |
| 10 | 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12) | 1972-1981 (production began June 1972) | The original 5 Series, for collectors |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
1995-2003 BMW 5 Series (E39)
Best used value
2013-2017 BMW 5 Series (F10 LCI)
Best crash ratings
2017-2020 BMW 5 Series (G30)
Newest / electric
2023 BMW 5 Series (G60)
Best classic
1987-1996 BMW 5 Series (E34)
The ranking
1
1995-2003 BMW 5 Series (E39)
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe one to buy.
Years: 1995-2003 (built from September 1995; E39 models stayed in production until May 2004)Production: 1,488,038 built, 266,209 of them TouringEngine: The M54 straight-six in the 530i topped the Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 2002 and 2003Acclaim: Car and Driver 10Best six times from 1997 to 2002; Consumer Reports gave the 530i its highest car rating ever in 2001Safety: Rated Good, the highest available, in the IIHS moderate overlap front testNHTSA recalls: 4 recalls listed for the 2001 530i
The E39 was built from 1995, with 1,488,038 produced. The 530i engine topped the Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 2002 and 2003, and Consumer Reports gave the 530i its highest car rating ever in 2001.
Go ifThe best-rounded 5 Series to buy and drive
Skip ifYou want modern infotainment and driver aids
Why #1 over #2: Its acclaim and Good IIHS frontal rating beat the F10 LCI for all-round proof.
2
2013-2017 BMW 5 Series (F10 LCI)
Photo: Damian B Oh / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best used-value 5.
Years: 2013-2017 (facelift production began July 2013; the last F10 was built in February 2017)Facelift: Revised tail-lights, bi-xenon headlights as standard and an iDrive touchpadPowertrain: 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic; the 550i engine was upgraded to 331 kW (444 bhp)Hybrid: ActiveHybrid 5 built from 2011 to 2016, the first hybrid 5 SeriesNHTSA recalls: 2 recalls listed for the 2014 535i
The F10 facelift began production in July 2013 with revised tail-lights, bi-xenon headlights as standard and an iDrive touchpad. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2014 535i.
Go ifThe newest F10 with the early bugs worked out
Skip ifYou want a 550i without the N63 engine history
Why #2 over #3: Its low NHTSA count and 8-speed automatic beat the G30 on used value.
3
2017-2020 BMW 5 Series (G30)
Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe safest pre-facelift 5.
Years: 2017-2020 (unveiled 12 October 2016, sales began February 2017; facelift unveiled 27 May 2020)Safety: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2017 and five stars overall in Euro NCAPEngines: Range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, plus a mild hybrid and the 530e plug-in hybrid530e: 135 kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder with an 83 kW electric motor, 185 kW combinedNHTSA recalls: 2 recalls listed for the 2018 530i
The G30 went on sale in February 2017. It was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2017 and earned five stars in Euro NCAP, and NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 530i.
Go ifA modern 5 Series with top crash ratings
Skip ifYou want the facelift screens and updated engines
Why #3 over #4: Its crash ratings beat the G60 on track record.
4
2023 BMW 5 Series (G60)
Photo: Alexander-93 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe electric 5.
Years: 2023 onward (revealed 24 May 2023, production began 21 July 2023, US sales from 28 October 2023)Powertrains: 48-volt mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids and the all-electric i5i5 eDrive40: 84.3 kWh battery and 250 kW (335 hp) to the rear wheelsSize: 97 mm longer and 33 mm wider than the G30NHTSA recalls: 6 recalls listed for the 2024 530i
The G60 was revealed on 24 May 2023 and is 97 mm longer than the G30. It adds the all-electric i5; NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2024 530i.
Go ifThe newest 5 Series, with an electric option
Skip ifYou want a track record before you buy
Why #4 over #5: Its newer powertrains beat the G30 LCI, but it has less history than either.
5
2020-2023 BMW 5 Series (G30 LCI)
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe facelifted G30.
Years: 2020-2023 (facelift unveiled 27 May 2020; the G30 was replaced by the G60 in 2023)Look: New front and rear bumpers, slimmer headlights and a sharper kidney grilleInfotainment: iDrive 7.0 with a 10.25-inch screen as standard and over-the-air updates545e xDrive: Plug-in hybrid with 290 kW (394 hp), 0-100 km/h in 4.6 secondsKnown issue: In November 2021 the M550i xDrive and 540i xDrive had traction control interfering with acceleration, fixed by an over-the-air updateNHTSA recalls: 7 recalls listed for the 2021 530i
The G30 facelift was unveiled on 27 May 2020 with slimmer headlights and iDrive 7.0. In November 2021 the M550i xDrive and 540i xDrive had a traction control issue, fixed by an over-the-air update.
Go ifThe most polished G30 with plug-in hybrid choices
Skip ifYou want the lowest recall count
Why #5 over #6: Its updated tech beats the E34, but its recall count is higher than the pre-facelift car.
6
1987-1996 BMW 5 Series (E34)
Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first V8 5 Series.
Years: 1987-1996 (production began 2 November 1987; Touring models stayed in production until June 1996)Production: 1,333,412 builtFirsts: First 5 Series with all-wheel drive (525iX), a V8 engine and a 6-speed manual transmissionTouring: Wagon body added in September 1992, a first for the 5 SeriesNHTSA recalls: 4 recalls listed for the 1994 525i
The E34 was the first 5 Series with all-wheel drive and a V8, and 1,333,412 were built. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1994 525i.
Go ifA well-built classic with V8 and wagon options
Skip ifYou need modern safety and connectivity
Why #6 over #7: Its V8 and wagon options beat the early F10 for classic appeal.
7
2010-2013 BMW 5 Series (F10)
Photo: OSX / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe early F10.
Years: 2010-2013 (production began 7 January 2010; pre-facelift cars were built until July 2013)Firsts: First 5 Series with a turbocharged V8, a hybrid drivetrain, an 8-speed automatic and electric power steeringEngine issues: The N63 V8 in the 550i is widely noted for mechanical issues and several recalls; BMW North America issued a Customer Care Package in December 2014NHTSA recalls: 4 recalls listed for the 2011 535i
The first F10 began production on 7 January 2010 with the first turbo V8, hybrid and 8-speed automatic in a 5 Series. The N63 V8 in the 550i is widely noted for mechanical issues.
Go ifA refined, tech-rich 5 Series at a lower used price
Skip ifYou want the 550i and its N63 engine
Why #7 over #8: Its technology beats the E60, but the N63 history counts against the 550i.
8
2003-2010 BMW 5 Series (E60)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe tech-heavy 5.
Years: 2003-2010 (E60 saloon and E61 Touring; the facelift arrived in March 2007)Tech: Introduced iDrive, head-up display, active steering and night vision to the 5 SeriesEuro NCAP: Initially three stars for adult occupants; retested at four stars after changes, and BMW chose not to recall earlier carsIIHS: "Good" overall in frontal crashes and "Marginal" in side impactNHTSA recalls: 8 recalls listed for the 2004 5 Series
The E60 introduced iDrive and active steering. Euro NCAP initially gave three stars and the IIHS rated side impact Marginal; NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2004 5 Series.
Go ifA feature-packed 5 Series if you accept the risks
Skip ifYou want a simple, low-maintenance car
Why #8 over #9: Its features beat the E28 for modern use, but its safety and recall record is the weakest of the modern cars.
9
1981-1987 BMW 5 Series (E28)
Photo: Spanish Coches / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first with ABS.
Years: 1981-1987 (production July 1981 to December 1987)Production: 722,328 builtFirsts: First 5 Series with anti-lock brakes (ABS) available, and the first with diesel enginesUS: North American cars had 5 mph bumpers that added 180 mm to the lengthDiesel: The 524td, from late 1982, was the first diesel car BMW produced
The E28 ran from July 1981 to December 1987, with 722,328 built. It was the first 5 Series with ABS available and the first with diesel engines.
Go ifAn analogue classic with an early ABS option
Skip ifYou want parts and support like a modern car
Why #9 over #10: Its ABS option and longer run beat the E12 for usability.
10
1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12)
Photo: Dennis Elzinga / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe original.
Years: 1972-1981 (production began June 1972)Production: 699,094 builtDesign: Designed under Paul Bracq, with Marcello Gandini of Bertone as co-designer of the exteriorLaunch engines: Carburetted 520 and fuel-injected 520i, both 2.0-litre four-cylindersFacelift: September 1976 facelift moved the fuel filler to the side and widened the tail-lights
The E12 began production in June 1972 and 699,094 were built. It launched with the 520 and fuel-injected 520i, both 2.0-litre four-cylinders.
Go ifThe original 5 Series, for collectors
Skip ifYou want to use it as an everyday car
How we ranked these
We ranked each generation on documented reliability issues, NHTSA recalls, crash ratings, engineering steps and production history from Wikipedia and NHTSA. The F10 and G30 are split into pre-facelift and facelift (LCI) phases because the cars differ clearly; the E39 and E60 stay whole and M5 models are not counted. NHTSA recall counts are for one model year and model named in each pick, so they are not like-for-like across generations; E12 and E28 have no NHTSA count. The chart shows total production for the four generations where it is published. Photos: Wikimedia Commons pictures of the same generation or phase, not always the exact year. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best BMW 5 Series generation?
The E39, built from 1995 to 2003, ranks first: Consumer Reports gave the 530i its highest car rating ever in 2001, and Car and Driver put it on its 10Best list six times from 1997 to 2002.
Which BMW 5 Series generation is the oldest?
The E12, built from 1972 to 1981 with 699,094 cars produced, is the first generation of the 5 Series.
Which 5 Series was the first with a V8 engine?
The E34, which also brought all-wheel drive with the 525iX and a 6-speed manual transmission to the 5 Series.
Does the BMW 5 Series have engine reliability problems?
The N63 twin-turbo V8 used in the F10 550i is widely noted for mechanical issues and several recalls, and BMW North America issued a Customer Care Package for it in December 2014.
Total cars built per generation at a glance
1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12)699,094 cars
1981-1987 BMW 5 Series (E28)722,328 cars
1987-1996 BMW 5 Series (E34)1,333,412 cars
1995-2003 BMW 5 Series (E39)1,488,038 cars
Official sites
- 1995-2003 BMW 5 Series (E39) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2013-2017 BMW 5 Series (F10 LCI) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2017-2020 BMW 5 Series (G30) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2023 BMW 5 Series (G60) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2020-2023 BMW 5 Series (G30 LCI) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1987-1996 BMW 5 Series (E34) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2010-2013 BMW 5 Series (F10) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2003-2010 BMW 5 Series (E60) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1981-1987 BMW 5 Series (E28) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12) · en.wikipedia.org
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.