The Most Reliable BMW 5 Series, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the BMW 5 Series you think is the most reliable!

Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:54

For many car enthusiasts, finding a trustworthy vehicle is like searching for a gem in a mountain of rocks. The BMW 5 Series, with its blend of luxury, performance, and technological features, stands out in its category. However, not all models share the same reliability ratings, which can significantly impact ownership experience and resale value. This interactive ranking provides an opportunity for BMW owners and fans to cast their votes based on personal experience and satisfaction with their vehicles. Each vote helps to shape a clearer, user-generated picture of which BMW 5 Series models stand the test of time, ensuring future buyers make informed decisions based on collective insights.

What Is the Most Reliable BMW 5 Series?

1

56
votes
M 93 · Attribution

BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2016)

BMW

This model is regarded as one of the most reliable 5 Series due to its well-engineered design, and it also received high ratings from both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.
The BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2016) is the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series, a mid-size luxury car produced by the German automaker BMW. It was introduced in 2010 as a successor to the BMW E60/E61. The F10 5 Series offered a blend of luxury, performance, and technology, making it a popular choice among luxury car buyers.

Engine Options: Various petrol and diesel engines, including inline-four, inline-six, and V8 options

Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic

Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive or optional xDrive all-wheel drive system

Body Style: Sedan or wagon (Touring)

Fuel Efficiency: Varies based on engine and configuration
2

40
votes
Les Chatfield from Brighton, England · Public domain

BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-2003)

BMW

The E39 is considered by many BMW enthusiasts to be the best 5 Series ever made, with excellent build quality and reliability.
The BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-2003) is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was produced by the German automobile manufacturer BMW. It is a mid-size luxury executive car that was known for its exceptional build quality and reliability.

Engine Options: Various petrol and diesel engine options, ranging from 2.0L to 4.9L

Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic

Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

Power Output: From 136 horsepower to 400+ horsepower

Fuel Efficiency: Varied depending on the engine and driving conditions
BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-2003) in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable BMW
3

29
votes
Michael Gil from Calgary, AB, Canada · CC BY 2.0

BMW 5 Series E34 (1988-1996)

BMW

The E34 was also known for its durability and reliability, with a reputation for being one of the most solidly built BMWs.
The BMW 5 Series E34 (1988-1996) is a luxury executive car that was produced by the German automaker BMW. It is the third generation of the BMW 5 Series and was designed to offer improved performance, comfort, and safety compared to its predecessor, the E28.

Engine Options: Petrol and diesel engines were available, ranging from 1.8L to 3.8L in displacement.

Transmission: 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Body Styles: Sedan and Touring (wagon) variants were offered.

Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive (with some models having an all-wheel drive option).

Suspension: Independent front and rear suspension for improved handling and ride quality.
4

22
votes
Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0

BMW 5 Series G30 (2017-present)

BMW

The G30 is a newer model that has received high ratings for its reliability, including a score of 4.5 out of 5 from J.D. Power.
The BMW 5 Series G30 (2017-present) is a luxury mid-size sedan produced by the German automaker BMW. It is the seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series and offers a combination of comfort, performance, and cutting-edge technology. The G30 model provides a smooth and refined driving experience, making it a popular choice among BMW enthusiasts and luxury car buyers.

Model Year: 2017-present

Body Style: Sedan

Engine Options: Various gasoline and diesel options, including 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, and V8 engines

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (xDrive)
5

18
votes
"stream" from E60-forum (see above) · CC BY-SA 3.0

BMW 5 Series E60 (2004-2010)

Although not as reliable as some of the other models on this list, the E60 still has a good reputation for durability and longevity.
The BMW 5 Series E60 (2004-2010) is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series luxury executive car. It offers a blend of sporty performance, comfort, and advanced technology, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Engine: Available in various petrol and diesel options

Power: Range from 163 to 507 horsepower

Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic, 7-speed SMG, or 8-speed automatic

Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (xDrive)

Body Style: Sedan or Touring (estate)
6

19
votes
M 93 · Attribution

BMW 5 Series F07/F11 (2009-2017)

BMW

These models are known for their solid build quality and reliability, and they also received high ratings from Consumer Reports.
The BMW 5 Series F07/F11 (2009-2017) is a mid-size luxury car produced by German automaker BMW. It belongs to the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series and is available in two body styles: the F07 Gran Turismo (GT) and the F11 Touring.

Engine options: Various petrol and diesel engines, including inline-4, inline-6, and V8 options

Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic

Drive type: Rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive

Fuel efficiency: Varies depending on engine and configuration

Seating capacity: 5 passengers
7

7
votes
Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0

BMW 5 Series E28 (1981-1988)

BMW

Like the E34, the E28 was a well-built and reliable car that is still highly regarded by BMW enthusiasts.
The BMW 5 Series E28 (1981-1988) is a luxury executive car that was produced by the German automaker BMW. It is part of the second generation of the BMW 5 Series and was designed to provide a balance between sportiness and comfort. The E28 was known for its solid build quality, advanced technology, and refined driving experience.

Engine Options: Inline 4-cylinder, Inline 6-cylinder, V8

Power Output: 100 to 286 horsepower

Transmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual

Top Speed: 110 to 151 mph (177 to 243 km/h)

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.8 to 9.9 seconds
8

16
votes
M 93 · Attribution

BMW 5 Series F18 (2010-2016)

BMW

The F18 is a long-wheelbase version of the F10, which is known for its reliability and durability.
The BMW 5 Series F18 (2010-2016) is a luxury executive sedan designed and manufactured by the German automaker BMW. It belongs to the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series and was produced from 2010 to 2016. It is known for its sleek design, comfort, and advanced technological features.

Engine Options: Various petrol and diesel engines

Transmission: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic

Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

Fuel Efficiency: Varies based on engine and configuration

Power Output: Ranges from 184 horsepower to 450 horsepower
9

7
votes

M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

BMW 5 Series E12 (1972-1981)

The E12 was the first generation of the 5 Series, and it set the standard for BMW's reputation for quality and reliability.
10

9
votes
Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0

BMW 5 Series G31 (2017-present)

The G31 is the wagon version of the G30, and it has received high ratings for its reliability and durability.
The BMW 5 Series G31 (2017-present) is the seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series, which is a line of executive cars produced by the German automaker BMW. It is a mid-size luxury car that offers a perfect blend of style, performance, and advanced technology.

Engine Options: Various petrol and diesel engines, including the 2.0L 4-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder, and hybrid options

Power Output: Ranges from 181 to 617 horsepower

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission with optional manual shifting mode

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in as low as 3.6 seconds (M550i xDrive variant)

Fuel Efficiency: Varies depending on the engine, with combined MPG ranging from 25 to 50

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable BMW 5 Series

Model year

Generally, newer models tend to be more reliable as they incorporate newer technologies and engineering advancements.
Maintenance history

Regular maintenance and upkeep can greatly improve the reliability of a vehicle.
User reviews

User reviews can provide insights into common issues and experiences with different models.
Safety ratings

Safety ratings can indicate the overall quality and reliability of a vehicle.
Recalls

Any past recalls or service bulletins related to specific models should also be considered.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable BMW 5 Series. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or BMW 5 Series is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

10054 views
183 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each BMW 5 Series once every 24 hours. The rank of each BMW 5 Series is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable bmw 5 series

The BMW 5 Series is a popular luxury car that has been in production since 1972. It is known for its powerful engines, sleek design, and advanced technology features. Over the years, there have been several different versions of the 5 Series, each with its own unique features and characteristics. When it comes to reliability, the BMW 5 Series has a reputation for being a dependable and long-lasting car. However, like any vehicle, there are certain models and years that are more reliable than others. Factors such as maintenance, driving habits, and road conditions can all impact the reliability of a car. To determine the most reliable BMW 5 Series, it is important to consider factors such as consumer reviews, reliability ratings, and expert opinions. By doing so, you can get a better idea of which models and years are the most dependable and offer the best value for your money.