The BMW 5 Collection debuted in 1972 and has been a mainstay of the model ever since. However BMW has made loads of adjustments by the automotive’s eight generations. Consequently, the BMW 5 Collection possession expertise — and driving expertise — varies wildly. In fact, that’s typical 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 just a few years away from brand-new, every 5 Collection technology has one thing to look out for in terms of widespread points and reliability.
First Technology BMW 5 Collection (E12)
The primary technology 5 Collection debuted in 1972, and even the most recent E12 is almost forty-five years previous. Manufacturing ran till 1981, however opposite to our typical recommendation, we’d say the older the higher. Assuming you aren’t importing a model from one other nation — though you would possibly — 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 turned the 528i, and energy went down. The two.8-liter model of the M30 isn’t largely completely different from the three.0-liter engine, however does characteristic extra emissions controls like a catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. These added complexities are simply extra issues to interrupt. That stated, 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 exterior 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 automobiles, and we suggest merely getting a pre-purchase inspection earlier than touching one. Nearer to most buyers’ budgets are M10- and M20-powered automobiles; the latter an inline-six and the previous a straight 4.
The M20 is a good possibility as a result of, just like the M30, it remained in manufacturing till the mid/late Nineteen Nineties. So, plentiful components and many info. The M20 notably makes use of a timing belt, as nicely. Except for 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 range from instance to instance. There are safer reliability bets to be made within the BMW 5 Collection lineup. Even if you happen to’re wanting classic.
Second Technology BMW 5 Collection (E28)
BMW produced the E28 5 Collection from 1981 till 1988, stuffing four- and six-cylinder engines beneath the hood. However the first mannequin to come back to the US was the 528e in 1982, which makes use of a 2.7-liter M20 engine. The M20 is a good engine with a lot of components round (in remained in manufacturing till the Nineteen Nineties). You may as well 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 utility. You may as well discover the M30 beneath the hood of the 535i and M535i. We wouldn’t suggest choosing up the oddball 524td (diesel) variant, however they aren’t too unhealthy to keep up 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 develop into extraordinarily high-dollar so we suggest 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 provides nice energy however can require consideration (and money) if not correctly maintained. No matter powertrain, the E28 is pretty inclined 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 Technology BMW 5 Collection (E34)
The third technology BMW E34 5 Collection ran from 1988 till 1996. Consequently, there are a handful of latest applied sciences that may make these automobiles each higher to drive and extra difficult. With almost a dozen completely 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 slightly 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 by way of 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 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 prepare, and extra energy.
Lastly: the E34 technology additionally launched the V8 engine to the BMW 5 Collection. 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 remains to be usually accepted to be pretty dependable. The E34, in any other case, isn’t a lot completely different than in search of an E28. Just like the E28 and every other 30+ year-old automotive, rust, worn suspension elements, and light/cracked trim items can be widespread points, and checking the electronics before you purchase is a good suggestion.
Fourth Technology BMW 5 Collection (E39)
BMW introduced the E39 5 Collection to market in 1995 internationally, however right here within the States you’ll solely discover them post-1997. The E39 BMW 5 Collection was manufactured till 2004 and is a big fan favourite for its stylish appears to be like, good energy, and interesting steering. One other glorious level for the E39 BMW 5 Collection 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 comparable and stricken by comparatively small, however persistent points that embody the cooling system, DISA valve, and oil filter housing gasket. VANOS reappears right here, inherited from the M50, and generally is a potential ache level.
V8 engines are current on the 535i, 540i, and M5 fashions. The M62 V8 is way improved from the M60, nevertheless it’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 depart a little bit of oil all over the place it goes. The S62 within the M5, whereas superb, may also require an open checkbook, exhibiting virtually the entire 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 Collection is a superb driver’s automotive, nevertheless it’s positively not probably the most dependable solution to get right into a 5 Collection. 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 useless pixels within the sprint merely include the territory. Different E39 points embody 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 concerning the E39 is that it nonetheless has an incredible neighborhood — you may take a look at the highest hyperlinks right here.
Fifth Technology BMW 5 Collection (E60)
The E60 5 Collection’ greatest declare to fame is the V10 powering the M5 of its day; and we’ll begin there. That is a type of automobiles the place if you need to ask, it’s most likely a nasty thought. Whereas not inherently unreliable, bills mount shortly, 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 necessary) issues like oil coolers can shortly inhale a lot of your upkeep price range, too. The S85 is hands-down my favourite BMW engine…in concept. A pre-purchase inspection (and pre-purchase oil evaluation, if doable) is price its weight in gold right here.
Within the US, the E60 additionally got here solely 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. Anticipate cooling system, DISA valve, and oil filter housing gasket points. The M54 is later changed by the N52, which is arguably probably the greatest and most underrated engines BMW ever made. Points are few, and mirror what you count on from an M54 engine. The warmer 535i acquired the N54 engine, which tends to lean again onto the unreliable aspect of issues. Anticipate woes surrounding the gas 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 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 unhealthy investments, the N62 is nothing wanting a cash pit, usually talking. Smaller points are coolant leaks, SAIS (secondary air injection system) failure, coolant Y-pipe failure, and alternator brackets. Larger issues like valve stem seal and valve cowl gasket failure are additionally frequent. Then there’s Valvetronic motor oil leaks and oil pump test 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 gained’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 whole PDF surrounding E60 possession that circulates the online and each potential/present proprietor ought to learn. I’m blissful to offer it if you happen to get in contact. No different 5 Collection chassis has that, for higher or for worse.
Sixth Technology BMW 5 Collection (F10)
The F10 BMW 5 Collection debuted in 2010 and introduced new, turbocharged engines together with an previous 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 guarantee that’s taken care of. In any other case it isn’t too unhealthy of a mill. High quality, total, of the F10 BMW 5 Collection is nice; you would possibly encounter armrest put on or beat-up buttons that get touched continuously (steering wheel/local weather management, and so forth), however apart from that, the F10 is generally standing as much as the check of time.
By the F10, getting V8 energy in a 5 Collection is lastly on the level the place it may be had with no second mortgage for upkeep wants. The N63 engine seems on the high of the non-M lineup, the 550i. From 2014 on, the 550i acquired 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, the perfect V8 right here is the one beneath the hood of the full-blown M5. Regardless of some typical 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 Technology BMW 5 Collection (G30 and F90)
It’s nonetheless a bit of early to evaluate long-term reliability on the seventh and eighth gen automobiles, however now we have a good suggestion who the standouts of the technology are. The G30 5 Collection 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 Collection 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 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 adjustments that may doubtless 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. To date, the outlook is fairly good on this engine: simply bear in mind to price range appropriately for upkeep.
Eighth Technology BMW 5 Collection (G60 and G90)
As with the G30, the eighth technology of the BMW 5 Collection G60 remains to be a bit of bit too new to precisely choose 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 – 6 years. Sadly, all we are able to actually do is wait and see.
Conclusion: BMW 5 Collection Fashions, Ranked By Reliability
Whereas a few of my favourite BMW fashions seem on this checklist, evaluating every solely on the metric of normal reliability is kind of a special feat than merely score my favorites. So as of reliability, we’d charge the E28 5 Collection as probably the most dependable total. On the least dependable aspect, we’d put the E60. A whole checklist would look one thing like this:
- E28
- G30 and F90 (G60 and G90, too…for now)
- E12
- F10
- E34
- E39
- E60
In fact, 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 necessary — particularly as these automobiles age — to guage every automotive on a person foundation. Sadly, service historical past can wildly range from one automotive to the subsequent. And that has a commensurate consequence on how “dependable” your new 5 Collection is perhaps. Good luck on the market — you might want it.
Continuously Requested Questions About BMW 5 Collection Reliability
Which BMW 5 Collection technology is probably the most dependable?
The E28 technology (1981–1988) is broadly thought-about probably the most dependable, because of its easier mechanical elements, sturdy inline-six engines, and minimal electronics.
Are BMW V8 engines dependable?
Some are, however many V8s within the 5 Collection—just like the N62 and early N63—are identified for top upkeep prices and complicated points. Later variations just like the N63TU (post-2014) are considerably improved.
Is the E60 BMW 5 Collection 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 keep up and vulnerable to points with out in depth repairs.
What’s the finest used BMW 5 Collection for each 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 Collection 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 might develop into considerations as they age.
