Used 2021 BMW 5 Series for Sale nearBirmingham, AL

Compare 2021 BMW 5 Series Trims in Birmingham, AL

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to performance-oriented models, catering to various preferences and needs.

• Starting at $20,959
• Best MPG/MPGe: 59 city / 72 hwy
• Most Popular: 530i RWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

530i RWD — "Who It's For"

The 530i RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded luxury sedan without paying for higher trims. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $34,979 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 119 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View 530i RWD listings

530i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The 530i xDrive AWD is ideal for those needing all-wheel drive without a significant price increase. It balances performance and comfort well.

• Avg. market price: $34,979 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 60 listings
• View 530i xDrive AWD listings

530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD — "Who It's For"

The 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD is perfect for eco-conscious buyers seeking a luxury experience with excellent fuel efficiency.

• Avg. market price: $34,979 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 59 city / 72 hwy
• Inventory: 26 listings
• View 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

540i RWD — "Who It's For"

The 540i RWD is the choice for those wanting a powerful engine and luxury features at a more accessible price point.

• Avg. market price: $20,959 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 35 listings
• View 540i RWD listings

530e xDrive Hybrid Plug-in AWD — "Who It's For"

The 530e xDrive Hybrid Plug-in AWD is for buyers who want hybrid efficiency combined with all-wheel drive capability.

• Avg. market price: $34,979 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 59 city / 67 hwy
• Inventory: 11 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 530e xDrive Hybrid Plug-in AWD listings

540i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The 540i xDrive AWD is suited for those who desire a blend of performance and luxury with the added benefit of all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $34,979 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 35 listings
• View 540i xDrive AWD listings

M550i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The M550i xDrive AWD is for performance enthusiasts who want a high-powered luxury sedan with advanced features.

• Avg. market price: $48,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 30 listings
• View M550i xDrive AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 530i RWD

With 119 active listings, the 530i RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 530i RWD listings

Best Budget Option — 540i RWD

At $20,959 avg market price — below the lineup median of $34,979 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 540i RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD

The 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD offers exceptional fuel efficiency with 59 city / 72 hwy MPG/MPGe.

Browse 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 BMW 5 Series cost?

Prices have softened 7.75% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 820 listings available, which gives you a meaningful pool to compare prices and equipment.

Is the 2021 BMW 5 Series a good car?

Yes — the 2021 BMW 5 Series earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Technology and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its powerful performance, luxurious comfort, refined interior, and handling. The overview also points to a strong mix of sportier-than-average driving dynamics, tech, and luxury features, which fits shoppers who want a refined midsize sedan with some personality.

The main trade-offs are that advanced safety features are not standard, and the car is less of a hardcore enthusiast sedan than older 5 Series models. It also asks you to spend more if you want the features that really make it stand out.

With 39.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW 5 Series reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels powerful, comfortable, and refined over time, with a cabin and driving experience that leave a strong impression. The expert evaluation also emphasizes BMW’s polished engineering, and the mild-hybrid setup adds a modern layer to the powertrain without changing the car’s core character.

BMW’s standard warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles, with four years of free roadside assistance, which helps with early ownership peace of mind.

For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is usually not basic dependability but the cost and complexity that can come with a well-optioned luxury sedan.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 BMW 5 Series?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or a long option list. Focus on condition, maintenance history, and whether the equipment you want is actually present on the car you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Lower trims use standard SensaTec upholstery rather than real leather, while Dakota leather and Nappa leather are available at extra cost. The M Sport Package adds new front and rear bumpers, and the base car is more restrained in appearance than higher-spec versions.
• Powertrain: The 530i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 540i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, making 335 hp and 362 lb-ft. The 530e plug-in hybrid combines a four-cylinder engine and electric motor for 288 hp and 310 lb-ft.
• Safety package: Standard safety features include lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package adds adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist.
• Infotainment: You get a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with iDrive 7, plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L, and a built-in WiFi hotspot are standard.
• Fuel efficiency: The 540i is rated at 26 mpg combined, 23 mpg city, and 31 mpg highway.

Which 2021 BMW 5 Series trim should I buy?

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is offered in 3 trim levels: 530i, 540i, and 530e.

Here's the short version:

• 530i: This is the entry point, but it still gives you 248 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, and the full standard tech suite. It makes the most sense if you want the lowest starting price and still want a well-equipped luxury sedan.
• 540i: This is the best-value choice if you want the strongest all-around balance. You get the 3.0-liter inline-six, the 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and noticeably quicker acceleration, plus the car’s sportier character comes through more clearly here.
• 530e: Choose this if you want plug-in hybrid capability and the ability to drive on electric power for significant distances. It’s the efficiency-focused pick, but the available information suggests you should buy it for that use case rather than for maximum performance.

The Driving Assistance Plus Package adds adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist, so it’s worth seeking out if you want the most complete safety setup.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 BMW 5 Series?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 820 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.75% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $28,584, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 BMW 5 Series's resale value?

The current average of $28,838 sits slightly below last year's $31,262.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may pressure future resale if you overpay today. If you buy near the current average or below it, you give yourself a better chance of limiting depreciation exposure later.

The 5 Series still has appeal because it combines luxury, technology, and strong driving manners, which helps keep demand steady among shoppers looking for a premium sedan.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 BMW 5 Series safe?

The 2021 BMW 5 Series hasn’t been crash-tested by IIHS, but the virtually identical 2020 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, with top “good” scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tests. The standard headlights were rated “marginal,” while optional lights received a “good” rating.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety features include lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package adds adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist, which can help pull the car onto the shoulder if the driver is incapacitated.

The main caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you should check carefully for the package content you want.

Should I buy a 2021 BMW 5 Series or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.75% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• BMW’s 2021 refresh adds a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling updates.

The bottom line: If you want the refreshed version with stronger tech and a more modern feel, the 2021 is the better target. If your priority is simply the lowest possible purchase price, a nearby year may be worth comparing, but the 2021’s updated equipment and softened pricing make it the more compelling all-around pick for many shoppers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.