Used 2021 BMW 5 Series for Sale near Virginia

Compare 2021 BMW 5 Series Trims

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 $24,137
• 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 luxury sedan with great features without paying for higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $24,137 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 786 listings
• 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.

• Avg. market price: $24,810 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 516 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 blend of luxury and efficiency.

• Avg. market price: $24,357 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 59 city / 72 hwy
• Inventory: 108 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

540i RWD — "Who It's For"

The 540i RWD is suited for those who desire a powerful engine and luxury features without AWD.

• Avg. market price: $34,143 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 150 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 540i RWD listings

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

The 530e xDrive Hybrid Plug-in AWD is for buyers wanting hybrid efficiency with the added benefit of all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $29,739 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 59 city / 67 hwy
• Inventory: 61 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 ideal for those seeking a sporty performance with the confidence of all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $34,123 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 248 listings
• View 540i xDrive AWD listings

M550i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The M550i xDrive AWD is for luxury buyers who want high performance and advanced features in their sedan.

• Avg. market price: $40,465 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 141 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View M550i xDrive AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 530i RWD

With 786 active listings, the 530i RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 530i RWD listings

Best Budget Option — 530i RWD

At $24,137 avg market price — below the lineup median of $29,739 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 530i RWD listings

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

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

Browse 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 BMW 5 Series cost?

Prices have softened 9.42% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 806 listings available, which suggests you have a workable amount of inventory to compare.

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, and refined interior, and they also call out the handling and aesthetic details as standout strengths. In use-case terms, that lines up well if you want a midsize luxury sedan that feels polished and still offers multiple powertrain choices.

The main trade-offs are that advanced safety features are not standard, and the car can feel a bit more distant than the most engaging BMW sedans of the past. Even so, the market still shows 36.0% good or great deals, which 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 user feedback also points to a dependable-feeling ownership experience, with praise for the car’s refined character and the kind of quality that makes it feel like a vehicle you can count on over time.

The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by highlighting BMW’s smooth operation and the sophistication of its driver-assist tech. BMW also backs the car with four years or 50,000 miles of warranty coverage and four years of roadside assistance.

For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about how well the car was maintained and optioned, since luxury features can add complexity and cost.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.8% — 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 that focuses on wear, electronics, and any signs that the car’s luxury equipment has been heavily used or poorly maintained. It also makes sense to compare trim and option content closely, since the 5 Series can vary a lot in equipment.

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 different front and rear bumpers, and the cabin’s upscale feel depends heavily on how the car was optioned.
• Powertrain: The 530i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the 540i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and 335 hp and 362 lb-ft. The 530e plug-in hybrid combines a four-cylinder engine and electric motor for 288 hp and can drive on electric power for significant distances.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes 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. Advanced safety features are not standard.
• Infotainment: You get a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Voice control and gesture controls are also available.
• 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 the core 5 Series experience with a turbocharged four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive, and the standard tech suite. It makes the most sense if you want the lowest starting price and are comfortable keeping the car closer to its base configuration.
• 540i: This is the best-value trim if you want the strongest all-around balance of performance and luxury. The inline-six, mild-hybrid system, and available xDrive make it the most compelling choice for shoppers who want the 5 Series to feel genuinely upscale and quick.
• 530e: Choose this if you want plug-in hybrid capability and the ability to drive on electric power for significant distances. It suits you best if efficiency and short-distance EV driving matter more than outright performance.

The Driving Assistance Plus Package adds adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 36.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 806 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.42% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $28,620, 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 $28,758 sits slightly below last year's $31,748.

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, you reduce the chance of taking an immediate depreciation hit.

For a future seller, the key is to buy a well-equipped example with strong condition and a clean history, because those cars tend to stay easier to move. The 5 Series still has enough brand appeal and feature content to support demand, especially when it is priced competitively.

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 earns a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS based on the virtually identical 2020 model, with top “good” scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tests. It also earns good scores in those crash evaluations, though the standard headlights were rated marginal and optional lights were rated good.

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.

The main caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you should pay close attention to whether a used example has the driver-assistance package 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:

• 36.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.42% 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: The 2021 model is the right pick if you want the refreshed 5 Series with stronger tech and a softer price than it had a year ago. If you are especially price-sensitive, a nearby year may still make sense, but the 2021 gives you a compelling mix of updated features, strong owner satisfaction, and a market that is currently more favorable to buyers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.