How much does the BMW 5 Series cost in today's market?

Used BMW 5 Series prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The BMW 5 Series's current nationwide average price is $26,985, and its year-round low is $25,798.72. That puts the model's current pricing in a fairly tight band for shoppers comparing different model years. Recently, prices have come down for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the BMW 5 Series a good car?

Yes — the BMW 5 Series is a strong used-car choice if you want a luxury sedan that blends performance, comfort, and technology. The all-generations owner rating is 4.58/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the 5 Series for its powerful performance, luxurious interior, and smooth handling. They also like the well-equipped cabins and the way the car feels enjoyable for both daily driving and longer trips. Expert reviews echo that balance, especially in the newer models, where comfort, refinement, and technology stand out.

Expert reviews rate the 2018 and 2026 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs in recent expert reviews center on polarizing design, a learning curve for the digital interface, and cargo space that can feel limited. Even so, the 5 Series remains appealing if you want a premium sedan with real driving character and a broad spread of trims and powertrains.

32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are BMW 5 Series models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently praise the BMW 5 Series for its strong performance, comfortable ride, and upscale cabin. Across the model years, reviews also point to a well-equipped feel and a driving experience that stays engaging while still working well for everyday use.

• Owners rate the BMW 5 Series between 4.0 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best managed by choosing a well-maintained example with a clean history and service records, since upkeep can be a meaningful part of ownership.

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

Across all model years, at 74.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2021 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Assisted Driving system
• Infotainment: BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch configurable driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display; BMW Operating System 8.5
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says it should return 28 mpg in combined driving, and we averaged 26.5 mpg on our Southern California testing loop.

Which BMW 5 Series trim should I buy?

The 2026 BMW 5 Series offers...

• 530i: The entry model uses mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency and comes standard with rear-wheel drive, making it the value-oriented starting point.
• 540i: This trim adds the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six, standard xDrive all-wheel drive, and the more refined, quicker-feeling setup; it’s the best-value upgrade if you want stronger performance and a more upscale driving experience.
• 550e: This plug-in hybrid adds electrified power to the lineup for buyers who want a different efficiency-and-performance balance.
• i5: The all-electric version broadens the lineup for shoppers who want a battery-powered sedan.
• i5 M60: This performance-focused electric trim adds more power and a sportier character.
• M5: The high-performance benchmark brings the most aggressive performance in the range.
• M5 Touring: This wagon variant adds the M5 formula in a more versatile body style.

What BMW 5 Series do most buyers choose?

The BMW 5 Series years with the most listings are 2022, 2018, and 2023.

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you more inventory to compare, which can make it easier to find the right combination of price, mileage, and equipment. They also often sit in the sweet spot between newer features and more accessible used-car pricing.

What is the BMW 5 Series's resale value?

The table shows broad downward movement across the lineup, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. Several newer and mid-cycle years have seen especially noticeable drops, while the smallest changes are clustered closer together. That pattern suggests there are opportunities across multiple model years rather than just one obvious bargain.

The 2023, 2015, and 2022 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the BMW 5 Series safe?

• 2026: 9/10
• 2024: 6/10
• 2021: 9/10
• 2018: 9/10
• 2017: 9/10

The 2026 model includes an Assisted Driving system with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

For the safest used buy, the 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2026 models all post the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

Should I buy a used BMW 5 Series now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2025 model is at −14.65% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −7.37%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 33.5% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings at a current average price of $34,262. The BMW 5 Series offers a refined cabin, strong road manners, and a premium feel that make it easy to live with every day.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: Fortified with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, the 540i xDrive is effortlessly smooth, swift, and civilized. The engine makes 375 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, bumping to 398 lb-ft when the eBoost 48-volt mild-hybrid system’s electric motor offers assistance.
• Tech: It houses a 12.3-inch configurable driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display; BMW Operating System 8.5 is the software that powers it. In addition, the 5 Series includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.
• Safety: This version of the 5 Series has adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and together they create an Assisted Driving system. Our test car had the Driving Assistance Professional option package.
• Starting price: Prices range from $59,875 to $125,275, including the destination charge and, in the case of the M5 models, a gas-guzzler tax.

If you're buying used today, the 2022 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2028 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.