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 has a current nationwide average price of $27,024, and its year-round low is $25,804.03. That puts the model in a fairly broad price band, with newer examples commanding much higher averages and older ones opening up more affordable entry points. 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 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. Across the years, you also see recurring appreciation for the well-equipped cabins and the way the car balances sporty driving with everyday comfort. Expert reviews reinforce that theme, especially around the model’s refined ride, strong technology, and premium feel.

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

The trade-offs tend to center on ownership costs, complex technology, and some years’ limited rear-seat or cargo space. For used shoppers, that means the 5 Series rewards you most when you prioritize driving enjoyment and upscale features, while still checking the car carefully for condition and maintenance history.

28.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are BMW 5 Series models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently describe the BMW 5 Series as a refined, enjoyable sedan with strong performance and a well-appointed cabin. The model’s appeal also comes through in the way it combines comfort with a premium driving experience across many years.

• 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 service history and a careful pre-purchase inspection.

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

Across all model years, at 73.7% 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:

• 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 these trims:

• 530i: The entry model uses mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency and comes standard with rear-wheel drive, making it the starting point if you want the core 5 Series experience.
• 540i: This is the best-value trim if you want the strongest blend of refinement and effortless speed, with a turbocharged inline-six, standard AWD, and the most polished all-around character in the lineup.
• 550e: The plug-in hybrid option adds electrified driving to the lineup for shoppers who want a different efficiency-focused powertrain.
• i5: This all-electric version suits you if you want the 5 Series shape and cabin with a fully electric setup.
• i5 M60: This performance-oriented electric trim adds a more powerful EV character for buyers who want stronger acceleration.
• M5: This is the high-performance benchmark, aimed at shoppers who want the most serious performance in the range.
• M5 Touring: This wagon variant adds the M5’s performance focus with 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 2019.

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you a wider selection of trims, prices, and equipment levels to compare. They also sit in the part of the lineup where many shoppers can balance newer features with more approachable pricing.

What is the BMW 5 Series's resale value?

The table shows broad price declines across the lineup, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. Some newer and older years are falling more sharply than others, but the overall pattern is downward. That creates more room for value-minded buyers to find attractive entry points.

The 2023, 2015, and 2017 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 5 Series 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 −14.18% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −6.93%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 30.6% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings at a current average price of $34,078. The BMW 5 Series offers a refined cabin, strong road manners, and a premium driving feel that make it appealing across generations.

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: The 2026 BMW 5 Series is priced right compared to other midsize luxury cars, and it comes with three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, which aligns with common lease contract terms.

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 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.