Used BMW 5 Series for sale near Bristol

CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,200
Average Price: Around £19,000

BMW 5 Series (2010-2016) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Exceptional all-round ability	Fairly firm ride on larger alloy wheels
Satisfying to drive and comfortable to travel in	Epic running costs of high-performance M5
The 520d hits the sweet spot for performance and economy	Not all models have split/folding rear seats

Quick Summary

The BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2016) is an exceptional executive saloon that comes remarkably close to being the perfect all-rounder. This sixth-generation model offers abundant space for driver and passengers, with a comfortable rear bench and generous boot capacity of 520 litres in the saloon or 560 litres in the Touring estate. The car underwent a minor facelift in 2013 and was eventually replaced by the seventh-generation G30 model in 2017. Its range of petrol and diesel engines deliver the rare combination of power and smoothness with impressive fuel efficiency and low emissions, whilst the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox ranks among the finest in the business.

The 5 Series is laden with useful technology, including BMW's intuitive iDrive rotary controller, and provides a refined, rewarding driving experience over long distances. The 520d diesel engine represents the sweet spot, achieving 60-65mpg in real-world conditions, whilst even the gutsy 530d and 535d models deliver around 50mpg. Running costs are modest for a premium car of this calibre, with some models attracting annual road tax as low as £30. Build quality and reliability meet BMW expectations, though run-flat tyres can be costly to replace. A healthy stock of used F10 models exists on the market, making it easier to find the specification that suits your needs.

Best for: Drivers seeking an exceptional all-round executive saloon, those prioritising comfort and refinement for long journeys, and buyers wanting premium performance with reasonable running costs.

Not ideal for: Those sensitive to firm suspension on larger alloy wheels, buyers unwilling to pay premium servicing costs, or those seeking the lowest possible purchase price in the executive saloon segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 5 Series if: You're seeking an exceptional all-round executive saloon, prioritising comfort and refinement for long journeys, or wanting premium performance with reasonable running costs.

Consider alternatives if: You are sensitive to firm suspension on larger alloy wheels, unwilling to pay premium servicing costs, or seeking the lowest possible purchase price in the executive saloon segment.

Competitive Position: The BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2016) stands as the strongest contender in the used executive saloon market, earning a perfect five-star expert rating. Whilst the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class offer comparable overall ratings and user satisfaction, the 5 Series excels in driving dynamics and all-round ability. The Jaguar XF Mk1 provides an alternative with distinctive styling but slightly lower ratings. The 5 Series' combination of exceptional refinement, powerful yet efficient engines, and modest running costs for its class make it the premier choice for discerning buyers seeking a truly versatile executive saloon that delivers on every front.

Read our full BMW 5 Series Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.