CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,200
Average Price: Around £19,500

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 executive saloon that comes remarkably close to being the perfect all-rounder. This sixth-generation model offers exceptional refinement and a rewarding driving experience, with plenty of room for driver and passengers alike. The boot space is generous at 520 litres for the saloon and 560 litres for the Touring estate, making it highly practical for long journeys. A minor facelift in 2013 refreshed the model before it was replaced by the seventh-generation G30 in 2017.

The range of petrol and diesel engines delivers the rare combination of power and smoothness with impressive fuel efficiency and low emissions. The 520d is particularly noteworthy, achieving 60-65 mpg in real-world conditions, whilst the 530d and 535d turbodiesel models deliver around 50 mpg. Even entry-level SE models are well-equipped, and the eight-speed automatic gearbox is among the best in the business. BMW's iDrive rotary controller offers simplicity and convenience, though the infotainment screen lacks modern touchscreen functionality. Build quality and reliability meet BMW expectations, with modest running costs for a car of such quality, making it an enticing ownership proposition.

Best for: Drivers seeking an exceptional all-rounder with comfort, performance, and practicality; business users attracted to efficient engines; and those wanting a premium executive saloon with low running costs.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising a softer ride on larger wheels, those concerned about M5 running costs, or those requiring split/folding rear seats as standard on all trims.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 5 Series if: You seek an exceptional all-rounder with comfort, performance, and practicality; you're a business user attracted to efficient engines; or you want a premium executive saloon with modest running costs.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise a softer ride on larger wheels, are concerned about high-performance M5 running costs, or require split/folding rear seats as standard on all trims.

Competitive Position: The BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2016) is a standout in the executive saloon market, offering exceptional all-round ability and a satisfying driving experience. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 score highly with users, the BMW's superior expert rating and sweet-spot 520d engine make it a compelling choice. The Jaguar XF Mk1 offers alternative appeal but falls slightly behind on overall ratings. The 5 Series' combination of refinement, practicality, and efficient engines, coupled with a healthy stock of used models on the market, makes it an enticing proposition for discerning buyers.

Read our full BMW 5 Series Review

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

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