Used BMW 5 Series for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.4%
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 executive saloon that comes remarkably close to being the perfect all-rounder. This sixth-generation model offers exceptional refinement and is a genuine delight to drive over long distances. With spacious accommodation for driver and passengers, a 520-litre boot (560 litres on the Touring estate), and a comprehensive range of powerful yet efficient petrol and diesel engines, it delivers impressive versatility. The 520d in particular strikes an excellent balance between performance and economy, achieving 60-65mpg in real-world conditions, whilst even the more powerful 530d and 535d models manage around 50mpg.

Build quality and reliability meet BMW's premium standards, and the eight-speed automatic gearbox is among the finest in the business. The iDrive infotainment system, whilst lacking a touchscreen, offers impressive simplicity and convenience. Running costs are modest for a car of this calibre, with some models attracting road tax as low as £30 annually. However, potential buyers should be aware that replacement run-flat tyres can exceed £1,100 per set, and not all models come equipped with split-folding rear seats as standard. The M5 variants offer thrilling high-performance motoring but at considerably higher fuel and maintenance costs.

Best for: Drivers seeking a refined, spacious executive saloon that excels at long-distance travel, those prioritising a balance of performance and economy (520d), and buyers wanting premium engineering with reasonable running costs.

Not ideal for: Those sensitive to firm suspension on larger wheels, buyers of high-performance M5 variants concerned about fuel consumption, or those requiring split-folding rear seats as standard.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 5 Series if: You seek a refined, spacious executive saloon excelling at long-distance travel, prioritise a balance of performance and economy (520d), or want premium engineering with reasonable running costs.

Consider alternatives if: You are sensitive to firm suspension on larger wheels, concerned about high-performance M5 fuel consumption, or require split-folding rear seats as standard.

Competitive Position: The BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2016) stands as the strongest contender in the executive saloon segment, earning a perfect five-star expert rating. Whilst the Audi A6 matches it with exceptional user ratings and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers comparable overall ratings, the BMW's exceptional all-round ability, superior driving dynamics, and excellent balance of performance and economy make it the standout choice. The healthy stock of used examples on the market ensures buyers can find the precise specification they require. For those prioritising refinement, comfort, and long-distance capability, the 5 Series remains the benchmark executive saloon.

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.