BMW 5 Series F10 Review (2010-2016)

What is the BMW 5 Series like?

While it may not be perfect, as an all-rounder this generation of BMW 5 Series executive saloon comes very close to being the answer to that age-old question: if you could only have one car for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This sixth-generation model, also known as the F10, was on sale between 2010 and 2016, with a minor facelift in 2013, before being replaced by the seventh-generation car, the G30 BMW 5 Series, in 2017.

How practical is it?

For driver and passengers alike there’s plenty of room in the BMW 5 Series. Those in the back can stretch out in comfort. While the car is wide enough to sit three across the back seat, do be aware that the person in the middle will have a wide transmission tunnel to straddle. Boot space is as good as the best in the class, whether you go for the standard saloon model (520 litres) or the more practical Touring estate model (560 litres).

The one downside is that split-folding rear seats didn’t come as standard – buyers had to pay extra to order them specially, and that means it’s quite hard to find a 5 Series that’s so equipped.

What's it like to drive?

It’s extremely refined, easy and rewarding to drive over long distances, and spacious and comfortable to travel inside. Its range of petrol and diesel engines pull off that rarely accomplished magic of being powerful and smooth, yet also fuel efficient and low on emissions: the two exceptions to that rule are the V8 petrol models, the 550i and twin-turbo M5, which instead do a roaring trade in high performance motoring.

Though a rarity in the UK, there’s also a hybrid version called the ActiveHybrid 5, powered by a punchy 3.0-litre petrol engine teamed with an electric motor.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

Even the entry-level SE models are handsomely equipped, and if you can afford the eight-speed automatic gearbox, grab it: it’s one of the best autos in the business.

The infotainment system's screen isn't as large as you'll find in more modern cars, and there's no touchscreen functionality, but the simplicity and convenience of BMW's iDrive rotary controller is deeply impressive.

Build quality and reliability tend to live up to expectations of a BMW, but there are things to watch out for, as we'll explain.

BMW 5 Series running costs

If you’re really lucky the original owner of your 5 Series will have taken out the BMW five-year/50,000-mile service plan (for a very reasonable £475) and there will still be a residue left for you. Otherwise BMW dealerships can be a costly place to have your car serviced, even if the 5 Series can go up to two years between services. If you do want to go outside of the main dealer route, there’s a strong network of independent BMW specialists that should charge less than the official network.

The run-flat tyres with which the 5 Series is equipped seem like a great safety feature, but their appeal wanes when you have to replace them – a full set can cost you £1,100 or more, and some owners complain of having to do so within 18,000 miles.

While fuel consumption of the rampant M5 can drop as low as 18mpg, the 520d can in real world conditions can eke out 60-65 miles from a gallon of diesel: even the gutsy 530d and 535d turbodiesel models should get you around 50mpg. Correct tyre pressures can make a big difference to 5 Series fuel consumption, so remember to keep an eye on them.

Good fuel efficiency and the consequent low CO2 emissions have knock on benefits for road tax, with the annual fee for some models as little as £30. Wheel size has a dramatic effect on what the annual VED is, so remember to ask the vendor how much they have been paying, as some versions can cost £290 a year for tax, and in the case of the 550i and M5 it’s £540.

BMWs are premium cars with expensive replacement parts, so insurance costs are accordingly high – even the 520d is in insurance group 34 out of 50.

BMW 5 Series reliability

Generally the 5 Series is a very reliable car, as evidenced by a lack of vitriol from owners on internet forums. Pure mechanical issues are impressively rare, except for 520d engines (BMW code N47) made before March 2011: a manufacturing glitch made their timing chains prone to stretching, which could lead to catastrophic engine failure. By now, though, this issue should have been resolved under warranty, but should you hear a ticking noise from the engine, go find another car.

Some early cars suffered from rough running because of faulty ignition coils, while numerous other electrical glitches, affecting everything from the multimedia system through to the control of the electric water pump on the engine, have irritated first owners. And there have been isolated faults with fuel injectors, ignition coil packs and turbochargers, as well as rattling steering columns and sunroofs: again, by this stage in the cars’ lives these problems should have been sorted out. Although seldom affecting large numbers of 5 Series, there have been several UK recalls for the car, some of which relate to potential fire risks, so check on the government car recalls website that any remedial work has been carried out on the example you’re looking at.

The alloy wheels on a handful of cars suffered from cracking and pitting, so have a look for damage that goes beyond a bit of light kerbing rash. And although not a fault per se, there are numerous comments from owners to say that the rear-wheel drive 5 Series is particularly hopeless in snow and ice.