BMW 5 Series Owners' Guide
- Car ownership
- BMW
FixMyCar provides key information about the BMW 5 Series.
Ellie Dyer-Brown
Monday April 14 2025
11 min read
The 5 Series is a sporty yet comfortable executive car available in a saloon or estate body style. It has won 27 What Car? Awards throughout its lifetime – more than any other model – as well as accolades from Autocar and the World Car Awards.
This owners’ guide compiles key information about your 5 Series in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly.
BMW 5 Series generations
BMW 5 Series Mk1 1972-1981
The exterior design of the Mk1 5 Series (E12) was created by Marcello Gandini, who was famous for designing the Lamborghini Muira, Diablo and Countach. It took BMW in a decisively upmarket direction and set the tone for the cars that followed.
Body styles:
Four-door saloon
Key engine options:
1.8-litre 89bhp petrol
2.0-litre 120bhp petrol
2.5-litre 148bhp petrol
BMW 5 Series Mk2 1981-1988
Though the second-generation 5 Series (E28) looked similar on the outside, it was a very different car inside. The dashboard was angled towards the driver for the first time, and an onboard computer was introduced, along with cruise control.
The Mk2 was the first 5 Series to get a diesel engine option, with a non-turbo option added in some markets a few years later.
Body styles:
Four-door saloon
Key engine options:
1.8-litre 90bhp petrol
2.7-litre 127bhp petrol
3.5-litre 286bhp petrol
2.4-litre 115bhp diesel
BMW 5 Series Mk3 1988-1996
The Mk3 5 Series saw a lot of firsts: the first V8 engine options, the first all-wheel drive option, and the first six-speed automatic gearbox. It was also the first to get electronically adjustable dampers, traction control, and stability control.
Body styles:
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Key engine options:
1.8-litre 115bhp petrol
3.4-litre 208bhp petrol
4.0-litre 282bhp V8 petrol
2.4-litre 115bhp diesel
2.5-litre 143bhp diesel
BMW 5 Series Mk4 1995-2003
Many enthusiasts crown the Mk4 5 Series (E39) as one of the best BMWs ever made. It was the last 5 Series to use only straight six or V8 petrol engines in the UK, and six-cylinder versions made use of rack and pinion steering, resulting in a more agile feel.
The Mk5 received a facelift in 2000, delivering a refreshed interior with a much larger sat-nav screen.
Body styles:
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Key engine options:
2.0-litre 148bhp petrol
2.5-litre 187bhp petrol
3.5-litre 232bhp V8 petrol
2.5-litre 139bhp diesel
3.0-litre 189bhp diesel
BMW 5 Series Mk5 2003-2010
The next generation of the 5 Series, codenamed E50, had the most radical design yet. The exterior had a blocky shape with sharp angles, while the interior lost some of its cosiness in favour of a more serious, stylish design. It divided public opinion, becoming something of a marmite car – you either loved or hated it.
BMW’s iDrive entertainment system was introduced in the E50, and the model also got active steering, lane departure warning, and adaptive headlights.
Body styles:
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Key engine options:
5.0-litre 493bhp V10 petrol
2.5-litre 190bhp petrol
4.0-litre 306bhp petrol V8
BMW 5 Series Mk6 2010-2017
The controversial design of the Mk5 5 Series was dialled back with the Mk6, which saw a return to the model’s original appearance. For the first time in its history, you could get a hybrid version, electric power steering, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and an active rear-wheel steering system (Integral Active Steering).
Body styles:
Five-door ‘fastback’ hatchback
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Key engine options:
2.5-litre 204bhp petrol
3.0-litre 306bhp turbo petrol
2.0-litre 184bhp diesel
BMW 5 Series Mk7 2017-2023
The seventh generation of the 5 Series is packed with more tech than ever but has fewer body styles and no manual gearbox option – all models come with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. Trim levels are simple – SE or M Sport – and there is a vast range of power outputs, from 181bhp to 617bhp.
Body styles:
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Key engine options:
2-litre 184bhp petrol
3-litre 340bhp petrol
4.4-litre 625bhp V8 petrol
2.0-litre 190bhp diesel
2.0-litre 252bhp petrol/hybrid
BMW 5 Series Mk8 2024-
The Mk8 5 Series (G60) is significantly larger than its predecessors. It has a luxurious and tasteful interior packed with tech and is offered for the first time as a fully electric car, alongside petrol and plug-in hybrid versions.
Body styles:
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Key engine options:
2.0-litre 208bhp turbo petrol
3.0-litre 375bhp turbo petrol mild hybrid
340bhp electric
Service intervals
Modern BMWs use a Condition-Based Service (CBS) system. Instead of relying on fixed time or mileage intervals, the system monitors your car and alerts you when it needs a service. You can keep track of your car's condition and servicing history using the My BMW app and the iDrive menu in your car. What is monitored by CBS?
Wear and tear of parts
Time and mileage recommendations for services
What is BMW Service Inclusive?
Service Inclusive is a service plan from BMW that covers your vehicle’s servicing needs for at least the first four years after it was registered. It requires an upfront payment tailored to your model and is only available from a BMW Centre.
Service Inclusive is available for a 5 Series from £1,300.
What’s included?
Service Inclusive for petrol, diesel and PHEV models covers all servicing costs up to your car’s fifth birthday or 62,000 miles (whichever comes first). This includes:
Oil top-up
Service fuel filter (diesel)
Service air filter
Service micro filter
Fixed service intervals
If you'd rather stick to fixed time or distance-based servicing for your 5 Series, the intervals below are recommended for most vehicles.
| Maintenance type | Replacement interval |
|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | Every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. |
| Brake fluid | Every two years regardless of mileage. |
| Brake system | Checked with annual service |
| Battery | Checked every 20,000 miles/two years. |
| Tyres | Checked with annual service |
Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides:
Tyre pressure
The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the 5 Series on TyrePressures.com.
However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressure for your 5 Series:
In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual.
Printed on the sill of the driver’s door.
On the inside of the fuel tank cap.
Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information.
| 5 Series model year | Front tyre size | Front tyre pressure | Rear tyre size | Rear tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025, 2024 | 245/45/R19 102 Y | 36 PSI/2.5 BAR | 245/45/R19 102 Y | 37 PSI/2.6 BAR |
| 2023 | 245/35/R20 95 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR | 275/30/R20 97 Y | 41 PSI/2.8 BAR |
| 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 | 245/45/R18 100 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 275/40/R18 103 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR |
| 2018, 2017 | 245/35/R20 95 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR | 275/30/R20 97 Y | 44 PSI/3 BAR |
| 2016 | 245/45/R18 96 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 275/40/R18 99 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR |
How to check BMW 5 Series tyre pressure
There are three options for checking your tyre pressure:
Use a hand-held gauge (available online for around £10).
Use the vehicle’s onboard system to view current tyre pressures.
Find a petrol station with a tyre inflation machine on the forecourt.
How to reset a BMW 5 Series tyre pressure warning light
Follow these steps if a tyre pressure warning light has appeared on your dashboard.
Check your tyre pressure and adjust as needed.
Using the iDrive controller, navigate to the car icon.
Select ‘Vehicle Status’, then ‘Tyre Pressure Monitor’ and ‘Tyre Settings’.
Look for the reset option.
After clicking reset, you’ll need to go on a short drive for the system to calibrate. The warning light will then switch off.
For older models:
Scroll through the dashboard menu using the left indicator stalk until you find the tyre pressure reset option.
Press and hold the BC button on the end of the indicator, then let it go.
Press and hold the BC button again until you see a tick.
Press the BC button again and navigate to ‘Check’.
The screen should now say ‘Check OK’.
The method can vary depending on which 5 Series generation you own – check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your vehicle.
Engine oil
It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil for your car – find out why in this guide.
5W-30 oil is commonly used in BMW models, but the recommended oil grade can differ between different 5 Series configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the correct oil for your vehicle.
0W-40 oil has a lower viscosity and is recommended for use in countries where the temperature regularly drops below –20 degrees.
Castrol has been BMW’s lubricant supplier for over a decade.
What is the oil capacity of a BMW 5 Series?
5 Series models typically have an oil capacity between 5.5 and 6.5 litres. The amount required for an oil change can vary between different generations and engine configurations, so it’s always worth checking your owner’s manual to make sure you don’t overfill the system.
Need help checking and topping up your engine oil? Read this guide.
Battery
What battery do I need for my BMW 3 Series?
The type and size of the battery will depend on the model’s configurations. Many 5 Series models use AGM 019 batteries.
🚨 If your car has start-stop technology that automatically switches the engine off when stationary, it requires an AGM or EFB battery.
The table below gives some examples of different 5 Series models and which batteries are most suitable for them.
| 5 Series Model Spec | Year | Recommended Battery |
|---|---|---|
| 518d Luxury 2.0 143bhp manual diesel | 2025 | AGM 115 |
| 520i M Sport 2.0 184bhp manual petrol | 2025 | AGM 019 |
| 520i Luxury 2.0 184bhp manual petrol | 2024 | AGM 019 |
| 518d Luxury 2.0 150bhp Tiptronic automatic diesel | 2022 | AGM 019 |
How to look after the battery of your BMW 5 Series
The top three things you can do to prolong your battery’s life are:
Keep it clean and free from corrosion.
Use your car regularly and do some longer journeys.
Get it checked – this is done during a full service.
Read about more battery maintenance tips here.
Warning lights
BMW 5 Series warning lights you might not know
BMW brake pad replacement warning light
5 Series models have sensors that detect when the brake pads become too worn and trigger a warning light to alert the driver. The light looks like a circle with three dashed lines on each side following the curve. It illuminates before the pads become dangerously thin to ensure you have enough time to arrange a repair.
BMW air suspension fault warning light
The air suspension warning light looks like the outline of a vehicle with two arrows along the underside – one points up and the other points down.
If you see this light, you’ll probably notice that your car feels harder to handle and may be lower to the ground. It can be caused by a faulty air compressor or a leak in one of the suspension air bags that sit above the wheels.
We recommend booking a diagnostic test to find out the cause and get an accurate price estimate.
Common problems
While the 5 Series has many strengths, iron-clad reliability isn’t one of them. Several common problems have emerged over the years that are worth being aware of.
Our BMW 5 Series common problems guide explores this topic in detail, so we’ll just cover two top issues here.
1. Bonnet release problem
Numerous 5 Series owners have reported issues with the bonnet not opening. Sometimes, pressing down on the latch area of the bonnet while another person pulls the release lever inside the car can solve the problem.
However, bonnet release issues can also be caused by a broken latch cable, which will require a replacement.
2. Electrical glitches
New 5 Series models are brimming with high-tech equipment – but with more electrical systems comes the risk of more problems. Electrical glitches are among the most common causes of complaints, especially about the iDrive system, which can freeze or randomly reboot.
Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides:
Top BMW 5 Series questions and topics
Are BMW 5 Series cars rear-wheel drive?
Most BMW 5 Series models have rear-wheel drive, including the i5 eDrive 40 M Sport. However, some versions are offered with all-wheel drive.
Do all BMW 5 Series cars have ambient lighting?
All eighth-generation 5 Series models have the BMW Interaction Bar, which provides ambient lighting throughout the cabin.
Do BMW 5 Series rear seats fold down?
Yes, you can fold the rear seats down in 5 Series models.
Does the BMW 5 Series have air suspension?
Some 5 Series models have air suspension as standard, including Touring (estate) versions, all-electric versions, and PHEVs.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.