If you are shopping for a used executive saloon with real driver appeal, this BMW E60 buyers guide is the place to start. The fifth-generation 5 Series, built from 2003 to 2010, remains one of the most tempting used BMWs on the market: sharp handling, a superb range of straight-six engines, and prices that now put it within reach of almost any enthusiast. But buying one without doing your homework can get expensive fast, so here is what to check before you buy.
Which E60 should you buy?
The E60 saloon arrived in 2003, with the E61 Touring estate following in 2004. A facelift (known as the LCI) in 2007 brought revised styling, improved iDrive and updated engines, so late cars generally feel more modern and are often the safer buy. Petrol buyers can choose from four-cylinder and six-cylinder models up to the 550i V8, while diesel fans get the superb M57 straight-six in 525d, 530d and 535d form. The headline act is the M5, with its 5.0-litre V10, but it is a specialist purchase with running costs to match.
Engine checks: the expensive stuff first
Start the car from cold and listen carefully. On six-cylinder petrol models, look for ticking from the valvetrain, rough idling and any warning lights. The V8 petrols in the 545i and 550i are known for oil consumption caused by worn valve stem seals, so check the exhaust for blue smoke on start-up. On the twin-turbo 535i, listen for wastegate rattle and ask whether the high-pressure fuel pump or injectors have been replaced.
Diesel checks are just as important. Ask about the swirl flaps in the intake manifold on pre-facelift models, which can break up and damage the engine if they have not been removed or replaced. Check for black smoke under acceleration, which can point to injector or turbo trouble. A proper BMW 5 Series E60 service manual is invaluable here: it lists the exact inspection points, torque figures and service intervals for every engine variant, so you can judge whether a seller’s claims about recent work actually stack up.
Gearbox, suspension and steering
Most E60s use the ZF six-speed automatic, and it should shift smoothly and promptly. Harsh changes, flaring between gears or a clunk when selecting drive can point to worn mechatronic components or old transmission fluid, and a gearbox rebuild is not cheap.
Suspension wear is normal at this age, so budget for it. Worn front thrust-arm bushes cause vague steering and a shimmy under braking, while knocking over bumps usually means drop links or control-arm bushes. On the E61 Touring, check the rear self-levelling air suspension carefully: if the car sits low at the back overnight or the compressor runs constantly, the air springs are leaking.
Electrics, iDrive and interior
The E60 was BMW’s technology flagship, and its electrics are the most common source of niggles. Spend time with the iDrive controller: the screen should be bright and clear, the menus should respond promptly, and the navigation and audio should all work. Early CCC iDrive units can fail or suffer from pixelated displays, and replacements are not cheap. Check every window, seat adjustment, parking sensor and climate function, and look for water in the boot, which can point to blocked drains or perished seals.
Battery drain is a known E60 complaint, often traced to a faulty intelligent battery sensor or a module that refuses to sleep. Insist on a diagnostic scan before you commit: hidden fault codes for the ABS, airbags or engine management can reveal expensive problems a shiny paint job hides.
Bodywork, rust and price
The E60’s aluminium front end and steel body generally resist corrosion well, but check the wheel arches, sills, door bottoms and the boot floor for rust or bubbling paint. Uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint shades and overspray on trims are signs of accident repair, so run a history check and inspect the car in daylight, never under forecourt lights.
Prices vary enormously with condition, mileage and engine. Leggy early 520i and 520d cars are cheap to buy but can be the most expensive to own, while late, low-mileage 530d and 535d models command a real premium. Pay more for a car with a thick folder of history and recent preventative work, and walk away from anything with warning lights or a seller who will not let you inspect it properly. A pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist is money well spent.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW E60 reliable?
Yes, with the right care. The straight-six petrol and diesel engines are fundamentally strong, and most E60 problems come from neglected servicing or worn suspension and electrics rather than catastrophic failure. Buy on condition and history, not just mileage.
Which E60 engine is best?
The 530d is the pick for most buyers: strong, refined, economical and durable. The 530i is the best petrol all-rounder, while the 535d offers near-M-car pace with diesel economy. The V8 models and the M5 are thrilling but need bigger maintenance budgets.
What are the most common BMW E60 problems?
The usual suspects are cooling-system leaks, oil leaks from gaskets and seals, automatic gearbox harshness, worn suspension bushes, iDrive faults, battery drain and, on Tourings, leaking rear air suspension. None of these is a reason to avoid the car, but all are reasons to inspect carefully.
Should I buy a pre-facelift or facelift E60?
Facelift cars from 2007 onwards are generally the better buy, with improved iDrive, revised engines and tidier styling. But a well-kept pre-facelift car with full history and recent preventative work can still be a bargain.
Final checklist before you buy
Buying a used BMW 5 Series from the E60 generation is one of the smartest enthusiast purchases you can make, provided you buy with your eyes open. Check the engine cold, scan for fault codes, test every electrical function, inspect the suspension and air springs, and verify the service history in detail. And once the car is yours, keep it in top condition with the right documentation: a factory-level BMW 5 Series E60 service manual gives you step-by-step procedures, wiring diagrams and service intervals for every job. If you are torn between generations, compare it with the later BMW 5 Series F10 manual, and if you are also considering a smaller classic, the BMW 3 Series E46 manual covers one of the best-handling BMWs ever made.
