BMW 5 Series · E39, E60, F10, G30 · Buying guide

5 Series.
The benchmark executive saloon.

The 5 Series is BMW's mid-size saloon, in continuous production since 1972. Successive generations — E39, E60, F10 and G30 — set the executive-class standard. The engine range spans inline-sixes, V8s and diesels, with the M5 as the apex, running a V8 or V10 depending on generation. Drive is classically to the rear axle, with optional xDrive on newer years. The 5 Series surfaces regularly at Japanese auctions, often in high specification.

1972

Series debut

R6 / V8

Typical engines

Performance flagship

RWD / xDrive

Drivetrain

Active auctions · 5 Series

5 Series available this week

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BMW 5 Series 1998 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 4

LHD

Jun 23, 2026Time to auction

BMW 5 Series

4D 528I

1998 70,000 km 2,800 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

1,843 zł

BMW 5 Series 2005 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 4

LHD

Jun 23, 2026Time to auction

BMW 5 Series

4D 525I M-Sport Package

2005 93,000 km 2,500 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

230 zł

BMW 5 Series 2014 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 4

LHD

Jun 23, 2026Time to auction

BMW 5 Series

4D 528I M-Sport

2014 126,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

6,912 zł

BMW 5 Series 2013 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 3.5

LHD

Jun 23, 2026Time to auction

BMW 5 Series

4D 528I Luxury

2013 277,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

230 zł

BMW 5 Series 1988 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 3

LHD

Jun 25, 2026Time to auction

BMW 5 Series

4D M535IA

1988 51,000 km 3,400 cc FA

Starting price

Coming soon

Ended auctions

5 Series from our archive

Recent BMW 5 Series lots that passed our inspection. Price shown is the start price. Hammer typically lands 1.3–2× higher.

BMW 5 Series 1999 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 3.5

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 528I

1999 334,000 km 2,800 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

115 zł

BMW 5 Series 2017 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 3.5

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 530I M-Sport

2017 155,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

20,276 zł

Grade: 4.5

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 525I M-Sport Package

2005 88,000 km 2,500 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

230 zł

Grade: R

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

WG 550I Touring M-Sport

2013 23,000 km 4,400 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

20,276 zł

BMW 5 Series 2011 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 4

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 528I

2011 68,000 km 3,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

1,843 zł

Grade: 4

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 545I

2005 30,000 km 4,400 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

1,843 zł

BMW 5 Series 1993 from a Japanese auction

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 525I

1993 128,000 km 2,500 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

4,147 zł

BMW 5 Series 1997 from a Japanese auction

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 528I

1997 104,000 km 2,800 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

1,152 zł

BMW 5 Series 2007 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 4

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 525I

2007 97,000 km 2,500 cc AT

Starting price

Coming soon

BMW 5 Series 2016 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 4

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 525I M-Sport Package

2016 84,000 km 2,500 cc FA

Starting price

Coming soon

BMW 5 Series 2019 from a Japanese auction

Grade: 4.5

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 530I M-Sport

2019 76,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

27,188 zł

Grade: 4

LHD

Auction ended

BMW 5 Series

4D 528I

1998 70,000 km 2,800 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

1,843 zł

Versions

Which generation to choose?

E39 (1995–2003)

A generation prized for balanced handling and build quality. Its M5 runs the naturally aspirated S62 5.0 V8 with a six-speed manual, which makes it a collector item.

E60 (2003–2010)

Bold styling and advanced electronics. The E60 M5 is the only 5 Series with the high-revving S85 5.0 V10 and an SMG gearbox.

F10 (2010–2017)

A return to a restrained shape, with turbocharged inline and V8 engines. The F10 M5 introduced a turbo V8 and a major step up in torque.

G30 (2017–2023)

A lighter structure, rich electronics and plug-in hybrid variants. The G30 M5 pairs a turbo V8 with xDrive.

FAQ

5 Series — FAQ

Which 5 Series is the most collectible?

The most sought-after is the E39 M5 with its naturally aspirated V8 and manual gearbox, prized for the purity of the design. The next collector target is the E60 M5 with the range's only V10.

What engines does the 5 Series use?

Depending on generation: inline-sixes, V8s, diesels and, on newer years, plug-in hybrids. The M5 uses a V8 or a V10 depending on generation.

Is the 5 Series available with all-wheel drive?

Yes, newer generations offer xDrive alongside the classic rear-wheel-drive layout. Many cars from Japanese auctions are rear-drive, which is worth confirming on the auction sheet.

5 Series. The benchmark executive saloon.

5 Series available this week

5 Series from our archive

Which generation to choose?

E39 (1995–2003)

E60 (2003–2010)

F10 (2010–2017)

G30 (2017–2023)

5 Series — FAQ

5 Series.
The benchmark executive saloon.