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 2017 from a Japanese auction

Auction sheet — 2017 BMW 5 Series 4D 530I M-Sport

Grade: 4.5

LHD

Aug 25, 2026Time to auction

BMW 5 Series

4D 530I M-Sport

2017 79,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

34,688 zł

BMW 5 Series 2005 from a Japanese auction

Auction sheet — 2005 BMW 5 Series 4D 545I

Grade: 4

LHD

Aug 21, 2026Time to auction

BMW 5 Series

4D 545I

2005 30,000 km 4,400 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

1,875 zł

BMW 5 Series 1988 from a Japanese auction

Auction sheet — 1988 BMW 5 Series 4D 520I

Grade: 4

LHD

Aug 21, 2026Time to auction

BMW 5 Series

4D 520I

1988 68,000 km 2,000 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

11,719 zł

BMW 5 Series 1994 from a Japanese auction

Auction sheet — 1994 BMW 5 Series 4D 525I

Grade: 3.5

LHD

Aug 21, 2026Time to auction

BMW 5 Series

4D 525I

1994 50,000 km 2,500 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

13,594 zł

BMW 5 Series 1985 from a Japanese auction

Grade: R

LHD

Aug 21, 2026Time to auction

BMW 5 Series

1985 35,000 km 1,800 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

234 zł

Recently finished

Auctions from the last 24 hours

BMW 5 Series auctions that closed within the last 24 hours. Price shown is the start price. Hammer typically lands 1.3–2× higher.

Auction sheet — 2005 BMW 5 Series 4D 530I

2005 159,000 km 3,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

1989 68,000 km 2,500 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

4D 525I Hi-Line Package

2010 47,000 km 2,500 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

2017 76,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

4D 530I M-Sport Hi-Line Package

2018 98,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

2018 53,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

22,969 zł

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 2016 from a Japanese auction

Auction sheet — 2016 BMW 5 Series 4D 528I

2016 54,000 km 3,000 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

2011 68,000 km 3,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

2010 114,000 km 3,000 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

2014 126,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

2017 79,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

4D 525I Hi-Line Package

2010 47,000 km 2,500 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

2010 114,000 km 3,000 cc AT

Starting price (approx.)

2017 76,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

1985 35,000 km 1,800 cc AT

2013 75,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

2005 30,000 km 4,400 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

2014 126,000 km 2,000 cc FA

Starting price (approx.)

7,031 zł

BMW 5 Series from Japanese auctions — starting prices

Auction price guide

Median starting price

4,219 zł

Lots in our data

117 (5 live now)

Model years

1981–2019

Median mileage

79,000 km

Steering

LHD 117 · RHD 0

Year	Lots	Median start	Typical range
2019	8	39,610 zł	25,430 zł – 44,532 zł
2018	9	35,157 zł	35,157 zł – 35,157 zł
2017	13	34,688 zł	34,688 zł – 34,688 zł
2016	6	3,984 zł	3,984 zł – 3,984 zł
2014	9	7,031 zł	7,031 zł – 7,031 zł
2013	7	234 zł	234 zł – 17,930 zł
2011	11	4,219 zł	4,219 zł – 4,219 zł
2010	5	1,172 zł	1,172 zł – 1,172 zł
2005	15	1,875 zł	234 zł – 1,875 zł
1998	7	1,875 zł	1,875 zł – 1,875 zł

27 lots in low-sample years are not listed.

These are starting (auction opening) prices in Japan, not sale prices. The hammer price typically lands 1.3–2× higher. Typical range covers the middle 50% of prices (quartiles).

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

Auctions from the last 24 hours

5 Series from our archive

Auction price guide

Which generation to choose?

E39 (1995–2003)

E60 (2003–2010)

F10 (2010–2017)

G30 (2017–2023)

More BMW models

5 Series — FAQ

5 Series available this week

Auctions from the last 24 hours

5 Series from our archive

5 Series.
The benchmark executive saloon.