BMW 5-Series

E12/E28
Executive saloons don’t come much better than the 5-Series. The BMW has been a hit in the sales charts for more than 30 years, with
over three million finding homes worldwide.

The original four-cylinder, four-door saloon was codenamed E12. A year after its arrival, six-cylinder 525 and 528i models joined the line-up. With attractive styling and decent performance, it was an immediate success and even spawned the hot M535i, which used the same 218bhp engine as the 635CSi coupé.

A minor facelift in 1981 gave rise to the E28, but the 1972 design lasted virtually unchanged until 1987. There is a wider choice of engines than with the E12, though, and thrill-seekers should look for the post-1986 286bhp M5, capable of 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds.

It has the biggest classic appeal, as many early models have rusted away and low-spec machines are less desirable. Even so, run-of-the-mill, but mint, Seventies examples can fetch up to £2,000. Prices are determined by history and condition rather than the usual factors, such as the number of owners or mileage.

E34
The next generation maintained the 5-Series’ reputation for exceptional refinement and sporty rear-wheel-drive handling. Its broader engine line-up goes from a basic 1.8 to a terrific 3.8-litre straight-six in the M5. There’s even a strong diesel engine, too, while bodystyles include a practical Touring estate.

Its understated looks have aged well, but the E34 currently sits in the no-man’s land between desirable modern car and bona fide classic, so prices are rock bottom. Budget buyers attempting to run a luxury motor on a shoestring have tarnished its image, although steep servicing costs plus potential gearbox, overheating and electrical problems mean there’s no such thing as a truly cheap 5-Series.

Big petrol engines are thirsty, so check out the diesel 525d, the wisest used buy. And while Touring variants carry a £500 premium over the saloon, automatics add relatively little value.

Low-mileage cars with a proven history are preferable, as is SE or higher trim, otherwise you can expect a spartan cabin. Anything below the 520i will feel slow, so choose carefully.

E39
hailed as the best executive car in the world when it arrived in 1996, the E39 is still a brilliant all-rounder. Elegant design, excellent refinement and loads of driver appeal help to make it an attractive proposition.

The range had a mild facelift in 2000, adding wider grilles and circular side lights. Despite the brand’s classy reputation, reliability worries are surprisingly common, so check coolant levels on petrol models, and look for evidence of overheating. Gremlins can affect digital readouts inside, while water-pump failure is fairly common on older models. Check the history to see if the pump has been replaced.

A full service record is essential and, to maximise resale vales, stick to automatics with leather upholstery and sat-nav. A basic 520i is adequate, but the 523i or 530i are preferable. The diesels are appealing, and the 525d is nearly as good as the more expensive 530d.

The popular Touring is up to £1,000 more than the saloon, and the M5 – powered by a 400bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine– is outstanding. Prices for it start at around £20,000.

E60
The latest 5-Series was recently revamped, but you’ll struggle to tell it apart from the original 2003 version, so don’t expect massive price differences. It’s still an attractive new purchase, and keeps its value well. However, once its heaviest depreciation is out of the way, a second-hand example makes a great used buy.

Technology-laden cabins feature everything from heated seats and night vision to BMW’s innovative but complicated iDrive system. While these cost a fortune on new cars, don’t pay too much for them on used models – if you don’t really want the kit, why fork out a premium?

Earliest 520i SE examples are worth seeking out, as they’re available on an 03 plate with average mileage for £15,500 from a dealer. Autos add £1,000 to that figure, while a comparable 525i will cost £15,875. The amazing diesels steal the limelight, though, and an 03-reg 530d SE is £19,125 – self-shifters or Tourings are £1,425 and £500 more respectively. The 525d, which arrived in 2004, is £2,000 cheaper than the 530d. And the 520d, made since 2005, starts from around £21,000.

In detail

E12/E28
Price range: £200-£6,000
Manufactured from: 1972-1987
Engines: 1.8 518, 2.0 520/520i, 2.5 525/525e/525i, 3.0 530i,
2.8 528/528e/528i, 3.5 535i petrol
Insurance groups: N/A
Beware! Rust, faded paintwork, tired suspension, models with patchy maintenance history
Best bit? Practical classic

E34
Price range: £500-£7,000
Manufactured from: 1988-1996
Engines: 1.8 518i, 2.0 520i, 2.5 525i, 3.0 530i, 3.4 535i, 4.0 540i, 3.5 and 3.8 M5 petrol; 2.5 525d diesel
Insurance groups: 13-20
Beware! Poor maintenance, worn suspension, overheated engines
Best bit? Smooth engines

E39
Price range: £2,950-£30,250
Manufactured from: 1996-2003
Engines: 2.0 520i, 2.2 520i, 2.5 523i/525, 2.8 528i, 3.0 530i, 3.5 535, 4.4 540i, 4.9-litre M5 petrol; 2.5 525d, 3.0 530d diesel
Insurance groups: 14-20
Beware! Running costs, worn rear tyres, fixed back seat in saloons
Best bit? Ageless looks

E60
Price range: £15,500-£35,000
Manufactured from: 2003 to date
Engines: 2.2 520i, 2.5 523i/525i, 3.0 530i, 4.4 545i, 5.0-litre M5 petrol; 2.0 520d, 2.5 525d, 3.0 530d/535d diesel
Insurance groups: 15-20
Beware! Unpopular run-flat tyres, costly dealer maintenance, iDrive
Best bit? Excellent build