Quick answer
A used BMW 5 Series F10 starts from €9,000 and G30 from €20,000 in Lithuania. According to WHEELSTREET data, the G30 520d with the B47 engine is the most reliable choice, while F10 models with the N47 diesel have a critical timing chain defect (repair: €3,000-6,000). Budget €1,200-2,000/year for maintenance — BMW 5 Series parts cost 20-40% more than 3 Series equivalents.
The BMW 5 Series is one of the most iconic executive saloons. Dynamic driving, a premium cabin and powerful engines make it one of the most popular used premium cars on the market. But buying a 5 Series requires careful attention — technical maintenance and repair costs are significantly higher than mainstream vehicles.
Generations Overview
F10/F11 (2010–2017) ⭐ Most Popular in the Used Market
The classic 5 Series with iconic styling and excellent driving dynamics.
Price: 10,000–28,000 €
Strengths:
- Excellent driving dynamics and balance
- Wide engine range: 518d, 520d, 525d, 530d; 520i, 528i, 535i
- Estate body (F11) — spacious 560 L boot
- iDrive system — convenient navigation and multimedia
Problems:
- N47 diesel (520d, 518d pre-2013) — timing chain failure. CRITICAL issue
- N20 petrol (520i, 528i) — also has timing chain problems
- EGR and DPF system — frequent fault sources
- Control electronics — many premium systems can fail after warranty
Recommended? Yes, but only with the B47 (from 2014) or N57 diesel. Avoid the N47.
G30/G31 (2017–2023) ⭐⭐ Best Choice
Updated platform, B47/B57 engines, improved electronics.
Price: 20,000–50,000 €
Strengths:
- B47 2.0 TwinPower Turbo diesel — significantly more reliable than the N47
- B58 3.0i — one of the best BMW engines ever made
- Modern iDrive 6/7 system
- Parking assistant and semi-autonomous driving
- Hybrid versions (530e PHEV)
Problems: Complex electronics — ADAS systems may need recalibration after repairs. High maintenance costs.
Recommended? Yes — G30 with B47 diesel is the best BMW 5 Series choice today.
G60 (2023–present) — Most Modern
Fully electrified platform, 48V mild-hybrid standard.
Used price: 55,000–80,000+ € (rare used market stock)
Best Engines
Diesel (Recommended for Most)
B47 2.0d 190 hp (520d, G30, from 2016) — BEST CHOICE. Reliable, economical (5.5–7 l/100km), properly engineered timing chain. Highly recommended.
N57 3.0d 258–313 hp (530d/535d, F10) — excellent 6-cylinder diesel. Reliable, but higher maintenance costs. A good choice with full service history.
B57 3.0d 265–340 hp (530d/540d, G30) — most advanced diesel. Outstanding power-to-economy balance.
Avoid:
- N47 2.0d (F10 pre-2013) — timing chain failure, catastrophic if it snaps
- M57 3.0d (older F10) — ageing engine, high maintenance costs
Petrol
B58 3.0i 252–340 hp (530i, 540i, G30) — one of the best BMW engines. Reliable, powerful.
N20 2.0i (520i, 528i, F10) — timing chain problems. Avoid!
B48 2.0i (520i, G30) — replaces the N20. More reliable.
Known 5 Series Problems
1. N47 Timing Chain (CRITICAL)
The BMW N47 diesel used in F10/F11 models pre-2013 has a WELL-DOCUMENTED timing chain defect. The chain is at the rear of the engine (gearbox side) — complex and expensive to repair. The chain can snap after 100,000–150,000 km without early warning symptoms. Repair: 2,000–4,000 €. Avoid this engine categorically. Check the build date carefully: N47B20 from 2013 onwards is a revised version, but still warrants caution.
2. EGR Valve
Like all modern diesels — the EGR valve can block. Symptoms: smoke, poor acceleration, error code warning. Cleaning: 100–200 €, replacement: 300–600 €.
3. DPF System
Short-distance driving can block the DPF. BMW recommends periodic motorway driving (20+ km at 120 km/h) for regeneration. DPF replacement: 600–1,500 €.
4. Control Electronics
BMW cars have extensive premium electronics (iDrive, surround cameras, active steering, DSC). After warranty expiry these systems can fail. OBD diagnostics are mandatory before purchase.
5. Adaptive M Suspension
G30 with adaptive suspension can have more frequent shock absorber failures than standard suspension. Shock absorber replacement: 300–600 € each. Check if the car has sport/adaptive suspension.
Servicing Costs (BMW Reality)
BMW maintenance is more expensive than mainstream vehicles:
| Service | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Oil change | 150–300 |
| Timing chain (B47) | 800–1,500 |
| DPF cleaning/replacement | 400–1,500 |
| EGR cleaning | 150–300 |
| Brake pads (all 4) | 400–800 |
| Shock absorber replacement | 400–700 (each) |
| iDrive screen replacement | 500–2,000 |
What to Check Before Buying
- ✅ VIN history check — F10 5 Series is often imported from Germany and the UK
- ✅ Engine identification — N47 or B47? (critically important!)
- ✅ OBD diagnostics — engine, ABS, DSC, airbag, iDrive fault codes
- ✅ Service history — BMW maintenance is expensive, so history is a guarantee
- ✅ DPF/EGR condition — diagnostics
- ✅ Suspension check — ball joints, shock absorbers
- ✅ Electrical systems — windows, heated windscreen, iDrive
Prices in Lithuania (2026)
| Version | Year | Price (€) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| F10 520d N47 | 2010–2013 | 9,000–14,000 | Avoid — timing chain risk |
| F10 520d B47 | 2014–2017 | 13,000–22,000 | Recommended |
| F10 530d N57 | 2010–2016 | 15,000–25,000 | 6-cyl diesel |
| G30 520d B47 | 2017–2021 | 22,000–38,000 | Best buy |
| G30 530d B57 | 2018–2022 | 28,000–45,000 | Most powerful diesel |
| G30 530e PHEV | 2018–2022 | 25,000–40,000 | Hybrid version |
BMW 5 Series vs Rivals
vs Mercedes E-Class (W213):
- Mercedes: more comfortable and quieter
- BMW: sportier driving dynamics
- Similar maintenance costs
- Mercedes W212 (previous gen) cheaper in the used market
vs Audi A6 (C7/C8):
- Audi quattro AWD — better winter traction
- BMW RWD/xDrive — better driving dynamics
- Audi more elegant and stable at speed
vs Volvo S90/V90:
- Volvo safer and more comfortable
- BMW sportier
- Volvo lower maintenance costs
Our Recommendation
Best buy in 2026: BMW 5 Series G30 520d with B47 engine, 2018–2021, mileage 80,000–130,000 km, full service history at a BMW dealer or reputable independent, price 25,000–35,000 €.
Budget alternative: F10 520d with B47 (from 2014) — mandatory timing chain verification.
Categorically avoid: F10 with N47 engine (any mileage), N20 petrol without full service history.
The BMW 5 Series is an excellent choice for a buyer who wants a premium executive saloon with a sporting character. But it's a car that demands thorough inspection and commands high running costs. With the right engine and good service history — it serves reliably for many years.
FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?
The G30 with B47 diesel (from 2017) and B58 petrol are genuinely reliable. The F10 B47 (from 2014) is also solid. The N47 diesel (pre-2013) has a catastrophic timing chain problem — avoid entirely. Full service history is essential; BMW deteriorates quickly without proper maintenance.
N47 or B47 — how do I tell the difference?
The N47 was used in the F10 up to approximately 2013 (520d). The B47 replaced it from 2014 onwards. You can verify by the engine code on the VIN — a BMW specialist or independent BMW garage can confirm in minutes with OBD diagnostics. Don't buy without checking.
How much does a BMW 5 Series cost to run?
Budget 1,500–2,500 €/year for routine maintenance on an F10 or G30. Brake discs/pads: 400–700 € per axle. Engine repairs on a well-maintained B47/B57 are rare before 200,000 km.
Looking for a verified used BMW 5 Series in Lithuania? WHEELSTREET specialists inspect and source 5 Series models from across Europe. Contact us for a free consultation.
You might also find useful:
- 🚗 BMW listings at WHEELSTREET — verified BMW 5 Series with warranty
- 🔍 Car sourcing service — we find the best BMW for your budget
- 🏆 BMW vs Mercedes: which is better? — full premium comparison
- 💰 Leasing calculator — calculate your monthly BMW 5 Series payment
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