5 How Much Does a BMW 5 Series Cost?
Exploring the 5-Series Bimmer’s Cost of Ownership, Including Maintenance and Repair costs
So, you have your eye on a BMW, specifically the BMW 5 Series? We don’t blame you; they are slick looking cars that are known for their performance and fun driving experience. Whether you’re looking to carve up the canyons or looking for a plush, luxurious and comfortable ride, the BMW 5 Series checks the boxes. And there are lots of models to rev your engine with endless features that make it live up to its slogan: The Ultimate Driving Experience. Before you buy (or maybe you’ve already purchased), let’s take a look at the cost of ownership of the 5 Series BMW.
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How Much Does a BMW Series Cost?
The current 2020 5 Series models are what you’d expect from the BMW brand. They are comfortable and luxurious – poised and sophisticated for a driver who likes to be in charge. A brand new 2020 5 Series ranges in price from $53,900 to $61,750, depending on the model – 530i or 540i – and whether you prefer rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. Engine size and features will also factor into the total cost. We get more specific on the costs for the 2020 model later in this blog.
A used BMW 5 Series will range anywhere from $10,000 on the low end for an older model to as much as $57,000 for some of the later years. Take a look at the average retail price for model years 2011 through 2019:
2011: $9,625 – $11, 125 | 6th Gen
2011 was a redesign year. It became larger, but sacrificed some of its handling, however the fit and finish are still excellent with powerful engines that have been refined.
2012: $8,750 – $12,875 | 6th Gen
2013: $10,825 – $16,400 | 6th Gen
2014: $13,550 – $19,925 | 6th Gen
2015: $15,925 – $23,575 | 6th Gen
2016: $19,575 – $27,000 | 6th Gen
2017: $24,425 – $35,550 | 7th Gen
The2017 is a redesign year. BMW focused on adding technology and sharpening handling. The 7th generation is the same size as the 6th generation, but the back seats and trunk are roomier.
2018: $33,325 – $47,975 | 7th Gen
2019: $37,600 – $57,125 | 7th Gen
Average Maintenance Cost Per Year
A well maintained car will keep driving well past 100,000 miles, but a poorly maintained one could be bad news leading to costly repairs that could have been avoided.
Maintenance can be pretty typical for most car brands, but in order to keep your Bimmer running at optimum performance levels, BMW recommends its BMW 5 Series-specific maintenance schedule, which includes:
- Replacing the engine oil every 10,000 miles or 12 months
- Replacing the oil filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months
- Verifying the engine temperature at the first 30,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles
- Cleaning and examining the brake system at the first 30,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles
- Inspecting the exhaust system at first 30,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles
- Replacing the air filters every 60,000 miles
- Replacing the spark plugs every 60,000 miles.
BMW’s warranty includes maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 and will generally cover the above. And sensors in the car let you know when you’re due for maintenance and what needs to get fixed at each interval.
If your Bimmer is out of warranty, then you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 for just maintenance every 10,000 miles. On average, BMW owners can expect to pay more for maintenance because it is a German car made with specialty parts and technology. Those specialized parts will run more in price and in short, the BMWs are made for car enthusiasts and not intended as a car to just get from point A to point B.
On average, a major service can run you anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. And BMW owners pay more for that sweet ride for maintenance and repairs, about $1,000 to $1,700 per year. If you’re worried about major repairs, we recommend getting an extended warranty through olive®. But keep in mind that extended warranties will not pay for standard BMW maintenance, but they will cover more expensive parts that are more likely to fail over time.
Don’t Forget the Tires
Maintenance isn’t just about what’s under the hood. Tires are a critical component in keeping your BMW well maintained, and they should not be overlooked. Most tires should last about 25,000 to 50,000 miles, which is about three to five years for the average driver. In colder regions, drivers are changing their BMW tires every two to three years because of the harsher climate. So, make sure to check your tires annually. It’s good practice to have them checked during your annual maintenance check.
BMW owners can expect to pay anywhere from $215 per tire on the low end to upwards of $400 per tire, making a set of four an investment of anywhere from $860 to more than $1,600. There are so many tire options on the market right now, so price will vary based on wheel options, tire size and the type of tire you’re looking to outfit your car with – all-season, winter, etc.
Since the tires are the only thing that are between you and the road, it’s important that you keep them in good shape. A good set of tires will also affect how well your 5 Series handles the road. While the BMWs are known for their performance and how well they handle the road, good tires will ensure optimal performance, so they are worth the investment.
The 2020 BMW 5 Series
If you’ve got your eye on a brand-new BMW, there’s so much you can look forward to beyond that new-car smell! As mentioned earlier, they range in price from $53,900 to $61,750 for its two, core models – 530i and 540i.
As far as features go, BMW did not skimp on its standard feature line-up. Features include a roomy interior with plenty of head and legroom, and one of the largest trunks made. Other standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof and push-button start. You’ll enjoy a premium infotainment center that features a 10.25-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, two USB ports and Bluetooth capabilities. Standard driver-assist features include cruise control, a rearview camera, front and back parking sensors, pedestrian detection, auto braking, blind spot monitoring and much more.
Additionally, its comprehensive warranty will cover you bump-to-bumper for 4 years or 50,000 miles. The warranty coverage may vary with different models, but below is a general idea:
Bumper-to-Bumper: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain: 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion: 12 years/unlimited miles
Emissions: 8 years/80,000 miles
Maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles
Adjustment: 1 year/2,000 miles
2020 5 Series Models pricing:
530i Sedan – 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder; rear-wheel drive averaging 33 mpg and accelerating 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Starting at $53,900
530i xDrive Sedan – 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder, all-wheel drive averaging 31 mpg and accelerating 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Starting at $56,200
540i Sedan – 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder; rear-wheel drive averaging 30 mpg and accelerating 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Starting at $59,450
540i xDrive Sedan – 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, all-wheel drive averaging 29 mpg and accelerating 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Starting at $61,750
Reliability Review
Reliability is important when determining ownership costs because the more reliable a car is, the less likely it will need major repairs over time. Reliability ratings are given to cars as a way to help consumers determine what they can expect in terms of dependability and the likelihood of potential future repair and costs associated with those repairs.
When it comes to reliability, the 2020 BMW 5 Series is better than most sedans in its class, showing really well in predicted reliability. It earned a score of 4 out of 5 based on the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study.
The BMW 528i Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, with an average annual repair cost of $825 compared to an average of $976 for other luxury full-size cars. The probability of a repair being severe, or a major issue is 12% for the BMW 528i, compared to an average of 14% for other luxury full-size cars.
The BMW 535i Reliability Rating is 2.5 out of 5.0, with an average annual repair cost of $977. The probability of a repair being severe or major is 16% for the BMW 535i.
Total Cost of Ownership
According to RepairPal, BMW owners pay an average of $968 per year on repairs and maintenance. This amount is higher than most brands in its same class. BMW is known for its higher maintenance and repair costs, but that is due to its specialty parts and equipment.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) refers to the purchase price plus any additional costs that it will take to operate the vehicle. Assessing the TCO will allow you to look at the bigger picture of your investment – in this case the BMW 5 Series.
To determine TCO for the latest year models of the BMW 5 Series, we used Edmund’s ownership costs five-year breakdown and accounted for gas, insurance, repairs and maintenance. Unless a specific model year has more reported issues, you can expect that the older the car, the higher the cost of ownership (most of the time).
2019 5 Series 530i TCO: $28,912 or $5,782 per year
2018 5 Series 530i TCO: $33,920 or $6,784 per year
2017 5 Series 530i TCO: $38,499 or $7,699 per year
2016 5 Series 528i TCO: $39,792 or $7,958 per year
2015 5 Series 528i TCO: $39,783 or $7956 per year
BMW 5 Series Common Repairs and Costs
Reliability overall for the BMW 5 Series is average when compared to other cars in its category. However, as with any car regardless of make or model, there will undoubtedly come a time when you need to shell out some cash for a repair. It’s a real bummer, but unfortunately, it’s part of owning a vehicle.
Below are some problems associated with the 528i and 535i, that have been reported by consumers and captured by RepairPal. To read more about these problems, check out olive’s blog: The 411 on the BMW 5 Series.
BMW 528i
Leaky Valve Cover Gaskets – Leaky gaskets are common and have been reported after 60,000 miles. Estimate to repair is $355 to $464 for a valve gasket replacement.
Front Suspension Looseness – Consumers have reported a looseness in the front suspension that is caused by worn tension strut bushings. For a diagnosis, you can expect to pay anywhere from $114 to $145.
Coolant Leak from Radiator – It’s not uncommon for the radiator to develop a leak. When this happens, the radiator must be replaced, and the entire cooling system should be inspected for any additional leaks. Expect to pay $651 to $859.
BMW 535i
Outside Mirror Out Too Far – On vehicles that are equipped with power folding mirrors, the mirrors may fold out past the standard position causing undue damage when parking or general driving. A diagnosis will range in price from $114 to $145.
Rattling Engine – Late model BMW 535i turbo engines have been reported to suffer from waste gate issues. The Check Engine Light will also illuminate, displaying the code P30FF. A diagnosis to test the Check Engine Light and perform testing will cost up to $150.
Front Suspension Looseness – The front thrust rod bushings, also referred to as tension strut bushings, have been known to fail on occasion. To rectify this, you may need a suspension shock or strut assembly replacement, which will be very expensive, ranging in price from $1,640 to $1,706.
Other Replacement Costs for the 528i and 535i Models
Here are other costs associated with repairs for both the BMW 5 Series 528i and 535i. These costs are an average and data is provided by RepairPal.
Air Filter Replacement
528i: $83 – $111| Labor costs: $44 – $56 | Parts: $39 – 55
535i: $90 – $119| Labor costs: $44 – $56 | Parts: $46 – $63
Alternator Replacement
528i: $650 – $1,144 | Labor costs: $131 – $167 | Parts: $519 – $977.
535i: $385 and $1,010 | Labor costs: $103 – $131 | Parts: $282 – $879
Battery Replacement
528i: $318 – $335 | Labor costs: $61 – 78 | Parts: $257
535i: $438 – $464 | Labor costs: $93 – $119 | Parts: $345
Brake Pads Replacement
528i: $304 – $359| Labor costs: $109 – $139 | Parts: $195 – $220
535i: $207 – $264| Labor costs: $99 – $125 | Parts: $108 – $139
Brake Rotor Replacement
528i: $349 – $591| Labor costs: $105 – $134 | Parts: $244 – $457
535i: $528 – $632| Labor costs: $158 – $200 | Parts: $370 – $432
Head Gasket Replacement
528i: $2,234 and $3,072| Labor costs: $1789 and $2257 | Parts: $445 – $815
535i: $3,131 – $4,119| Labor costs: $2604 – $3286 | Parts: $527 – $833
Radiator Replacement
528i: $651 – $859 | Labor costs: $195 – $248 | Parts: $456 – 611
535i: $722 – $803 | Labor costs: $105 – $133 | Parts: $617 – $670
Spark Plug Replacement
528i: $152 – $307| Labor costs: $127 – $161 | Parts: $25 – $146
535i: $100 – $234| Labor costs: $72 – $92 | Parts: $28 – $142
Starter Replacement
528i: $476 – $787| Labor costs: $220 – $279 | Parts: $256 – $508
535i: $519 – $1,098| Labor costs: $273 – $346 | Parts: $246 – $752
Thermostat Replacement
528i: $69 – $319| Labor costs: $151 – $192 | Parts: $118 – $127
535i: $186 – $222| Labor costs: $124 – $157 | Parts: $62 – $65
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
528i: $429 – $554| Labor costs: $364 – $459 | Parts: $65 – $95
535i: $663 – $853| Labor costs: $589 – $744 | Parts: $74 – $109
Windshield Replacement
528i/535i windshield replacement: $350 – $400+
Wheel Alignment
528i: $148 – $186| Labor costs: $140 – $178 | Parts: $8 – $10
535i: $142 – $180| Labor costs: $140 – $178 | Parts: $2 – $5
While the list above may seem overwhelming, it’s important to note that these are just possible issues you may encounter. The list is intended to serve as a general guide as to what you can expect in terms of costs for repairs. Not every 528i or 535i experience these problems.
An Investment That’s Worth it for Your Bimmer
Don’t be afraid of the unexpected repair costs associated with your BMW, and get peace of mind with an extended warranty from olive®.
After your factory warranty expires, you’ll want to ensure your ride continues to be protected for those unfortunate repairs that may creep up over time. In general, below is an example of items covered under extended warranties.
Steering System
Electrical Components
Engine Assembly
Drivetrain
Transmission
Exhaust Systems
Alternators, Manifolds, Pumps
Heating and Cooling Assembly
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