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2018 BMW 5-Series

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Used Car Price Range
$21,899 - $41,995
$21,899 $41,995
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2018 530e iPerformance 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $52,650
2018 530i 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $52,650
2018 530e xDrive iPerformance 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $54,950
2018 530i xDrive 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $54,950
2018 540i 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $58,200
2018 540i xDrive 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $60,500
2018 540d xDrive 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $62,000
2018 M550i xDrive 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $73,900
2018 M5 Base 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $102,600
Expert Rating
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Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

The BMW 5-Series is a quintessential German luxury sedan, offering buyers the ability to blend flavors of serene comfort and hardcore performance to best suit their tastes. Because most of the available options for the 5-Series can be accessed at any trim, the discerning buyer can get exactly the car they need without having to pay for anything they don't. Want something sporty? Choose the V8-powered M550i. Don't care about performance, but want comfortable luxury? The 530i will suit your needs. Want to save fuel? You're in luck, because BMW now offers that too, with the 530e plug-in hybrid and 540d diesel.

What's New for 2018

Following in the footsteps of the major redesign last year, the 2018 5-Series now offers a new blend of packages and options, along with three brand new models: the 530e plug-in hybrid, 540d diesel, and the M550i, a sort of decaf version of the monstrous M5 (listed separately).

BMW 5-Series

Choosing Your BMW 5-Series

The first step in deciding what BMW 5-Series variant will best fit your needs is figuring out what engine you want, as trims are separated by engine choice.

The base level 530i receives a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces a reasonable 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while managing a combined fuel economy rating of 27 mpg, respectable for a sedan of its size. The 540i increases the power to 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque through the use of a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six, which returns a combined 24 mpg. If that's not enough, more power is available with the M550i, which is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that puts out 456 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, making it capable of incredible sub-four-second sprints to 60 mph. Fuel economy is predictably worse than the other options, with the M550i achieving a rating of only 19 mpg combined.

If you're looking for something completely different, BMW is now offering the 530e with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 530e features the same 2.0-liter turbo four from the 530i but tuned for efficiency. It only makes 180 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque in this guise, but it's combined with an electric motor that adds 95 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for a net output of 248 hp and 310 lb-ft. The real benefit is fuel economy though; the 530e can manage 72 MPGe combined and can travel up to 27 miles on battery power alone.

If you'd like to save gas but refuse to sacrifice power, BMW has you covered with the 540d diesel-powered model. The 540d features a 3.0-liter straight six turbodiesel with 265 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, all while returning 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and a combined rating of 30 mpg.

All 5-Series models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, and BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system is available as a $2,300 option over rear-wheel drive everywhere except for the M550i and 540d, where it comes standard. Keep in mind that the extra weight of the all-wheel-drive system typically results in a penalty of one mpg over rear-drive-equipped models, but the increased traction can also help the big sedan get off the line a few tenths of a second faster while improving its abilities in inclement conditions.

Option and packages for the 5-Series are extensive and can add up quickly, but many options remain constant across all trim levels. Regardless, configuring a 5-Series can be a bit confusing, so it's highly recommended that buyers spend some time with the online configurator to figure out exactly what is available at each trim level.

Most 5-Series models come in a choice of three design packages, which can be thought of as sub-trims. The base package is the Sport Line Design, which gives the 5-Series an athletic appearance fit for a performance machine. The next level is the Luxury Design, which adds a unique leather upholstery and chrome design accents for a $1,450 premium on the 530i and 530e but is a no-cost option on the 540i and 540d. The top design package is the M Sport Design which is a $4,500 premium on all models except for the M550i, and gives the 5-Series a leather dashboard and a more aggressive demeanor like the M Division cars it’s inspired by.

After choosing a design level, buyers are given a choice of two features tiers, which are essentially overarching options packages for the whole line. You can choose the $2,300 Premium Tier, which adds heated seats, satellite radio, keyless entry, a power tailgate and gesture control, or the $4,400 Executive Tier that adds adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, parking assistance features, soft-close doors, and a digital dashboard, along with all of the features from the Premium Tier. Equipping the Executive Tier also requires you to get the $1,500 Driver Assistance Package that includes a heads-up display, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and various collision and lane departure warnings (also available as an option with other tiers). Also keep in mind that the M Sport Design package includes all features of the Premium Tier package as standard, which can make it a pretty good value.

BMW 5-Series

530i

Starting at $53,395 (including $995 in destination fees), the 530i is the least powerful model in the range, equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 530i is offered in three design packages, which can be thought of as sub-trims. The standard guise is the Sport Line, although buyers can choose Luxury Design package for a $1,450 premium or the motorsport-inspired M Sport Design package for an additional $4,500.

The 530i also has access to the Premium Tier option package and the Executive Tier package is a $4,400 increase. Other option packages include the $1,950 Dynamic Handling Package gives the 530i adaptive suspension, sport brakes, and four-wheel steering, the aforementioned Driver Assistance Package (which is $1,700 in the 530i), the $1,050 Lighting Package with adaptive headlights and automatic high beams, and the $700 Parking Assistance Package.

Leatherette is standard for the 530i, but many leather options are available along with six different trim materials. The full option list is long, but notable entries include a heated steering wheel ($190), multi-contour seats ($750), a couple of premium audio upgrades, and infrared night vision ($2,300).

BMW 5-Series

540i

If the M550i is too hot, and the 530i is too cold, then the 540i should be just right. Starting at $58,695, the 540i features the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight six, which allows it to hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds when equipped with all-wheel drive. Like the 530i, this model is available in Sport Line and Luxury Designs, which are both no-cost options in the 540i, as well as the M Sport Design trim. It also has access to the Premium and Executive Tier packages.

Like the 530i, the Executive Tier requires optioning the Driver Assistance package, but more advanced features are available in the Driver Assistance Plus package for an additional $1,700. The 540i also has a Dynamic Handling Package, but it includes active roll stabilization and costs $3,500.

The 540i comes standard with leather upholstery, and it has access to all of the options of the 530i, with the notable addition of rear entertainment screens ($2,200), sport brakes ($650), and four-wheel steering ($1,150, AWD only) as a standalone option.

BMW 5-Series

530e

Starting at $53,645, the 530e receives a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines an electric motor with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo. Surprisingly, that's the only notable change between the 530e and the standard 530i outside of some blue exterior trim to differentiate it from the other cars.

The 530e has access to the same design trims and has more or less the same options. The only major differences are the lack of four-wheel steering in the Dynamic Handling Package, optional rear entertainment screens, and the inclusion of adaptive suspension as a standalone option.

BMW 5-Series

540d

Those looking for a diesel powered European luxury sedan will be happy with the 540d. Starting at $62,995, this 5er gets a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter straight six turbodiesel, along with standard all-wheel drive. Otherwise, the 540d has the same design styles, packages and options as the normal 540i, with the only the diesel engine setting it apart.

BMW 5-Series

M550i

For buyers who want a fast 5-Series but aren't willing to shell out over $100,000 for an M5, BMW is now offering the M550i. Starting at $74,395, the all-wheel drive equipped M550i is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which is basically an endangered species in today's environmentally-concerned world. It's a thirsty engine though, as fuel economy will hover around 16 mpg around town (less if you drive it properly).

The M550i is configured much differently from the rest of the 5-Series range. The standard features are more extensive than other 5-Series models, including adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, a rear spoiler, and a premium Harmon Kardon stereo system. There are no design styles or tier packages, but instead there are more conventional packages with standalone option choices.

The M550i has access to the same two driver assistance packages, a Cold Weather Package ($800) that adds a heated steering wheel and seats (front and rear), the $1,200 Executive Package that adds soft-close automatic doors, ceramic surfaces, wireless charging, and WiFi, the $1,200 Luxury Seating package that adds ventilated and massaging front seats, and the $700 Parking Assistance Package. Also available is a slightly more expensive Dynamic Handling Package ($3,600), which includes four-wheel steering, Active Roll Stabilization, and a more advanced M-tuned suspension.

The standalone options offered on the M550i are nothing new, but many are individual features that would be a part of the Premium or Executive Tiers on the rest of the 5-Series models, like the digital instrument cluster ($350) and gesture control ($190). The only feature that isn't available on other models is Remote Control Parking ($750), which allows you to park in tight spaces while standing outside of the vehicle.

CarsDirect Tip

The M550i is a bargain compared to the more expensive M5, offering about 70 percent of the performance for $30,000 less and we should all do our part in saving the V8. That being said, most 5-Series shoppers would do just fine with a smartly-optioned 540i. You'll get the most for your money by sticking with the base-level Sport Line design trim while springing for the Executive Tier option package. The Dynamic Handling Package is also compelling, as it allows for both sporty and comfortable suspension settings, depending on your mood. Finish it off with the 20-way adjustable multi-contour seats to make the 540i the perfect blend of luxurious comfort and performance for less than $70,000.

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Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

If you're shopping for a mid-size luxury sedan, the BMW 5-Series should be on your list. This handsome model offers great powertrain choices, agile steering, responsive handling, and cutting-edge technology. We're just left aghast at how expensive this sedan can become.

Best Value

The 2018 BMW 5-Series is a mid-size luxury sedan with room for five. It comes with standard rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. BMW offers gas, diesel, and hybrid powertrain choices along with extensive ways to build yours.

BMW requires shoppers to choose one of three designs when they begin their build. The Sport Line and Luxury designs are priced the same, while the M Sport design adds $4,500 to the price. From there, BMW requires customers to choose a trim tier: Base, Premium, or Executive. The Premium tier adds $2,300, the Executive tier adds $4,400.

  • Model: 2018 BMW 540i
  • Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder
  • Output: 335 hp / 332 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
  • MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy
  • Options: Luxury Design ($0, chrome design accents), Executive Tier ($4,400, adaptive full LED headlights, automatic high beams, self-close automatic doors, parking assist, active park distance control, surround-view monitor, dynamic digital instrument cluster), Driving Assistance Package ($1,700, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, city collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert). Apple CarPlay Compatibility ($300).
  • Base Price: $59,195 (including a $995 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $65,595

Performance

BMW 5-Series

The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found in 530i models offers sufficient power, but our preferred choice is the turbocharged six-cylinder. It's a good replacement for the previous V8, with an output of 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. BMW pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Sorry, there's no stick shift to be had anywhere with the 5-Series.

The six-cylinder-equipped 5-Series is fast, making the run up to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds. The steering set up is generally very good and the feedback is what we expect. Most buyers will enjoy how well balanced this sedan is. We would only consider all-wheel drive for customers living where wintry conditions are a factor.

Style

We're happy that, even as BMW makes the necessary time passage changes to its models, the 5-Series doesn't lose its swagger. The automaker manages to make changes without losing the overall flavor. After all, what would any BMW be without its pronounced twin kidney grilles? Sharper lines are clearly evident with this generation model, but the theme remains reassuring and handsome.

BMW’s craftsmanship is evident throughout the interior, with high-end materials, exquisitely sculpted surfaces, soothing colors, and relaxing lights setting the mood. The cabin is visually pleasing with beautiful leather upholstery, brushed aluminum, or fine woods present. The seats are firm yet comfortable and are designed to allow the driver to enjoy long drives with minimal fatigue.

The tech center is tastefully displaced and reflects the latest and greatest that BMW has to offer. The center console is bigger than ever and the digital instrument panel is sublime tech extraordinaire.

The Best and Worst Things

The 2018 5-Series is a tech machine on wheels. At least it seems that way. You'll find a big digital instrument panel and an even larger center console display. Of course, we're also fans of the BMW’s iDrive system.

The bad news is that BMW pricing can get outrageously expensive. Even though we opted for it, the $300 Apple CarPlay upgrade is a cost BMW should bear, not the customer.

Right For? Wrong For?

BMW 5-Series

Anyone shopping for a mid-size luxury sedan will want to compare competition to the 5-Series. It offers the right measuring stick by which to judge all comers. On the other hand, BMW faithful will soon realize that this isn't the same 5-Series as before. There are so many tech features present that make it seem like a wholly different animal.

The Bottom Line

The 2018 BMW 5-Series is one of the best luxury cars you can buy. But the price point can become terribly expensive, depending on the design, tier, powertrain, and package options. For these reasons, people are more apt to lease than buy in an effort to get the amenities they want for an affordable monthly payment.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 180 HP / 255 ft.lbs.
Transmission
8-spd STEPTRONIC w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
Not Available
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 180 HP / 255 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
Not Available
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
12.1 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$46
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
14.5 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
99 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
194.6 "
Exterior Width
73.5 "
Exterior Height
58.4 "
Front Headroom
38.8 "
Rear Headroom
37.5 "
Front Legroom
41.4 "
Rear Legroom
36.5 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,266 Lbs.
Wheel Base
117 "
Turning Radius
19.8 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 19.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Heated, Power Remote Driver, Power Remote W/tilt Down Passenger
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Dark Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Sensatec Leatherette / Dakota Leather / Leather
Front Seat Type
Sport Bucket / Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(12-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(12-way Power)
Front Armrests
(12-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
40-20-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm/hd, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
12 / 16 Harman/kardon / 16 Bowers & Wilkins
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Power Telescopic Tilt Style
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
5
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Forward Collision Warning / Frontal Collision Warning W/city Collision Mitigation Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Detection Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning Lane Departure / Active Lane Keeping Assistant Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Steering And Lane Control Hands-on Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Daytime Pedestrian Detection Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention / Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control Front And Rear / Automated
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 BMW 5-Series for Sale

10 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
BMW
iPerformance
Color: Silver
Price

$21,899

Mileage

61,570 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group of Bellflower (15 mi)

Phone: (562) 302-4744
BMW
i 4dr Rear-Wheel Drive Sedan
Color: Carbon Black Metallic
Price

$22,980

Mileage

64,628 mi

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Radical Auto.com (17 mi)

Phone: (818) 848-8481
BMW
530i Sedan 4D
Color: White
Price

$22,995

Mileage

75,561 mi

Map location icon

Special Auto Group Llc (18 mi)

Phone: (747) 202-2200
BMW
530i
Color: Blue
Price

$23,855

Mileage

37,425 mi

Map location icon

LA City Cars (4 mi)

Phone: (323) 522-9200
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