BMW 5er E60
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
507 PS
5.0L V10 Benzin
V10 estate, 1,012 units — the rarest M car for daily use
Legendary!507 PS
5.0L V10 Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The BMW 5er E60 is available as Limousine and Touring — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW 5er E60 is available with 9 engine variants — from 150 to 507 hp. 5 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The BMW 520d (Diesel, 163 PS) has the M47TUD20 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The BMW 525d (Diesel, 163–177 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M57D30 (2004–2007, Stay Away!) und M57D30 (2004–2007, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 525d!
The BMW 530d (Diesel, 211–235 PS) comes with 4 different engines: M57D30 (2003–2005, Stay Away!) und M57D30 (2003–2005, Stay Away!) und M57TUD30 (2004–2007, Stay Away!) und M57TUD30 (2004–2007, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 530d!
The BMW 535d (Diesel, 272 PS) has the M57TUD30 (3.0L Diesel Biturbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW 523i (Benziner, 177–204 PS) comes with 3 different engines: N52B25 (2005–2007, Be Careful) und N52B30 (2007–2010, Be Careful) und N53B25 (2007–2010, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 523i!
The BMW 525i (Benziner, 211–218 PS) comes with 4 different engines: N52B25 (2005–2010, Be Careful) und N52B25 (2005–2010, Be Careful) und N52B30 (2005–2010, Be Careful) und N52B30 (2005–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 525i!
The BMW 530i (Benziner, 258–272 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N52B30 (2005–2007, Be Careful) und N53B30 (2007–2010, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 530i!
The BMW 535i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 11 known weaknesses.
The BMW 540i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N62B40 (4.0L V8) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| iDrive system overheats The iDrive infotainment system overheats due to a failed cooling fan — system no longer starts or runs with limited function. Fan runs continuously and drains the starter battery. Symptoms: iDrive unresponsive or won't start. Navigation, radio, and climate control through iDrive inoperable. Battery drains during extended standstill. from 100,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 81 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 5er E60 (2003–2010) — 73 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 8 problem engines: M47TUD20 (2.0L Diesel), M57D30 (3.0L Diesel), M57TUD30 (3.0L Diesel Biturbo), S85B50 (5.0L V10), N53B25 (2.5L DI), N53B30 (3.0L DI), N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo), N62B40 (4.0L V8). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Steering, Other.
5er (M57D30, 2003–2005) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Turbocharger worn, Swirl flaps break off — risk of engine damage. Power: 211–218 PS.
5er (M57D30, 2004–2007) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Turbocharger worn, Swirl flaps break off — risk of engine damage. Power: 177 PS.
5er (M57D30, 2004–2007) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Turbocharger worn, Swirl flaps break off — risk of engine damage. Power: 163 PS.
5er (M57TUD30, 2004–2007) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Swirl flaps break off (known risk), EGR cooler leaking — fire risk (recall). Power: 231–235 PS.
5er (M57TUD30, 2004–2007) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Swirl flaps break off (known risk), EGR cooler leaking — fire risk (recall). Power: 272 PS.
5er (M47TUD20, 2005–2007) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches, Swirl flaps break off and fall into the engine, Cylinder head cracks (M47TU variant). Power: 163 PS.
5er (N52B25, 2005–2007) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure, Oil filter housing gasket leaking — oil in coolant. Power: 177 PS.
5er (N52B25, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure, Oil filter housing gasket leaking — oil in coolant. Power: 211–218 PS.
5er (N52B30, 2005–2007) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Oil filter housing gasket — oil into coolant, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure. Power: 258 PS.
5er (N52B30, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Oil filter housing gasket — oil into coolant, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure. Power: 211–218 PS.
5er (N62B40, 2005–2010) — Stay Away!: Valve stem seals harden — blue smoke after standing, Coolant transfer pipe leaking — hidden coolant loss, Water pump — plastic impeller breaks. Power: 306 PS.
5er (S85B50, 2007–2010) — Stay Away!: Connecting rod bearings — critical wear issue, VANOS high-pressure pump — bearing failure, Throttle body actuators — plastic gears break. Power: 507 PS.
5er (N52B30, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Oil filter housing gasket — oil into coolant, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure. Power: 204–211 PS.
5er (N53B25, 2007–2010) — Stay Away!: Piezo injectors defective (chronic issue), Electric water pump defective, High-pressure pump defective. Power: 204–211 PS.
5er (N53B30, 2007–2010) — Stay Away!: Piezo injectors defective (index-dependent), Electric water pump defective, High-pressure pump defective. Power: 272 PS.
5er (N54B30, 2007–2010) — Stay Away!: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, Injector failure (index < 10), Turbocharger bearing failure. Power: 306 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW 5er? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 5er E60 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 5er E60? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW 5er E60 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW 5er E60 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee