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BMW · Luxury · 2017–2023

BMW 5er G30

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.3 / 5.0 · Based on 8 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

600–625 PS

4.4L V8 Biturbo Benzin

625 hp Competition — sharper than the base M5

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

530 PS

4.4L V8 Biturbo Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice

Body Variants

The BMW 5er G30 is available as Limousine and Touring — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The BMW 5er G30 is available with 16 engine variants — from 116 to 625 hp. 6 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

25d · Diesel· 211 PS
2017 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
30d · Diesel· 249 PS
2017 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
520d · Diesel· 184–197 PS Engine Change
2017 2023
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2017 2023
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
530d · Diesel· 258–265 PS Engine Change
2017 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2017 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
540d xDrive · Diesel· 320 PS
2017 2020
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
M550d · Diesel· 400 PS
2017 2023
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
20i · Benziner· 163 PS
2017 2023
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
520i · Benziner· 184–190 PS Engine Change
2017 2023
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2017 2023
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
530i · Benziner· 245–252 PS Engine Change
2017 2023
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2017 2023
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
540i xDrive · Benziner· 340 PS
2017 2023
Be Careful 12 weaknesses
M550i · Benziner· 462 PS Engine Change
2017 2020
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2020 2023
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
540i · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 333–340 PS Engine Change
2020 2023
Be Careful 12 weaknesses
2020 2023
Be Careful 12 weaknesses
520e · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 204 PS
2020 2023
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
530e · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 292 PS
2017 2023
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
545e · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 394 PS
2019 2023
Be Careful 12 weaknesses
530d · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 249 PS
2020 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The BMW 25d (Diesel, 211 PS) has the B47D20 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW 30d (Diesel, 249 PS) has the B57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The BMW 520d (Diesel, 184–197 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B47D20 (2017–2023, Be Careful) und B47D20 (2017–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 520d!

The BMW 530d (Diesel, 258–265 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B57D30 (2017–2023, Be Careful) und B57D30 (2017–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 530d!

The BMW 540d xDrive (Diesel, 320 PS) has the B57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The BMW M550d (Diesel, 400 PS) has the N57D30S1 (3.0L Quad-Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The BMW 20i (Benziner, 163 PS) has the B48B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW 520i (Benziner, 184–190 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B48B20 (2017–2023, Be Careful) und B48B20 (2017–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 520i!

The BMW 530i (Benziner, 245–252 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B48B20 (2017–2023, Be Careful) und B48B20 (2017–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 530i!

The BMW 540i xDrive (Benziner, 340 PS) has the B58B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 12 known weaknesses.

The BMW M550i (Benziner, 462 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N63B44TU (2017–2020, Be Careful) und N63B44TU3 (2020–2023, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the M550i!

The BMW 540i (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 333–340 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B58B30 (2020–2023, Be Careful) und B58B30 (2020–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 540i!

The BMW 520e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 204 PS) has the B48B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW 530e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 292 PS) has the B48B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW 545e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 394 PS) has the B58B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 12 known weaknesses.

The BMW 530d (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 249 PS) has the B57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Recall: HV battery cell contact fault

BMW recalled several G60 models from 2023–2024 due to faulty cell contacts in the high-voltage battery. A defect can cause discharge and present a fire risk.

Symptoms: High-voltage battery warning, unexpected charging stop, range drops drastically, in extreme cases smell of burning.
Low
!PHEV charging unit: early failures reported

Related BMW PHEV models such as the X5 50e show CCU (Combined Charging Unit) failures below 2,000 km. Whether the M5 G90 uses identical components and is affected remains unclear — the model is too new for reliable data.

Symptoms: Charging not possible, high-voltage system warning, car starts in combustion-only mode despite battery charge.
High
Driver assistance systems malfunctioning

Traffic sign recognition, TPMS sensors, digital instrument cluster, and lane/parking assistance failures are frequently reported. Usually resolved by software updates.

Symptoms: Incorrect traffic sign display, sporadic digital instrument cluster failure, safety system warnings without apparent cause.
from 50,000 km
Low
iDrive infotainment crashes and restarts

The G30's iDrive system tends to crash and restart sporadically. Navigation, Bluetooth, and CarPlay are intermittently unavailable. Software updates usually only help temporarily.

Symptoms: Black screen, iDrive restarts while driving, Bluetooth connection drops, navigation failure.
Low
48V mild hybrid recuperation fails

Some G60 drivers report occasional messages that recuperation is not working. After software updates BMW also significantly changed the hybrid drivetrain characteristics, leading to owner complaints.

Symptoms: Message 'Recuperation not available', suddenly stronger braking feel due to absent recuperation, changed pull-away behaviour after update.
Low
iDrive OS 9 software bugs and connectivity issues

The new BMW OS 9 operating system in the G60 still has various software bugs: voice control fails, assistant systems falsely deactivate, smartphone pairing is unstable.

Symptoms: Voice assistant unresponsive, driver assistance systems trigger warnings without cause, smartphone disconnects, navigation loads slowly.
Low
iDrive 8.5/9 CarPlay and eSIM connection drops

Wireless CarPlay disconnects from the system sporadically; eSIM shows connection error on startup. Digital key sometimes cannot be set up. Issue occurs reproducibly for several i5 owners — often every third journey.

Symptoms: CarPlay doesn't appear on display or HUD; eSIM reports 'No mobile reception'; restarting the car fixes it temporarily.
from 5,000 km
Low
Connectivity issues — iDrive OS9

G60 owners report Spotify connection drops, incorrect navigation position, and driver assistance failures. Software instability with OS9 systems.

Symptoms: Apps won't connect, navigation shows wrong position, entertainment system freezes
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
16 complaints · 2017–2023
Seat Belts
4
Airbags
3 ⚠ 2
Body Structure
2
Engine
2
Seats
2

Top Reported Issues

Seat Belts (4 complaints)
Airbags (3 complaints)
Body Structure (2 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 75 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 5er G30 (2017–2023) — 54 engine-related and 21 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Other, Brakes. Considered reliable: N63B44TU3 (4.4L V8 Biturbo).

5er (N57D30S1, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Triple turbocharger failure (chain reaction), EGR cooler fire risk (recall, build years 2012–2015). Power: 400 PS.

5er (B47D20, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 184–197 PS.

5er (B47D20, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 205–218 PS.

5er (B57D30, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: EGR cooler failure, Timing chain elongation on early models, Turbocharger bearing damage at high mileage. Power: 258–265 PS.

5er (B57D30, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: EGR cooler failure, Timing chain elongation on early models, Turbocharger bearing damage at high mileage. Power: 313–320 PS.

5er (B57D30, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: EGR cooler failure, Timing chain elongation on early models, Turbocharger bearing damage at high mileage. Power: 249 PS.

5er (B48B20, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 184–190 PS.

5er (B48B20, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 245–252 PS.

5er (B48B20, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 163 PS.

5er (B58B30, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: Oil filter disintegrates — engine damage risk, Plastic oil filter housing cracks — coolant/oil mixing, PCV valve / valve cover membrane failed. Power: 333–340 PS.

5er (N63B44TU, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear at high mileage, Valve stem seals — oil consumption despite revision, Turbo bearing damage from Hot-V heat build-up. Power: 462 PS.

5er (S63B44T4, 2018–2023) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing wear (mitigated), High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, Turbo coolant lines V-valley heat damage. Power: 625 PS.

5er (B58B30, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Oil filter disintegrates — engine damage risk, Plastic oil filter housing cracks — coolant/oil mixing, PCV valve / valve cover membrane failed. Power: 333–340 PS.

5er (B48B20, 2017–2023) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 184–190 PS.

5er (B58B30, 2019–2023) — Be Careful: Oil filter disintegrates — engine damage risk, Plastic oil filter housing cracks — coolant/oil mixing, PCV valve / valve cover membrane failed. Power: 286 PS.

5er (B48B20, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 163 PS.

5er (B57D30, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: EGR cooler failure, Timing chain elongation on early models, Turbocharger bearing damage at high mileage. Power: 249 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 G30 have? +
The BMW 5er G30 has 54 known engine weaknesses and 21 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 5er G30? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: N63B44TU3 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). The most reliable engine is the N63B44TU3 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the S63B44T4 (4.4L V8 Biturbo).
Which BMW 5er G30 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the BMW 5er G30. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which BMW 5er G30 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW 5er G30 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 25 more hp, 7 mm lower, stiffer mounts, more direct steering. Little difference on paper, a noticeably more taut car on the road. For 90% of buyers the right choice over the base F90. Not CS hardcore, but no compromise either.
Is the BMW 5er G30 worth buying used? +
The BMW 5er G30 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 8 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 5er G30? +
The BMW 5er G30 is available with engine variants from 116 to 625 hp. Petrol: B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo), N63B44TU (4.4L V8 Biturbo), N63B44TU3 (4.4L V8 Biturbo), S63B44T4 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Diesel: N57D30S1 (3.0L Quad-Turbo), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel), B57D30 (3.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee