BMW 5 Series fifth generation

BMW 5 Series fifth generation
Photo: Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The BMW 5 Series fifth generation (2004–2010): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 38 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: E60, E61 · Sold in: United States and Canada

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationEuropeNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length4,780–4,900 mm RDW–4,843–4,983 mm
Width1,850–1,860 mm RDW–1,850 mm
Height1,450–1,490 mm RDW–1,470–1,491 mm
Wheelbase2,830–2,900 mm RDW–2,890–3,030 mm
Front track1,558–1,594 mm ASTRA––
Rear track1,558–1,599 mm ASTRA––
Weights and towing
Kerb weight1,465–1,713 kg RDW–1,545–1,830 kg
Mass in running order1,565–1,813 kg RDW––
Gross vehicle weight2,030–2,315 kg RDW––
Towing, braked trailer1,600–2,000 kg RDW––
Towing, unbraked trailer750 kg RDW––
Seats and space
Seats5 RDW––
Doors4 RDW––
Luggage space (EPA)–396–963 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)–2,803–2,860 L EPA–
Performance
Top speed219–250 km/h RDW–219–224 km/h
Torque230–580 Nm ASTRA–210–580 Nm

Tyre sizes (most common first): 245/35R20, 245/40R19, 245/45R18, 275/30R20, 225/55R17, 275/35R19, 275/40R18, 245/45R19

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de, sv), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at testPass rateUK averageTests
9–12 years78.9% (78.0–79.7)77.9%9,248
13 years and older76.4% (76.2–76.7)69.2%129,789

What the MOT finds

AreaThis modelUK average, same ages
Suspension34.6%40.6%
Tyres32.7%31.2%
Brakes30.9%35.8%
Lights and electrics18.7%28.1%
Noise, emissions and leaks15.5%16.5%
Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers)10.1%11.6%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

1,906 complaints for model years 2004–2010. 50 crashes · 141 fires · 57 injuries

  • Airbags 594
  • Electrical system 373
  • Engine 368
  • Fuel system 197
  • Lights 165
  • Seat belts 138

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 38 versions of the BMW 5 Series fifth generation

Show all 38 versions

United States 20 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
2010–2012SIDI4.4 LPetrol8-speed automaticRear-wheel drive18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA307 g/km
2010–2011SIDI4.4 LPetrol8-speed automaticAll-wheel drive18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA307 g/km
2004–20103MODE CLKUP3.0 LPetrol6-speed automaticRear-wheel drive20–22 MPG (10.7–11.8 L/100 km) EPA251–276 g/km
2004–20103.0 LPetrol6-speed manualRear-wheel drive20–22 MPG (10.7–11.8 L/100 km) EPA251–276 g/km
20103.0 LPetrol6-speed automaticAll-wheel drive19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA276–291 g/km
20103.0 LPetrol6-speed manualAll-wheel drive18–20 MPG (11.8–13.1 L/100 km) EPA276–307 g/km
2010SIDI3.0 LPetrol8-speed automaticRear-wheel drive22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA251 g/km
2006–20103MODE CLKUP4.8 LPetrol6-speed automaticRear-wheel drive18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA307 g/km
2006–20104.8 LPetrol6-speed manualRear-wheel drive16–18 MPG (13.1–14.7 L/100 km) EPA307–345 g/km
2006–20093MODE CLKUP3.0 LPetrol6-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA276–291 g/km
2006–20093.0 LPetrol6-speed manualFour- or all-wheel drive18–20 MPG (11.8–13.1 L/100 km) EPA276–307 g/km
2006–20074MODE · SMG TRANS, 4MODE3.0 LPetrol6-speed automaticRear-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
2006–20074MODE · SMG TRANS, 4MODE4.8 LPetrol6-speed automaticRear-wheel drive16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA345 g/km
2004–20064MODE · 3MODE CLKUP3.0 LPetrol6-speed automaticRear-wheel drive21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA263 g/km
2004–20052.5 LPetrol6-speed manualRear-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
2004–20053MODE CLKUP2.5 LPetrol6-speed automaticRear-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
2004–20054.4 LPetrol6-speed manualRear-wheel drive18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA307 g/km
2004–20053MODE CLKUP4.4 LPetrol6-speed automaticRear-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km
2004–20054MODE CLKUP4.4 LPetrol6-speed automaticRear-wheel drive17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA325 g/km
20044MODE2.5 LPetrol6-speed automaticRear-wheel drive22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA251 g/km

Canada 18 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2004–2010Mid-size3.0 LPetrol6-speed automatic10.8–12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle248–278 g/km
2008–2010Station wagon: Mid-size3.0 LPetrol6-speed automatic12.3 L/100 km 5-cycle283 g/km
2008–2010Station wagon: Mid-size3.0 LPetrol6-speed manual12.8 L/100 km 5-cycle294 g/km
2004–2010Mid-size3.0 LPetrol6-speed manual10.4–12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle239–278 g/km
2010Full-size3.0 LPetrol8-speed automatic10.5 L/100 km 5-cycle242 g/km
2010Full-size4.4 LPetrol8-speed automatic13.5 L/100 km 5-cycle311 g/km
2006–2010Mid-size4.8 LPetrol6-speed automatic12.6–12.8 L/100 km 5-cycle290–294 g/km
2006–2010Mid-size4.8 LPetrol6-speed manual13.4–14.0 L/100 km 5-cycle308–322 g/km
2006–2007Mid-size · Station wagon: Mid-size3.0 LPetrol6-speed automatic11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle265 g/km
2006–2007Mid-size · Station wagon: Mid-size3.0 LPetrol6-speed manual11.7 L/100 km 5-cycle269 g/km
2006Mid-size4.8 LPetrol6-speed automated manual14.2 L/100 km 5-cycle327 g/km
2004–2005Mid-size2.5 LPetrol6-speed automatic11.8 L/100 km 5-cycle271 g/km
2005Mid-size2.5 LPetrol6-speed automated manual10.2 L/100 km 5-cycle235 g/km
2004–2005Mid-size2.5 LPetrol6-speed manual11.2–11.7 L/100 km 5-cycle258–269 g/km
2004–2005Mid-size3.0 LPetrol6-speed automated manual10.9–11.0 L/100 km 5-cycle251–253 g/km
2004–2005Mid-size4.4 LPetrol6-speed automatic12.4 L/100 km 5-cycle285 g/km
2004–2005Mid-size4.4 LPetrol6-speed automated manual13.4 L/100 km 5-cycle308 g/km
2004–2005Mid-size4.4 LPetrol6-speed manual13.4 L/100 km 5-cycle308 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.