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BMW 5 series: pros, cons, costs and common fixes
"Descrizione"
by Al222 (23420 pt)
2025-May-22 16:38

BMW 5 Series (G60/G61) – Model Year 2025


Country of Manufacture

Sedan (G60): Dingolfing, Germany
Touring (G61, from March 2025): Dingolfing, Germany
Long-wheelbase version for Chinese market: Shenyang (BMW Brilliance) - China

Brief Description

The new eighth generation adopts a more “monolithic” design: arrow-shaped LED DRLs, optional Iconic Glow grille, and flush door handles. Inside, the Curved Display (12.3″ cluster + 14.9″ infotainment) features BMW Operating System 9 with smartphone-style QuickSelect and a two-spoke steering wheel. The CLAR platform has been lightened (–40 kg for equivalent trims) and supports mild-hybrid petrol/diesel, two plug-in hybrids, and two full-electric i5 variants. Sedan dimensions: 5,060 × 1,900 × 1,505 mm; wheelbase 2,995 mm. The Touring retains the same wheelbase and offers up to 1,700 L of cargo space.

Powertrains (Euro 6e)

PowertrainPower / Torque48 V M-HEVDrivetrainTransmission0–100 km/hWLTP*
520i 2.0 I4 petrol208 hp • 330 NmyesRWD8-Steptronic7.5 s5.9–6.5 l/100 km
520d 2.0 I4 diesel197 hp • 400 NmyesRWD / xDrive8-Steptronic7.3 s4.8–5.3 l/100 km
540d xDrive 3.0 I6299 hp • 670 NmyesAWD8-Steptronic5.8 s5.3–5.9 l/100 km
530e PHEV299 hp • 450 Nm19.4 kWh netRWD8-Steptronic6.1 s1.1–1.3 l/100 km • EV ≈ 103 km
550e xDrive PHEV489 hp • 700 Nm19.4 kWh netAWD8-Steptronic4.3 s1.0–1.2 l/100 km • EV ≈ 87 km
i5 eDrive40 BEV340 hp • 430 NmRWD1-speed6.0 s582–592 km
i5 M60 xDrive BEV601 hp • 820 NmAWD1-speed3.8 s516–560 km

*WLTP combined average values.

Cargo Capacity
Sedan ICE: 520 L
Sedan PHEV: 430 L
Sedan i5: 490 L
Touring: 570 L (seats up) / 1,700 L (folded) – PHEV −110 L


PROS
Why it convinces

PROReason
Complete powertrain rangeEfficient mild-hybrids, two PHEVs with over 80 km EV, and i5 BEVs with up to ~590 km range.
BMW driving dynamics50:50 balance, variable steering, Pro adaptive suspension (with rear-steer) reduces body roll by 8%.
Infotainment OS 9Curved Display, QuickSelect, natural voice control, 5G OTA updates, optional AR HUD.
Level 2+ ADAS210 km/h cruise, lane change assistant, Remote Parking; hardware-ready for L3 “Personal Pilot”.
Touring comfortPower tailgate with split glass, 40/20/40 bench, flat floor + rail system.
Real-world efficiency520d <5 L/100 km highway; 530e covers 55–60 km EV in winter; i5 consumes 18–19 kWh/100 km at 120 km/h.
Strong residuals530e and i5 eDrive40 M Sport expected to retain 70% of MSRP after 36 months (fleet data 2025).

CONS
Noted drawbacks

CONDetail
No manual transmissionOnly 8-Steptronic or single-speed (i5).
High mass of PHEV/BEV550e and i5 M60 exceed 2.3 tons; require 19″ wheels with XL tires.
Expensive optionsTwo-tone Individual paints, B&W Diamond audio, Executive Lounge pack: +€12,000 easily.
Firm 21″ wheels245/35-21 and 285/30-21 transmit bumps; 20″ better balanced.
Slow AC charging on PHEVs530e/550e max at 7.4 kW: ~3 hours on home wallbox.
Cold diesel noise20d still noticeable during cold morning starts.

Estimated Running Costs

ServiceParts (€)Labor (€)Interval
Oil 0W-20 + filter (6 L)19012030,000 km / 24 months
ATF 8-Steptronic31021090,000 km
Brake fluid + xDrive check110150Every 2 years
Cabin filters + sanitation958530,000 km
Coolant + HV check (530e/550e)20030,000 km
Front discs + pads (540d)380200~60,000 km
AdBlue (diesel)12 L / 10,000 km

Indicative Prices 

VersionPower (hp)Price (on the road)*
520i208€62,000
520d197€63,800
540d xDrive299€72,800
530e299€68,900
550e xDrive489€87,500
i5 eDrive40340€73,300
i5 M60 xDrive601€104,900

*VAT included; IPT and registration fees excluded.


Known Issues & Fixes (community reports)

IssueSuggested Solution
B-pillar creaks on cobblestonesFelt-kit 51 95 40; lubricate clips with PTFE spray.
Curved Display lag after OTAHard reset (30 s volume button) + OS 9 patch 25-08-15; replace head-unit if issue persists.
Frozen charge flap (i5)Flap software update + silicone spray for seals.
Steering vibration 110–130 km/hWheel balancing, check front arm silent blocks.
Iconic Glow LED headlight condensationCheck venting; replace projector if water visible after >24 h.

Summary
The 2025 BMW 5 Series raises the bar for executive sedans and wagons, offering a powertrain portfolio ranging from 5 L/100 km diesel to the 100% electric i5 M60 rivaling V8s—framed by OS 9 infotainment, Level 2+ ADAS, and premium finishes. Demanding options and the added weight of PHEVs/BEVs are the main trade-offs, but for those seeking efficiency, top-tier comfort, and trademark BMW dynamics, the new “Five” remains the benchmark in the segment.

Verdict — BMW 5 Series Sedan / Touring
 (G60 / G61 – Model Year 2025)

One year after launch, the eighth generation of Bavaria’s “business class” expands its offering: the G61 Touring debuts, the 48V mild-hybrid powertrains grow to four, the 530e/550e plug-ins gain 55 kW DC fast-charging, and the electric i5 models receive a software update that increases WLTP range to 604 km (eDrive40). New Frozen paint colors, standard Adaptive “Arrow” headlights on M Sport, and Curved cockpit with iDrive 9 across the range. Main rivals: Mercedes E-Class W214, Audi A6 C8 facelift, Volvo S/V90, Tesla Model S facelift.

AreaWhere it excelsWhere it matchesWhere it lags behind
Design & imageLong-hood proportions, optional Iconic Glow grille, M Sport Pro pack more aggressive than E-Class AMG Line.Frozen paints, high-quality Veganza/Merino interiors.Cabin less dramatic than MB Hyperscreen or 2025 A6 curved OLED display.
DynamicsGen 2 CLAR chassis, rear-wheel steering and 48V active roll bars (Integral Active + eDSC); 550e 0–100 in 4.3 s.Stable braking (374 mm discs), M Adaptive Comfort standard on 530e/550e.i5 M60 weighs 2,305 kg: less agile than Model S LR on twisty roads.
Real-world efficiency520d Touring: 5.1 L/100 km at 130 km/h; i5 eDrive40: 17–18 kWh/100 km highway (better than EQE).530e: 19 kWh/100 km EV in urban use.M60 uses +1 kWh/100 km more than Taycan RWD MY25.
Charging / electrification550e/530e DC 55 kW → 10–80% in 28 min; i5 up to 205 kW (10–80% in 30 min).Accurate pre-conditioning via iDrive 9.Model S at 250 kW, EQE 170 kW (but lower efficiency).
Comfort & NVH64 dB @130 km/h (double glazing), 20-way massaging Comfort seats, air suspension on i5 Touring.Comfortable 19″ run-flats; Executive Drive Pro smooths out bumps.21″ M Performance run-flats stiffer than standard A6 tires.
HMI / InfotainmentiDrive 9 (<3 s boot), QuickSelect, optional AR-HUD, full-screen wireless CarPlay / Android.Refined “Hey BMW” voice assistant, AirConsole video streaming.Mercedes Hyperscreen and Audi MMI XXL offer more “wow” effect.
PracticalitySedan: 520 L; Touring: 570–1,700 L, 40/20/40 split seats; 2,000 kg tow rating (except i5 M60).10.9 m turning circle with rear steer.530e/550e lose 90 L of trunk; i5 has no frunk.
Running costsService Inclusive 5 yrs / 60,000 km €850; reduced tax on 520d.18″ tires 225/50 ~€190 each.21″ PS4S €340 each + 0.5 L oil/4,000 km on 550e.
Depreciation520d/530e Touring: 72–74% after 36 months; i5 eDrive40: 70%.M60 / 550e: 66% (due to higher tax and operating costs).
Safety & ADASFull L2+: ACC 210 km/h, Eye-Steering lane change, 200 m Remote Parking; 130 km/h Highway Assistant hands-free.Level 3 pending EU approval (MB offers it above 60 km/h in DE).


Who it's for

Fleet drivers covering long distances → 520d/540d: 5 L/100 km, 1,000 km range, executive-level comfort.

Wall-box commuters → 530e Touring: 90 km real EV range, reduced fringe benefit, true wagon practicality.

E-premium clients → i5 eDrive40: 582–604 km WLTP, 205 kW DC charging, near-silent driving.

Business GT customers → 550e xDrive: 489 hp system output, 4.3 s 0–100 km/h, 90 km EV range.

Who should look elsewhere

Display fetishists → Mercedes E-Class Superscreen, Audi A6 2025 OLED cockpit.

Lightweight & ultra-sharp steering lovers → facelifted Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Ultra-fast charging >250 kW → Tesla Model S LR / Audi A6 e-tron (2026).

Recommended Configurations

530e Touring M Sport + Innovation Pack (AR-HUD, Driving Assistant Pro) + 18″ Aero wheels: 299 hp, 90 km EV, usable trunk, and light tax.

i5 eDrive40 Sedan + air suspension + 20″ aero bi-tone wheels: 340 hp, 604 km WLTP, 205 kW fast-charging.

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