Nearly new buying guide: BMW 5 Series

If you want the classic BMW six-pot experience, with the bills to match, you’ve got those early 3.0-litre cars we mentioned plus another, the 535i. Beyond these, there’s the 550i, with its 4.4-litre V8, and finally the mighty BMW M5. Nearly forgot: there’s also the 535i ActiveHybrid, but then with economy in the mid-20s, so did new car buyers.

On the trims front, BMW kept things simple. There are just three: SE, Luxury and M Sport. SE has most bases covered, with dual-zone climate control, a 6.5in touchscreen iDrive system with sat-nav and digital radio, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic headlights and wipers. SE is our choice but, if you want more comfort and technology, go for Luxury, and if you want M5-lite looks without that car’s bills, choose M Sport.

The reliability survey of our sibling title What Car? places this generation of 5 Series a little way below the same-gen Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6 but above the Jaguar XF. Serious faults concern the exhaust system and engines, with a quarter of cars affected unable to be driven.

Top spec pick

M Sport: M Sport gives you a touch of the M5, thanks to its bodykit, M Sport alloy wheels, sports suspension and dark chrome exhaust tailpipes, plus powered front sports seats inside.

BUYER BEWARE

Engine Older (before 2014) N47 four-cylinder diesel engines can suffer problems with their camshaft tensioners and chains, often heralded by a 'ringing' noise. The turbo wastegate can remain open, increasing fuel consumption by around 30%, too. Older cars can suffer deterioration of some hoses including the vacuum hose supplying the EGR cooler, leading to a major boost leak and possibly also an engine fire. Beware low-mileage diesels; they can suffer fuel dilution of the engine oil caused by too-frequent regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. If it's a petrol car, a sudden engine warning light on the test drive may indicate a problem with the high-pressure fuel pump, a known issue.

Steering On early models, check the steering wheel is not being pulled in either direction and that, as you turn it, it makes no strange noises.

Suspension and brakes If it has air suspension, check that it sits level (the rear suspension can fail before 60,000 miles). Examine the brakes for excessive wear. If Variable Damper Control is fitted, be sure you can detect a difference between Sport and Comfort modes.

Electrical Check everything works because issues here are common.

Interior Check the air con works because the condenser is exposed and vulnerable to heavy stone chipping. Its welds can also rupture. Examine chrome parts for tarnishing and dashboard buttons for wear. Be sure the iDrive system works faultlessly and that where fitted, the reversing camera does, too. Check the front footwells for damp (water can enter through the front bulkhead).

Need to know

Look out for cars with optional Variable Damper Control. It takes the model’s handling and ride comfort to a new level. Small surface imperfections are better dealt with and the body rolls less. If you can’t find a car with it, at least avoid wheels larger than 18in.

In 2013, all 5 Series diesels became Euro 6-compliant, a standard that was not made compulsory until September 2015. Depending on the model, they have either a NOx storage catalyst or an SCR catalytic converter with urea injection.