BMW Seria 5 (sedan / Touring) · F10 / F11
Generation 6 2010–2017
The F10 is the 5 Series that sold in enormous numbers in Poland. Its inline-six diesels (525d/530d/535d, N57) are among the most durable engines of the decade when serviced; the four-cylinder 520d is economical but early N47 units had the timing-chain problem everyone talks about. The ZF 8-speed automatic is excellent. xDrive exists on most versions from 2011. Buy on history and on whether the known items were done, not on the badge.
Photo: Manoj Prasad from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · CC BY-SA 2.0
Recognition
How to tell it apart
- •Pre-LCI (2010–2013): corona rings with a flat bottom, plain tail lights, simpler bumpers
- •LCI (2013–2017): LED-look headlights with hexagonal corona rings, L-shaped LED tail lights, larger air intakes
- •F11 Touring has a separately opening rear window and standard rear air suspension
2013 LCI
- Revised headlights (LED corona rings, adaptive LED optional) and tail lights, new bumpers
- 520d moved to the B47 engine with 190 hp in 2014, ending the N47 timing-chain era
- iDrive with touch controller, more assistance systems, new trims Luxury Line / Modern Line / M Sport
- 535d up to 313 hp, M550d 381 hp already from 2012
Engines
Engines
518d (2.0) · 143 hp
2013–2017
Diesel · Manual / Automatic · RWD
Entry diesel, mostly fleet cars. Same engine as 520d with less power.
520d (2.0) · 184 hp
2010–2014
Diesel · Manual / Automatic · RWD / AWD
The volume car. N47 timing chain at the back of the engine is the famous weak point: needs proof of replacement or a quiet cold start. Frugal, brisk enough, best with the 8-speed.
520d (2.0) · 190 hp
2014–2017
Diesel · Manual / Automatic · RWD / AWD
Post-2014 520d with the B47 engine: the timing chain issue is largely gone. The sensible pick among four-cylinders.
525d (2.0 twin-turbo) · 218 hp
2011–2017
Diesel · Automatic · RWD / AWD
From 2011 the 525d is a twin-turbo four-cylinder, not the old 3.0 six. Quick, economical, but shares N47 chain concerns before 2014.
525d (3.0) · 204 hp
2010–2011
Diesel · Manual / Automatic · RWD
Early 525d with the detuned 3.0 inline-six: rare, smooth and durable. A quiet insider choice.
530d (3.0) · 245 hp
2010–2012
Diesel · Manual / Automatic · RWD / AWD
The classic: 245 hp inline-six diesel, effortless and long-lived. Swirl flaps, EGR and the intake need attention with age.
530d (3.0) · 258 hp
2012–2017
Diesel · Automatic · RWD / AWD
The best all-round F10: 258 hp, 560 Nm, 8-speed ZF, optional xDrive. The one to hunt for with documented history.
535d (3.0 twin-turbo) · 313 hp
2011–2017
Diesel · Automatic · RWD / AWD
Twin-turbo six with 313 hp (299 hp before 2011). Very fast and still economical; more complex turbo system.
M550d xDrive (3.0 tri-turbo) · 381 hp
2012–2017
Diesel · Automatic · AWD
Tri-turbo diesel with 740 Nm and M Performance chassis. Rare, sensational, and expensive when the turbo system needs work.
520i (2.0 turbo) · 184 hp
2011–2017
Petrol · Manual / Automatic · RWD
Turbo four-cylinder petrol; the N20 timing chain guides are a known weak point on early engines.
528i (2.0 turbo) · 245 hp
2011–2017
Petrol · Manual / Automatic · RWD / AWD
From 2011 the 528i is a 2.0 turbo four (the 2010 car had the 3.0 N53 six). Quick; N20 chain guide history matters.
535i (3.0 turbo) · 306 hp
2010–2017
Petrol · Manual / Automatic · RWD / AWD
Single-turbo inline-six petrol. Smooth and strong; the N55 is one of BMW's better modern engines. Check for oil leaks and the water pump.
550i (4.4 V8 twin-turbo) · 407 hp
2010–2013
Petrol · Automatic · RWD / AWD
Early N63 V8: notorious oil consumption, valve stem seals, timing chains and hot-V turbos. Only with a complete history and budget.
550i (4.4 V8 twin-turbo) · 450 hp
2013–2017
Petrol · Automatic · RWD / AWD
Updated N63TU is better but still demanding; huge performance for the money.
M5 (4.4 V8 twin-turbo) · 560 hp
2011–2016
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · RWD
560 hp (575 with Competition Package), 7-speed M DCT, rear-wheel drive. Rod bearings, turbos and a complete M service history are the conversation.
ActiveHybrid 5 (3.0 turbo hybrid) · 340 hp
2012–2016
Hybrid · Automatic · RWD
N55 with an electric motor; rare, and battery age is the question.
| Engine | For sale now | Years | Gearbox · drive | Sought after | Robust | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
518d (2.0) · 143 hp Diesel · 518d · N47 / B47 | 44 | 2013–2017 | Manual / Automatic RWD | Entry diesel, mostly fleet cars. Same engine as 520d with less power. | ||
520d (2.0) · 184 hp Diesel · 520d · N47D20 | 344 | 2010–2014 | Manual / Automatic RWD / AWD | The volume car. N47 timing chain at the back of the engine is the famous weak point: needs proof of replacement or a quiet cold start. Frugal, brisk enough, best with the 8-speed. | ||
520d (2.0) · 190 hp Diesel · 520d · B47D20 | 153 | 2014–2017 | Manual / Automatic RWD / AWD | Post-2014 520d with the B47 engine: the timing chain issue is largely gone. The sensible pick among four-cylinders. | ||
525d (2.0 twin-turbo) · 218 hp Diesel · 525d · N47D20T1 / B47 | 181 | 2011–2017 | Automatic RWD / AWD | From 2011 the 525d is a twin-turbo four-cylinder, not the old 3.0 six. Quick, economical, but shares N47 chain concerns before 2014. (some details unverified) | ||
525d (3.0) · 204 hp Diesel · 525d · N57D30 | 34 | 2010–2011 | Manual / Automatic RWD | Early 525d with the detuned 3.0 inline-six: rare, smooth and durable. A quiet insider choice. | ||
530d (3.0) · 245 hp Diesel · 530d · N57D30 | 25 | 2010–2012 | Manual / Automatic RWD / AWD | The classic: 245 hp inline-six diesel, effortless and long-lived. Swirl flaps, EGR and the intake need attention with age. | ||
530d (3.0) · 258 hp Diesel · 530d · N57D30 | 97 | 2012–2017 | Automatic RWD / AWD | The best all-round F10: 258 hp, 560 Nm, 8-speed ZF, optional xDrive. The one to hunt for with documented history. | ||
535d (3.0 twin-turbo) · 313 hp Diesel · 535d · N57D30T1 | 61 | 2011–2017 | Automatic RWD / AWD | Twin-turbo six with 313 hp (299 hp before 2011). Very fast and still economical; more complex turbo system. | ||
M550d xDrive (3.0 tri-turbo) · 381 hp Diesel · M550d · N57D30S1 | 15 | 2012–2017 | Automatic AWD | Tri-turbo diesel with 740 Nm and M Performance chassis. Rare, sensational, and expensive when the turbo system needs work. | ||
520i (2.0 turbo) · 184 hp Petrol · 520i · N20B20 | 28 | 2011–2017 | Manual / Automatic RWD | Turbo four-cylinder petrol; the N20 timing chain guides are a known weak point on early engines. | ||
528i (2.0 turbo) · 245 hp Petrol · 528i · N20B20 | 69 | 2011–2017 | Manual / Automatic RWD / AWD | From 2011 the 528i is a 2.0 turbo four (the 2010 car had the 3.0 N53 six). Quick; N20 chain guide history matters. | ||
535i (3.0 turbo) · 306 hp Petrol · 535i · N55B30 | 77 | 2010–2017 | Manual / Automatic RWD / AWD | Single-turbo inline-six petrol. Smooth and strong; the N55 is one of BMW's better modern engines. Check for oil leaks and the water pump. | ||
550i (4.4 V8 twin-turbo) · 407 hp Petrol · 550i · N63B44 | 8 | 2010–2013 | Automatic RWD / AWD | Early N63 V8: notorious oil consumption, valve stem seals, timing chains and hot-V turbos. Only with a complete history and budget. | ||
550i (4.4 V8 twin-turbo) · 450 hp Petrol · 550i · N63TU | 3 | 2013–2017 | Automatic RWD / AWD | Updated N63TU is better but still demanding; huge performance for the money. | ||
M5 (4.4 V8 twin-turbo) · 560 hp Petrol · M5 · S63B44T0 | 5 | 2011–2016 | Dual-clutch automatic RWD | 560 hp (575 with Competition Package), 7-speed M DCT, rear-wheel drive. Rod bearings, turbos and a complete M service history are the conversation. | ||
ActiveHybrid 5 (3.0 turbo hybrid) · 340 hp Hybrid · ActiveHybrid 5 | 1 | 2012–2016 | Automatic RWD | N55 with an electric motor; rare, and battery age is the question. (some details unverified) |
Versions
What the badges mean
Standard
commonbase
2010–2017
Well equipped: leather or leatherette, xenon, iDrive, automatic climate. Many fleet cars are plain.
Luxury Line
uncommonequipment line
2013–2017
Chrome exterior details, wood, comfort-oriented interior (LCI trim line).
Modern Line
uncommonequipment line
2013–2017
Matt trim and lighter interiors (LCI trim line).
M Sport
commonequipment line
2010–2017
M aerodynamic package, M steering wheel, sports seats, anthracite headliner, often M sports suspension and 18–19 inch M wheels. A styling and seating package: the engine is unchanged.
Watch out: 'M Pakiet' is claimed on the basis of a steering wheel or wheels alone. Check bumpers, sills, seats and the door sill plates.
M550d
rareperformance model
2012–2017
M Performance model: tri-turbo diesel, xDrive, M Sport suspension and brakes, M Performance styling.
M5
rareperformance model
2011–2016
Full M car: S63 V8, M DCT, active M differential, M suspension and brakes, wide arches.
Watch out: Replica bodykits and badges exist; the VIN prefix and the engine settle it.
Options
Options that matter
rare
Bang & Olufsen High End Surround
The rare flagship audio with the rising centre speaker.
rare
Comfort seats (multi-contour) with ventilation / massage
The best seats BMW made in this era; ventilation and massage are rare and expensive to add.
uncommon
Adaptive Drive / Dynamic Damper Control
Adaptive dampers (and on Adaptive Drive, active anti-roll bars) transform ride and body control; Adaptive Drive is complex and expensive when it fails.
Adaptive Drive hydraulic anti-roll actuators cost thousands of PLN each.
uncommon
Adaptive LED headlights
LCI-era option (2013+); a clear night-driving upgrade over bi-xenon.
uncommon
Head-up display
Genuinely useful; a marker of a well-specified order.
uncommon
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Radar cruise; makes the 5 the motorway car it should be.
very rare
Night Vision with pedestrian detection
Rare thermal camera option.
rare
Integral Active Steering
Rear-wheel steering; rare and makes the car feel smaller.
uncommon
Surround View cameras
Top view; very handy on a five-metre car.
rare
Soft-close doors
Luxury detail from a rich order.
common
M Sport package
M aerodynamics, M steering wheel, sports seats, often M sports suspension: what buyers picture as an F10.
common
Rear air suspension (Touring)
Standard on F11 Touring; self-levelling for load; springs and compressor age.
common
Harman Kardon surround
The common premium audio; pleasant, not rare.
uncommon
Four-zone climate control
Rear climate controls; comfort marker.
common
Comfort Access (keyless)
Keyless entry and start.
uncommon
Panoramic glass roof (Touring) / sunroof
Light and visual appeal; check drains.
uncommon
Heated rear seats
Comfort marker.
common
19–20 inch M wheels
Visual; costs comfort and run-flat tyres are dear.
uncommon
Tow bar
Practical; check it was not used for heavy towing without service.
Before you buy
What to know
Strengths
- +N57 inline-six diesels (530d/535d) are among the most durable executive-car engines of their era
- +ZF 8HP automatic is smooth, quick and long-lived with fluid changes
- +Excellent parts supply and independent specialist network across Poland
- +Body is well protected; corrosion is rarely an issue
Expensive when they fail
N63 V8 engine workTiming chain replacement (N47/N20)Adaptive Drive actuatorsM DCT gearboxBang & Olufsen amplifier
Polish market
By far the most numerous executive car on the Polish market, most of them imported from Germany. 520d dominates and is priced accordingly; 530d cars with history are the sweet spot and hold value. Petrol sixes are undervalued because the market filters for diesel.
Known weak points
- seriousN47 timing chain (2.0 diesels before 2014/2015)The rear-mounted timing chain and guides wear; failure destroys the engine and replacement means removing it. A cold-start rattle is the classic sign.Check: Ask for a chain replacement invoice or a cold-start video; walk away from a rattling one.
- seriousN20 timing chain guides (2.0 petrol)Plastic chain guides break on early N20 engines; symptoms are rattle and metal in the oil.Check: Ask whether chain guides and the oil pump chain were replaced.
- moderateN57 intake, swirl flaps and EGR (3.0 diesels)Carbon build-up in the intake, swirl flap and EGR cooler problems, occasionally injectors. Expected ageing rather than a design flaw.Check: Ask about intake cleaning, EGR cooler and injector work; check for smoke under load.
- seriousN63 V8 (550i)Oil consumption, valve stem seals, timing chains, injectors and fuel pumps on early cars; BMW ran a customer care package. Very expensive when neglected.Check: Insist on full history and evidence of the customer care package or later repairs.
- notexDrive transfer case actuatorThe transfer case servo motor gear wears, triggering 4x4 warnings; a cheap part but a common fault.Check: Look for drivetrain warnings; ask whether the actuator gear was replaced.
- moderateAdaptive Drive / Dynamic DriveActive anti-roll bar hydraulics leak with age and cost thousands per actuator.Check: If fitted, ask about leaks and warning messages.
- moderateRear air suspension (Touring)Air springs and compressor age; a sagging rear after standing is the tell-tale.Check: Ask for a morning photo after the car stood overnight.
- noteElectronics and comfort itemsiDrive screen, electric steering column, seat modules and the electric tailgate can fail; individually manageable.Check: Test everything on the test drive, including all seat functions and the tailgate.
- moderateFleet history and mileageMany 520d/518d are ex-fleet with high mileage and sometimes corrected odometers after import.Check: Ask for the VIN, previous inspection records and a history check before travelling.
- noteSteering rack and front suspensionThrust arm bushes, control arms and the electric steering rack wear; knocks over bumps are the sign.Check: Listen for knocks over broken surfaces and ask about front suspension work.
From the market
Real cars on sale right now
From the market
Engines actually on sale
Grouped from 1150 live listings: what people are selling, at what price and mileage.
| Engine | Share | Typical price | Median mileage | Gearbox · drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2.0 Diesel · 184 hp 520d | 28% | 35 900 PLN | 267 709 km | Automatic / Manual · RWD / AWD |
2.0 Diesel · 218 hp 525d xDrive | 15% | 44 000 PLN | 246 000 km | Automatic / Manual · AWD / RWD |
2.0 Diesel · 190 hp 520d | 13% | 54 900 PLN | 231 000 km | Automatic / Manual · RWD / AWD |
3.0 Diesel · 258 hp 530d xDrive | 8% | 51 900 PLN | 249 573 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
2.0 Petrol · 245 hp 528i xDrive Luxury Line | 5% | 48 000 PLN | 185 000 km | Automatic / Manual · AWD / RWD |
3.0 Petrol · 306 hp 535i xDrive | 4% | 55 900 PLN | 202 000 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
3.0 Diesel · 313 hp 535d xDrive | 4% | 56 900 PLN | 261 733 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
3.0 Diesel · 204 hp 525d | 3% | 34 900 PLN | 298 246 km | Automatic / Manual · RWD |
From the market
Price by model year
Typical price and mileage for each model year on sale.
From the market
Most common versions
- 520d103
- 525d55
- 520d Luxury Line51
- 530d28
- 535d19
- 525d Luxury Line15
- 535i14
- 528i13
From the market
Equipment seen most often
Rain sensor 100%Traction control 100%Light sensor 100%ABS 100%ESP stability control 100%Radio 97%Heated door mirrors 97%Driver airbag 97%Passenger airbag 97%Front curtain airbags 97%Front side airbags 97%Hands-free kit 93%Two-zone climate control 93%Leather steering wheel 93%
Our picks
Versions worth looking for
530d 258 hp (2012–2017), ZF 8-speed, documented service
The definitive F10: durable engine, effortless pace, and enough supply to be picky.
520d B47 (2014–2017)
The economical choice without the N47 chain worry.
535i N55 for petrol buyers
Turbo inline-six smoothness at diesel prices.