BMW 5 SERIES DIESEL SALOON 520d xDrive MHT M Sport 4dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

Back in 2020, BMW's 'G30' seventh generation 5 Series model changed - but not beyond recognition. The looks got sharpened, there was enhanced cabin media tech, engine electrification now proliferated and a couple of extra powerplant variants joined the range. Otherwise, the line-up of saloon and Touring models continued with much the same polished, Teutonic and mildly dynamic appeal as before. How does it all stack up on the used market?

Models

5dr executive saloon/estate (Petrol - 2.0 184hp [520i] + PHEV 530e / 6 cylinder 394hp [545e], 6 cylinder 530hp [M550i xDrive] / V8 625hp [M5] / Diesel - 2.0 190hp [520d], 3.0 6 cylinder 286hp [530d] - trim levels SE, M Sport & M Sport Edition)

History

How do you right a bestseller? This refreshed version of the G30 seventh generation 5 series was BMW's answer to that question back in 2020 when it comes to the Munich maker's uber-successful offering in the full-Executive segment. It built upon strong underpinnings. Originally launched in 2016, this 'G30' 5 Series had been a design new from the ground up, lighter, more agile and more aerodynamic than its 'F10' MK6 predecessor, which was enough to generate over 600,000 sales in the first three years of G30 production. But by 2020, time had moved on - as had the competition. An all-new fifth generation version of the Audi A6 had been launched in 2018. And Mercedes substantially updated its 10th generation E-class in early 2020 - the same year that BMW announced the comprehensive package of 'G30' 5 Series updates creating the car we're going to take a look at in this review. If you're familiar with 2016-2019-era G30 5 Series models and come fresh to this post-2020-ewra facelift version, you'll immediately spot the restyled 3 series-style nose. But arguably what's more important lies beneath the bonnet. 48V mild hybrid tech having been introduced as part of the update package: this was fitted to all the mainstream engines, plus there was a second, more powerful 545e plug-in hybrid option. And a new V8 M550i M performance model, this model slotting in below a re-fettled M5. Plus there was updated media connectivity as part of a lightly-smartened cabin. This updated G30 5 Series sold until the replacement MK8 G60 5 Series model arrived in mid-2023.

What You Get

Over nearly half a century of production, there have certainly been moments of note in 5 Series design - the original 'E12' version of 1972 and the MK5 'E60' model of 2003 both come to mind. Overall though, this car has generally been characterised by the kind of confident but still relatively conservative styling that featured on the improved version of this seventh generation 'G30' model. As expected, this 'Five' continued to share much under the skin with its bigger 7 Series stablemate. The 'CLAR' 'cluster architecture' underpinnings in fact are pretty much the same as you'd find in a 'Seven' from this period, though BMW stopped short of incorporating that pricier model's expensive carbon-fibre reinforced 'Carbon Core'. Take a seat inside and if you're familiar with the original version of this G30 5 Series model, you'll find that this post-2020-era updated version offers a much improved 'Operating System 7.0 package of more sophisticated and better incorporated digital screen technology. That's matched with some lovely use of leather and very high quality plastics, plus the careful application of real metal finishing, rather than metal-effect plastic. It's not as muted and deliberately under-styled as an Audi A6, nor as brash and in-your-face as a rival W213-series Mercedes E-class. After years of bringing us rather half-hearted digital instrument displays that weren't completely configurable, BMW finally here bit the bullet and delivered a decently sized and properly customisable instrument binnacle screen as part of its freshly added 'Live Cockpit Professional' package. That combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display with a centre-dash infotainment monitor of the same size, all of it accessible via touchscreen, the usual lower iDrive touch controller and your voice, the latter element working via an added 'Hey BMW' voice recognition system that most owners will find easy to get to grips with. And in the rear? Well at the original launch of this 'G30' generation design back in 2016, we commented favourably on the way that the extra 7mm of wheelbase length delivered by this MK7 model's CLAR platform provided improved standards of kneeroom and legroom - though we also pointed out that this BMW remained fractionally behind a rival Mercedes E-Class or Jaguar XF in this respect; that's still of course the case with the updated G30 model. Fitting in three adults in the back is inhibited by a large central transmission tunnel, but at least the middle part of the bench isn't quite as uncomfortable as it is in some competitors. The luggage area in the saloon model is rated at 530-litres, helped by the relatively long rear overhang; that total's only a fraction less than an E-Class or an XF. With the Plug-in hybrid 5 Series models, it'll be 120-litres smaller because the 9.2 kWh battery pack pinches a little bit of the space.. Of course, if you're going to be needing this sort of capacity very often, you'll be better off going for the Touring estate version of this model, which offers a 570-litre boot in conventional form, extendable to 1700-litres if you flatten the rear seat. With the 530e Touring, the respective figures are 430 and 1,560-litres.

What You Pay

Please contact us for an exact up-to-date valuation.

What to Look For

Most of the 5 Series buyers in our ownership survey were very happy with their cars but inevitably, there were a few that had issues. Check all the electrical features work as they're supposed to. Make sure there are no parking scrapes on the alloy wheels as these will be pricey to put right. And as usual, insist on a fully stamped-up service record. If like many customers, you're looking at the plug-in hybrid 530e, it's worth stretching to a facelifted model because the EV range increased from 29 to 37 miles thanks to a larger 12kWh battery. As for other things you need to know, well there are a few recalls that was significant. The exhaust gas recirculation cooler might leak, which could be a fire risk. There was also an issue with the propellant in the curtain airbags, which meant there might be a problem in them deploying correctly. There was an issue with the rear drive shafts not fulfilling their durability requirements. And the possibility of impurities in the batteries of the plug-in hybrid variants, would could create a short circuit. You need to make sure that all the recall work has been carried out on the car you're looking at before considering it. There aren't many other issues. We've heard of problems relating to rattles from the back seat, which can be caused by the seatbelt buckles or the seat folding mechanism. As usual, check all the functions of the infotainment system to make sure it's properly up-to-date and works as it should. Check the alloy wheels for scratches. And insist on a full service history.

Replacement Parts

(approx prices based on a 2021 520d ex VAT) An air filter costs in the £11 to £80 bracket. An oil filter costs around £8-£25. Front brake pads sit in the £22-£100 bracket for a set; for rears, it's around £23-£56. A pair of wiper blades cost around £30-£35. A rear lamp is priced at around £243-£331. A front full-LED headlamp is pricey, costing in the £1,403-£1,492 bracket. A water pump's around £100.

On the Road

Where other full-Executive saloons and estates in this segment are essentially downsized luxury saloons from the class above, the 5 Series has throughout its history mostly stood apart as a slightly more dynamic choice. These ideals were compromised a little by the pre-2016 'F10'-generation MK6 design, but this 'G30' series model replacement signalled a welcome return to form, thanks to the adoption of a stiffer aluminium-rich 'CLAR' platform and some clever (but mostly optional) dynamic drive tech features. And of course, things continued in a similar vein in this lightly facelifted post-2020 model. Which is not to suggest that little changed here. On the contrary, engineering-wise there's quite a lot to talk about with this updated G30. All the mainstream engines got BMW's latest 48-volt mild hybrid tech. The range kicked off with the 190hp 520d (optionally available with xDrive 4WD). Sitting below a 286hp 530s xDrive six cylinder model. With petrol power, there was the 2.0-litre 184hp 520i, which also donated its engine to the 530e PHEV, which mated it to a 112hp electric motor, creating a total output of 296hp and offering a 37.3 mile range from the larger 12kWh battery. That battery also featured in the second PHEV G30 5 Series in the range (a variant added as part of this facelift) the 545e xDrive, which mated a 3.0-litre straight six petrol engine to a 108hp electric motor for a prodigious total output of 394hp; EV driving range for a 545e is rated at 34.8 miles. Away from Plug-in 5 Series models, you might want to know that with this facelifted G30 design, the previous rather large gap between the ordinary models and the top flagship M5 super saloon was bridged by a new (well, new for Britain anyway) V8 petrol variant, the M550i xDrive. As before, across the saloon and estate range, the brand's xDrive 4x4 system was optional to replace standard rear wheel drive on lesser-powered models - and was standard on faster ones. On the move, this remains the sharpest-handling full-Executive segment model you could choose from its era. Our only reservation is that ride quality over poorer surfaces and speed humps can be a little more fidgety than we'd ideally like. On 'M Sport'-trimmed variants, an expensive optional 'M Sport Pro' pack includes a 'VDC' adaptive damping system that deals with this issue to some extent if the original owner had it fitted. As for efficiency, well the 48-volt mild hybrid electrified tech makes a small but significant contribution here, enabling the 'Five' to retain its status as the cleanest and most frugal car in its class from its period. Let's get to the WLTP figures. If we take the volume 520d diesel as an example, the variant most customers choose, you can expect up to 58.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 127g/km of CO2. The 530e plug-in meanwhile, can improve those readings to up to 201.8mpg and 31mpg - and can run for up to 37.3 miles on all-electric power.

Overall

In its original form, this seventh generation 'G30' 5 Series design delivered a slight but significant shift back towards providing the kind of class-leading drive dynamics that established this BMW's segment leadership in the first place - a trend that was continued by this updated post-2020-era version. Costly dynamic driving aids could certainly embellish what was provided here if original buyers were prepared to stretch to them, but the good news for the used buyers is that they're not absolutely needed before you can really enjoy the impressive agility and responsive handling that this car can offer. The changes made as part of the 2020 'G30' saloon and Touring facelift package were well judged. For business users, the extra emphasis on mild hybrid and plug-in engine technology was welcome. Plus it was important that cabin screen and voice control tech became as good as that of rivals. Oh, and the added M550i M Performance model offered a cut-price M5 in all but name - which made it very good indeed. In summary, though much was different about this post-2020-era facelifted G30 5 Series model, much also was as it always had been. Over five decades, the question facing customers in the segment for full-sized Executive cars has often less been why they should choose a 'Five' but why they shouldn't. And it with this car, still was. By a small but significant margin, for saloons and estates in the full-executive segment from the 2020-2023 era, this Munich maker still sets the class standard.

Body Glass

Heated windscreen washer jets

Acoustic glazing

Electric front and rear windows with fingertip open/close + anti-trap facility and comfort closing function

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

Brakes

Electronic brake force distribution

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Brake assist function

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Hill start assist

Brake energy regeneration

Engine drag torque control

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function

Front and rear brake discs with interior ventilation

Carpets/Rugs

M specific velour floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

M sport suspension

Drive performance control with ECO PRO comfort + sport mode

Communication

Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging

Wi-Fi hotspot

eCall emergency call system

Driver Aids

Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Servotronic

Active Guard

Driver Convenience

Stop/start button

BMW gesture control

Driving experience switch

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

On-board diagnosis - OBD

Multifunctional instrument panel

BMW Teleservices

Intelligent emergency call

Oil sensor for level and grade

On board computer inc. average speed, fuel consumption, liquid crystal Info display, journey computer, outside temperature display, personal profile

Brake pad wear indicator

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

BMW Head up display

BMW Live Cockpit Professional sat nav system with 12.3" instrument display and high resolution control display

32GB hard disc drive (HDD) memory

Powered by Operating System 7.0

iDrive controller with shortcut buttons

Driving Mirrors

Automatically dimming rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors includes integrated direction indicators and automatic parking function

Folding exterior side mirror with auto- dimming

Engine

Diesel particulate filter

48V Mild hybrid technology

Engine cover with twin turbo designation

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Favourite buttons

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Body coloured bumpers

xDrive designation on tailgate

All round anti-corrosion system

Door handle illumination

BMW Individual high gloss shadow line includes exterior mirror frame, window frame surround, B pillar finish, air breather in high gloss black

High gloss black active air stream kidney grille

Trapezoidal visible exhaust tailpipes

M designation on front side panels, left and right in chrome

M Sport exterior styling

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

LED third brake light

Dynamic brake lights with LED technology

Follow me home headlight function

Preparation for high beam assistant

Interior Features

M specific pedals

Lockable glove compartment with light

Multifunction controls for leather steering wheel

12V power socket in front and rear

Cup holders (2 front and 2 rear)

Height and length adjustable steering column and activation via lateral lever on the steering column

Armrest - front and rear integrated door trim, centre console includes storage compartment, rear centre includes 2 cupholders

Three spoke sport M leather steering wheel

M door sill finishers

Interior Lights

Front reading lights

Front and rear footwell lights

Packs

M Aerodynamic pack - 5 Series

Connected package professional - 5 Series

Ambient lighting pack - 5 Series

Safety

Rear door child safety locks

Side impact protection

Two tone horn

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Front head restraints with anti-whiplash

Mechanical child proof lock on rear doors

Deformation zones - front and rear with door reinforcements and bumpers up to 2.5 mph

Passive protection for pedestrians

Tyre pressure indicator

Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut off and interior lighting

Three point seat belts for all four seats

Airbags - driver/front passenger, rear and side, first and second row seats head airbags, front passenger seat airbag deactivation

Seats

Rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Child seat ISOFIX attachment with rear outer seats includes top tether

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and electronic engine immobiliser

Transmission

Steptronic sport transmission with gearshift paddle switches on steering wheel

Electric Vehicle Data

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 3.7

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

CO: 0.12

HC: N

NOx: 0.016

HC+NOx: 0.046

Particles: 0.0002

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 172

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 134

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 121

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 135

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 136

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 171

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 186

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 133

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 121

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 134

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 135

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 149

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 149

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 135

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

CC: 1995

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 16.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: B47D20O1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 61.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 54.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 54.3

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 39.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 61.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 54.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 54.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 49.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.7

General

Coin Series: M Sport [Tech pack]

Coin Description: d xDrive

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 40E

Service Interval Mileage: 15000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 85

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 81

NCAP Safety Assist %: 59

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 190

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.2

Top Speed: 144

Engine Power - BHP: 190

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 140

Engine Power - RPM: 4000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295

Engine Torque - NM: 400

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/40 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 275/35 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: Y SPOKE STYLE 845 M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4963

Width: 1868

Wheelbase: 2975

Width (including mirrors): 2126

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1479

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1735

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2405

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 66

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 670

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 530

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.4

Body Glass

Sun protection glazing

Embellishment Trims

Fine wood trim ash trunkwood open pored with pearl chrome highlight trim finishers

BMW Individual piano finish black trim finisher

BMW Individual leather finished instrument panel

Fine wood fineline ridge interior trim with pearl chrome highlight trim finishers

Entertainment

Bowers & Wilkins diamond surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Electrical glass sunroof

BMW Individual Metallic paint

Interior Features

Anthracite Alcantara headlining

Steering wheel heating

Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery with artificial leather headrests

Packs

Technology plus pack with Harman kardon sound system - 5 Series M Sport

Technology plus pack with Bowers and Wilkins diamond sound system - 5 Series M Sport

Parking assistant plus pack - 5 Series

Comfort pack - 5 Series Saloon SE/M Sport/M550i

Comfort plus pack - 5 Series Saloon SE/M Sport

Entertainment pack - 5 Series

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Phytonic blue

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Sophisto grey

Metallic - Arctic race blue

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Carbon black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual metallic paint - Alvite grey

BMW Individual metallic paint - Aventurine red

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

Seats

M electric front sport seats includes electrical seat adjustment with memory, lumbar support and M embossing on headrests

40/20/40 split folding rear seats with additional mechanism in luggage compartment

Towing

Trailer towbar hitch

Trim - Part Leather

Exclusive Nappa leather - Black with artificial leather headrests

Exclusive Nappa leather - Ivory White with artificial leather headrests

Exclusive Nappa leather - Mokka with artificial leather headrests

Dakota leather - Black with artificial leather headrests

Dakota leather - Black with black/blue contrast stitching and artificial leather headrests

Dakota leather - Cognac with artificial leather headrests

Dakota leather - Ivory white with artificial leather headrests

Wheels

Run flat tyres

Wheels - Alloy

20" M Y-spoke bicolour light alloy wheels with run flat tyres - style 846 M