2005 vs 2006 BMW 5 Series

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2005

Nothing that 2006 lacks.

2006

Nothing that 2005 lacks.

Both years

  • A failed brake booster All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for a hard, stiff brake pedal.

    CarGurus lists failed brake boosters, which can stiffen the pedal dramatically, among the E60's typical problems.

    CarGurus

  • Worn control arms and bushings All years

    What to check: Feel for vibration under braking and listen for clunks, and look for uneven tire wear.

    CarGurus lists broken or worn-out control arms, and Euro Premium Parts says worn front bushings cause vibration under braking.

    CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Early iDrive units that fail 2004–2007 One source so far

    What to check: Try every iDrive function, and watch for a blank screen or a unit that restarts itself.

    Euro Premium Parts says early CCC units are prone to failure and expensive to replace, and that the later CIC system is far more reliable.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Cooling system parts All years

    What to check: Look for coolant leaks, and ask whether the water pump and thermostat have been replaced.

    Euro Premium Parts says radiator, expansion tank, water pump and thermostat failures are routine at around 80,000 to 100,000 miles on the sixes. CarGurus lists bad thermostats and fuel pumps too.

    CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Oil use and leaks on the V8s All years One source so far

    What to check: Look for blue smoke at start-up and oil around the timing covers.

    Euro Premium Parts lists worn valve stem seals, timing cover and alternator bracket gasket leaks, and high oil use even on well-kept cars.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Battery drain and electrical faults All years

    What to check: Ask about battery warnings, and try the locks, lights, windows and climate control.

    Euro Premium Parts lists battery drain from the battery sensor or the trunk wiring, and CarGurus lists a variety of electrical issues and leaky sunroof seals.

    CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

2005

Nothing that 2006 lacks.

2006

  • 06V187000 2006

    The nuts holding the front control arm and tension strut to the hub may not have been tightened, and could loosen and damage them. Dealers tighten them to specification. NHTSA

  • 06V277000 2006

    The lower rubber mount of the rear shock absorbers may not stick to its housing. Dealers replace the rear shock absorbers. NHTSA

  • 07V479000 2006–2008

    In freezing, dry weather a static discharge at the fuel rails can upset the engine computer and stall the engine. Dealers fit two ground cables. NHTSA

  • 13V564000 2006–2007

    The front passenger seat's occupant detection mat can fatigue and crack, so the passenger airbag may not deploy as it should. Dealers repair the mat. NHTSA

  • 17V428000 2006

    The front passenger seat's occupant detection mat can fatigue and crack, so the passenger airbag may not deploy as it should. Dealers repair or replace the mat. NHTSA

  • 19V273000 2006

    The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers replace it. This expands 17V683000. NHTSA

  • 22V119000 2006–2010

    The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers fit a wiring harness with a fuse. This replaces and expands 17V683000 and 19V273000. NHTSA

Both years

  • 05V504000 2005–2006

    The automatic gearbox's parking pawl guide plate may have been made wrongly. Dealers replace it. NHTSA

  • 08V384000 2004–2006

    Cracks can form in the front passenger seat's sensor mat, switching off the passenger airbags and lighting the warning lamp. Dealers rework the mat, and BMW extends the warranty on it. NHTSA

  • 10V446000 2004–2010

    A check valve in the brake vacuum pump can leak oil, which over time can contaminate the brake booster. Dealers repair it. NHTSA

  • 12V126000 2004–2010

    The positive battery cable's connector may have been fitted wrongly to the trunk floor, so its bolt can loosen and the connection overheat. Dealers inspect and secure it. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2005, up to and including 2006.

  1. 2006New 3.0-liter sixes for the 525i and 530i, all-wheel drive, a wagon, and the 550i in place of the 545i. Edmunds, CarGurus

What it came with

2005

Engines
2.5L inline-six (2004–2005) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference, 4.4L V8 (2004–2005) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

2006

Engines
4.8L V8 (2006–2010) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
Drivetrains
xDrive all-wheel drive (2006–2010) Edmunds, CarGurus
Body styles
Sport Wagon (2006–2010) Edmunds, a published reference

Both years

Engines
3.0L inline-six (2006–2010) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Six-speed manual Edmunds, Six-speed Steptronic automatic Edmunds, a published reference, Six-speed SMG automated manual Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
Body styles
Sedan Edmunds, a published reference
Packages
Sport Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds

Colors

2005

Nothing that 2006 lacks.

2006

  • Titanium Gray Metallic 2006 Edmunds
  • Mystic Blue Metallic 2006 Edmunds
  • Titanium Silver Metallic 2006–2009 Edmunds
  • Olivin Green Metallic 2006 Edmunds
  • Monaco Blue Metallic 2006–2009 Edmunds
  • Deep Green Metallic 2006–2009 Edmunds
  • Silver Gray Metallic 2006 Edmunds
  • Amethyst Gray Metallic 2006 Edmunds
  • Jet Black 2006–2009 Edmunds
  • Alpine White 2006–2009 Edmunds
  • Black Sapphire Metallic 2006–2009 Edmunds
  • Orient Blue Metallic 2006 Edmunds
  • Oxford Green Metallic 2006 Edmunds

Interiors

2005

Nothing that 2006 lacks.

2006

  • Auburn Premium leather, 2006 Edmunds
  • Beige Premium leather, 2006 Edmunds
  • Black Premium leather, 2006–2009 Edmunds
  • Black Leatherette, 2006–2009 Edmunds
  • Beige Leatherette, 2006–2009 Edmunds
  • Gray Premium leather, 2006–2009 Edmunds

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2005

  • Watch for: An early 545i without full records 2004–2005 Walk away One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts says to avoid an early 545i unless it is fully documented. A seller's guide (unofficial)

2006

  • Sought after: A naturally aspirated six, such as the 530i 2006–2010 One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts calls the N52 530i the best balance of performance and reliability, and says the inline-six cars are generally the safest choice. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

  • Watch for: The SMG gearbox All years Walk away One source so far

    CarGurus lists trouble with the SMG transmissions among the E60's problems and says it is better just to stay away from them. CarGurus