2017 vs 2018 BMW 5 Series

- 2017
G30 2017–2023 Sold as 530i, 540i
- 4 warnings
- 1 recall
- 2018
G30 2017–2023 Sold as 530i, 540i, 530e, 540d xDrive, M550i xDrive
- 6 warnings
- 8 recalls

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.

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

Oil use on the V8 2018–2023 One source so far

What to check: Ask for oil top-up records and check the level.

Euro Premium Parts says some N63 engines use a quart or more every 1,000 miles, and that turbo failures are often linked to it.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
The 530e's hybrid battery 2018–2023 One source so far

What to check: Ask a BMW dealer for a hybrid battery health report, and look over the charging port.

Euro Premium Parts says the battery's loss of range becomes noticeable after 70,000 to 100,000 miles, and that a replacement is expensive.

A seller's guide (unofficial)

Timing chain stretch on the four-cylinder All years One source so far

What to check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start, and scan for timing fault codes.

Euro Premium Parts reports chain stretch on higher-mileage cars, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and high-pressure fuel pump failures on the same engine.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
A failed charge pipe on the 540i All years One source so far

What to check: Feel for a sudden loss of power, and scan for boost fault codes.

Euro Premium Parts says the plastic pipe from the turbo to the intercooler can fail, usually between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, and reports water pump and thermostat housing leaks and valve cover leaks on the same engine.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
Worn front control arm bushings All years One source so far

What to check: Feel for vague steering and listen for clunks over bumps.

Euro Premium Parts says they wear early on cars driven in town, typically between 40,000 and 70,000 miles.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
iDrive freezes on early cars 2017–2020 One source so far

What to check: Try the screen and the digital instruments, and ask whether the software is up to date.

Euro Premium Parts says freezes and glitches are more common before the facelift and mostly fixed by dealer software updates, and reports instrument cluster failures.

A seller's guide (unofficial)

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

18V465000 2018
The crankshaft sensor may have the wrong firmware, which can stall the engine. Dealers replace the sensor. NHTSA
18V652000 2018–2019
Capacitors in the portable charger can fail, a shock or fire risk. Dealers inspect the charging cable and replace it if needed. NHTSA
19V684000 2018–2020
The reversing camera's settings can be changed so its picture is no longer visible, and the car keeps that setting. Dealers update the camera software. NHTSA
22V614000 2018
The EGR cooler can leak inside, and soot mixed with coolant can smolder and melt the intake manifold. Dealers replace the EGR module and inspect the manifold. NHTSA
24V588000 2018
The EGR cooler can still leak inside, and soot mixed with coolant can smolder and melt the intake manifold. Dealers inspect and replace the EGR module and manifold as needed. NHTSA
26V441000 2018–2020
The engine starter's relay can corrode, overheat and short circuit. Owners are told to park outside and away from buildings until a dealer replaces the starter. NHTSA
26V695000 2018–2020
The positive battery cable on the engine starter can loosen. Dealers inspect it and replace the starter if needed. NHTSA

20V243000 2017–2018
Humidity inside the head airbag inflators may stop the head airbags deploying properly. Dealers replace them. NHTSA

After 2017, up to and including 2018.

2018The 530e plug-in hybrid, the 540d xDrive diesel and the V8 M550i xDrive join, and BMW charges a subscription for Apple CarPlay. CarGurus, Edmunds

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

Engines: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (2018–2023) Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L turbodiesel inline-six (2018) CarGurus, 4.4L twin-turbo V8 (2018–2023) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

Engines: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference, 3.0L turbo inline-six Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
Transmissions: Eight-speed automatic Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
Drivetrains: Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, CarGurus, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, CarGurus
Body styles: Sedan Edmunds, a published reference
Packages: M Sport Package Edmunds, a published reference, Luxury Line Edmunds, a published reference, Adaptive Drive Package Edmunds, Premium Package Edmunds, Executive Package Edmunds, Convenience Package Edmunds, Luxury Seating Package Edmunds, Dynamic Handling Package Edmunds, Lighting Package Edmunds, Driving Assistance Package Edmunds, Driving Assistance Plus Package Edmunds, Driving Assistance Professional Package Edmunds, Parking Assistance Package Edmunds, Shadowline Package Edmunds

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

Sought after: The V8 M550i xDrive 2018–2023 One source so far

CarGurus says the M550i is generally considered the most fun of the range, one step below the M5. CarGurus
Watch for: An M550i without full service records 2018–2023 Walk away One source so far

Euro Premium Parts advises avoiding the N63 unless the car has a full documented service history, and warns of potentially large repair bills. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Sought after: The six-cylinder 540i All years

Euro Premium Parts calls the 540i's B58 the most dependable choice for used buyers, and CarGurus calls the 540i the best overall value of the range. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Watch for: An early car 2017–2018 Less sought after One source so far

Euro Premium Parts says the 2017 and 2018 cars have the most software faults and early timing chain concerns on the four-cylinder, and calls a 2021 or newer car the safer choice. A seller's guide (unofficial)