2021 vs 2022 BMW 5 Series

Both years

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

Both years

• 25V636000 2020–2022

  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

• 26V056000 2021–2024

  Wear inside the engine starter can make it overheat and catch fire. Dealers replace the starter. NHTSA

• 26V525000 2021–2023

  The joint between the driveshaft and the rear differential can be damaged, losing drive to the rear wheels or letting the car roll away. Dealers inspect it and repair or replace the parts as needed. NHTSA

Both years

Engines

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

Both years

• Jet Black 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Alpine White 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Bluestone Metallic 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Dark Graphite Metallic 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Black Sapphire Metallic 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Mineral White Metallic 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Carbon Black Metallic 2018–2022 Edmunds

Both years

• Cognac Dakota 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Ivory White Dakota 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Mocha Nappa 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Black Nappa 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Black Dakota 2018–2022 Edmunds
• Ivory White Nappa 2018–2022 Edmunds

Both years

• 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)

• 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)