E60 BMW 5 Series 2004–2010 E60

The fifth 5 Series, the first with iDrive, a sedan and from 2006 an all-wheel-drive wagon, with sixes, V8s and from 2008 a twin-turbo six, and a manual, automatic or SMG gearbox.

6 engines20 colors6 warnings18 recalls

How it was checked: 46 sources read.

Generation E60 2004–2010 Pick a generation
Model year All 7 Pick a year

Overview

Engines
2.5L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, 4.4L V8, 4.8L V8, 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six
Came as
On record
6 warnings, 18 recalls

Sold as 525i (2004–2007), 530i (2004–2007), 545i (2004–2005), 550i (2006–2010), 528i (2008–2010), 535i (2008–2010)

The story

Development ran from 1997 to 2002, and Davide Arcangeli's design was approved under Chris Bangle in 2000. The sedan went on sale in Europe in July 2003 and in North America that October, as a 2004 model. Edmunds, a published reference

CarGurus says its flame-surfaced shape caused controversy, and that it replaced the fan favorite E39, a hard act to follow. It brought iDrive, active steering, active cruise control and a head-up display, and it was the first 5 Series with a turbocharged petrol engine and a six-speed automatic. CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

All-wheel drive and a wagon came for 2006. A facelift for 2008 brought new lights, the 528i in place of the 525i and the twin-turbo 535i, a model Wikipedia says was sold only in North America. It was the last 5 Series wagon sold in the US. Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

Colors

Show all 20 colors
  • Orient Blue Metallic2006
  • Oxford Green Metallic2006
  • Barbera Red Metallic2009
  • Platinum Bronze Metallic2009
  • Deep Sea Blue Metallic2009
  • Neptune Blue Metallic2009
  • Space Gray Metallic2009
  • Platinum Gray Metallic2009
  • Carbon Black Metallic2009
  • Titanium Silver Metallic2006–2009
  • Monaco Blue Metallic2006–2009
  • Deep Green Metallic2006–2009
  • Jet Black2006–2009
  • Alpine White2006–2009
  • Black Sapphire Metallic2006–2009

Interiors

Show all 8 interiors
  • GrayPremium leather, 2006–2009
  • Natural BrownPremium leather, 2009
  • Cream BeigePremium leather, 2009

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Badges

Engines

Transmissions

Drivetrains

Body styles

Packages

Figures

Years and what changed

  1. 2004

    The redesigned 5 Series arrives with iDrive and a new V8 in the 545i. Edmunds, CarGurus

  2. 2005

    More wood trim inside, and the 545i gets a six-speed manual as standard with SMG as an option. CarGurus

  3. 2006

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

  4. 2007

    Night vision becomes available. CarGurus

  5. 2008
    Refresh

    A facelift brings revised lights and front air dam, LED taillights, brake energy regeneration, the 528i in place of the 525i, and the twin-turbo 535i. Edmunds, a published reference

  6. 2009

    iDrive gains programmable favorite buttons. CarGurus, a published reference

  7. 2010

    The latest iDrive with navigation, and new Value and M Sport packages. Edmunds, a published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

Going to see one? Take the checklist with you.

Open the checklist

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

Show all 18 recalls

  • 2006–2007 Recall 13V564000

    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

  • 2008–2010 Recall 13V407000

    Resistance at the taillights' contacts can damage the connector, so some rear lights work only intermittently or not at all. Dealers replace the bulb carriers. NHTSA

  • 2004–2010 Recall 12V126000

    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

  • 2004–2010 Recall 10V446000

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

  • 2010–2011 Recall 10V331000

    The fuel level sensor in the tank can become wedged against the tank. Dealers repair it. NHTSA

  • 2004–2006 Recall 08V384000

    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

  • 2006–2008 Recall 07V479000

    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

  • 2006 Recall 06V277000

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

  • 2006 Recall 06V187000

    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

  • 2005–2006 Recall 05V504000

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

  • 2004 Recall 04V575000

    Getting in and out can damage the heating mat in the seatback bolster, which can then get too hot. Dealers modify the seat heating circuit. NHTSA

  • 2004 Recall 04V344000

    The engine management control units were not made to specification. Dealers fit a new unit. NHTSA

  • 2004 Recall 04V303000

    A retention clip at a quick-release coupling on the fuel supply line may be missing. Dealers fit the clip. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

Maintenance

Warranty when new

Rust12 years Edmunds
Roadside assistance4 years EdmundsAny miles
Free scheduled maintenance50,000 miles or 4 years Edmunds

Before you pay: every warning, recall and check on one sheet.

Open the checklist