Overview
- Engines
- 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, 3.0L turbo inline-six, 2.0L turbo four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, 3.0L turbodiesel inline-six, 4.4L twin-turbo V8
- Came as
- On record
- 6 warnings, 20 recalls
Sold as 530i, 540i, 530e (2018–2023), 540d xDrive (2018), M550i xDrive (2018–2023)
The story
The G30 was unveiled in October 2016 and made its public debut at the Detroit show in January 2017. It is built on the CLAR platform first used by the G11 7 Series, with a body of steel and aluminum. CarGurus, a published reference
Edmunds called it lighter than the F10 and a little longer. CarGurus says it is understated for a modern BMW and has a much better reliability record than the F10, though reviewers found the 530i and 540i less engaging to drive than older 5 Series cars. Edmunds, CarGurus
The 530e plug-in hybrid, the 540d diesel and the V8 M550i xDrive joined for 2018. A facelift unveiled in May 2020 brought a new grille, a larger touchscreen and a mild hybrid for the 540i from 2021. CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
Colors
- Azurite Black Metallic2018
- Atlas Cedar Metallic2018
- Mediterranean Blue Metallic2018
- Glacier Silver Metallic2018
- Jatoba Brown Metallic2018
Show all 19 colors
- Imperial Blue Metallic2018
- Cashmere Silver Metallic2018
- Almandine Brown Metallic2018
- Champagne Quartz Metallic2018
- Rhodonite Silver Metallic2018
- Bernina Grey Amber Effect2022
- Phytonic Blue Metallic2022
- Jet Black2018–2022
- Alpine White2018–2022
- Bluestone Metallic2018–2022
- Dark Graphite Metallic2018–2022
- Black Sapphire Metallic2018–2022
- Mineral White Metallic2018–2022
- Carbon Black Metallic2018–2022
Interiors
- Cognac Dakota2018–2022
- Canberra Beige and Black Dakota2018
- Tartufo Full Merino2018
- Caramel and Black Full Merino2018
- Smoke White and Black Full Merino2018
Show all 19 interiors
- Ivory White Dakota2018–2022
- Mocha Nappa2018–2022
- Black Nappa2018–2022
- Black Dakota2018–2022
- Ivory White Nappa2018–2022
- Black SensaTec2018
- Canberra Beige and Black SensaTec2018
- Night Blue Dakota2018
- Ivory White Dakota with Dark Coffee Dashboard2018
- Black Dakota with Blue Contrast Stitching2018
- Ivory White Nappa with Dark Coffee Dashboard2018
- Canberra Beige Perforated SensaTec2022
- Black Perforated SensaTec2022
- Cognac Perforated SensaTec2022
Sources: Edmunds
Specs
Badges
- 530i: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, Rear-wheel drive, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds
- 540i: 3.0L turbo inline-six, Rear-wheel drive, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds
- 530e (2018–2023): 2.0L turbo four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, Rear-wheel drive, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, CarGurus
- 540d xDrive (2018): 3.0L turbodiesel inline-six, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, CarGurus
- M550i xDrive (2018–2023): 4.4L twin-turbo V8, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, CarGurus
Engines
-
2.0L turbo four-cylinder B48 engine page Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
248 hp and 258 lb-ft
-
3.0L turbo inline-six B58 engine page Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
335 hp and 332 lb-ft, with a 48-volt mild hybrid from 2021
-
2.0L turbo four-cylinder plug-in hybrid Edmunds, a published reference
248 hp and 310 lb-ft, and 288 hp from 2021. The EPA rated its electric range at 16 miles at first, and at 21 miles with rear-wheel drive from 2020, with a larger battery · 2018–2023
-
3.0L turbodiesel inline-six CarGurus
261 hp and 457 lb-ft · 2018
-
4.4L twin-turbo V8 N63 Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
456 hp and 480 lb-ft · 2018–2023
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
Figures
- Model codes: G30 (sedan), G31 (Touring) A published reference
- Platform: BMW's CLAR, first used by the G11 7 Series CarGurus, a published reference
- Built: In Dingolfing, Germany, and from March 2017 also by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria A published reference
- IIHS: A Top Safety Pick+ for 2017, and CarGurus says in all but one year it was on sale CarGurus, a published reference
Years and what changed
- 2017
The redesigned 5 Series arrives as the 530i and 540i, on a new platform, lighter and a little longer than before. Edmunds, CarGurus
- 2018
The 530e plug-in hybrid, the 540d xDrive diesel and the V8 M550i xDrive join, and BMW charges a subscription for Apple CarPlay. CarGurus, Edmunds
- 2019
Apple CarPlay becomes standard with no fee, some safety features become standard, and the 540d is dropped. Edmunds, CarGurus
- 2020
The 530e gets a larger battery and more electric range. CarGurus, a published reference
- 2021
Refresh
A facelift brings an updated grille and a larger touchscreen, a mild hybrid for the 540i and more power for the 530e. Edmunds, a published reference
- 2022
No change recorded
- 2023
Gesture controls are gone, the Parking Assistance Package is limited to the M550i, and wireless charging is standard again after being dropped for 2022. Edmunds
Watch out
Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.
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Timing chain stretch on the four-cylinder All years
One source so far
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
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
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)
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The 530e's hybrid battery 2018–2023
One source so far
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)
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Worn front control arm bushings All years
One source so far
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
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)
Going to see one? Take the checklist with you.
Open the checklistRecalls
Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.
2018–2020 Recall 26V695000
The positive battery cable on the engine starter can loosen. Dealers inspect it and replace the starter if needed. NHTSA
2021–2023 Recall 26V525000
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
2018–2020 Recall 26V441000
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
2021–2024 Recall 26V056000
Wear inside the engine starter can make it overheat and catch fire. Dealers replace the starter. NHTSA
2020–2022 Recall 25V636000
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
Show all 20 recalls
2018 Recall 24V588000
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
2023 Recall 23V821000
A badly made weld on the gearbox control unit's cover can let transmission oil leak into the control unit. Dealers replace the mechatronics module and the fluid as needed. NHTSA
2018 Recall 22V614000
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
2022 Recall 22V070000
The gearbox's mechatronics unit may have been assembled badly and leak inside. Dealers replace it. NHTSA
2020 Recall 21V598000
At start-up the engine software can cause a loss of brake assist, though the brakes still work without it. Dealers update the software. NHTSA
2021 Recall 21V554000
The passenger seat belt's automatic locking retractor can switch off before the belt has fully retracted. Dealers inspect the retractors and replace them if needed. NHTSA
2020–2021 Recall 21V096000
Part of the reversing camera's picture may be blocked, or the screen may stay dark, when reverse is selected. Dealers update the camera software. NHTSA
2020–2021 Recall 21V046000
The rear output shafts may break because of a heat treatment error at the supplier. Dealers replace them. NHTSA
2021 Recall 20V761000
The connection between the 48-volt battery and the starter-generator may have been assembled badly, raising its resistance. Dealers inspect it and replace it if needed. NHTSA
2020–2021 Recall 20V598000
A small part of the reversing camera's picture may be obscured. Dealers inspect the camera and update its software. NHTSA
2020–2021 Recall 20V601000
Debris may have got into the hybrid battery cells when they were made. Drivers are told not to charge the car until dealers inspect the battery and replace modules if needed. NHTSA
2017–2018 Recall 20V243000
Humidity inside the head airbag inflators may stop the head airbags deploying properly. Dealers replace them. NHTSA
2018–2020 Recall 19V684000
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
2018–2019 Recall 18V652000
Capacitors in the portable charger can fail, a shock or fire risk. Dealers inspect the charging cable and replace it if needed. NHTSA
2018 Recall 18V465000
The crankshaft sensor may have the wrong firmware, which can stall the engine. Dealers replace the sensor. NHTSA
Owning
What owners and buyers say
-
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)
-
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)
Maintenance
Engine oil and filter All years
Replace every 7,500 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts advises every 7,500 miles rather than BMW's up to 15,000 A seller's guide (unofficial)
Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.
Coolant All years
Replace every 60,000 miles or 4 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)
Spark plugs All years
Replace every 60,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)
Gearbox and differential fluid All years
Replace every 60,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says at 60,000 to 80,000 miles, as specialists do not treat it as a lifetime fill A seller's guide (unofficial)
Brake fluid All years
Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)
Warranty when new
| Free scheduled maintenance | 36,000 miles or 3 years Edmunds |
|---|
Before you pay: every warning, recall and check on one sheet.
Open the checklist